Dorian and Angela’s Wedding at Oaks Pioneer Church

If you live in the Portland Metro Area and you have children, there is a good chance you’ve driven by the Oaks Pioneer Church a gazillion times. This adorable little chapel sits just outside the entrance to Oaks Park, steps from the Willamette River. I have driven by this sweet church for YEARS, and this summer I FINALLY got a chance to photograph a wedding at Oaks Pioneer Church.

The church served as the perfect backdrop to Dorian and Angela’s intimate wedding. Wood paneled walls, stained glass windows and a gorgeous garden overlooking the Willamette River made for a picture-perfect day that complimented the couple’s heart-felt ceremony.

I loved that the officiant took time to share Dorian and Angela’s story. How they met. Their friendship. Their courtship. Basically everything that brought them to that moment in time. I also love when couples find a way to include their children in a ceremony. The bride and her new step-daughter were able to exchange their own set of vows, which was emotional and lovely. No dry eyes in that room!

After the ceremony and a few photos, the couple took the party to Aquariva in the River’s Edge Hotel. Talk about another fantastic, picture perfect venue! The banquet room at the restaurant sits upstairs from the main dining room and boasts 180 degree views of the Willamette River. Even better, the room had it’s own balcony area where guests could step outside and enjoy the evening and cocktail hour.

Dorian and Angela did an amazing job planning their day. While the wedding and reception were 100% American, there were little nods to Dorian’s Eastern European heritage. I loved that!

What made Dorian and Angela’s celebration even more special for me personally was the fact that I photographed the rehearsal dinner and celebration the night before. Having this few extra hours with the couple, prior to the big day, really let me get to know them and their guests. This really makes a difference in the photos!

By the way, speaking of photos. I LOVE the one of the bride’s parents watching the couple’s first dance.

Here is a little look into the couple’s amazing day.

Wedding at Oaks Pioneer Church

Ceremony: Oaks Pioneer Church

Officiant: Paulette Carter

Hair / Makeup: Spa at the River’s Edge Hotel

Flowers: A Floral Affair

Reception: Aquariva at River’s Edge Hotel

Catering: Aquariva

Cake: Papa Haydn

Photographer: Acorn Studios

Tiffani | Modeling Portfolio Photography

I can honestly say that I am living my dream. I feel so fortunate to have a career that I love and to be at a place where I can see my hard work and dedication in action every day. Each time a new client comes through the doors, I feel so blessed. Especially when the client is coming to me so I can help them realize their dream. Powerful stuff.

Tiffani Chaney is a STUNNING model based in Central Washington and represented by The Kim Brooke Group, a Seattle modeling agency. What struck me when I first met her is how sweet and quiet she is. While she was clearly a natural beauty, I didn’t expect such a powerhouse in front of the camera. Wow!

When we first started discussions about a modeling portfolio photo shoot, I felt honored that Tiffani would make a four hour drive to work with me and my team. Talk about a huge compliment! The fact that she would hit the road at 5:00am to be in Portland for hair and make-up at my studio by 9:30am was such a commitment. Not to mention the fact that she wasn’t even making a weekend of it. After the shoot, Tiffani had to climb back into the car and drive 4 hours home to make her shift at work. She’s the complete package: stunning, a powerhouse in front of the camera AND a strong work ethic.

Helping Tiffani build her modeling portfolio so that she can live her dream was such a great experience. Tiffani, and her biggest fan (mom, Jennifer), were such a genuine pleasure to work with. I love how supportive Tiffani’s family is of her desire to model, and the fact that the entire family traveled with her to show support is unbelievable. Talk about setting Tiffani up for success.

