Recent Photography Sessions by Photographer Acorn Studios

Kyle & Cheylin | Barn Wedding at Green Villa

Thursday, June 30, 2016

I am always surprised by how many beautiful venues there are in Western Oregon. Every summer I am blessed that my wedding clients take me to new places and I get to experience new levels of venue hospitality.

Kyle and Cheylin’s beautiful barn wedding at Green Villa in Independence was one of those surprising venues. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautifully appointed, historic barn was stunning. The soft glow of patio lights combined with white fabric streamers was the perfect backdrop for the couple’s heart-felt ceremony and party.

I loved the couple’s color choices. Pink and teal played beautifully with the rustic wood details of the barn wedding. The pink and teal candy bar was a big hit throughout the night…there were plenty of blue mouths and tongues to prove it! 😉

The cake was made by a family friend in Southern Oregon and it was magnificent. The ombre teal with the delicate frosting was just stunning. It was complimented by equally beautiful, fruit-topped cupcakes made by the groom’s mother. As if wedding cake and cupcakes weren’t enough for this barn wedding, there was also plenty of pie to go around! Delish!

The bride looked stunning in an Oleg Cassini gown and the bridesmaid gowns carried over the teal ombre theme. The groom and groom’s men also looked handsome in their gray suits. The flowers were a mix of teal-tipped hydrangeas, roses and pink flowers.

Kyle and Cheylin opted to add the Acorn Studios Photo Booth to their wedding and it was a HUGE hit. The couple and guests alike donned crazy hats and let their sillies shine. A few hats even made it out to the dance floor to keep the laughs going!

The wet weather prevented an outdoor ceremony, but thankfully it cleared by evening so we could get some photos outside in the lovely gardens that surround the barn. Those last photos in the garden, are definitely my favorite! Sweet and romantic…

Matt | Slabtown Senior Photos

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

If you haven’t been to Acorn Studios, it sits smack dab in the heart of Northwest Portland. I can step out the door and within a couple minutes be in The Pearl, on Northwest 23rd, in the River District and even in Slabtown–which is a neighborhood AND it was a bar.

The Slabtown BAR has been a fixture on my daily commute for some time. My studio practically over looks the enormous “Slabtown” arrow sign on Lovejoy Street. At LEAST five days a week I would either walk or drive by the iconic building with it’s iron gated front door and 1970’s orange exterior. And now it is gone.

As I watched heavy machinery take down what was once a punk/garage band/rock ‘n roll venue, it made me think of a photo shoot I did there last summer. I then realized I never posted photos of that shoot! Today, I am fixing that. 🙂

I met Matt last summer at a wedding. He is a talented musician–saxophone–and he was one of the wedding musicians entertaining guests at the reception. I enjoyed listening to him play, and even snapped a few photos of him.

Fast forward a couple months to when Matt’s mother reached out to me about senior photos. Matt really wanted senior photos that reflected who he is/was and his interests. In this case, music. I was asked if Matt could be photographed with his saxophone, and my response was, “ABSOLUTELY!” I always love when seniors bring a prop to the session that reflects who they are.

The benefit of photographing musicians is that you get to enjoy some music while you work. I enjoyed taking Matt down to the heart of the Pearl and listening to him serenade the neighborhood. I also got some great senior photos too!

As with all senior photos, I am always looking for interesting backgrounds to help tell the teen’s story. After our walk through the Pearl, I remembered Slabtown with it’s hideous orange exterior and graffiti stained siding. For a musician, it was perfect!

We did some amazing photos of Matt in front of Slabtown. I love the juxtaposition of Matt in his classy outfit busking in front of a dingy dive bar. The orange contrasting with the purple is also awesome! We didn’t do many photos in front of Slabtown, but the ones we shot were perfect!

I never visited Slabtown during it’s hay day. And in fact, I don’t really miss it’s ugly exterior. However, I do love that I have a personal connection to the icon through Matt’s senior photos. 🙂

Sue and Clare | Family Portraits

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

When I first opened my studio seven and a half years ago, I knew that I wanted to provide Portland with a different type of photography experience. I wanted to create modern, contemporary images. I wanted family portraits, in particular, to become treasured heirlooms.

Every time a client has walked through my doors over the past seven and a half years, I have felt blessed. Blessed that I get to capture memories and moments for others. Blessed that my career is in an industry I am passionate about.

