Patrick & Stephanie - Portland, OR

Patrick and Stephanie contacted me 2 short months before their wedding about photos/video. First of all, I LOVE a backyard wedding! There’s always something extra intimate and romantic about it. Secondly, I was inspired by how these two were making lemonade out of lemons when COVID destroyed all of their destination weddings plans in Hawaii. While they didn’t get to bring their loved ones to a tropical island, they brought the tropical island to their backyard in Portland, Oregon.

I think Steph and Patrick could attest, this was actually how it was meant to be. Their wedding day was PERFECT! It started with the good luck charm of rain drizzle, but ended with Kaulu pig, reggae music, and a sunset. Just like Hawaii. Twenty of their closest family and friends gathered to celebrate them, and it was a party! From the intimate ceremony and sharing of vows, to the entertaining toasts, to ending the night with good ole’ fashion karaoke - this “COVID'-19” wedding was one for the books!

While large weddings are fun, I’m not going to lie, I’m looking forward to this new trend of small, intimate celebrations. Stephanie and Patrick, thank you for including me in such an incredibly special day. I adore you guys and am excited to see what life has in store for you two!

Venue: Parent’s backyard (:

Florals: Brenna Burnett Florals
Catering: Noho’s Hawaiian Cafe
Hair: Kyla Whiting Hair Design

Makeup: Christina Braun
Wedding Dress: White Dress Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulus

Dyl & Mal

Dylan surprised Mallory with a little photoshoot for her birthday. How sweet is that? They’ve been together for about 6 years but they still look at each other like they just fell in love yesterday. They have so much fun together and they are the epitome of “lovers and friends.” They are best friends!

Dylan and Mallory, your energy is contagious. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to frolic around our beautiful PNW, skip through fields, climb fences, and appreciate life with you guys. Your kindness, gratitude, and zest for life does not go unnoticed. Thank you for letting me capture your sweet love.

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

Debiak Family

Ty & Shelby - Fort Wayne, IN

Shelby and Ty got married on a gorgeous fall day in Warsaw, Indiana. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, they exchanged rings, said vows, and sealed their new union with a kiss. I love how Christ-centered and faith focused Ty and Shelby’s entire relationship is. Every detail of their day, word spoken, and stories shared were all focused around God’s love, grace, and glory. Shelby and Ty’s dedication and devotion to each other is so beautiful, and the way they look at each other with such gratitude and respect melts my heart.

Shelby and Ty, thank you for trusting me with such a special day. It’s been a gift to get to know you guys and be a part of your love story, and it was an honor to capture your beautiful wedding day!

Venue: The Roost
Officiant: Pastor Jefferey Gill

Florals: Rhinestones and Roses
Invitations and/or Signage: Juni Designs
DJ: Caleb Sanders

Rentals: Warsaw Party Rental
Catering: Jennifer Musall
Cake: Melonie Gackenheimer
Bridal Dress: Bridal Rack Indy
Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Warehouse

Welcome Baby Trovin

Not many things can compare to witnessing the miracle of life. Snowee is one badass woman who delivered her third son completely naturally, and it was an incredible experience to capture and be a part of. I’ll let the video speak for itself… Welcome to the world, Baby Trovin!

Kerns

I love doing family portraits when the parents accept the fact that their kids are crazy and let them run circles around them, pretend to be dogs, and get a little mud on their white tights. ;)

I wish I took a video of Addi running around screaming at the top of her little lungs, “run for your life, kids!” Hopefully the amount of fun and crazy we had shines through the images, instead.

Gabe and Lindsey - I LOVE YOUR FAMILY TO PIECES! I can’t wait to continue capturing all of their fun little stages of life. Thanks for always keeping my job entertaining with your hilarious kiddos!

Joe & Leah - Seattle, WA

A TRUE “FERRY-TALE” WEDDING

When Leah first told me about their wild idea of getting married on the Seattle-Bainbridge Ferry, I admired her enthusiasm, but wasn’t quite sure how they would pull this off. After all, it is a means of public transportation, you can’t reserve it, you can’t guarantee how many tickets will be available, and there would be a lot of uncontrollable variables and moving parts. BOY, WAS I WRONG! They totally pulled it off, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic that I got to capture all of the beautiful chaos that actually, much to my surprise, turned out to be more organized than most weddings!

