Essential Stuff

I had done Alyssa and Caleb’s engagement session, so I knew they would be fun, and fun they were, and their wedding day was perfect.  It started with hanging out a bit downtown:  champaigne (or Italian soda, or beer) at Madeleine’s Cafe, a little walk through town, and finally a spin on the Carousel (in dresses and tuxedos, of course).  Alyssa grabbed the ring several times (appropriately), but Caleb, a senior starter on the Washington State University basketball team, didn’t manage to toss the ring the in clown’s mouth.

Then there was the ceremony itself, which was sweet and personal.  It was also a bit toasty.  It felt like an August wedding, not a May wedding, and I was astonished when I discovered later that Spokane hadn’t officially broken 90.  I would have estimated 95.  I’m guessing several of the members of the bridal party would agree, and while there was no actual fainting, there was at least one close call.

Then everyone went inside for the cold beverages, Fajita Margaritas, and dancing (in the cool of the Glover Mansion).   It was clear from the first dance that Caleb as a smooth on the dance floor as he is determined on the basketball court, and Alyssa managed to do several dozen spins in heels and dress with perfect grace.  My guess is they had done a bit of practicing.  And practice makes perfect.  Really, a perfect day.

Alex new it was going to be a good day when he got up, went fishing, and caught a fish. Not that it would have mattered. His real catch was marrying Jessica.

WSU grads, through and through, when they told me they wanted pictures at Martin Stadium, I thought, cool. Little did I know that they were, in fact WSU intramural co-ed flag football champions, and had brought along props: pompoms and a football. Even more cool. So cool, in fact, that our activity attracted the attention of the photographer for the athletic department. At first I thought we might be in some trouble (I wasn’t sure our parking was valid), but he just wanted to get their contact information in case he uses some images on the WSU website. Cool again.

There was a lot to enjoy on this day: wheat in the boutonnieres, portraits on a merry-go-round and teeter-totter (who even know those could still be found?!), a prolonged cake cutting (there were some technical difficulties), some tender dancing, and a special gift saved away for Jessica by a grandmother before she passed several years ago. It ended with a gorgeous Palouse sunset. Not a bad day indeed.

I have apparently been nominated for KREM’s Z Best of Spokane for “Best Wedding Photographer.” I’m honored! If you are so inclined, click on the image below and cast a vote.

Here are Deanna and Michael.  I had done an engagement photo session with them, so I had an idea of what to expect on their wedding day.  During the engagement session, it was 15 degrees with two feet of snow, so naturally they wanted pictures of themselves outside.  Lying in the snow.  With no coats.  Making snow angels.  And they laughed the whole time.

No snow at Coeur d’Alene Lake for their wedding:  just beautiful sun and gentle breezes and everything perfect.  But weather aside, their wedding day had the same spirit as their engagement session:  it was full of fun and love.

Watching Deanna and Michael together, it’s clear to me that these two just love being around each other.  They are always laughing together, looking at each other, joking, touching.  Their positive energy is a delight to be around.

When David proposed to Stacy, he did so on one of the bridges over Spokane Falls at Riverfront Park.  So when it came time to do the engagement session, that’s where they wanted to shoot.  One plans ahead:  wardrobe, location, sunset calendars.  But one can never predict the weather.  It didn’t really start to rain on us until we walked back to the cars, but it was windy and dark.  Still, it was fun, and I loved the way the background got lost in the darkness in this image (thanks 200 mm lens and a bit of off-camera lighting).  Stacy and David will appear again on this page in August, so stay tuned!

I had been looking forward to Allyson and Kellen’s wedding ever since they signed up.

I have told people before that one of the really cool things about my job is that it’s almost like I am invited into the circle of family and close friends for a day, as I witness and document one of the most important days in people’s lives.  But the invitation is only for a day.  Well, with Allyson, it was the second time I had the opportunity to share the day with her family.  Two years ago, I photographed the wedding of her sister, Katy, and her fine husband DJ, in which Allyson was a bridesmaid and during which Kellen helped rescue some giant tents from flying away.

It looked like there might be weather difficulties for Allyson and Kellen, too, but the rains burned off, and by the time of the reception, we actually had some sun, so we could get some pictures outside.

Actually, even with a bit of rain, the whole day was perfect.  The ceremony went without a hitch, there was lots of laughter and fun and the reception, and Allyson and Kellen were relaxed and enjoyed the day.  Here is some photographic evidence.

Now Allyson and Kellen are off to Hawaii.  But maybe I will see them again;  Allyson’s youngest sister caught the bouquet.

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