Another option is to do a “first touch” or private reading with each other. I’ve had couples read lovely prayers, hold hands while standing back to back, and do sweet things like that with one another before the ceremony.
Jeanne & Rob - Latorell Falls Maternity Session - Portland, Oregon
Nicole & Gary - A Snowy Mount Hood Engagement Session - Portland, Oregon
Sharayah and Max - Cooper Mountain Nature Park Maternity Session - Portland, Oregon
Lacie and Dillon - Sunset Smith Rock Engagement Session - Bend, Oregon
Melissa and Alex - Mount Hood Engagement Session - Portland, Oregon
Lindsay and Derrick - Rowena Crest / Columbia River Gorge Sunset Session - Oregon
Sydne and Michael - Spencer Butte Engagement Session - Eugene, Oregon
Lea and Colin - Snowy Mount Hood Engagement Session - Portland, Oregon
I had such an amazing time playing in the snow with Lea and Colin for their engagement session! We can’t wait to photograph your wedding this year.
Lauren and Cameron - Castaway - Urban Wedding - Portland, Oregon
Prepping for your Photo Session
Nervous for your upcoming photo session? Don’t be! I’m here to walk you through everything. I mean, you’ve made it this far so there’s no backing out now! Grab a snack, your favorite glass of wine, and get your face mask ready (because yes, that’s part of your homework!)
Let’s not even waste any time. I’m jumping right into this!
Clothing. Pick out clothes you are comfortable in and don’t mind running around in. If you have a fun photographer picked out (hopefully me), they will likely have you move around quite a bit. Make sure to iron out clothes ahead of time so you aren’t scrambling the day of the session. Think about bringing comfortable walking shoes and jackets for in between shots if you’re shooting in chilly weather.
Location matters. I promise it does! It’s beneficial to pick a spot that holds some type of significance to you. If you and your family love target trips like 99% of us, ask your photographer to do a fun target shoot! Often times stores will allow you to shoot there if you get permission beforehand. Maybe you and your family love nature and greenery! If you and your fiance met at an arcade, incorporate that into your session somehow. You will feel so much more at ease if you are shooting somewhere you love. Your photographer can help you with this as well! Often times I will send my clients a detailed list of cool locations based on what they are looking for.
Timeliness. Trust me when I tell you this… You want this A+ grade from your photographer in timeliness. Do whatever you need to do to get to your photo session on time. Set an alarm. Heck, set 16 if you need to (yeah I see you. But I do the same thing so I’m not judging). Map out where you are going ahead of time so you aren’t frantic on the day of the shoot. Tardiness happens, but your photo session will be off to a great start if you can make sure to be on time or early to your session.
Self care. Let’s chat about it real quick. We want to feel like the best version of ourselves that we possibly can! This means physically and mentally. I want to share my favorite self care tips that will help you achieve those beautiful images you’ve been wanting.
Make sure to keep yourself hydrated and drink tons of water! I know, I know. You aren’t going on a run or nursing a hangover, but your body will love you and that will translate through photos. We all know this but water helps reduce dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. Because let’s be real, most of us are drained in our day to day life so a little pick me up can’t possibly hurt.
SLEEP. I mean it. Cut the binge watching on The Office and get a good nights sleep. This is something else that can and will translate through your photos. We all feel and look better after a good nights sleep. Even though the zombie version of you is probably pretty badass.. I’d prefer to photograph the lively version!
Use this photo session as an excuse to do those little things you may not have gotten around to before. Treat yourself to a girls day and get your nails done. Get that hair trim you’ve been dreading and putting off for 6 months (okay, I’m really just talking to myself in the mirror now). But really. Pamper yourself! Throw on a face mask on and relax on the couch while the little ones are running around. Have you been wanting to whiten your teeth? These whitening trays from Amazon are wonderful and lighten teeth extremely fast (and with no sensitivity which is a huge bonus). If you are considering spray tanning before your photo session, try to do this a few days before so it has time to set in.
We are all beautiful and perfect just the way we are - But a little self care can go a long way and feed into your mental and physical health.
Professional Hair and Makeup. Once upon a time, the earth gifted us makeup artists and hair stylists. And thank the lucky stars for that. If you don’t do your makeup often or are hesitant about doing your own, this is something to consider. Now you don’t have to go crazy or over the top. I always suggest having your makeup artist make you a va va voom version of yourself. You can always schedule a fun date night after the shoot is over so you can get full use of your makeup and hair!
