Will & Cydney - Hood River, OR

THEY ARE GOOFY, KIND, COMPASSIONATE, STRONG, LOYAL, FAITHFUL BEAUTIFUL, AND FULL OF JOY.
THEY LOVE JESUS.

THEY REFLECT EACH OTHER’S BRIGHT LIGHT.

THEIR LOVE GLORIFIES GOD IN A WAY THAT INSPIRES US ALL.

This whole wedding weekend had me emotional. From their baptism together, to sweet words said at their rehearsal dinner, to God’s fingerprints all over their wedding day…. it was a weekend to remember, and I was so honored to be a part of it all. I’ve been able to witness their journey first-hand for so many years, so it was extra special to be able to capture their wedding day. Rather than trying to explain how beautiful this couple is not only on the outside, but also on the inside, I suggest just clicking PLAY on the video and seeing for yourself. Cue laughter, tears, and all the feels.

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I thought it was so powerful that they chose to get baptized together the day before their wedding. Cydney’s brother, Andrew, baptized them as their family watched. Here are a couple snapshots I grabbed while filming this special morning:

And a few photos from their rehearsal evening, just because:

Disclaimer: I was NOT their photographer, but just grabbed a few of those photos while I was filming their wedding weekend. Vanessa Gray did a spectacular job photographing their wedding day: SEE HERE

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Dear Cyd and Will,
I’m so grateful that people like you exist and the love you share exists!

It is a LIGHT to this world.

It’s been an honor to witness the growth of your relationship over the last 6+ years, to capture your wedding day, and to be a part of your whole journey. I am grateful and I love you guys so much.

I can’t wait to see how God blesses your marriage and uses your union to bless those around you and to change the world!

Justin & Khaki - Indianapolis, IN

Where do I possibly begin with Justin and Khaki’s wedding day?! I think most of us who were there would agree that it was the most highly anticipated and most unforgettable day ever.

Justin and Khaki were best friends in middle school, dated in high school, went separate ways for a bit, and then found their way back to each other after college. They are one of those love stories that are bound for ultimate success because of the deep rooted friendship that they started so many years ago.

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the both of them over the last 2 years, and have gotten to witness first hand the type of love they share. It’s fun, flirty, easy, sincere, and sweet. These two are truly best friends.

Their wedding day was perfectly them! They exchanged thoughtful gifts to each other prior to the ceremony and before seeing each other, and Justin gleamed and teared up at the same time, as he saw Khaki for the first time on their wedding day walk down the aisle to him. After their traditional Catholic ceremony, the Priest reminded us that “now it’s time to celebrate, God loves a good celebration” and celebrate we did. Their bridal party was filled with all of their siblings (Khaki’s 5 sisters and Justin’s 3 brothers), and their closest friends - which was the most wild and entertaining combination of people. We trolleyed around, drank champagne, played finger pull, took some photos, and engaged in epic dance moves on the trolley while all of their guests gathered at the Historic Union station, downtown Indianapolis.

The real party began when the new Mr. and Mrs. entered the reception with the most memorable entrance of all time, as all of their family and friends jumped up and down and cheered. It was a riot, and probably my favorite part of the whole day. The sweetest words were shared by their loved ones. I loved hearing Khaki’s dad talk about his admiration of Justin, Khaki’s sister and Justin’s brother both talk about the relationship that began when they were just kids, and so many other stories and words of wisdom for marriage. The night continued with overflowing drinks, a wild live band, Justin’s dance moves were out of this world, and everyone partied late into the night, celebrating this new milestone for Justin and Khaki. It was an unforgettable day, to say the least.

I dug up a couple of old photos of these two just because I think it’s so incredible that this love story started so long ago for them… how cute are they?!

Justin and Khaki, I admire you guys in so many ways, so it was an absolute honor to capture your love story and wedding day. Thank you for inspiring us all with your love - one that is rooted in friendship, grounded with compassion and understanding, and enriched with flirtation and fun. I love your love! I am so excited to see where this life takes you together, you guys are unstoppable.

Venue: Saint John the Evangelist & The Grand Hall at Historic Union Station

Officiant: Father Paul Landwerlen 

Florals: Meg Catherine flowers

Hair: Bobby Cooper Salon

Makeup: Red Boss Beauty

Invitations & Signage: The Monogram Shoppe 

DJ/Band: The Doo Band 

Catering: Union Station

Cake: Classic Cakes Carmel 

Wedding Gown: Elinor by Sareh Nouri 

Bridesmaid Dresses: The Dessy Group 

Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux

Michael & Tenielle - Camas, WA

Michael and Tenielle had one of the most touching, Christ-centered ceremonies and wedding days that I’ve ever been a part of. Their whole wedding day was a true testament to what God designed for the institute of marriage. It was important to Michael and Tenielle to use their wedding to glorify God and spread the love of Jesus to others, and that is exactly what they did.

