Location scouting: Panda Express

Had the kids all day cuz wifie had to attend a class in Portland. For breakfast I made some blueberry pancakes. Yum. The uncontrollable utterance of "Mmm!" as they took the first bite was a sign of success. Bursting blueberries danced onto the table as we cut into the pancakes.

Lunch at Panda Express was a special treat for all involved. They got to eat food-court quality chow-mein and fried rice that would never pass mama's standards. Plus I got to photograph them as they ate. Our local PE happened to be a great location for portraits in the afternoon. The sun lathered on the parking lot to the south, providing warm, soft reflected light. And the wrap-around windows gave wonderful catch lights in the eyes.



To finish the day with more cheap thrills, we drove to the bank of the Columbia River just north of PDX to watch planes come and go. The wind out of the gorge was rather strong today, so we stayed in the van. Doesn't get much better than this.

Meeting Jasmine

I first came across Jasmine's article on ProPhotoResource about a year ago. It was a story of how she met her wedding photographer David Jay and eventually became a wedding photographer herself, shooting some 36 weddings her first year! I had communicated with her several times in the past year, and she's always taken the time to respond and comment on my pics. Needless to say, it was a real honor to meet her in person this past weekend. Let me tell you, she's one dynamic speaker! Dynamic yet approachable. Her hubby JD is also very down to earth. It felt like I've known them for a long time. Super stoked!

Amy and Joe: A Blessed Wedding

The weather was beautiful, as was the setting. Joe arrived early with his parents. Bruce the best man was already waiting. As Joe was getting ready for the big day, he'd look out the window at the lawn as the tables and chairs were being set up. He looked through another window as he explained to me how the four mango mousse cakes were to be assembled. Shortly after that Amy showed up in her favorite red shirt, with matching red dahlias in her hair. It didn't take long for the ladies to get ready. Joe had to stay in his dressing room so that he would not see Amy until she walked down the aisle. When Dad walked Amy down the aisle, I turned around and saw tears of joy in Joe's eyes. One of most moving parts was when the dads, a pastor and an elder, prayed for the bride and groom.




The wedding ceremony was, in a word, blessed.

At the recessional the two literally dashed down the aisle. We had about 30 minutes for bridal portraits so we took a stroll around the grounds. Robinswood House was located adjacent a large park with plenty of greenery. For the first dance the newly-wed couple danced to none other than Michael Jackson. Family and friends joined in the dancing before seeing the couple off.



Congratulations, Amy and Joe! We were honored to document your wedding!!