Monday, May 21, 2007

Adi and Ingrid: Wedding


Classy. Elegant. Traditional. After months of planning, Adi and Ingrid's big day finally arrived. Friends and family flew in from all over the world for the special event. Both of their parents came all the way from Indonesia. There was love, laughter, and excitement shared by everyone.

A few quiet moments alone. Ingrid patiently waits to be transformed into a bride.


It didn't take long for the silence to be interrupted. Never before have I seen a couple that spent the entire day together - from hair and makeup to prayer and fellowship at the church, Adi couldn't leave Ingrid's side. Their families filled the hotel room as they were all preparing for the big day. I love how Ingrid's mom is proudly admiring her daughter from the doorway.


How can you blame her? She looked ravishing.


Adi and Ingrid were wed at Oregon City Blessing Church. I love this photograph Randy captured of the cross.


Ingrid's sister helped her with the final touches just moments before the ceremony began.


Both Ingrid's mother and father escorted her down the aisle. Another great moment captured by Randy.


I don't think there was one dry eye in the whole church. Even though Adi had been with Ingrid all day, this goes to prove that nothing can take away from the special moment of watching your future wife make her way down the aisle.


Her father giving her away...


There was so much passion, emotion, and excitement during worship.


Who says laughter can't follow the moment everyone is waiting for....the kiss?


After the ceremony, we decided to take a stroll along the Columbia River. Adi leading his bride...


My favorite image of the day...


Waving to their friends and family from the pier...


The reception was at Salty's on the Columbia in Portland.


A few details...




The cupcakes were made by Saint Cupcake and oh were they heavenly!


One last image of the bride....Ingrid looked so amazing, I could have photographed her all day. I absolutely love her veil!


Congratulations Adi and Ingrid! I wish you a lifetime of happiness. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding story.

To view more images from Adi and Ingrid's wedding click here.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

There's No Place Like Home


Tomorrow morning I will be packing up my MacBook Pro, my Canon camera, and one very large suitcase to catch a plane to the best vacation spot ever. A place I frequent every summer and winter. It is where I took my first steps, rode my first bicycle, and received my first kiss. The very place I call "HOME".

Departure: Portland, OR
Arrival: Kansas City, MO
Final Destination: Fort Scott, KS

I am so excited to catch up with friends that I have known since elementary school and spend time with my favorite people in the world - my family. Although it may be too early in the year to catch lightning bugs or go for a swim, it is guaranteed I will be dining at my favorite places. I will be hitting Sonic Drive Inn for a Route 44 Vanilla Dr. Pepper and El Charro's for the best chicken fajita salad and of course, their infamous queso. But what I look forward to the most are family barbecues and my mom and dad's fabulous home cooking - comfort food like green bean casserole, crock pot corn, and gooseberry pie. With only a Walmart for shopping, a five minute drive to get to the other side of town, and nothing open late, quiet rest is assured. No rush hour traffic, no crowded lines...time seems to stand still. This is why it is the best place for me to catch up on sleep, be alone in thought, and get my mind off myself. Although time slows down, I am sure it will go by too fast. There is never enough time left when it comes to seeing my family. Good people, good food, good times:)

With just a click of the heels, I'll be home in no time.

Monday, May 14, 2007

A Modern Cup and Saucer


Tall, unfinished ceilings, red brick walls, huge wood-frame windows filling the room with soft, natural light, white chairs that seem to float like giant snowballs above the weathered hardwood floors, ecclectic music humming, and underwater sea animals swimming on the huge LCD screen above the colorful rug where toddlers have their very own space to crawl and play -- sydney's is not your average coffee shop! sydney's is warm and inviting: a friendly community that pours their heart into every cup and saucer. This is why I was so excited when asked to photograph the cafe.

Located at 1800 NW 16th avenue, on the edge of the Pearl, in Portland's alphabet blocks, sydney's has become a haven for business professionals, college students, mothers and their children, artists, musicians, and people of all ages. It is a place people can come to relax, laugh with friends, read a good book, surf the internet, or get away from the office to get some work done.

Here are some of my favorites from the shoot:








Did I mention that sydney's was voted best cupcake in portland?


They also serve delectable breakfast sandwiches.



Aesthetic and conceptual in design, sydney's is also a great venue for local artists to display their work and for musicians to perform.


The cookie jar on the counter is a big hit with everyone!


Making children...


...families


and people of all ages feel right at home.


"Tell me something good!," how Tim Cox, owner of sydney's, begins every conversation and religiously ends it with " What else can I do for you?" A positive, encouraging mild-mannered man, Tim has put thought into every decision made at sydney's to make sure everyone who walks in the door has a positive experience and feels like part of a community. Be sure to tell him "hi" next time you visit!