Joe and Leah’s relationship required them to go back and forth on this exact ferry to see each other, so it was only fitting that they made it official on the same ferry! We began the day getting ready in Seattle, and then all “ubered” to the ferry terminal and hopped aboard the afternoon ferry to Bainbridge. At the layover in Bainbridge, Joe, Leah, and their 120+ person train of bridal party, family, and guests walked over to one of their favorites breweries, Bainbridge Brewery, for a little afternoon cocktail hour. Up to that point, even though it wasn’t a Sunday, the day had felt like a “Sunday Funday.” There was over 100 of us that walked in a brewery and started drinking beer mid afternoon, the sun started peaking out of the clouds, and everyone was so relaxed.

All 100+ of us made it back to the terminal in time, ticket in hand, and boarded the ferry that was about to be the wedding ceremony of Joe and Leah Couillard. Somehow, and I seriously do not know how, all of their family and friends efficiently gathered into one central area of the ferry and made a wedding ceremony happen! With strangers peering in from the sides and sailboats floating by, Joe and Leah exchanged rings, said their vows, and became husband and wife! Maybe this wasn’t the first time a wedding had been successfully accomplished on a ferry, but it certainly was the first time that a wedding was pulled off on a public ferry, with THAT many guests, that we all had no prior reservations for. I could go on and on about their wedding day, because I was so impressed with the flow of it all and truly how epic it was.

Their reception was held at 415 Westlake, an event space in Seattle. When everyone finally made It there by uber, by foot, or by carriage - the celebration only continued to get more epic! Joe and Leah, what a special and wild idea you guys pulled off for your wedding, I am so honored and grateful to have been a part of it. I adore your love: the way you laugh together, your subtle but sweet affection for each other, your respect for each other, and the way that you look at each other. I know this “ferrytale” wedding you pulled off is just an opening chapter of the ferrytale that will be the rest of your lives. xox

Ryan & Natalie - Gig Harbor, WA

I met Ryan and Natalie at a wedding last December when they were guests at Kaitlyn & James wedding. I was first drawn to these two by their killer moves on the dance floor. Then, I got to know them a bit, and they are just the cutest, kindest, spunkiest, most adorable couple. I was so excited to capture their wedding day!

They got married in Natalie’s hometown of Gig Harbor, WA, at the Canterwood golf course. They did not do a first look, so watching Ryan’s reaction as his bride walked down the aisle for the first time, was priceless. Their ceremony was perfectly them - lots of laughter. I also loved how their officiant had all of their guests join hands and make a pact to always support these two in their marriage. Their first kiss was epic, and then the real party began. The dance floor was lit up all night, of course with Natalie at the center. I wouldn’t have expected any less! Their bridal party was such a fun group of people, and I had so much fun getting to know all of them and celebrate with them all night. Natalie and Ryan, it’s easy to see why you guys are SO loved and why the celebration was so wild all night. Anyone knows by simply looking at the two of you together that your love is pure, fierce, and fun! I adore you guys so much. Thank you for choosing me to document the best day ever!!

Michael & Julia - West Linn, OR

Michael & Julia got married at a beautiful vineyard/winery in Oregon called Oswego Hills Winery. The aesthetic of the location is just as wonderful as the wine!

For me, the most memorable weddings are the ones where my couples (and their families) welcome me with open arms the second I get there and immediately make me feel like family. This is exactly what happened as I walked in the building, I heard the girls getting ready upstairs, and Julia’s mother walked right up to me and gave me the sweetest hug, thanking me for being there. This is just a small example of how the rest of the day went - so much love for these two and their wonderful families.

Some of the highlights of the day include Julia getting ready with her bridesmaids, Michael seeing Julia walk down the aisle for the first time, their phenomenal, choreographed first dance, the toasts that had everyone rolling in laughter, and of course the epic sunset we had which Michael whisked Julia into for some slow dancing at the end of the night.

