Adrian’s bridal bouquet included white, pink and and acid green orchids in a classic round shape with a colllar of sturdy dark green foliage. The groom’s bout’ was a single shapely orchid backed by glossy straps of foliage and beargrass. Check out the sweet floral headdresses on those oh-so-cute flowergirls. I’ll bet you can imagine how hard it was to keep those little dudes inside their mini madras sportcoats.

The table flowers were especially handsome. While I didn’t picture the huge (5 or 6 feet) vases towering with curly willow branches and long stems of white orchids, I thought the smaller, companion table flowers were worth noting. Simple, sculptural and dramatic, each square vase contained a spray of hot pink orchids with a ruff of tangerine dahlias all anchored with beach pebbles.

Because orchids are widely cultivated as cut flowers, and because the companion greens are always available, this would be a great look for any time of year in Oregon. However, in this instance, the orange dahlias suggest later summer, so this particular combination would be more of an August or September option. But let’s say you’re getting married in June or July. You could substitute salmon colored roses for the dahlias for a similar look.

You can always call us for ideas and inspiration for your Northwest wedding. Over the years we’ve worked with all the best florists, caterers, bakers and stylists in the area. Drop us a line anytime and we’re happy to share our opinions with you.

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.

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.

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.

Emily is graceful, lovely and gracious. Colin is warm, charming and handsome as all get-out. So you can imagine what a pleasure it was for us to photograph the two of them. It’s risky to describe something as “perfect”, but I daresay, everything I look for in a wedding was there. A crazy-in-love couple, a fun group of wedding attendants, an adorable flower girl, loving and connected families, a lush green setting, and even a handsome Labrador to dispatch the ring.

UPDATE: here’s the link to all the photos from the day.

Typically, I take some time and select my 10 or 12 favorite images to post here to give a preview of the day. However, this time I’m driving myself cuckoo because there are simply too many favorites to choose from. There’s my “pretty” favorites, my “classic” favorites, my “oh-i-love-that-one” favorites. I ended my dilemma by posting three sets of “favorite” favorites. Check back here in a few weeks to see all the photos from the day.

In the meanwhile, here’s a little something set to music.

Mary carried a bouquet of mostly pale roses, with the slightest blush of pink at their centers. I can’t recall if the other flowers were sweetpeas, freesia or white lysanthia. August’s good-looking boutonniere was a single white rosebud with blueberry buds. The table decor was especially pretty: gold chargers accented white on white linens and floating candles in the centerpiece.

I think going pale is the perfect look for a more formal wedding. What do you think?

Jennifer’s dress and flowers were clean-lined without being stark or spare. Her bouquet was a simple construction of lilies, gathered with smooth satin ribbon. The flowing ends of her halter-style gown ties created the feeling of a train. At the last minute, she decided to tuck two simple orchids into her loose updo, which I think was the perfect touch. The groom wore a yummy blue chalk striped suit. I think his suit /tie combo said “stylish” as much as it said “getting married”.

Shortly after arriving, the guests gathered in a lower meadow for a short ceremony. Since nature’s decor is pretty darn spectacular, the only set-up required for the ceremony was about 50 white chairs for the guests. As the sun was setting, the wedding party and guests strolled up to the larger meadow for wine under the trees, followed by a wonderful family style meal beside the lake. The caterer set up the meal on one long table, making the evening friendly and conversational.

Perhaps you’d like a simple lakeside dinner as your wedding celebration?

Steph’s maids wore simple knee length black dresses (wouldn’t  a girlfriend appreciate that!) and the guys were outfitted in basic dark suits. It was classy, stylish, personal and sharp without being too tux-ey or too matchy.