Josh is currently deployed in the Armed Forces, so finding a weekend he was available was challenging. Stephanie is a full time student, so this beloved session was all the more special. Josh has the most amazing blue eyes and Stephanie has an infectious smile and easy-going personality. To say we never felt the chill in the air is not a stretch of the truth.

Rumor has it that Josh recently returned just long enough for the two of them to be married this past week. Congratulations to the newly married couple! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. And a special thanks to Josh for your service to our country. It was an honor to meet both of you and share in this moment of your life. Congratulations!

Kristen walked into my life one afternoon when she interviewed to be my assistant. She became a vital part of my business and a beloved part of our family. We worked together for two wedding seasons. She gained my respect for putting in her time, as an apprentice and learning the craft of wedding photography. Many before her have burned out after a few weddings. It’s a lot more work than people realize.

Kristen and I share a similar language. We communicate through our images. Her artistic sensibility and point of view closely mirror my own. Her laughter is infectious and there is no way you can keep a straight face. I knew the day would eventually come when our paths would take us in different directions. When it did, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, I was proud of who she had become— happy she was stretching her wings, but sad she was leaving. She definitely set a standard that no on has come close to matching.

Years passed and the day came when she announced that she was engaged to be married! You can imagine the great honor and twinge of fear when she asked me to photograph her wedding. Honor, that I was asked to photograph the wedding of my greatest protege. Fear? Yes, the fear of failure. It’s true that the teacher becomes the student, but please don’t let that happen at the student’s wedding. Our entire family was excited for Kristen’s new season of life.

One of the things we often spoke of was our memories of growing up in the Midwest. When she told me her wedding was in her hometown of Fort Scott, Kansas, I was excited for the opportunity to travel back to the Midwest. It had been too long. I met her fiance Drew for the first time at the rehearsal dinner and it was exciting to see the two of them together. I had never seen Kristen so happy. She was literally glowing and radiating joy and love.

I’d heard a lot about her family and it was wonderful to finally meet her sister, parents and the entire family. I’m not sure they quite knew what to make of me, but embraced me with warmth and kindness. The Lyons Twin Mansions is an amazing Victorian style bed and breakfast and you’d be hard pressed to find a more charming host than Miss Pat.

Without question, my favorite wedding to photograph is a destination wedding. Your entire focus is on the wedding and being in the moment as a part of the family. It was wonderful to put a face to all the players in Kristen’s life that I had heard about over the years. I feel that everything really came together that day. Obviously, Kristen knew what I needed to make the magic happen and ensured the day was relaxed and care free. We literally shot till the cows came home.

It was a pleasure to meet both families and Miss Pat. Everyone was gracious, charming and smiling from ear to ear. I honestly don’t know what could have been done to make it a better event. Best wishes to Kristen and Drew, my beloved friends. May you enjoy a lifetime of happiness!

E-sessions are relaxed and fun. It’s an opportunity for me to show you how the whole process works. Explain about how I see light and use it to make you look your best. It’s a chance to creatively play, have fun and experience first hand how natural it can be. It takes away the anxiety about being photographed. On your wedding day, it’s one less thing to worry about. You’ll be a pro.

I recently caught up with a former bride and she commented on how much they enjoyed their e-session. She remarked that the whole period of time surrounding her wedding was a joyful memory. That the e-session captured the essence of their love for each other at the prime of their lives. A memory she will always treasure.

Molly and Myron are engaged to be married this year. They selected Newport, Oregon on the Central Oregon Coast for their e-session. Why? Because they live there and it’s Newport! Aside from the amazing seafood, it was an exciting new location to creatively play.

Occasionally, couples will ask me if I’ve ever been to their wedding location. I always educate them to the fact that seeing something for the first time, as a visual artist, can be very refreshing. It’s the challenge that goes with my profession and one that I enjoy. Finding the right light is more important and that changes constantly. It’s one of the reasons that I enjoy destination weddings so much.

Their wedding will be at the Portland Art Museum and my second shooter will be the inimitable Mark Kegans from Des Moines, Iowa. Congratulations Molly and Myron! We look forward to capturing the story of your day. Be sure to visit the blog in June to see their amazing wedding!

Never before have there been so many options. From covers of brushed aluminum with an etched image to luxurious two-tone leathers, your album is custom-designed and one-of-a-kind. I don’t use templates. I work hand in hand with an album designer and together we create a unique work of art.

Sarah and Patrick’s wedding album was recently featured on the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers website. This album features a beautiful leather cover and flush mount pages. Sarah wanted the pages to look like a traditional matted album with the clean lines of today’s magazine style designs. Sarah did an amazing job with this album. And if you didn’t know, she’s not just a client, she’s also my album designer!