Julia and Michael, thank you for choosing me (and G) to be a part of your magical wedding day. I loved getting to know your family and had so much fun with your friends! Here’s to a lifetime of love!

Venue: Oswego Hills Winery

Coordination: Portland Event & Design

Photography: RP Imagery

Videography: Heritage West Films

Floral: Balla Bloom Florals

Cake: Dream Cakes PDX

Caterer: Grand Cru PDX

Rentals: Party Place PDX

Music/DJ: John Ross Music

Signage: Hey Halle

Nolan & Ricki - Aurora, OR

There are certain aspects of every wedding that standout—and Nolan and Ricki’s wedding day was a perfect reflection of how they are truly loved. Surrounded by their favorite people, I was fortunate to witness the joy of everyone as these two finally made their love story official. What began with squeals of excitement from Ricki’s bridesmaids as she put on her wedding dress; eventually ended with dripping sweat, exuberant faces, and dancing fools by the end of the night. This day was one for the ages!

I’m not going to lie, the vibes of this day were some I imagine for my own wedding—PNW ambience, evergreens and vineyards, mountains bordering the horizon, and an epic charcuterie board and photo bus during cocktail hour. Not to mention the tear jerking toasts at sunset to kickoff the reception. All of the stories and memories shared on this day made my heart melt. Nolan and Ricki, you truly are a love story written in the stars, and I loved hearing about the countless memories that your loved ones shared with both of you. I admire how much you love others. For example, both of you made sure everyone else was comfortable and having fun on YOUR wedding day. You guys are remarkable individuals that are unstoppable as a team. I look forward to what the future holds for you two. Thank you for including me in this special chapter of your love story.

Venue: Wilmes Hop Farm
Florals: Tim Hammerbeck and Mother of the Bride
Hair/Makeup: Brooke Narragon and Rachel Curry & Kelsey Best
Catering: Hula Boy
Cake/Desserts: Larson’s bakery
DJ: Rick Hall
Rentals: NW rentals
Wedding Gown: BHDN
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s bridal
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: men’s warehouse
Photobooth: Photo Bus of Portland

Mike & Alyssa - Woodland, WA

Out of my 12 years of wedding photography, Mike and Alyssa’s wedding was one like no other wedding I’ve ever captured (or witnessed) before. This is a group of people who KNOW HOW TO PARTY.

The moment I got there, Mike began passing around his Pendleton (not just to his groomsmen, but to my 2nd shooters and I as well!), Alyssa and her gals were taking shots of tequila, the boys were practicing their line dancing in the barn, and Mike & Alyssa’s sweet little girl frolicked around everyone getting ready.

How to explain this day? Think boot stomping, swing dancing, shirt ripping, shotgunning, one hell of a party. This had to have been the MOST FUN wedding of all time. Between groomsmen kissing each other, people ripping their shirts off, and guests stomping on top of tables during the cake cutting, I was having the time of my life being a part of all of the celebrating!

Thank you, Mike and Alyssa, for including me in such a fun day! My cheeks hurt for the entire week after your wedding from laughing so hard and smiling so big. Not only are you and your friends one of the most entertaining groups of all time, but I love how YOUR LOVE was at the center of it all!

I’ll go ahead and let the photos speak for themselves now. Don’t miss the last few photos (some of my favorite photos of all time) featuring… corndogs & sunsets.

Venue: Peterson’s - The Red Barn

Planning/coordination: Adornment Events

Florals: Copper Blossom Design

Hair/Makeup: Hair by Glam Beauty Bar

Catering: Daddy D's BBQ

Fair food: Megan's Snack Shack

Cake/Desserts: Rosycakes Bakery (cake) and Simply Sweets (cupcakes)

DJ: Bobby Brown with Star Entertainment

Rentals: The Party Place

Wedding Gown: Sincerely The Bride

Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal

Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Kohls & Wrangler

CJ & Brooklyn - Puyallup, WA

When I think of fairytale romance, meant to be, written in the stars, sweep-you-off-your-feet kind of love story, I think of CJ and Brooklyn. The love they have for each other is so special!
I had so much fun getting to know these two at their engagement shoot (view here), where I learned that CJ sneaks out of the back door of their house so he can knock on the front door, often with flowers in his hand, to ask Brooklyn out on a date, for their date nights. CJ is a hopeless romantic, and he looks at Brooklyn the way every girl dreams of being looked at. When they’re not out on date night, they are dancing in the kitchen, and loving on their sweet little boy, Cameron. I adore their sweet family!