When Sue and Clare came by the studio for family portraits, I not only felt blessed, but also honored. When someone you know puts their trust in you, there is no bigger compliment!

My path with Sue has crossed more than a couple times over the years. Many moons ago (how many, neither of us will admit), Sue and I both worked for the same US Senator–she as a director, me as an intern. We then crossed paths again as neighbors. And while I lost touch with Sue after she and I both moved, fate brought us back together a third time at a friend’s wedding last summer. We’ve stayed in touch since.

When Sue approached me about doing some family portraits to celebrate a couple life milestones for both her and her daughter, how could I resist?! I have known her for so long and the honor was 100% mine.

Sue and Clare came by my studio one afternoon, and we shared a lot of laughs as Clare the Comedian dialed up the charm. Clare is not afraid of the camera, and was such a joy to get silly with. Both are such beautiful ladies–inside and out!

Here is a look into our session. I hope these family portraits will be treasured heirlooms as Clare continues to blossom into a wonderful young lady.

Never miss a sneak peek! Follow us on Facebook.

Ashley’s Fitness Photos

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Believe it or not, at one point in my life I was a fitness instructor (yoga and pilates specifically). What makes this so ironic is that I HATED physical education classes in high school–I considered them the worst hour of my day. I dreaded it. I loathed it.

What I didn’t realize at the time is that there is more to fitness than just an hour of running laps around the school grounds in short shorts. After graduation, I realized that athleticism and fitness comes in all shapes and forms–yoga, weight lifting, dance, aerobics, barre, cross fit, and more. Once I had this epiphany, I began to really appreciate the human form and how you can transform it.

The first time I shot fitness photos for a client, I was hooked. As a photographer (and former fitness instructor), I realized that fitness photos were a wonderful way for ME to combine my past and present; and more importantly, help my clients celebrate their own fitness milestones. I love the way clients can turn on muscle groups and make them pop for their fitness photos. I also love the energy that clients bring to each session.

A few weeks ago, Ashley came into the studio to do just that–celebrate the milestones–with fitness photos. Ashley has been working hard to build her body and transform it into a healthier, stronger version. Even better, she is using fitness as a way to help others. Her social media presence Muscles and Mutts, offers inspiration to others forging their path. If you have a minute, flip over to her page and give it a “Like.” You’ll want Ashley’s energy in your news feed.

During Ashley’s session we had a lot of fun incorporating her great loves: her husband, her dog and fitness. I had SO MUCH fun working with Ashley. She has a wonderful, contagious spirit and the gal can JUMP! Talk about intensity and tenacity! Check out her fitness photos with her sweet pup as a reference of how high she can get! They also put a cute spin on “downward facing dog.” 🙂

Matt & Billie | Wedding at The Foundry at Oswego Pointe

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Wedding season is officially underway! Even better it started with a bang at Matt and Billie’s gorgeous wedding at The Foundry at Oswego Pointe over Memorial Weekend.

I always love weddings at The Foundry at Oswego Pointe. It is a beautiful waterfront property with panoramic views and it never disappoints–rain or shine, winter or summer. Billie and Matt were very fortunate to have lovely early-summer weather that allowed for an outdoor ceremony perched high above the waterline.

It was a beautiful ceremony, with personal stories of the couple’s bi-coastal romance. Their heart-felt vows had the tears flowing from all of the guests. As lovely as the ceremony was, the tears dried and the smiles emerged quickly when the couple moved the party indoors to a stunningly decorated room at The Foundry.

I have shot at The Foundry before. However, this is the first time I have seen it draped from floor to ceiling. Barclay Events did an amazing job! The additional of yards of fabric softened an already beautiful room and made it so romantic and intimate. Up-lights created a stunning backdrop to complement the bride’s soft pink hues and flowers by Laurelhurst Flowers. (Thanks to Billie’s bouquet, I am now obsessed with peonies!)

Guests enjoyed an amazing dinner by Premiere Catering and slices of the couple’s stunning wedding cake by Lamb’s in Wilsonville. The night was rounded off by plenty of dancing and music by Paradox DJs.

And of course, nothing ends a wedding better than a sparkler-lit departure!

Congratulations to this wonderful couple. I wish them nothing but a lifetime of happiness…