Amber & Ben FINALLY tie the knot!!!This wedding was SUPER SPECIAL to us simply because we are BFFs with them... and they are amazing people who have been in our lives for years and will be for ever. I'm tearing up writing this blog, actually... ;)
Josh, who always shoots weddings with me, was actually IN this wedding, as one of Ben's groomsmen. It was nice seeing him be able to fulfill his role as a part of the bridal party, and as one of Ben's great friends. And I was honored to have had the opportunity to see my friends get married after all of the planning!
Friend and fellow photographer
Wayne Toshikazu second shot this wedding for me as well (he also helped me on a wedding the day before!). Thank you Wayne for capturing the guys getting ready and helping me out with the ceremony! It was awesome and reassuring having you help out!
Amber and Ben got engaged last year (2009) at the top of the
Empire State Building in NY, when they went there for a week on vacation. We knew he was going to propose to her and it was super difficult to not show the excitement to Amber, since she had NO idea!
They, of course, hired us on the spot to be a part of their wedding day and to capture it as professional photographers AND as friends of their and everyone else in the wedding and attending. It was the most personal and close-to-the-heart wedding to date, for us. Josh and I both immediately started photographing their planning and all of their wedding-related events.
- - 1st Unofficial Engagement Session: Camping trip we took together by Mt Adams, WA.
- - Engagement Session #1: September 2009, David Hill Winery and corn fields.
- - Dress Fitting: no photos to show you here... these are private :)
- - Engagement Session #2: January 2010, Pacific Beach OR with Luke-dog
- - Engagement Party at Amber's mom's: no photos to show here... these are private also :)
- - Engagement Session #3: July 2010, urban shoot, downtown Portland with two dress changes
- - Bridal Shower: no photos to show you here... these are private also :)
And now... THE WEDDING!
Everyone started getting ready in a room at Hotel Deluxe, in downtown Portland. I got there at 10am to shoot, while Josh was already hanging with the boys about to get ready himself. We did a first look around 2pm in the gorgeous lobby of the hotel. Then we all hopped on a party bus and headed to the beautiful Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens. We did group portraits and then relaxed till the ceremony. After the ceremony, we gave enough time for everyone to gather at the entrance of the gardens, then made our way to them for Amber & Ben's fun walk out through everyone waving little congratulations flags. The three of us hopped in a classy Rolls Royce and headed to Hotel Deluxe for the posh and romantic and beautifully decorated reception dinner and party.
This is PART 1 of the two part Sneak Peek of Amber & Ben's wedding day! I photographed for 12 hours straight, so there are PLENTY more photos to show from the second half of the night :)
Amber and Ben: We love you and wish you everything that is beautiful, and fruitful, and inspiring, and passionate... for your new life together as husband and wife. Have fun in Brazil and we can't wait to see you again when you get back!!
<3 <3 <3~ Alice & Josh
More vendors will be listed as soon as I get all the names from Amber! :)
- Wedding date: September 4th, 2010
- Wedding location: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens, Portland OR
- Reception location: Gracie's Dining, within Hotel deLuxe, Portland OR
- Wedding Day-of Coordination: Champagne NW (Mandy Downs), Portland OR
- Officiant: Lisa Kristen-Scott, Portland OR
- Rolls Royce: Best Car In Town, Portland OR
- Florist: Jordan of Blum Floral Design, Portland OR
- Videographer: Hybrid Moon, Portland OR
- Photobooth: PDX Photolounge, Portland OR
PART 1 has ended :) Part 2 coming up tomorrow so check back! THANK YOU!! :)
