2018 in moments

SOME OF MY FAVORITE 2018
LOVE STORY MOMENTS...

wow. whatta year!

it’s been a year of dreaming and reaching in my business, and holy smokes has it been rewarding to watch things that I’ve poured into start to grow and flourish. Yes, there have been moments of discouragement and doubt, but this journey has honestly blown me away and I wouldn’t trade it! I’ve met some of the RADDEST people (who I now call so many of them close friends) and have had the honor of capturing their sacred moments.

I could go on and on and on about how beautiful and unexpectedly incredible this year has been, but I figured I’d share a few images that make up some amazing moments from this year. I wish it could be alllllll of them, but hopefully this gives a glimpse into how wonderful it’s been.

from the bottom of my heart, I’m so grateful for all of you who have been a part of this wild, wild 2018.

Cozy Indoor Couple photos at The Bindery // Michael + Kyra

oh boy, whatta good day with these two babes! I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend an hour all cuddly and being goofy with your boo? They snuggled their booties off, had crazy tickle fights, AND did some insane (and hilarious) “acrobatics” … be sure to scroll to the end to see those. ;)

kyra and michael were part of our home sweet home giveaway! which so many rad creatives contributed to. I’ll put a list at the end of the post so you can check out all their work. SO. GOOD.

also, the bindery in mcminnville is the absolute cutest space, and even had this cozy little living room set up for us to play around in! Seriously, check them out, they have everything!!

autumn in the pacific northwest always reminds me how nice it is to do in home sessions, escaping the rain and snugglin’ up! So, lots more of those please!

HOME SWEET HOME GIVEAWAY CREATIVES:

PHOTOGRAPHER // Corrie Mahr
VIDEOGRAPHER // The Pair Visuals
HOUSE PLANT // Uflora Planthouse
BOTANICAL PAINTINGS // Inhaling Art
EMBROIDERED HAND TOWELS // Sarah Rosella Cuevas
CERAMIC SET // Susannah Ceramics

The Painted Hills Engagement session // Lilli + Zach

you really can never go wrong with spending a day running around the painted hills in central oregon! the deep moody colors of the hills at golden hour are really unlike anything else i’ve ever seen!

these two babes ooo-ed and awww-ed right alongside me as we explored the gorgeous landscapes! this space makes epic photos easy, and the grandness just overflows in every image I captured!

I’d drive to central oregon any day to hang out here!! Especially when it involves wonderful humans to hang out with (and donuts, that was a nice touch - thanks zach & lilli)!! ;)

Definitely go explore it yourself!! Go check out more info here!

Central Oregon, Lava Beds Couple Session // Haley + Brendan

all the moody goodness for this bend lava bed shoot! one of the things i love most about central oregon is that there is BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE IS EVERYWHERE! The lava beds, the mounts, the lakes, the forests, the deserts… it has got it all.

haley and brendan hiked all over the sharp lava rock with me (we only fell down + tripped a couple times haha). we walked back to the car right after the sun went below the peaks in the distance, and the whole field of rocks felt like it was glowing. it was so magical!

So, if you’re all about that epic landscape vibe, hit me uuuuuup and let’s hit the road to central oregon!

Downtown Belfast, Northern Ireland Couple Session // Bethany + Israel

ahhh, my heart just kept growing and growing with love for northern ireland! Then, I did this couples shoot in downtown belfast with these two lovely humans and the love grew even more!

These two were such champs showing me all the hidden gems as we explored all around the main square! I love them and their story and that they trusted me to capture them together for the first time that wasn’t “just selfies” haha! Also, can we just be like SHOOT DANG they are such babes!!!

we already know how much I love city photos and urban vibes, but belfast just filled my heart with all its cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture!

so, if you’re crushing on northern ireland too, and want to run around the city or the coast with your person, HIT ME UP!

SOME BELFAST GO-TO’S —

• Established Coffee — a cute place to grab coffee

• “Oh Donuts” — because YUM

• Belfast Titanic Museum — an amazing experience

• Giant’s Causeway — incredible landscape

Planning a Wedding in Northern Ireland: A Comprehensive Guide

Northern Ireland, with its breathtaking landscapes, historic venues, and rich cultural heritage, offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a memorable wedding experience. Whether you're envisioning a grand celebration in a castle or an intimate elopement along the rugged coastline, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to plan your perfect day.

1. Understand Legal Requirements

Before diving into the fun aspects of wedding planning, it's crucial to understand the legalities involved in getting married in Northern Ireland.

• Notice of Marriage: Couples must submit a Marriage Notice to the local Registrar's Office at least 28 days before the wedding.

• Documentation: You'll need valid passports, birth certificates, and, if applicable, divorce decrees or death certificates of previous spouses.

• Residency: There's no residency requirement, making Northern Ireland an excellent choice for destination weddings.

For detailed information, visit the nidirect guidance on marriage procedures.

2. Choose the Perfect Venue

Northern Ireland boasts a plethora of stunning venues to suit every style and budget:

• Castles: Experience a fairytale wedding at venues like Lissanoure Castle or Killyleagh Castle.

• Manor Houses: Elegant options include Gracehall and Clandeboye Lodge.

• Unique Venues: For something different, consider The Wool Tower or Finnebrogue Woods for a rustic charm.

When selecting a venue, consider guest capacity, accommodation options, and the availability of indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate unpredictable weather.

3. Timing is Everything

Northern Ireland's weather can be unpredictable, so planning is key:

• Best Months: May through September offer the most favorable weather conditions.

• Golden Hour: For stunning photographs, schedule your ceremony 2-3 hours before sunset. In summer, sunsets can be as late as 10 PM, while in winter, they occur around 3:30 PM .

