There's something truly special about photographing a wedding for friends. When I was the baton twirler for the University of Washington huskies, Evan was on the drumline and Brooke was on the cheer team. Brooke decided midway through her career at UW that she would learn to play the cymbals and join the marching band. It was through the Husky Drumline that romance sparked between these two wonderful people. You may even remember when Evan proposed to Brooke, right on the 50-yard line of Husky Stadium. I couldn't have been more honored that this couple chose David and I to be their wedding photographers. Their wedding took place over Memorial Day weekend in Portland. While I hadn't spent much time in Portland, we spent the better part of the day before the wedding exploring and scouting locations. I really learned to love the city! They have great culture, a beautiful downtown area, and wonderful local food and beer!
Shooting a wedding in a busy downtown area can be challenging. There's traffic, limited parking, and people everywhere. Our main challenge of the weekend came with finding the perfect location for Brooke and Evan's first look. After being turned down from using the hotel's rooftop, we grabbed a cocktail and looked out at the city for other options. David spotted a parking garage with only one car in the parking lot and our imagination took off. First look on top of a parking garage? Yes, it does sound pretty awful when you first think about it and I was already thinking of strategic ways to sell the idea to the couple. That being said, it had it all! Views? Check. Private? Check. Walking distance? Check. So we went for it.
Brooke and Evan, being the easy-going, down-for-anything couple that they are, didn't take much convincing. The afternoon of the wedding, David walked up to the top of the garage with Evan and waited for Brooke to arrive, taking in all the views of the Portland skyline. I just love the images from those few moments of anticipation. Nerves are running and the excitement is building. As Brooke, looking stunning as ever, made her way over to her groom and tapped him on the shoulder, the emotions overflowed and tears were streaming. It was definitely a "first look" I will never forget!
The rest of the day was filled with a fun walkabout with the bridal party around the city, a heartfelt ceremony (including a science experiment!), and a dance floor with all of Brooke and Evan's best friends and family rockin' the night away. Congratulations Brooke and Evan, you two are just awesome!
VENDORS:
Venue - Westend Ballroom
Wedding Coordinator - Jen Babbitt
Florist - Stacey's Flowers
Catering - Premiere Catering
Dessert - Cake by Kyra's Bakeshop and doughnuts by Voodoo Doughnut
DJ - Justin Babbitt of Paradox Productions
Wedding Dress - Galina
Reception Dress - Aidan Mattox
Veil - Amy Kuschel
Bridesmaids Dresses - Etsy
Groom's Suit - Men's Wearhouse
Bride's Shoes - Jimmy Choo
1 comment:
Beautiful pictures capturing a perfect day! :)
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