Ali and I headed to Tibbetts Creek Manor for this winter soiree. It was a small gathering of the couple’s closest friends and family. This provided for a very warm and friendly day. The bride and groom are childhood sweethearts, which meant that just about everyone in the room already knew each other and were more than ready to get the celebration started…..and celebrate they did. Everyone took their turn on the dance floor and then some, even the little kids danced the night away (thanks to a little help from the m&m’s and wedding cake). We had a great time covering this lovely wedding and have to thank the couple for their fantastic personalities and complete adoration of each other—you made our job easy, ok as easy as wedding photography gets 
. Enjoy!
Photo on the left courtesy of Ali Harvey
I wasn’t the only one at the Luxe event who was inspired by all of the wonderful ideas. The style editor of Seattle Metropolitan and Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom magazines, Laura Cassidy, also fell in love with the event and chose to use my photos in her blog about it. Lucky me! I can’t thank her enough for including my work. To read this blog (and the many more on wedding style and ideas) go here:
http://www.seattlemet.com/blogs/wear-what-when/luxe-wedding-design-012710/
Enjoy!
I was lucky enough to be invited to document a wedding artisan event held at the fabulous Georgetown Ballroom and hosted by the lovely Annette Lefebvre of Luxe Wedding Designs. For all of you brides and grooms still planning your big day, here are some refreshing, artistic, and just down-right-wonderful ideas! This event had it all! From aerial performers courtesy of Enjoy Productions, to numerous tasty food artisans and everything in between. Every person/business that participated in this event is inventive, passionate about what they do, and pride themselves on thinking just a bit outside the box…..and they are all available to help make your day above and beyond your wildest dreams! Sick of hearing the same old songs at every wedding you attend? Why not hire a live band? They will incorporate your favorite songs into their set list but put their own unique spin on it. Want fresh, pacific northwest fare? Why not use a food artisan that goes out of their way to use as local and as seasonal ingredients as possible. This is the Pacific Northwest. Why not let your inner foodie shine on the most important day of your life? Clearly you can see this day 100% inspired me and I hope it does for you too! Here are some photos to get the ideas flowing. A complete list of vendors will follow.
None of this could have been possible without the Georgetown Ballroom or Annette Lefebvre of Luxe Wedding Designs
Tasty treats courtesy of Veraci Pizza, Truly Events, Gourmondo Catering, and Azafron Paella
Beautiful inspiration courtesy of Essenza/Les Amis (left of post to dress form) and floral decor courtesy of Miki's Flowers (right of post)
The Blue 4 Trio
Erin Jorgensen
The MoonSpinners
Lushy
Bremelo Press
Hip Hop performed by A Justice Network and outfitted by Cicada
I have to give a shout out to the amazing photography duo: LaRae and Cory Lobdell of Lifework Images. They set up a photo booth and captured a ton of fun photos of all the vendors…check them out here: http://www.lifeworkrealstories.com/2010/01/luxe-productions-and-georgetown.html.