If you’d prefer to rock your normal look or do your own makeup, more power to you sister. I don’t know my bronzer from my blush so I like to have a little help when I can.
Here are little things to pack in your bag that can act as a saving grace if needed!
Chapstick
Floss
Napkins
Snacks
Gum
Lotion
Water
Umbrella
A few additional tips to ensure your photo session runs smoothly:
) Hype our photo session up! Tell your kiddos how fun and exciting it will be to have their photo taken. Maybe even let them pick out a fun outfit to wear. If they feel comfortable with me, that will lead to amazing photos. If you aren’t past bribery, maybe offer them a toy or a snack afterwards if they are on their best behavior!
2.) R E L A X. I know it can be nerve wracking to be in front of a camera. But I’m going to make you feel like we have been besties for 10 years so you can feel at ease during your photo session. I can guarantee you that I’ll be more goofy and awkward than you!
3.) Props are always something to consider. If we have a maternity session, bring your sonogram or those cute baby sneakers you picked up the other day. If it’s a family session, bring a blanket we can get some cute shots of you guys all snuggled and sitting down. Engagement session? Bring a bottle of champagne so we can shake it up and have some fun! Also… Make sure to have your ring cleaned!
Click HERE for a detailed guide on how to dress for your family photo session.
Click HERE for a detailed guide on how to dress for your engagement session.
Thanks for stickin it out with me! Let me know down in the comments if you need help with anything else. I’ll chat with you guys soon. XO
What to Wear for Family Photos
So you finally did it. You booked yourself that incredible family photographer you’ve been eyeing. Now you’re a few months away from the photo session wondering what the heck you’re supposed to wear! Or maybe you waited just a little bit too long (we all do it) and now you’re slightly panicking because your photo session is right around the corner.
Don’t fret. I’m here to alleviate some of your stress and share some of my favorite tips to help you get the best family photos you could imagine!
Grab a glass of wine and virtually hang with me. At the end of it, feel free to let me know in the comments if this has helped you.
COMFORT
First and foremost, you want to wear something comfortable. Now hear me out… I’m not necessarily saying this isn’t the time to break in those magical 6 inch heels you never got around to wearing...
But if you want to feel comfortable and move around during your session, you may want to swap them out for some cute booties.
Because let's keep it real, no one wants to chase around kiddos while stabbing holes in the ground. And hey, you can always bring both for variety!
Your photographer will probably have you move around quite a bit, so comfort is key for great photos!
COLORS/PATTERNS
“What colors go best together?”
“What should I wear that photographs well?”
”Is there anything I should stay away from?”
Yes..
Yes..
And YES. Just YES.
These are without a doubt the few questions I get asked every single day. And boy oh boy have I got answers for you!
* Avoid heavy graphics and large logos. Busy graphics can take away from the focus (YOU!) and we don’t want that. There are always exceptions, like if you are sponsored and want to represent a specific brand - But typically these photos are for you and your family to have forever and hang on your wall.
* Avoid neon colors. And I say this gently, because I have many neon tops that I am in love with. But the unfortunate fact is that these just do not photograph well. Any bright and overly saturated colors don’t handle post processing well and can have a funky effect on the photo. These can even cast a color onto other outfits in the photograph. It’s best to ditch neon colors like orange, green, yellow, extremely bright reds, or anything dripping with saturation. An easy fix for this is to replace the tone. Love the red color palette? Find a burgundy or a darker red instead of a vivid neon red. Swap out the neon green for a timeless forest green.
* Avoid too many clashing patterns. Set the polka dots down and step away from the plaid! Just kidding. Kind of. Patterns can be great with a minimalist approach. Have the entire family wear complimentary colors and throw Tommy in that adorable shark pattern shirt you’ve been dying to have him in! When it comes to clashing, I always say that it’s best to avoid too many patterns in one photo. You know what I’m talking about. One person shows up in plaid, the other in stripes, kids are in polka dots. And hey, I’ve photographed this scenario before and can still make it work but it’s not ideal. If there is too much going on, it really does take away from the subjects of the photo. Mommy/daughter or Daddy/son matching is always an option and never fails. That combination will always be adorable.
I could go on for days about this topic but I think my fingers would be numb.
* If you are struggling, stick to neutral colors! Say it with me. Neutral colors are friends not food. Finding Nemo? No? Just me? Awkward.