“Our lives should be radically transformed if we understand God’s great love for us. The highest purpose of your marriage is not primarily for you, it’s to glorify God and demonstrate how great He is.” I loved how Todd really focused on the book of Ephesians during the ceremony, pointing out both how much God loves us and how also, in turn, that should effect our daily lives. How a Christian life is a fundamentally changed life. In Ephesians, Paul also talks about how a husband should love his wife much like Christ loved the church, while the wife must respect and honor her husband. I was also inspired by how much Todd talked about grace. That even though you love your spouse and love so many things about them, they still have weaknesses and flaws, and there will be times in their life that they sin, but that’s when they need your love and your grace the most. This is such a hard thing!! But such a wonderful reminder. Anyone single, dating, or married should truly watch their full ceremony film for a good message on marriage, and what we should all be praying for, looking for, and striving to be in our own relationships. Click here for their FULL CEREMONY.

During the ceremony, Todd described Michael and Tenielle as individuals, and then went on to say:

“You both prayed. And that set the stage for God to work and do something to bring your two paths and merge them into one. God has had the individual paths of your life merging together to become one.”

Knowing Tenielle since grade school, and hearing so many stories of Michael growing up, I know how passionate these two were about pursuing Jesus in their own lives. They certainly were on their own individual paths chasing goals, dreaming big, spreading kindness, and pursuing Jesus. Because of this, God gifted them with each other. AND WHAT A GIFT. To see how much light Tenielle brings to this world and how compassionate of a heart Michael has for others, they are unstoppable together. I can’t even imagine how much glory they will be bringing to God’s kingdom as a team!

Yes, God gifted them with each other.

But, their marriage is also God’s gift to us.

Michael and Tenielle, your love truly encompasses the fruits of the spirit.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

Your life together is going to be a great testimony of what God intended for marriage. You have already impacted, inspired, and changed the lives of so many. You have set the bar high for intentional pursuit, and have been a beautiful example of what giving and receiving grace looks like. You inspire me and I am honored to be your friend. CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH YOU MOVE MOUNTAINS TOGETHER! I love you, Mr. and Mrs. Monda!

Venue/Bartending/Catering: Camas Meadows

Florals: Copper Blossom Design

Photography: Shelby Payne Photography

Hair/Makeup: Austie Eckley

Videography: RP Imagery

Scott & Karin - Pasadena, CA

My first recollection of Scott and Karin was at a brewery in Hood River, OR, when my friends and I were a few tables away admiring Karin’s elegant beauty, graceful demeanor, and subtle confidence. Moments later, a smiling, handsome, gentle giant comes up behind her, surprising her, and wraps his arms around her in an tender embrace. It was hard not to stare throughout their afternoon date. Scott and Karin are one of those couples that truly look at each other like nobody else is in the room. That’s probably why they were a little shocked when I swung by their table on my way out, and told them how adorable they are! My job is capturing love, so I told them I knew true love when I saw it and gave them my card, told them I hoped to capture their love one day, and went on my way.

Fast forward 1 year later, and I am feeling absolutely ecstatic to be in Pasadena, CA capturing their wedding day. After getting to know them at their engagement session (see their epic engagement session HERE), I knew their wedding would be nothing short of extraordinary. While Scott is the quietest man I’ve ever met, he also has this charming, subtle badass-ness that reminds me something of James Bond. Karin is not afraid to be the center of attention, loves to sing (she is an opera singer!), carries herself with such grace and elegance, and don’t get my started on how beautiful this girl is! While some may thing these two are the definition of “opposites attract,” it became obvious to me that Karin brings out a livelihood in Scott, and he brings out a tender side of Karin. I could go on about these two forever… but I’ll move on to their wedding day.

They wed at Karin’s Christian Orthodox church, with a few hints of Hawaiian tradition, since Scott grew up in Hawaii, they passed out lei’s and a Hawaiian band performed the prelude. Scott beamed as he saw Karin for the very first time on their wedding day, walk down the aisle to him, with her dad. The ceremony was lovely, but the real party got started when their 200 guests moved over to The Athenaeum. The amount of planning and details that went into planning this party really showed off. Karin certainly has good taste (and loves pink!), so the whole ambiance of the reception space was to die for! Scott and Karin paraded into the party to a traditional Armenian wedding song to start off the night, and it only got more wild from there. Her opera singing friend, SANG the whole menu for the evening, which was quite entertaining! Karin and two of her friends sang a special song, as well.. The toasts were incredible, the tears flowed, the laughter roared, and Karin kindly reminded her guests that she would like EVERY PERSON on the dance floor all evening. And boy, did that actually happen! Their live band was incredible and had the whole dance floor going all night long. A huge highlight was the choreographed First Dance that Scott and Karin did… it was so sexy! It was a perfect presentation of their flirty love. Of course later in the night, Scott had every girl wanting to be lifted up in the air by him, “dirty dancing” style.

