@Weddings (Why I Love ‘Em)
Location: Worldwide [International Wedding Photographer]
WEDDINGS by BUNN
February is here. The month of love. And, it’s also Chinese New Year! Okay, so that doesn’t apply to us all. But, if it does then Happy New Year! This month is also when wedding proposals happen; well, at least mine did. Which got me thinking of why I love documenting weddings so much…
There are two things that have totally changed my life: My WEDDING and PHOTOGRAPHY.
This is how I came to a career in wedding photography. I love raw emotions … It’s what I look for. I try to capture it as it unfolds … The way it is … As it should be. After seeing my wedding photos, I knew the kinds of photos I wanted to document for others. REAL MOMENTS.
To share a photo story, you have to let it tell itself.
Image(s): Your Wedding Day
Married: Katie & JJ
Location: O’ahu [Hawaii Wedding Photographer]
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT KATIE.
Oh yes, there is. It might be the catchlight in her eyes. I can see my own reflection in them when I’m photographing her close up. It might be her upturn nose. How cute is that?! It might be her curly red hair. It picks up the wind so beautifully, as if it was only meant for her. Or, it just might be the way she looks at JJ. When she looks at him, I can see just how happy she is to be with him. As if being by his side is all she needs until the end of time. She would be forever content. Oh yes, I can see that … I can feel it. Her smile is just that potent.
This past weekend, I was lucky enough to spend it with my husband in O’ahu, Hawaii. That’s right, we’re talking 84-degree weather day and night, night and day — in January?! I’m not lying. Seriously, I plan to live there during the entire winter season next year and the year after that. Heck, make it every year! Am I being greedy? I promise to share the sunshine … just a little. hehe!
The main reason for the trip was to assist Maalaea Gustafson (IandM Photography) with Katie and JJ’s destination wedding in Wai’anae. It wasn’t as if Maalaea needed to twist my arm or anything. Hawaii in January, eh? Sigh. Um, let me think about it. [a short breath later] Dude, I’m totally in!!! The last time I had been in Hawaii was six years ago, so I was ready to soak up the sun! HOLLA!!!
NOTE: Katie and JJ opted to do a First Look, then gave us a lot of time to do some fun shots with their bridal party. There’s so much that can be done in 45 minutes as opposed to only 15 minutes. (The first shot is from their engagement session just two days before. I adore Katie’s smile here.)
Anytime w/Maalaea Gustafson
Location: Pacific City [Oregon Portraits Photographer]
REINTRODUCING…
Being friends with photographers not only mean fun times and shared knowledge, but awesome photo shoots, too! What do photographers do on their days off? Well, we dress up one of our own in a wedding gown and hit the beach! Rain or shine, we were set to make some beautiful images. (And, I believe we achieved that.)
Maalaea Gustafson, the “M” in IandM Photography, first came into my life when she sent me an email inquiring about photography. We met for coffee, and I must’ve talked her ears off because I could see her eyes glaze from information overload. Yeah, I’m pretty good at that. You’ll lose me at “hello.” But, I guess I didn’t scare her too badly because she’s been a friend of mine ever since. She’s assisted me with a few weddings, I assisted her with a senior session. We often meet for sushi or coffee, but never both — at least not anymore. We learned the combo isn’t always great.
NOTE: You’ll be seeing even more images of the beautiful Maalaea by the other Click Chicks when they post on their Facebook pages and/or blogs. Gosh, how can you blame us? She’s gorgeous! Oh, what’s a Click Chicks? Well, if you don’t already know it then you’ll have to find out later. :)
P.S. I just celebrated the one-year mark from the day I finally quit my day job. Life’s been good!!!
Anytime w/Kelly Goode
Location: Pacific City [Oregon Portraits Photographer]
INTRODUCING…
This delightful creature showed up with three pairs of boots and a beautiful white dress so that we could do a bridal session — at the beach! Oh, and not to mention in the cold days of November! Luckily, it didn’t rain on us and we were blessed with overcast skies. It was perfect!
Kelly Goode, of Capture Photography, played up her outfit and amazing red hair so wonderfully. She rocked the hair, the dress, and the boots. Including, the flower in her hair which happen to be made from paper towel! No, I’m totally not kidding. (Thanks again, Mel! You’re so creative!)
Kelly does a great job at faking laughter for the camera, as she was told to do it over and over. Seriously, this isn’t an easy task. But, she made it look so good, huh?! Sadly, when I’m really laughing in front of the camera it actually looks fake. It’s just my gift to take terrible self portraits. I’ve been doing it for 33 years so I surely cannot stop now. haha!
P.S. Because Kelly is also a photographer, she needed very little directions on how to pose. Though, it’s not true for all of us photographers (definitely not me!), but she got it on lock! I would ask her to do something and she’d do it, but added her own style to it which worked out even better. She makes me want to get in front of the camera and strut my stuff, too. Okay, maybe not so much that I’d actually do it any time soon. haha! Again, photogenic is just not me. *sigh*
NOTE: Red. I love this color. Therefore, there is no need for B&W. Hooray for awesome redheads!