Take a moment to look through Sarah and Patrick’s wedding album. The story is all there. And if you’d like to see this album in person or talk to us about designing a unique wedding album for you,  contact me and we can get started today.

Everyone knows that referrals are the best. The trusted wisdom of a friend is clearly the best way to find exactly what you’re looking for in a wedding photographer.

Times are tough and everyone is looking for value when spending hard earned money. Value is defined many ways besides saving money. It’s about getting the MOST for your money. Sometimes value can come in the form of experience. With so many inexperienced photographers shooting weddings, how can you find the best value?

That’s when I had an idea to gather together the collective talents of photographers I’ve known and competed with for years. Photographers who support their families with wedding photography. Who’s passion is surpassed only by their artistry and unique imagery. Photographers with professional ethics, who dare to be different.

That’s how My Portland Photographer was born. Day after day, week after week, we’re going to show you why we are Portland’s best wedding photographers. These are the photographers I’d recommend to shoot my best friend’s wedding. We are ourselves and we are different.

Experience. It’s crucial. In the world of wedding photography, experience can have a multitude of meanings and appear many different ways. It is in the confidence that comes when the camera is an extension of the photographer’s eye. It provides the ability to anticipate a moment that will pass in a mere flash. Experience is the wisdom to seek what is meaningful and the ability to create an emotional connection. These reasons and more are why you should trust an experienced photographer with your wedding images.

You’ve discovered an uncommon collaboration of Portland Wedding Photographers. As individuals, we are artists and studios practicing alone. But together, we are colleagues and supporters of one another’s craft. We have joined together to show you our work, to help you explore our talents, and, perhaps reveal your perfect match.

We exchange no money or favors to collaborate. What unites us is the spirit of being our best, and the desire to uphold the high standards we believe in. Each member is approved by the group as a whole and recognized as a professional whose reputation is outstanding and whose work we know and recommend. Enjoy this forum as a way to learn about us through our images.

Let us show you why we are Portland’s best wedding photographers. There will be new content posted every weekday, so even if you just like viewing great photography, be sure to add us to your RSS feed. And if you know anyone looking for a photographer…you know where to find me!

Seven notes. Every song that’s ever been written is a variation of those seven notes. You’d think by now every possibility of a new song would be exhausted. Yet new music continues to thrive and change. Love is a lot like music. As long as there are two people in love, there is the possibility of something exciting and new. A love that will stand the test of time.

Amy and Dustin met at a concert where Dustin was playing. Amy is a PK (preacher’s kid). We have that in common. Her father preaches at New Heights Church in Vancouver. Dustin is a singer, songwriter for the band Ruth. They are currently touring and promoting their third album, so it was amazing he found time for the engagement session. But if you saw him around Amy, you’d understand that he would do anything for her. Being a former musician in another life, I also have that in common with Dustin. Suffice it to say, we had a lot to talk about during the shoot.

Dustin is very comfortable in front of the camera. He’s done many photo shoots and Amy was a natural. She couldn’t quit smiling, clearly happy to be near Dustin. I love working with other creatives as they are usually up for anything and never look at me strangely when I talk out loud about an idea for an image. I have a feeling their wedding photos will be amazing. Check back and find out for yourself.

Last year, I photographed a wedding in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I met a musician, Judd Grossman, who kindly allowed me to use one of his songs for their slideshow. He and his band entertained us at the wedding and having his music on the slideshow was a special memory.

I asked Dustin if he had any music he could share with me for their e-session slideshow and he graciously sent me an unplugged version of Miracle Photo from their upcoming album. Be sure to watch their engagement session slideshow.

Congratulations Amy and Dustin!

Sarah (my album designer) and Patrick are beloved friends. They say you should never work for family or friends, but I was honored when asked to photograph their wedding. Sarah sees the work of countless photographers and Patrick is very detail oriented. They do their homework. I’ve been all over the United States, but have never traveled to the Northeast corner. This was a trip I was looking forward to all summer. I was not disappointed.

Vermont is draped in history. There are buildings that date to the beginning of our country. My head was swimming with nostalgia and awe. The natural beauty reminded me of Washington and Missouri, both places I’ve spent a great deal of time. Rich, vibrant greens with rolling hills of leafy trees. Red barns, granite curbs and people with Northeastern accents. I was as far from Washington as you could get.