As amazing as their wedding was, I know their journey together in this next chapter will be even more amazing. They are both such incredible individuals, I cannot even imagine what they are going to conquer in this world together as a duo! Scott and Karin, I am beyond honored that you chose me! I went from admiring your guys’ love on a random afternoon date to actually getting to be a part of your love story, and I am forever grateful. Thank you for inspiring us all with how madly in love you guys are!

Venue: The Athenaeum at the California Institute of Technology

Coordinator: Karin and Lauren Mushegain, with Maggie Jensen Floral Co. and Kathy Winterrowd of the Athenaeum

Photographer & Videographer: RP Imagery

Officiant: Father Sarkis Petoyan of St. Gregory Armenian Church, Pasadena, CA

Florals: Maggie Jensen Floral Co

Invitations and/or Signage: Carmody and Co. Pasadena, CA 

Ceremony and Cocktail band: The Alcatraz Islanders

Performance of the menu: Singer- Jonathan Beyer // Pianist - Paul Romero

Reception Band: Jump Start from Bob Gail Music and Entertainment

Linens Rentals: La Tavola

Glasses/Table Setting/Flatware/Chairs/Barstools Rentals: Theoni Collection

Custom Bar: Designer 8

Lighting: Bright Event Rentals

Dance Floor: Vincent Starr

Catering: The Athenaeum

Cake: Fantasty Frostings

Bridal Dress: Bespoke Carolina Herrera

Bridesmaids Dresses:  Haute Hippie

Groom Tux: Bespoke JB Clothiers 

Groomsmen Attire: Mens Wearhouse

Hair and Makeup: Stephanie Navarro // Brides by Stephanie

Custom Ice: Penny Pound Ice

Michael & Daveen - Washougal, WA

Michael and Daveen’s wedding was nothing short of magical! Daveen is a master detail planner, and had her complete wedding day envisioned as soon as she met Michael. Granted, many of those details changed over the years, but every detail of their day was absolutely radiant all the same. Daveen’s vision truly came to life in every ounce of the day - florals, table settings, ceremony arch, dessert table, jewelry, attire, etc.

However, no amount of beautiful detail can beat the authentic, magical love between these two. The respect, adoration, and love for each other is something special. Michael and Daveen, I love your love! Thank you for choosing me to capture such a monumental day in a new chapter of your love story. Thank you for inspiring us all with the passion, romance, and deep love that you two share. I am honored to call you guys’ friends and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. xox

Venue: Creekside Estate & Vineyard

Catering: Delicious Dishes

Bartending: Main Event Sports Grill

Florals: Your Flower Friends

Photography: Jane & Co Photography

Hair/Makeup: Lindsey with Powder Inc Beauty

Restrooms: Royal Throne Restroom

Bridal Gown: The White Dress

Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal

Men's Attire: Men's Wearhouse

Nick & Christina

Can everyone just get married at Tsillan Cellars and have epic dance parties like this?!

Christina and Nick's STUNNING Chelan, WA wedding was one of my favorites to date. The details were flawless, dainty but not over-done, the venue was magical, the planning was perfect, and this couple is the definition of couple goals. The way they love is so genuine, and intentional. And can we talk about how gorgeous they are? Please have so many beautiful children you two....

I love how they made a weekend getaway out of their wedding, and got to enjoy time on their lake front property rentals with their family and closest friends all weekend long. It made for a relaxed, laid-back, and incredibly enjoyable setting. What a wonderful way to get married!

Nick and Christina, I cannot thank you enough for choosing me to capture this day for you. It was truly the best day ever, thank you for making me feel so included and truly like a friend, not just the videographer ;) I loved every minute of your day and was completely honored to get to document it all for you. Congratulations, I just love you two!

And because I can never contain myself from snapping a few photos, even while filming a wedding day, here are just a couple stills from their day:
(Nick cracks me up in the group bridal party shots, I had to include those, ha!)

Venue: Tsillan Cellars  // https://tsillancellars.com/
Wedding Coordinator: Ellie Haisch  // http://www.elliehaischevents.com/ 
Florals: Fleur de Lis - Owner Lynn Tuttle  // http://lakechelanflowers.com/ 
Photography: Jenn Tai // https://weddingsbyjenn.com/
Videography: RP Imagery // www.rpimagery.com
Catering: Sorrento's  // https://tsillancellars.com/dining/ 
Makeup: Linda Crase  // https://www.facebook.com/lindacrasemakeup.1/ 
Hair: Sarah at Londons Hair Salon , Tacoma WA
Dress: Dolce Bleu - Pronovias  // http://www.dolcebleu.com/
Men's Suits: Men's Warehouse  // https://www.menswearhouse.com/
Welcome Sign/bar signs: Hey Halle, Portland Oregon, Paige Thammavong  // http://www.heyhalle.com/
DJ: Cam Smith