They got married at Rock Creek Gardens in Puyallup, WA surrounded by their closest friends and family. It was definitely a family centered celebration and I love the closeness that both of their families share! The toasts were both tear-jerkers and full comedy shows, the food was amazing, and the night ended with everyone dancing under twinkle lights on a perfect summer night. My favorite part of the day though was sneaking CJ & Brooklyn away from the party and sending them out on a row boat. It was a perfect moment for them, being away from all of the music, laughter, and festivities to just soak up the fact that they are finally married! It was a joy for me to be a part of this day. Thank you CJ & Brooklyn for choosing me to be a part of it all. The love you two share has put a forever stamp on my perspective of true love.

Hi Rachel! Can’t wait to see them all see below vendor info

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 3, 2019, at 10:38 AM, rachel peterson <rachel@rpimagery.com> wrote:

Venue: Rock Creek Gardens

Makeup: CeceMUA

Hair: Hair by Alise

Catering: Mama Stortini’s

Cake/Desserts: Celebrity Cake Studio

Wedding Gown: New Beginnings Bridal (Stella York)

Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey

Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Dylan & Brianne - Stevenson, WA

Dylan and Brianne got married at one of my favorite places in the Pacific Northwest, Skamania Lodge! It’s on the Washington side of the Columbia River, right near the famous Bridge of the Gods, and sits up on a hill providing gorgeous views of the Columbia Gorge.

The morning of their wedding day was so relaxing. Brianne and her bridesmaids sipped mimosas and laughed about memories as they got ready for the big day. One of my favorite moments of the day was when Brianne’s bridesmaids gifted her a personalized booked of photos, memories, and sweet words for the bride. Their entire bridal party was filled with the sweetest of friends, who made their entire day so much fun and so meaningful to both Brianne and Dylan.

Their ceremony was sweet, and their reception was a blast! Not a dry eye during their vows at the ceremony, during the toasts, and during the father/daughter and mother/son dances as well. I loved how the dance floor was placed right where they had said their vows earlier in the day, and everyone danced the night away under the string lights and under the Columbia gorge sky filled with stars.

Brianne and Dylan, thank you so much for choosing me to document this special day for you guys. I loved having the honor of capturing each moment throughout the day, and had so much fun while doing it! Thank you to you guys, your bridal party, and your families for making ME feel like family!

Venue & Catering: Skamania Lodge

Florals: Copper Blossom Design

DJ: NW Mobile DJ Service

Photography & Videography: RP Imagery

Wedding Dress: Essence of Australia via Sincerely The Bride

Kyle & Taylor - Bend, OR

Getting to capture Taylor and Kyle’s wedding day meant so much to me! I met them on the white sandy beaches of Maui last August, as we were preparing for Hurricane Lane as well as Taylor’s best friend’s wedding day. While filming Marcus & Kayt’s wedding in Hawaii last year, I had the pleasure of spending several days with their friends and family too - including Kyle and Taylor. One of my very first impressions of them was Taylor playing in the waves and swimming around the crystal blue water, looking like a real life mermaid. Kyle drank some beers on the beach with his buds and pretended to be a part of their conversations, while really he just watched Taylor in complete adoration, like she was the prettiest thing to ever grace those Hawaiian seas. Yes Kyle, sorry - I noticed it ;)

Kyle literally looks at Taylor like he is meeting his dream girl for the very first time, every time, and Taylor sweetly smiles back in the same adoration for him. THEY ARE SO SWEET. I was so excited when they asked me to capture their gorgeous wedding day in Bend, OR!

