If you are anything like me then you for sure get excited about wedding websites. I get a little gitty which drives Eddie crazy as I constantly say, "ooh, look at this one." I think he has had his fill of vintage centerpieces and feather boutonnieres. But, I would at least like to share some blogs that I recently found that have THEE most adorable designs. It's amazing to see what other creative people are doing.
Have Fun!!!

BridesLittleWhiteBook.Blogspot.com
ILoveLolliBlog.com
MyDIYWedding.com

The wedding is in Forest Grove. I crinkled up my nose and thought to myself, "Forest Grove, really?" It's not that the town is bad, it's just really small. Small as in not much to offer. To be honest I hadn't really even spent time there. I was just being prejudice based on everything that I heard. So we snagged our gear and head out to see what we could capture.
Jackie and Scott met while sipping a grande vanilla latte at a local Starbucks. They were there for the same reason. They were both business owners who need to break away from the their homes and get some fresh air. Maybe he needed to borrow her newspaper or was curious what she was working on. Either way the ice was broken, numbers were shared and they both walked out of the coffee shop with grins across their faces. They were inseparable. When it came time to finally propose Scott tied the ring around their dog Vincents collar. By the way Vincent is by far the coolest dog besides my own. I think he is a schnauzer with fangs that hang over his lips and a love for licking. So adorable. Anyway, Jackie went about her afternoon as usual and never noticed the special gift hanging from her precious little Vincent's collar. Scott had to point it out and to this day they still laugh about the not so special moment.
Forest Grove turned out to be the PERFECT spot for a wedding. The Sparrow Ballroom was absolutely gorgeous inside as it dawn all the personal decorations and finishing touches. It turned out to be one of our favorite venues to date. We were blessed with an hour to explore town with Jackie and Scott and we were so thankful. We had an opportunity to finally capture the bride and groom, relaxing, having fun, and just being themselves. We loved it. And yes, Forest Grove had so many small streets, tiny shops and beautiful places to take pictures. Brillance on their part!
Jackie and Scott, we love you. Eddie and I both walked away feeling as though a new friendship has blossom. You are both so full of life and love and it was such a blessing to be with you on your big day. We will keep you in our prayers as you start your new life together. Congratulations!!

We are huge advocates for the bride and groom seeing each other prior to their ceremony. The moment is so special, private, and peaceful. Plus, we get to capture moments like these.



Girls being girls.



All of the decorations were done by Jackie...though I would have guessed she hired a wedding planner. So talented.


Ooh, I love it when I can throw out a crazy idea and it comes to fruition.


Turns out that this small town offered exactly what we need. Great backdrops.








Okay, I was so impressed with Jackie. We walked passed this little ice cream shop and before I could process the idea she was diving inside. Scott, I see why you love her.



I'll admit this picture was intended to be cropped this way. As we were viewing the finished images we zoomed in on this pic on accident and....ooh, I love it. So it stayed.



We always say, "let us pose you and then feel free to move and interact as you want." What I love about that is that my vision will morph into something that is totally THEM. This is not what I had planned, but it was SOOO much better.





It wasn't just Jackie who was laughing all night. Everyone at the wedding was so happy it was infectious.









Okay, this is their brother in law. He will probably die if he sees this...so I will apologize now...I am so sorry. But, I love the pictures.





Jackie and Scott got married at the Sparrow Ballroom in Forest Grove, Oregon.

Sparrow Ballroom
We absolutely loved this venue. It was a bit small, but gorgeous and offered amazing lighting for pictures. Plus, there are great places to wonder around and get pictures in the small surrounding streets.
1904 Pacific Ave.
Hillsboro, OR 97124
503.847.4871
They do not have a website as of yet. They are a new venue.