I’m not kidding you. Neutral colors can save the day when you are stressed about having everyone match. Pick a few of your favorite colors, find your closest Target, and treat yourself. This is a fail proof solution that works 101% of the time. If you want to do a bright pop of color, have that be fixed outfit and fill in the remaining outfits. You can choose shades of gray, brown, etc. or a color that compliments the brighter color without taking away from the photo.
WEATHER
Dress for the weather.
Don’t roll your eyes at me! I don’t mean to wear a jacket if it’s cold or bring an umbrella if it’s raining (well, you should do that too). I mean dress accordingly.
If it’s spring, throw on a cute maxi dress with floral patterns and match the family in light blues, pinks, and grays. Spring is for soft hues and beautiful colors around you.
If it’s summer, put on your favorite skirt with that adorable top you’ve been hiding in your closet (because we’re in Oregon, and Oregon believes in 9 months of winter). Throw on jeans and a t shirt. Really just wear whatever you are comfortable in because it’ll likely be hot as heck out!
If it’s fall (my absolute favorite season), don’t hesitate to go crazy with beautiful rich tones. I’m talking reds, yellows, blues, burnt orange, greens. Give me all of the colors! Throw on your favorite colorful cardigan, jeans, and booties. Fall is life.
If it’s winter, hide yo kids hide yo wife because it’s COLD AS HECK. But come out of hibernation mode for me! Winter is also one of my favorite seasons and I wish more people wanted to be photographed in the snow! Winter is for adorable beanies, snow fights, hot coco, and snuggles. Grab that adorable scarf and let’s go to the mountains. Kiddos usually last much much shorter in the snow for sessions, so consider booking your photographer for a mini session.
Speaking of weather, have faith in your photographer! We can make some serious magic happen in sun, rain, snow, clouds, tsunamis (okay, maybe not the last one).
If the forecast calls for rain, run with it! Bring clear bubble umbrellas and ask your photographer for a good location that may have an undercover area or tons of trees. No one wants to look like a wet cat after 5 minutes of shooting, so let’s avoid that until the end. Click HERE for my favorite inexpensive umbrellas!
I know this goes without saying, but don’t forget to try on your outfit before your photo session. Look in the mirror from all angles and maybe have the hubby snap a pic for you. It’s best to know exactly what you look like beforehand so you feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable in whatever you chose to wear to your session.
My clients have told me what works best for them is to lay out all of their outfits on the bed. Go from there! It’s really easy to see if something is visually appealing when it’s right in front of you.
PETS AND FURRY CHILDREN. Because duh. They are part of the family!
I say catch em all. Oops. I mean match em all. I’m not even joking with you! Throw a bow tie on the dog or buy a cute collar because it’s a special occasion! Your pet will look amazing regardless, but if you want to take that extra step, make a quick trip to the pet store. Or head to Amazon (thank you 2 day shipping!) I have clients bring pets to the session whenever I can. Not only does it add fun to the session, but it ensures that you get some professional photos of your furry loved ones. Don’t forget to bring your dogs favorite toy or treat so your photographer can grab their attention!
I hope this post has helped you a little bit! Feel free to drop a comment and let me know if you need help with anything else. If you aren’t sick of me yet, click HERE for my photo shoot prep guide. I promise, this will help you be as prepared as possible for your session! You will also get an A+ from your photographer. Who doesn’t love good grades?!
Thanks for reading and I will chat with you soon! XO
Galina and Max - Jupiter Next Hotel Wedding - Portland, Oregon
Stephany and Justin - Loloma Lodge Wedding - McKenzie Bridge, Oregon
Where do I even start with Stephany and Justin?! These two lovebirds live in Michigan so we only got to chat via email and phone before the wedding. As soon as I talked to Stephany, I knew we would get along great.
This is one of the most beautiful venues I’ve had the pleasure of shooting at! When you’re cruising through the photos, you’ll quickly see why I love shooting weddings here. Loloma Lodge has luscious greens, rustic cabins, and beautiful details everywhere you look.
Stephany and Justin’s entire day was so laid back, and everything seemed to go perfectly according to plan. The weather was great the entire afternoon for photos and the ceremony, then it started pouring down rain. I can’t really think of a better to welcome them to Oregon. ;-) The rain showed up just long enough for us to enjoy dinner undercover, but the weather decided to behave and it stopped raining as soon as were done eating.
