The Peterson Family

 

Little Ms. D, she melts my heart. I came over to their new home, and she wasn’t too sure about me at first. I can be a bit intimidating looking with my big cameras, but she started to warm up after a bit of tickles and laughs. Hearing her call my name, “Rishtina, Rishtina, again and again, after I gained her trust, I was over the moon honored! I photographed her mom and dad’s wedding several years ago at McMenamin’s Edgefield and have been so happy to be invited to come over and photograph Ms. D’s newborn and yearly portraits. It’s so much fun watching and documenting the kiddos growing up.  I can say, “I knew your parents when…haha” I love it, I love this family!

 

The Kolmer Family

This family post is just perfect to come next, it’s the Kolmers! Great friends with the Hermans, who introduced us to each other. Since then I have photographed this beautiful family starting with the little one when he was just a toddler and her entire family all together. I’m so thankful for this incredible friendship also and count mom C. as a good friend!  I’m so jealous of the hair going on here. I always wanted curly hair and this family is blessed!  Fun, loving, sweet, this family is so amazing to be around. If you’re friends with them, you know what I mean!

The Herman Family

I love this family and being lucky enough to photograph them each year! I’m blessed in so many ways by knowing them and being invited into their lives.  I met mom when she was looking for a photographer to capture her maternity session when they were a family of three with one-one-the way. I count her now as one of my closest friends, XO.

Newborn sessions, Birthdays, a milestone Anniversary, and numerous yearly sessions later, and now, they are a beautiful family of five. Walking into their home and seeing my work over the years as art on their walls is so humbling and gratifying. I’m so happy that I have been able to capture memories that they treasure so much. Thank you Herman Family! And thank you for reminding me that it goes both ways. I need to have my own family documented each year and remember to get in front of the camera once in a while, not always be behind it.

The New Year is close and I would love it if all of you make one of your resolutions to have your family photographed, be it by friends, loved ones, or a professional photographer, in the year 2013. Plus, make sure YOU get in the photo!

Photo Location: Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton, Oregon.

Courtney + Matthew

Ceremony Location: Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Beaverton, OR

Reception Location: The Reserve Golf Club in Aloha, OR

Courtney and Matt were married on the last day of July in a beautiful church in Beaverton. The sanctuary had a huge stained glass window behind the altar that was every color in the rainbow. When the sun shone through, the people and pews were cascaded in purples, reds, greens, and so on. So lovely. The two prepared themselves by getting ready at the church, guys downstairs, ladies upstairs. We then sent Matthew into the sanctuary to await the arrival of Courtney. They were so smiley and I absolutely love the way she peeks up at him from the side when he’s not looking. After some portraits, the ceremony began with a harpist, and was filled with readings by each bridal party member, and one of the bridesmaids even played the cello. There was a unity candle lighting and then prayers over the couple. After they were pronounced man and wife, I loved the huge smiles and bright eyes on them as they almost ran down the aisle!

The three of us took off for the reception site right away so we could arrive before the other guests.  The guests were treated to a slideshow inside the church while we photographed some romantic couple photos.

What can I say about the reception location besides, wow! The Reserve Golf Club in Aloha is so beautiful and the grounds were immaculate. There were so many photo opportunities everywhere! Once the sun started to set, the sky turned a beautiful shade of purple and pink. I asked my couple if they would like to get a way for bit by themselves and capture some moments out on the golf course with that amazing sunset. Those images are some of my favorite from the entire day.

Congratulations Courtney and Matt on your marriage and such a wonderful day!