Finally–all the ingredients for a perfect Saturday wedding came together for us two weeks ago with Vesna and Ratko at the Aerie. Nice weather, beautiful sunshine, gorgeous bride, handsome groom, agreeable families & friends, lovely venue. What more could a photographer ask for? It’s especially nice for John and I because each of our last several weddings had some unexpected weather hitch: either too hot, or too cold, or too wet. We were practically giddy shooting in this setting in the yummy light.
My favorite part of the day was the time we had with Ratko and Vesna alone before all the craziness began. Their affection for each other is sort of contagious. Ratko telegraphs with every action how much he loves and adores Vesna. And Vesna, even though she looks like a tiny fair-haired angel, projects the impression that her feelings for Ratko are strong and enormous. I appreciated that they were patient with our silly requests to move this way or that, or smile like this, or chin this way. I love the results–my favorite portrait of the two of them is the one in the lower right corner above.
Here’s a few of our favorites set to music. (And sorry Vesna, I couldn’t find your music, so I hope you’ll like what I’ve chosen for you.)
Congrats you two. See you after your fabulous honeymoon in Majorca.
UPDATE September 10th, 2009. Here’s a link to all the photos from the day.
What a terrific day this turned out to be. Certainly, it was not the day we expected, but as with so much in life, real joy happens when you can’t predict it.
I bonded with Jill over the phone, since she engaged us from her hometown in Indiana. Together we envisioned the ceremony at Skamania’s gorgeous outdoor amphitheater and cocktails in the garden. Who would have predicted that Oregon would have an excess of sunshine? Uncharacteristically, the outdoor venue was simply too hot for comfort.
Everything was seamlessly migrated indoors, where Jill and Tom’s ceremony took on a lush and enveloping feel. Low light, candles and the small group gathered close made for a meaningful wedding mass, conducted by Jill’s uncle.
Afterward, family and friends celebrated, dined and danced with the couple. Many of their good friends had traveled halfway across the country to share in the celebrations. My favorite part was the few minutes we had with Jill and Tom in the fading light after dinner. I love how happy they look and how the light seems to be surrounding them for this short time alone. Minutes later, they were on the dance floor, doing the steps for the first time as a married couple.
Congrats Jill and Tom! Here’s a little something set to music.
UPDATE 07-22-09. Here’s a link to all the photos from the day.
This is a perfect palette for a late summer or early fall wedding. This couple, Ann & Brad, married on a warm October afternoon at the Viewpoint Inn in the gorge. While Portland’s weather in June and July can be unpredictable, late summer and fall are often the most consistently beautiful days of the entire year. If I wanted to marry outdoors, I would definitely plan an early fall celebration.
Since both Ann and Brad are graphic designers, they were probably better than most of us at using color creatively. The flowers they chose were especially fantastic. Check out the big pic of Brad’s boutonniere. It is a combination of chocolate cosmos, rosemary and, (I think) that is an oak leaf backing it all up. The colors compliment his tie and the whole thing looks manly and distinctive. Ann’s bouquet is an eye-popper, too. From the pics, it seems like her bouquet is composed of samon-color roses, dark red and yellow dahlias, more of the wonderful chocolate cosmos, and I think I spy some sunset colored callas in there too.
The geniuses at Blum created these flowers. You wouldn’t go wrong requesting something similar for your late summer wedding.
One of the interesting things about this wedding at the Viewpoint Inn was how wonderfully beautiful yet uncontrived it was. While some couples use a color scheme as a starting point and then choose flowers, decor and perhaps even clothing based on that decision, I had the feeling that Roger and Lynn were guided by simply chosing what they loved. Rather than strictly “matching”, the flowers, decor, cake and setting were all unified by being standout beautiful. The flower arrangements were mostly green and white with a tiny hint of pale pink. The junior bridesmaids wore vivid salmon, the cake was decked with pale pink, light green and chocolate brown. The the limpid green of the rolling lawns and the soft setting sunlight played a unifying role–bringing all those gorgeous colors together.
So remember Lynn and Roger if you’re deciding on wedding details. You can’t go wrong if it makes you happy.