I can’t even really find the words to describe how special this day was. I feel so thankful that Steph and Justin chose me to spend this intimate day with them. We had delicious tacos, lots of laughter, a smores bar, and tons of dancing. Not gonna lie, when we escaped for bride/groom photos I contemplated kidnapping them so they’d be mine forever! These two are something else. The radiate incredible energy and they make you want to be a part of their life. There’s TOO many good memories from this wedding, but my favorite has to be when Steph and I escaped the wedding to go stand on the heated floors in her cabin. Pretty sure we were meant to be best friends!
I almost teared up when it was time for me to head out because I’ve never bonded with so many humans so quickly. I felt at home here but that’s just how Steph and Justin make everyone feel. They make you feel welcome, and special. I hope you two have the mot magical married life and I’ll cry if you ever forget about me. Lol.
Michigan… North Carolina.. Connecticut.. Norway.. Until next time you beautiful people! And in case you didn’t get the memo, all 45 of ya’ll are welcome to come back and see me anytime :-)
Sara and Ryan - Barns at Cooper Molera Wedding - Monterey, California
Wowza. Hey ya'll. 👋
This last weekend was something for the books. I was down in Monterey shooting a beautiful 2 part wedding. (And PS. It was my first time in this cute little city and I'm pretty convinced that I will have a house there one day. There were succulents hanging in the streets and the architecture was adorable). I got to explore the aquarium down there and it was just a breath of fresh air.
I drove down to capture Sara and Ryan’s traditional church ceremony on Friday, and then we celebrated with another wedding on Saturday. The architecture of Monterey Bay just blew me away…. (Am I a poet now?) There were beautiful stone buildings, quaint little cafes on every block, colorful walls… Tthis town totally gave me mini Italy vibes!
The girls got ready in a suite at the Monterey Plaza Hotel, right downtown and on the water. The views alone were breathtaking! The guys got ready in the one of a kind Casa Munras Garden hotel a few minutes from the venue. We walked over together to the venue where Sara and her father shared an emotional first look. After everyone had seen the beautiful bride, we got to enjoy an even more beautiful ceremony and witness these 2 profess their love! After that, it was stress-free party time.
The details in this wedding were planned down to the marble name plates on the table. I’d describe how beautiful every single piece was, but that would take all day. From the flowers to the grill cheese bites… To the delicious salmon and remarkable dessert table… This wedding was one for the books. We danced and danced, cut the cake with a firefighter axe, sat by the bonfire and the party didn’t stop at the venue! They moved right along to a cute little bar down the street. In all honesty, I didn’t want this night to end and I’m so happy I can relive it through these photos.
Sara and Ryan, thank you for letting me experience this with you and I will always be grateful for this amazing weekend.
"A wise person once told me that a successful marriage is falling in love with the same person, over and over again." ❤️ - Sara Meier
Madison and Jose's Romantic Sunset Engagement Session - Smith Rock - Terrebonne, Oregon
A few of my favorite photos from this stunning sunset engagement session out at Smith Rock.
Madison and Jose are such a beautiful couple and I’m so lucky to be photographing their wedding!
Sam and Omid - Elysian Ballroom Wedding - Portland, Oregon
Sam and Omid are the type of people you want to be best friends with as soon as you meet them. When we did their engagement session, we wandered around Portland and chatted for hours. I normally get anxious being downtown (because traffic), but these two have such a welcoming vibe about them that it was hard to feel anything but relaxed while hanging with them.
This wedding was photographed by our associate photographers Kathleen and Sierra, and I am beyond jealous that I wasn’t able to be there. When I got the photos back, I spent hours and hours going through these and I felt like I was there the entire time. My team can photograph weddings better than I can even dream of. The details were stunning, and I could feel the energy of the day through the pictures.
The Elysian Ballroom is a venue that most girls only dream of. It’s covered in chandeliers, gold chairs, and elegant fixtures everywhere. The getting ready suite is baby blue accented with gold, and has the perfect natural window light. This venue has definitely been on the bucket list, and I don’t even think that photos will do it much justice or show the actual beauty of this elegant ballroom in the heart of Portland.
Sam and Omid spent their morning getting ready, enjoying champagne (and beers) and hanging out with their crew. They did a beautiful first look on the staircase, and then headed outside into the hustle and bustle of Portland to do some classic bridal party photos.
After a beautiful ceremony, heartfelt toasts, and the traditional cake cut, they spent their night hanging out with tons of family and friends and dancing the night away.