We had a lot of fun working a couple different looks for Tiffani’s modeling portfolio. I especially love the vintage fur for a little Hollywood glamour. It was a stunning vintage piece and really added a little ooo-la-la to the shoot! 🙂

Modeling Portfolio by Acorn Studios

Model: Tiffani Chaney

Agency: Kim Brooke Group

Hair/Make-up: Ashley Rose Hardy

Stylists: Jennifer and Tiffani Chaney

Photographer: Kacey Baxter

Gold Leaf Glamour Photography

I love when my clients are also my collaborators! I work with a few very talented Portland-based professional make-up artists. And when they call me up and ask me to to do a photo shoot featuring their work, I never say, “No.” 🙂 Art is about collaboration, and that’s what makes it so fun. There is really nothing better than when a client–especially a make-up artist client–pitches an idea to you and you can run with it. That’s what happened on this shoot with Ashley Rose Hardy!

When clients request a make-up artist at their session, Ashley  is one of my go-to gals. I have seen Ashley do everything from beauty shoots to theatrical special effects, and her work is incredible. When Ashley steps into my studio or on set, I know that magic is going to happen. In addition to years of experience as a freelance make-up artist, Ashley brings a pedigree that includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Wig Construction and Makeup Design!

So when Ashley told me she was wanting to do some fashion-inspired gold leaf glamour photography, how I could I refuse?! Thankfully our stunning model, Lane, was also game for the experience! (Since the shoot, I have often wondered how long it takes to remove gold leaf from the skin?!)

This shoot was actually some time ago, but I just came across the unshared photos this morning. The photos are 100% retouch-free. These were straight from the camera! While they are very different from the work I normally post on my website, I still thought they were worth sharing! I love that there is a Debbie Harry rock vibe to this look… 🙂

Gold Leaf Glamour Photography

Photographer: Acorn Studios

Make-up: Ashley Hardy

Model: Lane Walkup

Curt & Misty | Mt Hood Wedding

Curt and Misty’s Mt Hood wedding was one of those joyous days made even more special by a breath-taking setting. The happy couple chose a friend’s property between Sandy and Welches for their celebration. The Mt Hood backdrop–especially with it’s sunset Alpen glow–just added to the picturesque day.

I met Curt and Misty while photographing another wedding earlier in the year. The couple was fun-loving and I could immediately tell they were very well suited. They both have casual personalities and enjoy laughing and entertaining. Their easy going nature really made guests feel welcome during their Mt Hood wedding.

Personal touches really added to their day. Their children served as the bridal party. A dear friend officiated. The ceremony itself talked about how the couple met on a rafting trip and the life adventures they have weathered together since. And a mix of family and friends kept the occasion lively.

I loved that Misty chose to honor her parents by carrying locket-sized photos of them attached to her bouquet. It was a beautiful tribute to the departed and kept them close to her heart.

Small details like personalized shot glasses and favorite mixed drinks really helped guests beat the record heat. And guests enjoyed dancing the night away under a full moon.

Here is a look into Curt and Misty’s wonderful day. I feel so fortunate to have been part of it!

Mt Hood Wedding Photos by Acorn Studios

Mike and Tiffney | Wedding at the Abernethy Center

Over the years I have seen a lot of gorgeous photos taken at the Abernethy Center in Oregon City. So when it came time to photograph Mike and Tiffney’s wedding at the Abernethy Center, it was a real treat. The happy couple chose Abigail’s Garden for their picture-perfect day and it didn’t disappoint.

Mike and Tiffney are such a wonderful couple, and their country inspired day were full of special touches. The day included a family sand ceremony, handmade Pinterest-worthy decorations, and a brother-sister dance that was nothing short of epic. Guests enjoyed a delicious menu catered by the Abernethy Center’s head chef. And the gorgeous cake was made by a family friend.

I also loved that Mike and Tiffney chose to include Tiffney’s children in the ceremony. They played an important roll in this new family’s story and their participation was sweet and emotional.

Here is a look into their wonderful day.

Wedding at the Abernethy Center by Acorn Studios

Venue / Catering: Abernethy Center

Officiant: Theresa Durkin-Tuffli of Heart Rock Ceremonies

« backward forward »
Menu