The whole day was so relaxed, just as it should be, on “Tay time” ;) As some of her friends say, Taylor invented her own clock. But they all love her for it! The ladies started the day sipping mimosas while Kyle gave his groomsmen their first gifts, which actually turned out to be him “icing” them (complete with their own customized Smirnoff bottles). The day carried on, and although we didn’t do a first look, the girls and I had plenty of fun capturing bridesmaid photos around the beautiful golf course. All of her lovely friends, as well as her mom, and mother-in-law, all made me feel like family. Thank you, all!

As the ceremony approached, the nerves started flowing, which only made Kyle watching Taylor walk down the aisle for the first time that much sweeter. Every bridesmaid was in a puddle of tears, sniffing behind me, as I captured Tay walking down the aisle, trying to hide my own tears behind the camera. All the while Kyle was trying to gather himself. Their vows to each other were perfectly and uniquely them. There was not a dry eye on the golf course that day.
One of my favorite moments of every wedding day is when the bridal party marches down the aisle after the wedded couple at the end of the ceremony and they all embrace. This moment was extra spectacular at Taylor and Kyle’s wedding because they didn’t just embrace… they tackled, kissed, embraced, and high-fived. I LOVED each and every one of their friends! Kyle and Taylor are truly surrounded by the best of the best.

As the night went on, so did the celebrating. The toasts were all wonderful, and I loved how Kyle’s brother referenced golf every other sentence, Kyle’s first love. The memories were nostalgic, the dance floor was on fire, the drinks were flowing, and I felt like part of the family the whole evening, celebrating these two lovebirds right alongside them, with their closest friends and family. Kyle and Taylor, thank you so much for trusting me to capture this magical day for you guys. Your love is the kind of love that people truly dream of finding in this life. Thank you for loving each other so fearlessly and selflessly, showing us all what that fairytale love is made out of. Thank you for always making me feel like family as well as one of your besties! Love you two.

Venue: Broken Top Golf Course

DJ: Marcus Gores

Catering: Broken Top

Cake: Market of Choice

Florals: Bend Floral Artistry

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

Zach & Lauren - Fort Wayne, IN

I met Lauren a few years ago on a mission trip in Honduras. I had no idea while riding on the back of a truck with her through the remote villages of Honduras… that one day I would get to photograph her wedding!

This career is such a trip. It connects me with the most wonderful people in the most unique ways! I feel so blessed every day to get to capture the most special day of people’s lives. It really is an honor.

Lauren and Zach’s wedding was my first Fort Wayne, Indiana wedding. I was so excited to finally have one! The venue was insanely beautiful, on the top floor of the PNC building, the tallest building downtown Fort Wayne, you could see all of the city lights, the ballpark, and all of the hustle and bustle below. They chose very elegant details, and the whole evening was absolutely lovely!

Zach and Lauren, thank you for choosing me to capture such an amazing day. I had so much fun celebrating with you guys, amongst all of your closest friends and family. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you guys as a married couple… FINALLY!!! Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Bloom!

I must admit, one of the highlights of this wedding for me was getting to have the cutest guy I know attend, get on the dance floor, and shoot this wedding with me… You’re the best, George!

(Lauren and Zach, thanks for including him!)

Venue and Florals: The Empyrean // Fort Wayne, IN

Photography: RP Imagery

Videography: Eric Trabert

Dress: One Fine Day

Men’s attire: Men’s Wearhouse

DJ: Adam Schenkel

Makeup: Erin Nay

Hair: Beth Fortney and Arielle Black

Cake: Gayle Spenser

James & Kaitlyn - Bonney Lake, WA

James and Kaitlyn have such a special place in my heart. I met Kaitlyn back when she was in high school and have had the privilege of watching her flourish from a sweet young girl to the beautiful, strong, intelligent young woman she is now. I remember when she first got to college, I got a text shortly after that she had met and was now dating this young man, named James. I captured their young love in the first year of their relationship, and I have loved watching them grow deeper and deeper in love ever since! Check out their sweet young love here that I captured back in 2014 here: http://www.rpimagery.com/blog-content/2016/5/18/young-love-james-kaitlyn?rq=kaitlyn

“It’s crazy that back then, we knew.” Kaitlyn said in her vows. I think we all knew! Watching these two from day one, I knew I would be capturing their wedding someday. And here we are. The whole day was surreal! I love these two so much and am so inspired by how rich and deep their love for each other is. It truly has been like that since day 1, though. Which is crazy, they were so young! But we all just knew.