• Weekday Weddings: Opting for a mid-week wedding can provide more availability and potentially lower costs.

4. Assemble Your Dream Team

Building a reliable team of vendors is essential:

• Photographer/Videographer: Choose professionals familiar with Northern Ireland's landscapes and lighting conditions.

• Planner: A local wedding planner can navigate regional nuances and vendor relationships.

• Catering: Explore local cuisine options to give guests a taste of Northern Ireland.

• Florist & Decor: Incorporate native flowers and traditional elements for an authentic touch.

5. Incorporate Local Traditions

Embrace the rich cultural heritage of Northern Ireland by including local customs:

• Handfasting: An ancient Celtic ritual symbolizing the binding of two lives.

• Music: Incorporate traditional Irish music or bagpipes to enhance the ambiance.

• Blackening: A pre-wedding tradition involving the bride and/or groom being covered in substances and paraded around .

6. Plan for Your Guests

Ensure your guests have a memorable experience:

• Accommodation: Provide a list of nearby hotels or B&Bs.

• Transportation: Arrange shuttles or provide information on local transport options.

• Activities: Suggest local attractions or tours for guests to enjoy during their stay.

7. Budget Wisely

Weddings in Northern Ireland can be more affordable compared to other UK regions:

• Venue Costs: Average around £5,055, excluding catering .

• All-Inclusive Packages: Consider venues offering comprehensive packages to simplify planning.

• Off-Peak Discounts: Booking during the off-season or on weekdays can lead to significant savings.

venue // Orange Tree House, Northern Ireland, Greyabbey
florals // Flowers by Mee
dress // thrifted

Boho-chic, Washington Wedding // Lauren + Kris

this is what you need to do… rent a giant airbnb with all your closest friends and make a wedding WEEKEND. eat the best snacks, play games, take too many pics of the cute goats next door, and HECK, have an impromptu rehearsal right in the backyard. kris & lauren did that well - they chose community and people throughout their whole day (and weekend), they celebrated the “village” that had been a part of shaping both of them separately and together. it was SO beautiful.

this boho-chic wedding was not only a DREAM to shoot, but the life that fueled it was so genuine, and I believe that is what makes good images (but, the Rue De Seine wedding dress helps haha)!

there’s an energy behind these two - it’s fierce kindness and welcoming spirits, and I am SO grateful that I got to capture their day!

Mt. Vernon, WA // Maplehurst Farms

Oregon Wedding at Langdom Farms // Jocelyn + Josiah

talk about a JOYFUL wedding!! BOY! jocelyn and josiah were full of all the giddy, happy feels the whole wedding day! from the first look, to walking down the aisle, to dancing late into the night... these two brought ear-to-ear grins to everyone's faces! 

also, can we just give all the heart eyes to Jocelyn's BHLDN wedding dress?!?! I mean WOW. I love when brides pick something unique and true to who they are! And, yep, my jaw dropped when I saw her dress!

but really, everything about the day was so special and beautiful! the wedding the venue, the rolling oregon hills, all the faces during the ceremony, and the sunset during dinner! 

so so so grateful for clients who just become the sweetest, dearest friends!! my heart is so full!

//
dress: BHLDN Wedding Dresses
venue: Langdom Farms, Oregon
suits: Mens Wearhouse
florals: Petal Patch
//

Industrial Moody Wedding // Portland, Oregon // Sierra + Ross

there's something so special about dreaming up a shoot and then watching it come to life. i could not be more thankful for all the wonderful, creative humans who came together to be a part of this creation! it was so fun, beautiful, and exciting to see everything piece together! 

i always tell people to MAKE and CREATE when they're in a rut and feeling drained creatively. this industrial wedding shoot was just that - a catalyst for all my urban, moody dreams. it was something fun and different, and it pushed me to make photos in new ways. my heart is so full!

be sure to scroll alllllll the way to the bottom to see the amazing creatives who made this possible! plus, check out all the pics on the way down. ;) 

if you're searching for the dream industrial wedding venue, or those perfect florals that just speak to you, or someone to style the most beautiful details, or an incredible make up artist, or all the other pieces that add personality to a wedding and flare to a wedding... search no further!!

//

VENUE: The Bindery, McMinnville, OR
FLORISTS: Uflora Planthouse
STYLIST: Totem Wedding and Events
MAKE UP: Make up by Danielle
DRESS: A & Bé bridal shop
JEWELRY: Velour
CAKE: Abigail Davidson
PAPER GOODS: Gypset Creative
FURNITURE: Vintage meets Modern
MODELS: Ross & Sierra

McMenamins Grand Lodge Wedding

this moody, romantic mcmenamins wedding was just a lovely little dream to be a part of! It was the perfect mix of industrial meets botanical. Maddie & Farai's journey together is a beautiful story, and ohhhh boy were there tons of joyful tears shed throughout the day!

we laughed through the 100 degree day, climbed fire escapes, drank the BEST beer (ohhhh mcmenamins), and shared in the fullness of their joy together! 

florals: Uflora Planthouse
dress: Theia //  Daria
venue: McMenamins, Grand Lodge

// portland, oregon wedding
// urban mcmenamins wedding venue

Coastal clifftops + lots of frolicking

we all know I'd go to the coast in a heart beat! I don't think I'll ever get enough of those moody, earth tones and intricately textured cliffs. so, when these two good friends flew over to hang out, the oregon coast was a must (and so were photos)! we spent the whole day "beach hopping" and hit up all my favorite spots!

we got soaked by waves (never turn your back on the ocean), ate on the beach while shooing seagulls, saw SO many whales, and had endless good conversations. shoots like this are so life giving - where making photos together just feels like hanging out, being silly, telling stories, and just having fun!