What I enjoy most about destination weddings is immersing myself into the story of the wedding. The stormy backyard rehearsal dinner, where we all silently prayed the weather would clear, if only for an hour, on wedding day to becoming a part of the intimate core of family and friends celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Sarah’s parents hosted the celebration at their property. Sarah’s mom is an avid gardener and her touch was evident in every detail. Sarah’s father is an amazing craftsman and I dubbed him Marty Stewart. He grumbled a bit, but he knew I meant it as the highest compliment. From the barn he built by hand with blueprints in his head to the marshmallow sticks for the after wedding bonfire, his skill and handiwork were readily apparent. As a wedding gift, Sarah’s father built a table using pieces of wood that have been in the family for generations. The craftsmanship was astonishing.

Patrick’s family all traveled from Portland. In fact, we were all on the same flight to New York, a wedding entourage. They were walking around with cameras in hand and I kept running into them every morning at breakfast. Woodstock is definitely a small town. Patrick’s sister turned me on to ChaCha. Text any question to 242242 (ChaCha) and you will get an answer. You can even ask them for jokes. We spent the entire weekend trying to stump ChaCha. From asking why the curbs were made of granite to whether the weather would be nice for the wedding. Good times!

I have so many wonderful memories of this trip that will always bring a smile to my face. I will definitely visit Vermont again with my family, especially since Sarah and Patrick are moving there in October! Thank God for the internet as I’d hate to lose the best album designer I’ve ever known. I will miss Sarah and Patrick immensely, but I know they’ll miss the Portland brews even more.

Congratulations to both families. Thank you for welcoming me into your home and hearts— for making me feel like a part of your family. A stranger, tagging along to document the coming together of two families. Sarah and Patrick—best wishes for a lifetime of happiness and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Blessings and Peace!

Sarah and Patrick’s Slideshow

Relationships are the heart of it all. More than just providing a service, I enjoy the personal relationships that develop with my couples. When Alicia and Jared were married, it was a homecoming of sorts as I had photographed Jessica’s wedding last year. I was welcomed with smiles and open arms. After the wedding, Alicia told me they wanted to adopt me into the family.

Trying to figure out which family I’d belong to would be a challenge. Alicia has 5 siblings and all their names begin with “A”. Jared has 4 siblings who’s names all start with “J”. Where would Randy fit into this scenario? Regardless, what is readily apparent is the close bond both families have for each other. There were kids everywhere being hugged and loved by anyone within arms reach. This wedding was as much about the love of family as it was about the love Alicia and Jared share for each other.

The beautiful, backyard wedding was held at a private residence in Chehalis, Washington. It was chilly once the sun set, but 5 Guys Named Moe cranked up the heat on the dance floor. Drinks were flowing, music was pumping and everyone celebrated the night away, off to Never-Never-Land.

Congratulations to both families! It was wonderful seeing everyone again and a special congrats to Jessica and Cyle who are expecting their first child soon. To Alicia and Jared, I wish a lifetime of happiness surrounded with the love of your beautiful, quirky and fun-loving families. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day!

Never mind that you pulled a muscle in your back and could barely stand up (Dominic) or that the only place for you to get ready was in a trailer (Heather). At the end of the day, you would be married to the love of your life.

For their wedding photographer, it was particularly challenging. As much as everyone wants a sunny day with no clouds for their wedding day, it’s not exactly the best light to capture those formal family pictures. No trees to offer any shade and no cloud passing by to offer any relief from the heat. I don’t care if you are a supermodel, you won’t look your best with direct sunlight on your face. Fortunately for them, their photographer was up for the challenge.

Their wedding was also a reunion of sorts. Two former brides were in attendance. Mindy (married to Liam) is now working at Class Act Events and has found her niche as an event coordinator. Renae and Caleb also made a showing and by showing, I mean they are expecting their first child soon.

The images I decided to share are the details and characters from their wedding. This was a wedding full of personalities. From Heather’s brother, who could be a model for Nike, to Dominic’s uncles who are Italian through and through. Also, nearly everyone had a digital camera and were not afraid to use them.

Back pain aside, Dominic was all smiles and never left Heather’s side. The kissing, the tender touching of hands and the glances of love were witnessed by all. The celebration carried on into the welcome coolness of the night. It was sad to see the evening come to an end, but everyone will remember the day Heather and Dominic were married.

Congratulations to the family and a heartfelt thanks for making Brian (my new assistant) and me feel like a part of the family. Best wishes guys for a lifetime of happiness, may all your wishes come true!

I am thrilled to announce that all 6 images placed in the top ten for each category they were entered. One image even took first place in the bridal party portrait category! What an honor to place so highly amongst an international crowd, many of who are my well respected peers.

Be sure and visit the gallery to see all the winners. There are amazing images representing each category. A special shout out to all the Portland and Vancouver photographers who also placed very well in this contest. This area has some of the best photographers on the planet and I’m honored to be a part of this prestigious group.