Now for that vendor list:
Butler Valet: http://www.butlervalet.com | Ciao Thyme Catering- Jessica and Mataio Gillis: 360-733-1267 http://www.ciaothyme.com | Georgetown Ballroom- Justice Beitzel:Venue Manager & Event Consultant 206-763-4999 www.georgetownballroom.com | Gourmondo Catering- Alissa Leinonen Gallager: 206-587-0190 http://www.gourmondocatering.com/about.cfm | Truly Events—Alan Davis: 206-849-9651 http://www.trulystudio.com | Elevage Wine Consultants- Chris Tanghe: 720-339-4418 http://www.elevagewine.com | Azafron Paella Catering: http://www.azafron.com Ben Hodgetts: 206-683-9001 | Veraci Pizza: http://www.veracipizza.com | Hazlewood Bartenders– Drew Church: 206-617-8365 | Ruth-Anne Ford Cakes: 206-293-1798 http://www.ruthanneford.com | Cocoa Chai Chocolates- Ivy Chan http://cocoachai.com | Rosellini Sweets: 206-783-5739 | Blue 4 Trio: http://www.blue4trio.com | Lushy http://www.seattlemag.com/0p120a1437/old-school-new-music-lushy http://www.myspace.com/lushymusic http://lushy.com | MoonSpinners: http://www.myspace.com/themoonspinners | Erin Jorgensen: http://www.myspace.com/erinjorgensen | Haggis Brothers: http://www.myspace.com/haggisbrothers | Dug: DJ David James, DJ Matt Greasy & DJ Christian Science http://www.myspace.com/dugdanceparty http://www.facebook.com/pages/DUG/90108756544 | EnJoy Productions: http://www.en-joyproductions.com | Hip Hop Dancers: A Justice Network- Justice Beitzel & Robin Campbell: 206-403-3784 | Bremelo Press, Lynda Sherman: http://www.bremelopress.com | Good Press Studio, Shawna Kitzman: http://www.goodpressstudio.com/home | Adam Smith: http://www.theadamsmith.com | Corey & LaRae Lobdell: http://www.lifeworkimages.com | Miki’s Flowers: http://www.mikisflowers.com | Kathy & Justin: KMJ Design http://www.kmj-design.com/lighting-design/house-of-light.html http://biznik.com/members/kathy-justin & http://www.interim-art-space.com | Luxe: Productions & Wedding Design: http://www.luxeweddingdesign.com | Blue Danube Productions: http://www.bluedanubeproductions.com | Party Partners: http://www.partypartnersdesign.com | Essenza / Les Amis http://www.lesamis-inc.com | Jamie Joseph http://www.jamiejoseph.com | Francesca Lagagnina http://francescalacagnina.com | The Haggis Brothers: http://www.myspace.com/haggisbrothers | Acoustic Music: Orchestra Zirconium and/or Yellow Hat Band http://www.orkestarzirkonium.com/ or http://honkfest.org/bands/yellow-hat-band
Friday, January 8, 2010 Posted in Life
I can’t believe it’s already 2010. I can remember gearing up for 2009 and in the blink of an eye, we are here…..a new decade! With that in mind, I wanted to share my latest session with you. It’s not my typical wedding spread, or smiling kids, or newborn babies, rather a few head shots of a lovely woman who is sprucing up her website. It seems many people are revisiting their websites and blogs as we roll into the new year, and most are discovering that the part that needs some attention is the photography. I know many of you out there really hate having your photo taken, but a typical head shot session takes no more than 45 minutes (from set up to take down) and happens on location at your place of business. This allows for less disruption of your schedule and provides me with the opportunity to bring some of what you do into the photo. Check out these samples and contact me if you are ready to put a new foot forward for 2010.
Ali and I ventured to Capitol Hill for this winter wedding. The location was set with deep reds and garland for a little Christmas feel, but not too much (which the bride was very specific about ) I had recently worked with this lovely couple on their engagement photos and fell in love instantly with them and their complete adoration of each other—even the pastor remarked on how perfectly matched they were after they had attended their pre-wedding counseling sessions. Once the ceremony ended and the guests received some food and wine, the dance floor opened and there was no turning back. We usually see the traditional dances and maybe a couple of songs where the dance floor is filled, but this wedding was hopping and nearly all the guests flooded the dance floor at one time or another. This wonderful couple gave themselves the perfect Christmas gift, and Ali and I were so thrilled to have been a part of it. We wish you a wonderful life together! Enjoy!
During this couple’s shoot, we were challenged by all that mother nature wanted to throw at us. We had drizzly rain, torrential rain, sideways rain, crazy wind, a small break from rain, the tiniest hint of sun, and then even more torrential rain. Now, typically if the weather is this terrible, we just reschedule, but this couple’s schedule is very tight, the holidays are around the corner, and they are getting married in three weeks! So, here we found ourselves out in the rain, DRENCHED. We made attempts at the “pretty” engagement photos, but just two minutes in the wind and rain can really do a number one’s hair, makeup, and health, so I opted for more candid “survive the rain” type shots . These two were troopers and their playful personalities really worked for a crazy wet photo shoot. Aside from ending up as drowned rats, I am happy with the outcome and look forward to the opportunity to capture some “pretty” photos in the warmth of their wedding venue. Enjoy!