Catering was provided by Maggie's Buns
I have mentioned them once before, but I am so in love with Maggie's Buns. They have set the bar for great food and set it high. Maggie not only creates the most mouth watering creations, but decorates her tables as though they are a work of art. You have to check her out.
Maggie's Buns
2007 21st Ave.
Forest Grove, OR 97116
503.992.2231
www.MaggiesBuns.com

Music was provided by Essential Entertainment
Once again, we loved Andrew. He did an AMAZING job, had absolutely no glitches and kept the party going all night. Highly recommend.
Essential Entertainment- Andrew Jenkins
4031 North Overlook Blvd.
Portland, OR 97227
drew@essentialpdx.com
www.essentialpdx.com

Ceremony was conducted by Personalized Ceremonies
He was very professional and accomodating. Jackie & Scott had great things to day about their time with JonPaul.
Reverend JonPaul Sherwood
503.848.5858
JonPaul@GTE.Net
www.UnderWing.com

There I was sitting at the desk, fist shoved up against my cheek as I pondered our new website. For sometime now we have been struggling with a concept. Eddie has a very masculine and contemporary look and I have a more vintage or artsy attitude. How do you combine the two? You get a professional. Since we are not the type to pass our difficult work to someone smarter...no erase that...knowledgeable we decided that we would continue to design our website....ourselves. Besides I had all the time in the world to finish it. I wouldn't unveil it until it's completely finished which means that I had no real deadline.
After designing the Home page and the Testimony page, Eddie turns to me and says, "Hey this guy just wrote us and said our galleries are no longer working." I felt chills go through my body. I knew at that moment one true fact. I had to finish the website TONIGHT. I don't think I need to explain the whosits and whysits, it was just a fact.
So, in one very long night I designed a new website, posted it, found 1,000s of errors, tried to fix them and eventually admitted defeat sometime around 4 and went to bed. I feel as though I might as well introduce our new visage of the business. So readers feel free to find errors, give suggestions, and loving support. We actually do care about your opinion. At this point my red eyed, tired brain opinion doesn't account for much. By the way, I know our Information page is messed up....can't figure it out at the moment. Oi!

Our Website

Today I feel differently than I did yesterday. I feel as though I am more thankful for my life and where I stand at this moment than I did just a few short hours ago. If you have ever sat down and listened to someone with a hard life story you will know what I am talking about. Last night our church cooked dinner for several women and children at a shelter downtown and it was so awakening. Today I am thankful that I know where I am going...or at least I think I do. I have a roof over my head, I know God, I love my job and have an amazing husband who will always be by my side. I am so blessed!

Here is a sneak peek from Jackie + Scott's Wedding

I know I live in Oregon...the very place that everyone thinks is nothing but rain, slugs, and moss. I guess it's true in a lot of ways, but this winter has been an extreme contradiction to that vibe. It's been so warm here that the entire universe around us has gotten a little confused as to what time of year it is. Even I have pulled out my shorts to dawn my white legs while on my morning walks. It's a little embarrassing to be honest.
I have to admit that I totally amuse myself. Because the weather has been so warm little buds are starting to pop up everywhere. Trees are starting to blossom and and flowers are sprouting up everywhere. I truly think to myself..."poor flowers...they are all going to die when the frost comes. That's messed up."
That's when I realized that I am going to be one of those old bitties who is completely crazy and totally happy to be living in that magical land that is their imagination. I am not afraid to admit it.

They sat next to each other, opened her scrapbook and began to pour over all of her junior high school memories. There he was in the background. They went to the same school but never talked to each other. They stood in the same photos as complete strangers. During high school they had a health class together where they chatted during class and worked on home work. The class only lasted 9 months and they parted ways.
They later had a second chance when he showed up at her best friends dorm room to announce that he was newly single. He was a free man and she was excited to get reconnect with a good friend. There love blossomed until they realized that they just couldn't live without each other.
He later proposed at a sushi restaurant. It's not quite what he had in mind....Holly wanted to stay home and relax after a long week. The answer was yes and two friends set out on a journey to marry.
Today, Holly is a wedding photographer in Florida. She does amazing work so we were super nervous to do her wedding. Though we only met them the day before their wedding we had a blast getting to know them. We hope for the best as they start their new life together in Florida!!!!


I seriously love her flowers. Such bright and luscious colors. Simply amazing!



The look on his face as he looks at Holly is so stinking cute. He looks so in love!





One of the suggestions we always make is to think of locations away from your venue to explore for formals. One, it ensures that you get a gorgeous background for your photos. Two, it allows some time for you to step away from all the stress and relax.





Okay, I have to send a shout out to Holly. I love this photo. I try so hard to recreate it, but it never turns out quite like this. You rock!!







