Being a Bridesmaid

I’m excited. Tomorrow marks the first wedding in over two years (with the exception of my own) that I’ll be attending as a guest. And beyond just being a guest I get to be a bridesmaid as well. Which means I get to wear this lovely pale pink dress and a pair of absolutely delightful heels. I get to wear makeup and don’t have to worry about whether or not my hair will fall in front of my lens during family portraits. I also get to dance during the reception, eat a piece of wedding cake without feeling guilty, sit during the entire dinner hour, and, maybe, have a glass of wine. Now that I think about it, this is going to be a whole new wild world for me.

No doubt it will be nearly impossible for me to make it through an entire wedding without snapping a few pictures. But I’m going to try with all my might to relax, enjoy the day, and experience life as a bridesmaid. Just me, my fellow bridesmaids, my pretty pink Amsale dress, and maybe just a few pictures.

M.

Kaitlyn + Kyle :: Portland Engagement Photography

I'll be honest, when Kaitlyn first called to tell me about her new beau I was skeptical. Kaitlyn and I had been friends since the sixth grade and had been talking about Mr. Right since roughly that time as well. We wondered about his rugged good looks, his love for the outdoors, his witty sense of humor, and his passion for college football - four essentials otherwise known as the key points of Husbandry 101. So when I met Kyle for the first time in January of 2008, I arrived with a critical eye. Did he really love fishing as much as Kaitlyn claimed he did? Was he really, actually, funny? And could I count on him to buy Kaitlyn season tickets to Oregon State's football team?! Imagine my delight when I found that the answer to all my lingering questions (and many more) was a resounding YES! Not only did he pass our (slightly superficial) test with flying colors, but he soared above and beyond any man I could ever have dreamt of for Kaitlyn. He's kind, selfless, adventurous, and he has an uncanny ability to put up with Kaitlyn's fiery spirit (I love you, K!).

And Kaitlyn? Kaitlyn is equally as wonderful as Kyle (well, maybe even a little more so because she's my friend). She's without a doubt the easiest person you'll ever find to talk to. She's thoughtful and caring and has yet to meet a stranger. In a word, she's really just a hoot - an adorable, blonde, all-American kick in the pants.

Kaitlyn and Kyle, I, just...love you. I'll refrain from getting too sappy on the internet, but you should know that I think the world of you both. I feel so honored to be shooting your wedding and cannot wait for October to finally arrive.

LoveLOVElove,

M.

World, meet Lucy - the most precious dog on Earth.

Kaitlyn, I know you don't need me to tell you this, but you are stunning. Absolutely stunning!

We found a gorgeous open field under the Burnside Bridge and Kaitlyn and Kyle volunteered a few of their uh-dorable dancing skills.

Oh my heart...

And the bling - complete with Kyle's grandmother's diamond.

After one last wardrobe change we shot a few quick pictures in the city...

...you two look good!

I can't decide which I love more; Kaitlyn's laugh, or the look on Kyle's face as he's looking at his girl. Both are sort of wonderful.

Happy Wednesday!

Sammy + Griffin :: Central Oregon Wedding Photography

Me and Sam go way back. Like, way, way back. So far back in fact, that I can't remember a time when I didn't know her. Though if you just met Sammy today, you would feel like you've known her forever as well. She's bubbly and bright and beautiful - three things that make Griffin an extra lucky man to be spending the rest of his life with her. But from the way Griffin was looking at Sam during our afternoon engagement shoot at Smith Rock State Park, there's not a doubt in my mind that Sammy is quite the lucky girl herself. Griffin and Sam, I really truly cannot express just how fortunate I feel to be shooting your wedding this August. I know you had your pick of incredible Central Oregon photographers when it came to choosing the one who would capture your special day. So, from the bottom of my heart I'm sending you both a big, all caps, extra-exclamation pointed, THANK YOU!!!!

Ohhhhh Sammy! You're making a lot of girls jealous with the gorgeous smile and amazing hair you've got going on.

Seriously, you two...

After a quick change we hit the trail in search of a few more photo ops....

...and I like to think we did okay on our location search.

Dear Sammy + Griffin: Because of you I have the world's easiest job. Thanks a million. XOXOXO, Michelle

I can't quite put my finger on the reason, but without fail every time I look at this picture I melt inside. Like right now? My heart = melting.

And this? This is what happiness looks like...

Sammy and Griffin, thank you for being beautiful people both inside and out. For being fun, funny, and for laughing at my totally lame jokes. I cannot wait for the month of August and I am ridiculously excited to watch you two become husband and wife. On an excitement scale of one to ten, I'm sitting comfortably at a twenty-five.

Lots of love,

Michelle