It’s currently still 2009 in Los Angeles. I’m sitting here after a 20 hour road trip with one of my best friends, her husband and my future husband. We had a wonderful day in the sunshine, visiting with missed friends, filming hilarious footage, and braving dangerous drivers.

In this moment, and reflecting on this particular year.

I am happy.

Oh yes, and GO DUCKS!!!!!

There are several major selling points to getting married in Oregon vs. Seattle. And I say “Oregon” instead of Portland, because well…. I’m not limiting myself to the city area. Both Billy and I are from Oregon, so there are plenty of locations there that hold special meaning for us.

Pro’s:

• Oregon has NO sales tax!
• Local location for most family
• Existing relationships with wonderful vendors
• Know an amazing caterer at an extremely affordable price (one of the priciest parts of a wedding)

Con’s:

• It’s likely to be cold and or rainy
• Planning from Seattle will prove challenging
• More time away from work the week of the wedding

Here are some Oregon wedding venues I love:

BLUE ROOSTER B&B

The pictures I’ve found of this online aren’t really good enough quality to post here, so visually you might not feel me. Hear me out, this location is perfect. It’s a bit of a drive from Eugene, so I would need to consider providing transportation for guests, AND unfortunately it’s already completely booked for 2010. SO I would have to accept the fact that I’ll be engaged for a long time (not such a fan), but you do what you have to do. I love love love this venue. I think it has the most potential for success in what I’m seeking. Must see it in person.

Added bonus: They do the venue rental by the WEEKEND, not the day.

These images courtesy of Blue Rooster BnB, and Stefani Faunce.

TIMBERLINE LODGE

It doesn’t get more rustic than a mountain lodge. Timberline is a place that is rich with Oregon history. Timberline Lodge was a product of the Great Depression funded by the Federal Works Progress Department. The main lodge was completed in 1937, and was declared a historical monument in 1977. It’s one of Oregon’s most famous attractions, and I think it’s awesome that they hold weddings there! My family, particularly my older brother, has always been involved in snow sports. Timberline is a place we’ve enjoyed together on many occasions.

These STUNNING images are courtesy of Altura Studio.

MOUNT HOOD BED AND BREAKFAST

This little hidden gem is tucked into the hills below Mt. Hood. It would most definitely have a destination feel which is appealing, and I love that they have an indoor barn option as well as an equally impressive outdoor reception option if the weather is amazing. They’re also extremely sweet and accommodating. They provide a bunch of the rentals on site (including the heaters) So you don’t have to worry about delivery from a rental house. How amazing is that backdrop for the ceremony? This one is worth a tour as well.

These photos courtesy of Mt. Hood Bed and Breakfast, and Blaine and Bethany

Admittedly I am one of those weird dog ladies that coos and gushes over my dog. I can’t help it. I have those pheromones moms get for their kids. You know, the ones that make them think that every gross and inappropriate thing they do is adorable? I love her dog smell, her soft fur, and the way she likes to rub her face all over mine in the morning when we’re spooning. SO just for fun today I’m entering this little snap of her taking one of her adorable puppy naps on her paws in the sunlight for the weekly contest on I ♥ Faces, this weeks theme is “Sweet Dreams”….   I heart this face:

I tend to be the type of person that thrives on the concept of living each minute to it’s fullest. I pack my schedule full, and I like it that way. I always have several pokers in the fire, and a big one of them happens to be production work.

As  a producer it’s my job, and my JOY, to seek out and scout all of the locations, find and cast the talent, and organize the photo shoot for my client from top to bottom.

I’m an expert in organization and planning, which lends itself nicely to my job as a freelance producer. This summer Andersen Ross, the stock photography company I work for, ventured into the world of motion. It’s a scary thought, the photography world is in transition constantly. As the demand for interactive media goes up, the demand for still media will go down. It remains my goal to be on the upside of that curve, always staying current with technology and accepting the future. With the assistance and partnership of HD Cinema Group, we have been working with the top of the line motion equipment, the RedONE to create the highest possible standard of stock motion available! It’s very exciting!

I’m thrilled to share this loop with you, it’s essentially all of our hard work condensed down to 1 minute and 40 seconds. I hope you enjoy!