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

This has been such an exciting year, 2011 right out of the gate was the busiest we’ve ever been here at Laura Marchbanks Photography. We were awed and honored when asked to be a part of this year’s Weddings in Woodinville showcase.

“Weddings in Woodinville is a special event designed to give couples and their families and friends a sneak preview of each fully-decorated venue to better envision their special wedding day and meet with industry professionals that can help them put it all together.” Each of the 7 venues highlight some of the best wedding professionals in the industry. We had the privilege of showcasing our work at Willows Lodge along with these fabulous professionals:

Coordination and design by Taylor’d Events by Jennifer (a miracle worker really…)

Alongside:

Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Cadeo Flower
Elements In Bloom
From The Gown Up
Good Times DJ Service
Grand Event Rentals
Hybrid Mood Productions
Jennifer Witsil Creative
Koko Fit Club
Linens by Alice
Marrylicious
Nash Fung
Salon Maison
Starry Nights
Window to the Soul Ministry

We had such a wonderful time meeting all of you gorgeous brides and grooms. Thank you for stopping by to say hello!

Here are some highlights from our beautiful spot at Willows Lodge. Thank you Willows and Jenn Wenman for being so accommodating and warm to all of us. We love you!

Jenni would be the first to tell you it wasn’t love at first sight. Make no mistake, Ryan was dashingly handsome as he made his way across the bar, Jenni certainly noticed him. She strutted over, introduced herself, and learned that he too was a law student, and had also done his undergrad at UW. She excitedly shared her similarity and told him “I was a Theta there!”. His reply? “I hate Thetas!”

She made her way home that night quite discouraged, nonetheless…. added him as a friend on Facebook.

Their friendship simmered, and as they got to know each other through many nights of Facebook chat, things heated up. She won his heart with her incredible compassion, humor and devotion. He won hers with his loyalty, sincerity and a high school musical poster.

3 years and two law degrees later, Jenni and Ryan recited their vows in front of their closest family and friends. I think Jenni said it best, people are like puzzle pieces. Some edges are round, and some are sharp. Jenni and Ryan have found in each other all of the pieces to make each other whole.

Ryan and Jenni,

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful day with us. We feel honored to call you both friends!

xoxo,

Laura

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Planning a wedding is tough cookies. 99% of the reason we entered the contest, and put ourselves through planning a wedding in 4 weeks is because we couldn’t decide… on eh-nay-thang. There are SO many choices, so many resources, and so many talented people and services to choose from!

Some may say the best way to check out as many wedding professionals as you can in a day, is to attend a wedding show. I’m not really a tradeshow girl. I’m the one in the grocery store that gets to one end and forgets to pick something up all the way on the other side. My feet hurt, I come home with all kinds of crap that I have no recollection of intentionally picking up. WELL, I say, if you give one wedding show a glimpse this year, grab your fiancé and head out to Woodinville on January 30th for the best wedding showcase event of the year. 7 wineries, 80 of the best wedding professionals in Seattle, and a whole lot of wine! This and so much more, is Weddings in Woodinville.

Last year B and I went to this show as Bride and Groom, and we had the BEST time, the BEST. We met our caterer there, tasted some amazing cake (this girl loves cake) and had a blast meeting other couples. It is such an honor for me to say that this year I’ll be showcasing my work at Willows Lodge as part of the show. I’m SO EXCITED because I’m there with some of my favorite people in the world. Jen Taylor from Taylor’d Events is coordinating, Tanya from Elements in Bloom is doing the florals, and Eric Newland from Hybrid Moon will have his video booth there along with many many more awesome professionals! Please, if you want to attend, head on over to the site and purchase your ticket now! There are only 300 tickets and when they’re gone…. they’re gone.

Stop by, say hello, and give me a hug.

PS> If you watch the video from last year on the website… you’ll see a cameo of B and I at about 14-15 seconds in… I’m wearing my favorite green coat :-)

Recently I turned on the TV, attempting to find the news but settled on the View. Don’t ask me why, I really don’t like the show, but somehow I ended up there. The topic of discussion was about human attraction. What, why and how we find each other attractive. They had a guest on the show, who had just completed a study on the correlation of sweet dance moves to human attraction.

Are we as women, more attracted to the better dancer? Scientifically the answer is….. yes. Historically speaking, dance has been used since the beginning of time as a sales technique to the opposite sex. Whatever it is about dance, it appears to be instinctual. I won’t get into it, but I know first hand this is true. Billy and I fell in love at a dance party, he was trying to seduce me with the shopping cart.

Nathan and Delayna started out as friends at the same dance company. Aparently Nathan was instrumental in getting Delayna hired, as soon as he saw her he knew he wanted to know more about her. Fast forward several years they are both dance instructors and own a studio here in Everett, Premier Ballroom Dance. Partners in business, dance, love and now life, they’re beginning their journey together and I’m so happy for them.

They were married on a gorgeous December day at Semiahmoo Resort, in Blaine Washington. A small intimate group of family and friends gathered to witness their dedication to each other. The evening was filled with joy, laughter, dancing, and some of the most glorious food I’ve eaten to date.

Congratulations Nathan and Delayna!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for inviting us into your day and allowing us to capture your love for each other.

xoxo,
Laura

Slightly obsessed with her Badgley Mischka shoes.

Nathan and Delayna chose to do a first look. I love when my couples choose the option of a first look because (especially in the winter) it gives us plently of daylight to get some amazing natural light portraits of the two of them together!

SWOON. Delayna, you are a stunner!

This shot is by my AH-mazing second shooter for the day, Mandie. She wows me… every time!

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