One of my favorite things to do on dates I’m not booked with my own clients, is to photograph couples alongside my peers. A lot of photographers bring second professional photographers with them to weddings as additional coverage for the day. It’s always an awesome opportunity for me to get to know how other photographers work with their clients, and push myself to think more creatively! Last month I had the privilege of working alongside one of my favorite people in the world, Yasmin Khajavi. She’s a fantastic, cute as a button, larger than life photog from Portland, and any time she calls I jump at the chance to work alongside her. Here are some of my favorite images from the day, and you can see her post here, by visiting her blog. This lovely little wedding actually took place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in the teeny tiny town I grew up in. The bride and I went to high school together! Small world! Their lovely reception was held at Willamette Valley Vineyards in Salem, Oregon. A gorgeous reception venue with breathtaking views of the Valley.

Congrats Justin and Jen! Thanks for being so awesome to work with!

xo,
Laura

It wasn’t that long ago that I was sharing with you the story of how the mister proposed. It was a moment that I have a lack of words to describe. If anyone has ever witnessed or been the recipient of a proposal, they see the emotions fly by in a split second. Confusion, nervousness, joy, passion, giddiness, disbelief, fear and excitement all make an appearance within that 30 second time period after the ring is flashed. Oh to be a fly on that wall!

Proposal stories are some of my favorites from clients, it really says a lot about who they are as a couple, and allows me to get to know them deeper. The stories I’ve heard really vary, and some of them you’ve likely read on this blog if you’re a regular here. They range from over the top, to down home, all with one link in common, perfection. You can always expect to hear that something didn’t go quite as planned, or she thought he was joking around with her so she slapped him and said no, those are my favorite moments, the ones that speak volumes to their connection, humor and spice with each other.

The weather was unpredictable, but we didn’t care, we headed out across the mountains to camp, wine taste, and see some friends who were about to change their lives for the better. The plan was laid, not set in stone, but for the most part we knew the when and the where. The day it was supposed to happen, we arrived early to scope it out. Then we hid. Billy and I giggled for what seemed like forever. Excited at the anticipation. The spot was epic, truly amazing, romantic, gorgeous.

Taryn is a wine lover, so I’m sure it didn’t take Scott much convincing to get her to Chelan for the weekend of her birthday. He played his cards right, hired a limo to take them tasting. The second to last stop on the tour brought them to Karma Vineyards, a gorgeous tasting room overlooking the lake and they made plans to tour the cellar. As Julie, the proprietress, brought them into the impressive cave cellar, she slipped away and Scott dropped to his knee. Billy and I popped out of our hiding spot like ninjas and did our best to capture the fastest proposal in the history of proposals.

The best part is that Taryn didn’t even see her ring before she shouted out her “YES!!!!”. It was tied to the wine glass she held, and after she discovered it, between the tears of joy and laughter, she gasped at it’s beauty and placed it on her finger. Taryn is a woman of impeccable taste, take a look at her ring and you’ll know she knows her style. She’s also an incredibly talented wedding planner, can’t wait to see what she comes up with for her big day!

After snapping a few cute pre-engagement images, we joined them for tasting and an afternoon of celebration with their lovely families.

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Scott and Taryn,

I couldn’t be more happy for you both! We had such an awesome time witnessing your day and celebrating with you. You were magnificently shining, both of you.

We wish you both the best in planning the wedding of your dreams!

All our love,

Laura and Billy

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ALSO a HUGE thank you to Julie Pittsinger and her incredible staff at Karma Vineyards for being so welcoming and warm to us. I’m sorry if we scared you a couple times from our hiding spot. ;-) And because every story is better with a picture… here are a few of my favorites from this day.

And here is Taryn discovering her ring… ha!

PS. How gorgeous is Chelan? Swoon.

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