I loved that they did their own thing and opted for a winter wedding. It was a true winter fairytale, from all of the touches of pine, to the flickering fireplaces, the smores’ station, and the fur coats. Kaitlyn’s winter wedding dreams all came to life, huge thanks to the insanely talented Jordan Moll, wedding planning and floral extraordinaire.

Most weddings I can name a few highlights of the day, but this one I simply cannot. When I think about each moment of the day, they were truly all my favorite! The whole bridal party got ready on site, in their different suites, and it was such a relaxed morning and afternoon. I loved my time interviewing James before he saw Kaitlyn. He was just a ball of emotions while I had him talking about his favorite things about Kaitlyn and why he loves her so much. He had me in tears right there with him. The first look was the sweetest thing ever, and also had us all in tears. Kaitlyn looked like a dream, as always, and James just could not contain himself. I had so much fun with the whole bridal party, as they were all a true testament to the type of people Kaitlyn and James both are - so giving, compassionate, thoughtful, and kind to everyone around them. I adore Kaitlyn’s family and often feel like they are my own, so it was an honor to capture this day for them. I loved meeting James’ family, too, and seeing how wonderful both families got along together. James and Kaitlyn are both fortunate to have such strong, committed, and loving marriages modeled for them, there’s no telling what the two of them will take on in this lifetime together! The whole evening was a true celebration of their love, and I admired how all of their friends and family were acknowledging the fact that we all just felt humbled to be witnessing the love between James and Kaitlyn. It was a special day.

I have to say, though, one of my favorite moments of the day was when I was behind the camera filming James’ thank you speech to all of his family, both Kaitlyn’s parents, his own parents, all of the siblings, grandparents, etc. AND THEN - out of no where, he acknowledges ME by saying how special it is to be having me capture the day as I have been a part of their love story all along. James - you had me in tears there. Thank you so much for that sweet shoutout.

Kaitlyn and James, to say I am inspired by your love is an understatement. People go their whole lives in search of what you two have. You two have a special place in my heart and I am just so blessed to know you, have you as friends, and to capture this incredible love you share as your journey continues to unfold. Thank you making me feel part of the family, I love you guys so much!

Venue: The Kelley Farm

Decor & Floral: Jordan Moll Events

Grooms & Groomsmen attire: Men's Wearhouse

Bridal Gown & Accessories: New Beginnings Bridal Studio – Wedding Gowns For Your New Beginnings
Bridesmaid attire: BHLDN
Cake/cupcakes: Sweet Things by Emily Holden
Bartending: The Vault Catering | The south sound's premier caterer
Caterer: http://www.vaultcatering.com

Hair: Alisé Buckner Award winning on-site wedding hairstylist and hair colorist, Seattle, WA
Make up: Chelsie Grady
Invitations: Minted

Paper/Wood Signage: Ashlee Christman

DJ: RJ Musical Entertainment- Ray Julich

Photographer and Videographer: RP Imagery- Rachel Peterson

Rentals: Wedding and Event Rentals in Seattle | CORT Party Rental

Wedding planner/coordinator: Jordan Moll Events

Shelby & Ty

It took awhile for Shelby and I to figure out how we actually could have possibly got connected, and while coming to the conclusion that it was just very random… it also felt like God just wanted us to be friends :)

From the second we got out of the car at their engagement session, I felt like we were instant friends. We had so much fun together their whole session, driving around the little town of Winona Lake, stopping at every cute place we spotted.

I completely adore Shelby and Ty’s sweet love for each other. Every time I asked Ty to look over at Shelby, he instantly had this huge grin on his face, and couldn’t hide the dimples. Every time I asked Shelby to look at Ty, she also threw in a gentle touch of the hand or a quick squeeze, too. They are flirty, fun, genuine, and so, so kind. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to capture their love. Their wedding is going to be one for the books! Can’t wait for October to come :)