Aisle Style: The Altura Studio Blog » Inspiration for Pacific Northwest brides by Altura Studio

We learned this morning that one of our images was recognized in the Summer ISPWP competition. It’s always nice to be acknowledged by your peers. In this case, however, I think the venue deserves part of the award. Silcox Hut is the most romantic location halfway up the side of Mt. Hood. It’s a rustic jewelbox—and I definitely think this photo captures it’s beauty and intimacy.

I’m thrilled to my toes about these photos that we’ve just received from our #1 associate team who were with Madeline and Walker at their August 8th wedding at the Town Club in Portland. The day was perfectly beautiful, so the couple married outdoors on the cool, green lawn. I’ve enjoyed sifting through the photos, learning some of the details about the day.

Madeline’s uncle officiated the ceremony, which was warm, personal and joyful. Some of my favorite images are during the ceremony, with Madeline and Walker turning to face their guests bubbling with bright smiles and laughter. As the evening unfolded, it appears that all the guests enjoyed warm conversation in friendly groups. I also heard that Walker brewed a special batch of beer to celebrate the day.

Here’s a little preview of what’s to come. Congratulations, Walker and Madeline!  Thanks for having us for this beautiful day. And thank you Rob and Ryan for making such lovely images.

UPDATE 09.15.09 The gallery is posted. Go here to see all the photos from the day.

A funny little secret about our work is that we fall a little bit in love with our clients as we photograph their weddings. Think about it, we are right there for these wonderfully emotional and epic moments. The excitement, the anticipation, the weepy happiness…and because we have to stay observant, we see and feel nearly everything that happens. About a week later, I’m still in possession of my little crush on Mollie and Ryan. Mollie is the most together, organized and with-it bride we’ve ever met. And Ryan is this cool customer, taking it all in with a kind of calm self-possession. And the other thing is that they have these awesome families. Everyone lives far away, but you’d never know it, since they all seem as close as a box of kittens. And it goes on–aunts, uncles, friends from college. This couple is surely rich in love and affection.

This wedding unfolded like a perfect summer day. Rush and flutter at first, then everyone coming together in for a meaningful ceremony and finally settling in for a delightful evening’s celebration. Mollie’s father gave the sweetest toast, then Ryan’s brother, in the dual role of best man/poet, read a moving tribute to love that still has me smiling. Finish the whole thing with a romantic swirl on the dance floor….call it a perfect day.

Mollie and Ryan, thanks for having us along as your photogs. I’m so glad we could steal you away in the vineyard for 10 minutes–those pics are my most favorite of the day.

Here’s a little peek of what’s to come. And here’s the link to all the photos from the day.

Our opportunity to photograph the lovely Jennifer and her fiance Aihab, was a late summer surprise for us. About 3 weeks before her Portland wedding, Jennifer telephoned us from her home in Florida. We did all our planning over the phone–so meeting them the day before the wedding was a delightful surprise. The day was full of laughter and families and some surprises.

John had the relaxing opportunity to photograph Aihab and Jennifer for more than an hour after the ceremony. In a horse-drawn carriage, they rode to the park blocks, Keller fountain, down to the waterfront and finally back to the Crown Ballroom for a grand entrance. Aihab led Jennifer in one of the best first dances I’ve ever seen. If you take a look at the slideshow, check out the photos for their sharp footwork.

Jennifer and Aihab–we loved meeting you and photographing your beautiful wedding. Hope you’ve had a great honeymoon. We’ll have your proof package ready on about September 1. Click here for a little group of our favorites set to music. And, go here to see all the photos from the day.

Days like this one remind me why we love our work. Because weddings are often unpredictable, it’s a real pleasure for us when a day unfolds as perfectly as Rebecca and Matt’s did a couple of weekends ago. Besides being knock-out gorgeous, Rebecca was calm and lovely. Matt seemed excited but steady. For John and I, the finest thing is to witness and capture a couple’s chemistry. (Not everyone has chemistry, or are able to show it.) However, there’s huge chemistry between Rebecca and Matt. And not only that: their families are awesome. Both sides of parents were really involved in the day. In fact, Matt’s Dad was the best man, and Rebecca’s Mom handmade the table cards, each with a customized wineglass charm as a wedding favor. Matt and Rebecca celebrated with fun families, sisters, in-laws and good friends.

So when you take chemistry and overlay a spectacular setting the result is pure beauty. The day was perfect, the light was clear and bright, spirits were high and everyone was happy.

Rebecca: thanks for not breaking an ankle in the field. You guys were good sports to traipse out there with us. Hope you didn’t get too many stickers in your socks! Thanks for having us with you on your sweet, sweet wedding day.

Here’s a little collection of our favorites set to music.

UPDATE 8/16/09 Here’s a link to all the photos from the day.