Married: Erica & Shaun
Location: Newberg [Oregon Wedding Photographer]
THIS IS THE REASON WHY I CHOSE WEDDINGS AS A PROFESSION.
They opted for a First Look. Oh, how I love thee! But, I wasn’t prepared for the tears … I don’t think she was either. She had to make a few stops along the way before setting eyes on her groom for the first time on this day. We all let her take her time because it was a moment worth waiting for.
Erica & Shaun: I’m sure you guys had a wonderful honeymoon in Hawaii! I’m still uber-jealous! And, now that you’re back I’ve got a little challenge for you. If you can get 30 individuals to post a comment on this blog, not Facebook (those will not count), then I’ve got a complimentary wedding album waiting for you. But … No cheating! Yes, I do check IP address. Good Luck!
Guest Photographer: Derrick Bautista
P.S. Is it just me or does the cake frosting, in the last photo below, look like dancing little women?
@First Look (Why I Love It)
Location: Corvallis [Oregon Wedding Photographer]
HOW A FIRST LOOK CAN LAST A LIFETIME FOR YOU…
When the photographer asked if my fiancé and I wanted to do a First Look for our 2002 wedding, we were certain that was out of the question. We were so set to see each other for the first time at the altar. But, looking back at my wedding photos seven years later, I wish so much that we had decided otherwise. We don’t really have photos of that single moment that was supposed to be special for us. Just us.
I can vaguely still remember what I felt when I walked down the aisle to see my soon-to-be husband for the first time, but nothing properly documented to show how I truly felt. My groom cried, but I didn’t really see his face until much, much later — after the ceremony was over. Yeah, I guess the nerves clouded my vision so much that I missed it all. In a way, I’m trying to make it up by living vicariously through others and through my lens.
Oh, I just love how Caitlin & Janai incorporated fall colors into their 09/05/09 wedding. LOVE!!!
P.S. A very special thank-you to Kim O’Neil for allowing me to assist her on this wedding.
@dasBOOTH (Making Faces)
Location: Gaston [Oregon Wedding Photographer]
HEY, LET’S SET UP A FUN PHOTO BOOTH AT YOUR WEDDING!
This is my take on photo booth service. I call it dasBOOTH. Yes, like the movie. Yes, bad joke. Well, who said I was a comedian?!
I had so much fun setting up a booth for this particular wedding. For one, it was my very first photo booth! And, I definitely hope to do more of it in the near future. The guests had a blast and I could tell because they kept coming back for more shots, especially these identical twin boys who pretty much never left the booth! haha! But, I’m so glad they kept posing for me because what they done with those parasols I never would’ve thunk up myself. So, big props to them! *ahem* Yes, pun intended. See, I am a comedian after all. haha!
NOTE: dasBOOTH starts at $500 for two hours à la carte. EMAIL ME for more info!
Guest Photographer(s): Kim O’Neil & Maalaea Gustafson
Anytime w/Mr&Mrs K
Location: Berlin [Germany Wedding Photographer]
YES, YOU CAN WEAR YOUR FAVORITE OLD CHUCKS FOR THE SHOOT.
My first-ever destination wedding B&G, Arounothay & Carsten, opted to not do their portraits on their wedding day, but instead on an “After Shots” session which we scheduled after their honeymoon. I loved this idea! There was no pressure to have it all done during the wedding which is usually a very stressful time for everyone, especially the B&G. And, what’s also great is that they were refreshed and worry-free for their portraits as Husband & Wife. Ironically, we chose Park Sanssouci in Potsdam as the background for their session, in which, the word “Sanssouci” means: without worry. Did we plan or did we P.L.A.N.??? Word.
Carsten played along as the gentleman that he is to Arounothay for the first half of the two-hour session. But, once I gave him the green light to switch from his formal footwear to his most-favored Converse Chucks he went bonkers! I am telling you no lies when I say that he pretty much did his thang and worked it for the camera! These first few shots were all his ideas: (1.) hiding under Arounothay’s gown, to shelter himself from the rain, and (2.) recreating a 1993 pose from Janet Jackson’s album cover Janet? But, guess what … I had the time of my life on this shoot! How fun to have this twist in our original plan??? Oh, another thing that we did not plan was the crowd that circulated around us. At one point, a mother and her children went up to Arounothay for permission to photograph with her because the little girls thought she was a real-life princess! And, just like a princess, Arounothay lost a slipper as she was making her way up the staircase. But, her prince was close behind to reclaim it for her, of course! What does this remind you of?
Make-Up: Donnie Phanivong
P.S. Seriously, the little girl on the left (with the hair berets) has the best expression ever. Classic!
@My First Destination Wedding!
Location: Berlin [Germany Wedding Photographer]
With the right ingredients, weddings make me giddy and I don’t really need champagne!
