Matt & Lindsey's Oregon Vineyard Wedding - Kari Rae Photography

There are some weddings that just leave you feeling more in love. Matt & Lindsey's was just that. Not to mention blessed. Actually, the day started off a little rocky for me. My sweet & handsome husband was "assigned" to be my second shooter & assistant for the day, but as we were driving to the venue (McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon), I realized that the cold he was fighting was worse than we thought. I quickly called up my new friend Becca (another photographer whom I had just met a few days prior), and she came to my rescue! By the grace of God, she was free on this lovely day and available to make it to the venue before I even started shooting! So, a HUGE thanks goes out to Miss Becca Dryer for all of your help!

But back to the newlyweds... Matt & Lindsey are a couple that you can look at and just know that they belong to each other. Together, they are so peace-filled, gracious and joyful. Matt has spent a few years serving our country (thank you for your service!!), and is clearly a strong man. But the way he interacts with Lindsey is full of grace and a tender heart...and Lindsey? She absolutely lights up whenever he is around.

 

The spot where they had their first date, and then their first kiss, is now the location where they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day...

I always work with my couples to figure out the best timeline for photos on their big day...so the fantastic hour of couple's portraits we have was spent all around the amazing campus of McMenamin's Edgefield.

The Wedding Party truly lived up to the latter half of their name :) So fun!

(Thank you, Becca, for capturing the above 3 images - they are lovely portraits!!)

LOVE their gold rings.

Tablescapes and details - so classy and elegant. The peach, green and creamy tan color scheme was incredibly lovely.

Aaaand a cigar bar. Nothing could be cooler.

And the two shall become one...

Immediately following the ceremony, Matt & Lindsey ran off into a garden to spend a few minutes basking in the joy that is known as wedded bliss. :) These were beautiful moments. I'm surprised these pictures came out clearly...my eyes were misty the entire time.

This reception was sentimental, funny, and a party all in one. Everything it should be.

Matt & Lindsey, if I haven't made it clear yet...I like you guys a lot. Thank you so much for loving each other with tender spirits and blazing hearts. You are in for a lifetime of blessings from our God!

Why I Really Want a Pashmina for Christmas | Portland Commercial Photographer

There is a lovely new company based in Eugene, OR called Pashmina Queens.

Straight from them: "Pashmina Queens is an online store that sells high quality, 90% cashmere and 10% silk, pashminas to women at very affordable prices. We believe that every woman should be able to own as many pashminas as her heart desires in a variety of colors rather than only being able to afford one or two in a basic neutral."

And I was asked to provide them with some beautiful shots for their website! What a big, amazing project this was. I immediately got to work finding the best hair stylist, makeup artists, models, and locations around..and boy, did I find them! The team I got to work with was absolutely incredible and made our big 2-day commercial shoot much more fun than work.

A HUGE thank you to all of our gorgeous models, my trusted hair stylist & makeup artist Aleah, the ever-lovely makeup artist Katy Steele, and my two assistants - beautiful Heidi and handsome husband Zach!

So without further ado, please enjoy the dozens of pashmina colors worn in about 30 different styles....

And for a little change of pace, here we have the beautiful Kim & Bethany!

For Day Two, we moved outdoors to the Pearl District. It was lovely to switch it up and get some more casual looks in the natural lights. Yummy..

These women make pashminas even more appealing than they already are!

....And that's why I want a pashmina for Christmas. :)

Kyle & Lindsey - Wedding at The Oregon Garden | Kari Rae Photography, Oregon Wedding Photographer

I am completely and utterly giddy over these wedding images! Kyle & Lindsey were married at The Oregon Garden in Silverton on July 7th, 2012. It was a magical day for everyone - most of all for the newlyweds, but also for my husband Zach and myself! Our wedding was at The Oregon Garden just 8 months earlier and this was our first time back... This time, rather than marrying the one we love, we got to DO what we love and photograph together! Such a cool experience. :)

This sweet couple ordered a gorgeous wedding album, which I am also totally freaking out about..so I decided to do this post a little differently and actually put up some images of the album design (which explains the little line down the center..that's the page crease!).

I am pretty sure every single bride & groom of mine will now walk away with a wedding album; you just HAVE to have one..they are gorgeous, timeless, and truly family heirlooms.

A sweet word from the bride: "I am so grateful for your attitude throughout the whole experience, you really put us at ease!  It was so much FUN shooting with you, and I loved how you guided us.."

"It's obvious that you absolutely LOVE what you do, which makes everything a whole lot more fun!" -Lindsey

"You have such a talent for capturing "the moment" -Lindsey

Why yes, dear viewer, she DID have two beautiful wedding dresses! And they blessed me with extra time to photograph in the second dress before partying it up at the reception. Oh, my heart was happy!

And to end their fairytale day? A horse-drawn carriage...

Kyle & Lindsey, may you be filled with God's love & joy throughout your lives together! It's HIS love that will always take you to your most fulfilling relationship together. Stand by each other, have fun with each other, and kiss each other as if each day is your wedding day.. because in reality, you have to choose to love your spouse with each new day (and I love that!).

Your love is inspiring and it's been an honor to be a part of the joining of your lives together.

Many blessings to you both!!

Paige & Ryan's Maternity Shoot | Oregon Maternity & Newborn Photographer

Watch out, couples. If you don't currently want a baby (or another baby), you might not want to look at these images. :) OH. MY. SWEETNESS! While photographing Paige, Ryan, and their baby bump named Payson Lee, I confessed that they really made me want to have a little one of my own! (Let's not get too ahead of ourselves now..I'll wait a bit longer :) ) Ryan & Paige are absolutely in love with each other and completely enamored with their soon to be bundle of pink joy! Stunning little Mama! I can't get enough of this image. Paige, you are beautiful. It was so encouraging for me to see a couple where both the mom and dad-to-be are loving and supportive toward each other and equally loving toward their sweet baby! Payson Lee, you are a blessed little girl to have these two as your parents. I know they are so looking forward to meeting you...and I am too!

And one of my favorite parts: adding some music for extra sentimental value :) Check it out and then don't forget to leave some love for the lovebirds and their newcoming chick-a-dee! (Change the video from 360p to 720pHD and watch it in full-screen. You won't regret it!)

Dani & Aaron's Love Shoot | Oregon Engagement Photographer

Aaron & Danielle are getting married on August 11th of this year. I have the privilege of second shooting alongside Dani's dad, who is a very talented photographer. (Can you imagine shooting your own child's wedding? My goodness; I think I'd be a teary mess!) In preparation for the wedding, we thought it would be great to do an engagement session that highlights just who Aaron & Dani are. Dani told me there are two things that really connected them to each other: their ridiculous sense of humor (she said, "we are both giant dorks!") and their beautiful passion for each other. Oh yeah, AND he's a fisherman who loves to bring his woman along...how could we NOT go crazy with amazing images?

Enjoy seeing all the wonderful components of Aaron & Dani's love - watch the video at the end for even more goodness, and leave a comment to support them and tell them how insanely beautiful they are together! :)

NOW for the video!!! Switch it to 720p and watch it full-screen for the most magical experience :)

They are pretty great, aren't they? My clients are all SUCH a blessing to me!! Thanks, Dani & Aaron for having me photograph your love!