Inspired Photo Blog

Erika and Matt were married on June 15th at New Heights Church in Vancouver, Washington. Matt works at New Heights and both of them are involved in the church. The church is typical of many newer churches in that it’s set up for closed broadcasts to satellite locations. The stage is very well lit, but not exactly the setting you want for your family and friends pictures.

Instead of starting at the church, we decided to meet at the City of Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center along the Columbia River. This well kept secret in Vancouver features tree lined walking paths and observation points along the Columbia River. It’s easy to access and stage photos with large groups of people. On most days, it’s relatively private as well.

Erika and Matt are both very private people and working up the nerve to have photographs taken on their wedding day was quite an accomplishment. They both seemed to relax around each other and we had a lot of fun (if you call formals with your family fun). It was a warm and muggy day with little tufts of cotton blowing in the wind from the cottonwood trees lining the river bank. At times, it looked as though it were snowing. Not great for those of us who suffer from allergies. Here are a few of my favorites from their wedding day.

The flower girl, Randi was a lot of fun and always up for a photo opp. We shared a special bond that day. She is the same age as my youngest daughter and we have the same name.

Playing with my wide angle lens and the dramatic clouds we had that muggy day.

This image, captured by my associate Kristen, shows a playful side of these two brothers.

During the reception, I spotted Matt nearly running across the room. I knew something was up, so I decided to follow him. Ends up he was desperately in need of a Coke. Busted, all he could do was stand there, cornered and smile.

Their wedding was simple, an intimate wedding with a gathering of family and friends. It was a pleasure meeting all the family, especially Matt’s grandfather who flew out for the wedding. He hasn’t flown in an airplane since World War II. He was quite a personality. Erika and Matt literally drove off in the setting sun as husband and wife. Congratulations to both families and the newly married couple. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day!