Inspired Photo Blog

It’s been a long and busy summer. Everything seemingly pointed to the coming together of Jessica and Paul. The theme of three degrees of separation as everyone from this summer seemed to be at their wedding. It was a reunion and celebration.

Jessica and Paul were married at the beautiful The Governor Hotel on November 5th. Since there were no other events taking place that day, we had free reign of the event rooms including the Heritage Ballroom which is one of the most beautiful spaces in Portland. A wall of windows with natural light and the massive columns standing majestically at attention.

This image is very similar to one from Jennifer and Jason’s wedding earlier this summer. I really like this private location and it’s magic. Jessica and Paul, a very private couple, were lost together in this tender, romantic moment.

Portland in November is rainy. Probably why the majority of weddings take place in the months of July-October. The Governor is a beautiful location as it has so many large, massive open spaces. But even on a rainy day the front of the hotel is rich in beauty. Yes, I did get wet taking this photo in case you were wondering.

The Renaissance room is a beautiful backdrop for Jessica and her father as they walk down the aisle together.

I love the cinematic quality of this image of Paul’s mother taken during the ceremony.

The ceremony was short and sweet. So short in fact that I was caught off guard. I was off to one side angling for an intimate shot when the pastor announced them husband and wife. I like that it’s not the usual down the aisle shot of their first kiss, but you’ll notice Kristen is standing in the aisle getting that definitive kiss shot.

The making of this shot raised a few eyebrows. I was walking around the reception and came across a table of kids. One of the girls had a G.I. Joe doll and I thought it would make a whimsical image with their rings. As I was struggling to fix his arms (seems little girls like to contort them into very unnatural positions) I noticed I was being filmed by none other than the father of the bride I photographed two weeks ago. Shannon’s father seemed to find great humor in my efforts and I was caught on tape.

Isaiah, Shannon, Jessica and Paul. Need I say more? Three degrees of separation baby…three degrees!

What a great day. It truly felt like a family reunion. From Shannon and Isaiah to Stacy and Kasey and all their friends and family that I’ve been running into all summer, I felt like I was a part of the family that day. My feelings ran from happiness to sadness. Happy that Jessica and Paul’s day finally arrived and everyone was there to help celebrate and share in their joy. Sad that the summer was coming to an end and all these wonderful couples who’s weddings I’ve shared in were going their separate ways. It felt like going home after being at camp all summer. A mixed bag of feelings.

Congratulations to the family and friends of Jessica and Paul. Thank you to Stacy and Kasey, Shannon and Isaiah for your continued support. I know I’ll see you guys again next summer and Stacy and Kasey will be on the blog in a couple of weeks with their dogs. Thank you to all the families for your smiles, the warm embraces and for always making me feel welcomed and a part of your families.

Best wishes to Jessica and Paul and a lifetime of happiness. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your story.