One of the troubles we experience during the reception is colored spot lights effecting the photos. Occasionally the lights would shine on the walls and change the mood of the entire room. So I think to myself....spot lights on the dance floor ruin photos....spots lights on walls make the photos more colorful. Hmmm. A good idea...I think so!

I have always been a little crazy about recording my memories. I have several shoe boxes of photos that I have taken throughout high school and all of them are equally embarrassing. I guess that is why they are tucked away in boxes instead of laid out in scrapbooks. They are just hideous...seriously. Who I am today is a mere shadow of the goofball I once was. During that time in my life I LOVED to take photos of every event in my life...nothing was too insignificant. I have always had a terrible memory and so I guess I was worried that I would forget the little moments.
Some of my favorite photos are those that I took with friends in photo booths. You know those small booths where you step inside. take four pictures, and poof a strip paper with your photos appear just shortly after. They were the best. There was something about that curtain of secrecy that made you believe that no matter how dorky you were behind that curtain no one would see. You would emerge the same cool person you were before you went behind the curtain. It was great!
Eddie and I recently covered a wedding that had a photo booth at the reception. I got chills all over with excitement and wanted to immediately dive inside to find that dorky side of me that appears only behind that curtain. But, I was working. Instead I recorded hours of guests doing just that. They would dress themselves up with wigs and costumes that were provided and then pour out of the photo booth bursting out in laughter. It was so fun to see all the guests sharing their photos. It was an amazing idea and such a hit for all the guests...even the kids.
It was at that moment that Eddie and I both looked at each other with that wild look in our eye. We wanted to build a photo booth. We starting to do our research so we could get started. There are no promises, but we are definitely very excited about the potential of a real photo booth of our own.

If you would be interested in a photo booth let us know. Your encouragement would be great to hear!!

These days everyone is into photography. Since everything switched from 35mm to digital the world of snapping photos has gotten a lot easier. I don't think we have ever been to a wedding where there wasn't at least one person who approached us and asked us about our equipment or for some kind of advice. In fact we once encountered over 20 people taking pictures with their little point and shoots as we were doing photos with the bridal party. It was a full blown ontourage. It cracks me up to be honest. So I thought I would share a couple books that would be great for those who are just getting started in photography. I wish I had these little tokens of knowledge when I was getting started. Instead I wasted countless rolls of film and millions of dollars worth the processing of those photos. The process was totally worth it though I wouldn't mind getting the money back.
Anyway, I have decided to let you in on a little secret. I recently came across some books that are like gold for anyone starting out. Scott Kelby, the author is a genius. He is a photographer/writer who understands that all the lingo jingo of photography can be a bit hard to understand. So, he decided to write a series of books that takes away all the extra "stuff" and just gets to the point. He has several books that cover everything from camera information to Photoshop help. He also has a blog for all things photo.

Scott Kelby's Blog

BY THE WAY....if you have a question and would love a quick answer don't hesitate to ask us. We LOVE to help!!!

The weather is just perfect for a summer day...but it's winter. I put on what Eddie calls my butt pants. Named that because he hates the way they accentuate my tush. Everyone else knows them as yoga pants. It's funny that I actually think to myself, "I wonder if I washed my butt pants." Anyway, I put my pants on and a short sleeve shirt that I was able to wear for the first time in a few months. I grab my little Lucy and headed out into the sunshine. I realized at one point that I was probably looking a little rough since I had my face all wrinkled up as I fended off the sun in my eyes. I figure a mean look is the sacrifice you have to make to be blessed with the warmth of the sun in the middle of winter.

So....the story of my life.....I chose a different route today since I wanted to enjoy the fresh air a little more than usual. I was walking down this long path that hugs the river and then off in the distance I see an elderly couple walking arm in arm and the husband is resting his head on his wife shoulder as they walk. The sun was shining all around them and just kissing the sides of their faces. I DIDN'T HAVE MY CAMERA!!!! It's the bane of my existence. Instead I walked passed them trying to memorize the way they walked, how they held each other, and the story that they seemed to tell. It's a beautiful thing to see a couple so in love after all the years. Not so beautiful to miss and amazing photo opt.

I think I need to have my camera surgically attached to my face. Oi!