I haven’t shot a wedding alone in a few years, so I’ve forgotten how nerve-racking it can be when you realize you’ve got no one else to depend on. You’re it. You get the shots. D’oh! That was me on July 3 for Arounothay and Carsten’s beautiful wedding at a rowing club by the river. What I liked best about their wedding are the unplanned moments, such as when the guests migrated down to the dock and dipped their feet in the water. The moment when rowers emerged from the river and linked their two oars for our couple to walk through. Then the unexpected firework in the evening. I’m still giddy from all that unfolded. It was fantastic!
NOTE: Okay, this little guy (Aslan) has got to be the cutest wedding guest I’ve ever seen. Ever!
P.S. Happy Fourth of July, my fellow Americans!
@My First Henna Party!
Location: Tigard [Oregon Wedding Photographer]
IT’S MY FIRST-EVER HENNA PARTY!
I had the pleasure of documenting a recent bride being hennaed in preparation for her wedding this past weekend. It was basically two hours of dancing and awesome food. It was a lot of fun! But, because it was girls only, all the guys were removed from the house — only after running some errands first. haha! So, that meant my regular assistant (Derrick Bautista) was ousted, too. But, luckily for me, Missy Cochran, an awesome lifestyle and wedding photographer, was able to assist me. She is such an amazing talent!
NOTE: Per my client’s request, I can only share these few abstract shots with you.
Guest Photographer: Missy Cochran
Contest: ‘09 Romance Me
The annual “Romance Me Contest” is back … This time for a Free Wedding Photography!
NOTE: Winner will be announced on April 1.
[WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ENTER?]
—Any engaged couple over the age of 18 is eligible.
—You must already have a wedding date and location set for sometime this year. That’s 2009!
—NOTE: Entries cannot be a former client.
[WHAT YOU GIVE.]
—There’s no catch! This is absolutely free (if located in Oregon).
—For locations outside of Oregon, travel fee is applicable.
[WHAT YOU GET.]
GRAND PRIZE: Free Wedding Photography avec moi ($1,800 value)
—6 straight hours of unlimited shooting
—250+ proofs (4×6) in box and hi-res photo CD
—password-protected gallery for print ordering
—online slideshow of pre-selected wedding photos
[YOU READY TO ENTER?]
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
UPDATE (08/05/09): Meet the winner of my 2009 Romance Me Contest.
DISCLAIMER: There’s really no catch to this, whatsoever. Really! I was a bride in 2002, so I know exactly how expensive professional wedding photography can be. But, it was important to me to have it so this is my gift to you for your own important day. Best Wishes!
Image(s): Cecilia & Daniel (2008 “Romance Me Contest” Winners)
Married: Liza & Lou
Location: Portland [Oregon Wedding Photographer]
My first 15-hour wedding to date … and probably my last! haha! (I’m totally kidding, y’all.)
But, it’s not easy lugging around a 40-pound camera bag for hours and hours. My eyes start to cross and that’s not good considering it’s my job to stay “focused.” I know, I know … bad joke. Well, who said I was a comedian anyway?! Bleh!
Location: Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
Guest Photographer: Derrick Bautista
[VIEW SLIDESHOW]
Married: Rasha & Keith
Location: Portland [Oregon Wedding Photographer]
WHEN THE LEAVES TURN COLOR THEN IT’S THE PERFECT TIME FOR A WEDDING!
Rasha and Keith agreed to do a quick and very private First Look of each other before the ceremony started. Oh, how I so recommend this! However, it wasn’t that private … passers-by on the waterfront all stopped to stare at them. Well, Rasha is GORGEOUS!!!
Location: RiverPlace Hotel Portland
Guest Photographer(s): Derrick Bautista
P.S. One of my favorite things about their reception was the large oval head table where the couple sat with their immediate family. It was a nice change from having a small table for only two. It was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen, like a Mafia table. I wish I was cool like that, too! hehe.
Married: Sarah & Eric
Location: Vernonia [Oregon Wedding Photographer]
OH, DON’T YOU DARE CRY. DON’T DO IT. *sobs*
I got to second-shoot at Sarah and Eric’s wedding today. Yay!!! They didn’t have many details to shoot, however, they had plenty of hugs and kisses to give. Everywhere I looked they were a-huggin’ and a-kissin’. Oh, they had tons of beer, too! Wahoo!!!
After the ceremony, they snuck up to the top of the hill; I’m sure they wanted privacy, but it’s my job to be a snoop. (Hey, I do it very well!) So, because of such talent I was able to capture some very tender moments between the new husband and his wife. It was so sweet!!!
*patting myself on the back*
@My First Trash the Dress!
Location: Portland [Oregon Wedding Photographer]
YOU WANT ME TO GET IN THE WATER … IN MY WEDDING GOWN?
Trash The Dress! is a style of photo shoot that involves putting back on your wedding dress and just have fun with it. Like, no guilt! Seriously, when are you ever going to wear it or even see it outside of the box again???
NOTE: This dress is cleaner now than before Jen put it on. Hm, must’ve been all that salt water!
P.S. Jen’s 6yo son, nicknamed “Phatty Pants,” also joined in — yes, he’s really 6yo! Poor kid, he felt left out so asked to be in a few shots. Which is why he is now known as “Pouty Pants.” Aww … haha!