Monday, December 14, 2009 Posted in Life
Not only was this a chance for me to see a lovely set by Dave McGraw, it was a chance for me to also see some long lost WWU friends (Dave included). We all lived in a pretty small (in contrast to the traditional freshmen towers) coed dorm, became friends, ventured into life, moved all over the country, and found ourselves reunited in support of this talented man. Dave usually plays with the band Crow Wing, but this show was a beautiful acoustic set full of heart, which I believe is what draws people to him. He is humble and modest, but can fill a room with his genuine love of music and life. It was wonderful to finally catch his show, and I can’t wait to see him the next time around with Crow Wing. You should check out his talent here: http://www.davemcgraw.net/
Ali and I started our adventure downtown at the wonderful Alexis Hotel. It provided a modern, unique (and warm) backdrop for photos on a sunny, yet freezing December day. After taking over a suite and turning it into a studio, the couple wanted to capture some of the beautiful sun on our way to the church. It was beautiful, but I don’t think anyone was prepared for how cold it was. So, five minutes (and approx. 15 photos later) we were back in the cars on our way to the church. The church was gorgeous, but their strict photography policies provided a serious challenge for us. We were not allowed to use our flashes (this was a night time wedding lit by candle light), we were only allowed up front for the processional and then had to retreat and stay behind the last row of guests, and we were not allowed in the center aisle at all. Ali and I took a deep breath, adapted to the rules, and rose to the challenge. I think I can speak for Ali, and say that we both ended up extra proud of the ceremony images. From there, it was just a quick walk across the street to the reception that was filled with a lot of fun (I must comment on what a fabulous dancer the bride’s father is), love, and even a little Christmas spirit. Thank you for being such great models and for allowing us to be a part of your day. Enjoy!
I’ve been with this couple (photographically speaking) for most of their important moments, but I believe this was the most important to date. I absolutely couldn’t wait for the call to come and photograph this little guy. He was only two weeks old, but very wise and stubborn all ready–oh boy, they’re in for some trouble. Usually with newborns, they spend all of their time sleeping, with a few breaks for eating. Ramsey was no exception, however, his difference came in the form of control. He was already trying to hold his head upright, so when we would lay him down for photos, I had to move quickly before he would attempt (and succeed many times) to move himself all around. Also, once a newborn is asleep, I am usually able to lay his/her head this way or that, or gently place his/her arms in a specific pose…not with this little one. It was cracking me up the entire time. He would pull his hand away from me, and place back where it was. I even believe at one point he slightly opened an eye just to mean-mug me…..ha! that’s what I get for trying to pose him. Everything aside, I am happy with what I was able to capture and can’t wait to watch this very smart little man grow. Enjoy!
We got really lucky with the weather on this session. The surrounding days were just horrible–not your typical gray and rainy, but nearly black with torrential downpours. To say the least, I really didn’t think this shoot was going to happen and if it did, I was prepared to be soaked. As luck would have it, I arrived in Pike Place to just a few clouds, and the sun doing it’s best to break through. So began my adventure with this lovely couple as we hoped for the best, and the best is what we got. Not only, was this couple fun, in love, and willing to do just about anything I asked of them, the clouds parted, the sun came out, and we were able to spend an hour playing in the sunshine, as opposed to ducking under awnings and shivering in the rain. Since we had the rain gear with us, we did break out the umbrella for one quintessential Seattle shot. Even more Seattle, were the Seahawk jerseys they decided to sport for a few photos, which led to a great ending of the day: a race up Post Alley. I will leave the winner unannounced. What a lucky day! I am so looking forward to your wedding. Enjoy!
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