Since I don't have a photo of this adorable couple, here are some photos of our trip to San Francisco around Christmas time.

When I told Eddie what I was going to write about he just rolled his eyes and walked into the other room. I'll admit it is totally embarrassing how giggly I am over it. I got a late Christmas present from our best friend Heidi and I had no idea just how thrilled I would be to take a step into the past. I squealed, danced, and then slid the DVD into the player....and presto! The children's stories came alive just as they did when I was a kid. You know how some childhood memories seem less cool as you get older? This was so not the case! The stories were just as good as I remembered and just as real. There I sat inches from the TV focused on every detail of the movies. It was embarrassing. I know I am a dork and I know that the smallest things really get me excited, but this was too much. Heidi said, "Wow, this is so you" and left the room. She was right. It was so me. A dream world of giggly girls, bizarre stories, and cheerful laughter. The movies are dorky....but I am okay with that. Very okay with that.

On this day things were different. Eddie and I were driving down windy roads that drifted past large cliffs of waterfalls and empty fields of golden wheat. My long hair blazed around me as the wind blew in through the windows as though we had the hottest convertible in town....though it was just a dirty 2 door Honda. We were drifters....wonderers...two lovers on an adventure. We were heading out to the middle of nowhere to capture one of the most unique weddings we have every had the privilege to do. A couple we had never met had a brilliant idea and acted on it....it was an adventure!
After four hours of driving we found the small town of Grass Valley and quickly drove through the 2 stops signs and realized that we passed it. 2 stops signs and we passed it....seriously? We took a long look around and a deep breath to smell the sweet smell of chaparral. It was perfect.
We were told that the church was old and just off the main road. We looked and looked, until off to the left behind some large oak trees and a large yard of weeds was the most beautiful church I had ever seen. A small white peeling paint kind of a church. The stain glass windows were empty and wood planks laid over small holes in the floors. It was so flawless in it's own right.
Stephen and Katie met at Starbuck's where he was making her latte less than a year ago. Sounds like something out of a movie right? It gets better. He looked her up and sent an email that completely captivated Katie in a "emotionally smart" kind of way. They knew they had something special and made a packed to date even though he was moving to L.A. After 5 months of dating and rare spots of seeing each other he proposed at the King Estate Winery. The next day Katie called us with her brilliant idea. She told us a beautiful tale of a small abandoned church several miles outside of Portland. It would be just the two of them and no one else. They were getting married only 3 short days after he proposed. What? Are you kidding me? We struck gold!!! The idea was better than any dream photo shoot I could possibly create.
When we arrived at the small forgotten church we realized that this love story was much different than any other story we had ever experienced. Two lovers who were so desperate to be together without an understanding of how to make that work....so, they did the only thing that really made sense. They got married.
Katie & Stephen, thank you from the bottom or our hearts for allowing us to capture a wedding of a lifetime. I doubt that we will ever experience anything quite like this. Congratulations you two and I hope that we can finally do dinner.....in LA!!!!!




Stephen & Katie were so stinking cute.



One of the coolest aspects of shooting in an abandoned church is the versatility. There won't be too many times that I will be able to step outside of the church and capture the ceremony. Sweet!



We finally had some time to photograph the two lovebirds. We always suggest allowing about 1 hour for the bride & groom formals, but never get it. If you want to do more than that great, but try and get an hour. The time will yield lots of gorgeous images and a chance to relax.



Katie was so absolutely ravishing so I wanted to make sure that we caught her as natural as possible. She did all the work...we just recorded the fierceness.







I love this shot. We separated the two of them for a short while and Stephen couldn't take it and popped in next to her. Seriously it was like 5 minutes.







What a stud. Is that dorky to say? I love that we really didn't have to pose Stephen at all. He just worked it naturally.



We were trying for a bit different idea, but was amazed to find that they conquered a much better interpretation of that concept. I love it when that happens.









Katie & Stephen have their own personal blog about their long distance relationship and all the woes and joys of the journey. stephenandkatiewagner.wordpress.com

If you are a bride and groom and wish to do an "adventure" wedding then please don't hesitate to call us. We dream of these kind of things....dorky huh?
Stephen & Katie married in the Old Methodist Church in Grassvalley Oregon.
The address...there is none.