Seattle Tennis Club Wedding & Fremont Ave Rehearsal: Nicole & Gabe

There are so many moments of specialness in this blog post and this weekend's events. I can't tell you how much I'm smiling right now.

When I met Nicole and Gabe, I felt like we just clicked. I even introduced them to (my husband) Steven after our first meeting, because we were going to be friends, whether I booked them as clients or not.

Nicole's emails made my day just about every time I got one. The best one, though, was when they invited me to their rehearsal dinner, as a guest, told me to leave my camera at home, and then topped it off by telling me that the event was on "my" boat! ...And by "my boat" I mean the boat that I was the first mate and bartender on when I was in college (that I have no ownership of whatsoever). The boat that I love more than all other boats. With the Captain who I love as a father. MY BOAT! I tossed practicality aside and decided to drive to Seattle on a Friday. For fun. During Wedding Season.  And I am SO glad I did.

*Please note, rehearsal dinner photos are what I took as a guest, because I felt like it. But I didn't want to keep all of Seattle's pretty waterfront to myself.*  :)

Also, my shameless plug for "my boat." If the enthusiasm above didn't clearly convey it, I think this is a wonderful boat. Go take a Sunday Ice Cream Cruise with Captain Larry. Or two. Or three. It's a bargain and it's awesome. Also, I painted the mural in the men's room, in case you were interested. :)

Gabe's gift for his future wife needed to be opened up before wedding day.

Gabe had secretly saved all of the ticket stubs from their dating adventures and had a collage made for Nicole (because a good man is both sensitive AND knows when to ask for creative assistance.)And, because they're sweet, they opened the present I brought them too. Which also made my day. I never get to see people open the presents I send them.  (the mugs. I gave them their mugs.)
Here are just a few of my favorite view spots. These views used to be "my office." Best job ever! And, I hear he's hiring currently. ;)Speeches. Tears. Gorgeous views. No more words needed. 

And then it was wedding day.  :)  Enjoy their wedding day story! It's a good one!I know what you're thinking: first, you're thinking, "Holy wow those are hot bridesmaids!" And your second thought: "Where did they get those robes!?" They're from Plum Pretty Sugar. Yeah, I want one too.  And, on wedding day, it was Gabe's turn to open his present from Nicole. ...I think he liked it. I LOVE that my job includes getting to watch people open special presents from loved ones. It's the coolest.

The vows and the speeches tend to be my favorite parts of wedding day. I try not to overstep my sharing fun by sharing personal wedding day details, but let me say this: I laughed. I cried. They moved me. GOOD SPEECHES.There may have been a "Rocks-Paper-Scissors" battle to see who got cupcake in the face. I'm not entirely sure, but I think Gabe hesitated an extra second before selecting "paper."

Albany Wedding Photographer: Flinn Block Hall with Kirsti & Colton

I got to photograph Kirsti & Colton's White Spires Church ceremony and Flinn Block Hall reception on June 28th. It was SUCH a good day!

Levi (on the right) is Kirsti's brother. He got married earlier this summer - check their wedding here. Nice wedding bands, right!?

This self-proclaimed shy couple grand-slammed their portraits. I posted lots. Narrowing them down was impossible. I do not apologize.

Can I take a moment to pause here and talk about weddings in general? (I'm going to assume you said yes. Good). Receiving lines. They're wildly unpopular. And, I must respectfully disagree with that sentiment. I LOVE LOVE LOVE receiving lines! They are a wonderful (and speedy, even though nobody believes me) way to get to make sure that you connect with each of your guests (which is typically a post-wedding concern for many thoughtful couples).

So, all of that makes for a great argument FOR a receiving line. Let me make mine as a photographer. LOOK AT THE EMOTIONS (below). You can eat that love up with a spoon! I am such a sucker for those looks of love and joy that a couple receives from friends and family right after a wedding ceremony. I promise not to try to talk you into it when we're talking wedding schedule, but if you're thinking about your upcoming wedding, take a look at those faces below.

Kirsti & Colton, in case it wasn't terribly obvious, I loved your receiving line! :) :)

Hehe! I LOVE that someone else felt like this was a photo worth taking. ;)

I forgot to get a picture with Danielle and Levi at their wedding earlier this summer, so I made up for lost time at the reception.  :)

Congratulations Kirsti & Colton! I can't wait to see you guys again and hear about your awesome honeymoon!

Vintage Shabby Chic Purple Barn Wedding in the Willamette Valley: Danielle & Levi

Danielle & Levi were married on Levi's parents' farm on May 17, 2014.
We all met at the barn for a sweet ceremony, yummy lunch, dancing, and homebrew.

Levi and the guys got ready at Grandma & Grandpa's while Danielle and the ladies got dressed at Mom and Dad's house. My family has a farm with a house setup like that, so there was this special familiarity of family farm living that gave their wedding day extra closeness.

Someone is a soccer fan! Levi loved his gift from Danielle - especially his (almost finished) Timbers quilt, which was pretty sweet. Congratulations, Danielle & Levi!

To see all the photos from Levi & Danielle's wedding, click here!