Sam and Omid, you two are some of the most kind and generous people I have ever met. Thank you for trusting our team to photograph your beautiful ballroom wedding and I wish you a lifetime of happiness.
Cam and Lauren - Castaway Wedding - Portland, Oregon
Wow. What a whirlwind of a day and such a beautiful wedding at one of my favorite Portland venues.
Lauren and her babe tribe got ready at the Benson Hotel downtown in Portland, Oregon. We snacked on thai salad and finger sandwiches while the girls called the desk for 80 bottles of champagne (Ok - I may be slightly exaggerating - But it was enough to make the front counter question us hehe). After Lauren got into her gorgeous modern wedding dress dripping in beads that gave me all of the vintage feels, we crammed everybody into the elevator. I won’t lie, I was shocked that it didn’t break down on us. When we got to the lobby, Lauren and the girls were surprised with a huge pink hummer limo - and off we went to the Castaway to get these two beautiful people married!
Lauren and Cameron tied the knot with an urban backdrop and had a huge ceremony filled with beautiful family and friends. If you met these two, you wouldn’t even question how they have hundreds of friends. They are both such kind, loving people. After the ceremony, we snuck off for some fun bridal party photos and ended with some intimate shots of just the bride and groom.
We headed back into the venue where we ate delicious food, played adult beer pong, listened to incredible toasts from their closest and dearest family and friends (there were a lot of tears), and tore up the dance floor. Let me tell you… Their family can get DOWN on the dance floor. Later in the evening, Lauren was surprised with a look alike Dumbledore - She almost dropped her wine so I’d say that was for sure the highlight of the night!
And after everyone’s feet started hurting, it was time to put an end to the magical night with a beautiful sparkler exit. I will never forget this wedding, and I will hold these two in my heart because they are both so incredible, and made me feel like family. Thank you for an amazing night "Larry & Tex" ❤️🙈
Caitlin and Ryan - Ohana Barn Wedding - Corvallis, Oregon
The name of this gorgeous venue in Corvallis, Oregon, the Ohana Barn, fit perfectly with the theme of this wedding. Ohana means family and Caitlin and Ryan’s special day was filled to the brim with the warmth of their family and loved ones.
Caitlin and Ryan have built a beautiful life together with their two children, so this day was long awaited and full of joy. It was so special witnessing how their families came together and surrounded them with love and celebrated with them. One of the cutest things to watch was as Caitlin’s son helped pick her dress up off the floor so she could walk, it melted all of our hearts! She was then walked down the aisle by her brother, as her father is no longer with us. Their ceremony took place in one of the most beautiful indoor venues I have ever been to. The barn had rich golden tones and natural light that peeked through the wooden slats and gave a warm romantic glow to the space.
Following the ceremony they celebrated with a country chic reception, complete with the bridesmaids in tiffany blue dresses, cowboy boots and a taco bar. The rustic venue and orchard made a fantastic backdrop for pretty photos of the family and bridal party. During the dance portion of the evening her brother stepped in for a special dance with her, as did all of the men in the family, one by one. It was a heartfelt and touching scene and everyone had tears in their eyes witnessing the moment. Caitlin and Ryan spent the night talking, laughing and celebrating with their close friends and family. You could truly feel how close and tight knit their tribe is and I know that whatever life brings them they will always have loved ones around supporting them in their life and marriage. Congratulations Caitlin and Ryan! Thank you for choosing me to capture all of the love and memories of your wedding day!
Galina and Max - White River Falls Engagement Session - Madras, Oregon
Sometimes in order to get the best photographs you have to work for it, and that’s what this couple did during their engagement session at the breathtaking White River Falls in Madras, OR.
Galina and Max joined me in hiking all the way up to this gorgeous waterfall and Galina even trailblazed it through the rocky terrain all while wearing her heels! We had a blast playing in the cold water and laughing and talking all about their love of corgis. Galina’s adorable backless light blue dress and black strappy maxi dress made for some incredibly picturesque photographs.
Beyond being incredibly photogenic, Galina and Max are the most vibrant and smiley couple ever, and with hearts of gold! They went out of their way to make me feel comforted and loved after learning that my kitten had recently been put down. At our shoot they brought me a framed picture in special memory of my kitty; because that’s the kind of amazing people they are! I could not have asked for a better couple to do this shoot with and I cannot wait to be able to be a part of capturing their wedding next year!
