Eli + Danielle | Eagles Nest Reserve Winery
They both got ready in the same little cottage on the venue property. No bridal party = no added stress of schedules or extra “formal photos”. They invited a few of their closest friends (who were basically their bridal party)—just none of the regular/official stress. Her good friend had just had a baby, so without official responsibilities, she was free to come and go as needed with all the extra newborn care. I don’t want to bash bridal parties, but…I am going to really quick. You don’t need them. You need close friends and family to be near you and help you on the big day, but the title, and wardrobe that comes with the title of bridal party is so much added stress on a wedding day. At last week’s wedding, some people in the bridal party forgot their suits, and the whole ceremony was late because they were trying to get their outfit on. Every wedding I have photographed where they don’t have a bridal party, things run a lot smoother, which has always translated into a much more fun and memorable wedding day, WITH friends and family.
I mean, the truth to a having a truly great wedding is actually just…being really chill. Things don’t go according to plan (doesn’t mean don’t plan). I vote plan rigorously all the months before, and come wedding day, let it roll and enjoy what happens. This is why I love DOCUMENTING weddings. It’s because I love seeing peoples stories and their lives unfold. At the end of the day, I don’t want a collection of images where everything is staged, everything looks perfect, and the memories from the day are a boring photoshoot, and having to constantly interrupt guests and family so I can get these perfectly curated photos. No, I vote live your life. It’s WAY more interesting.
Signature Affair (Catering, Bartending, Wedding planning)
Eagles Nest Reserve Winery
Geranium Lake Flowers.
Makayla Gorsage (MG beauty)
Portland Photo Booth. (DIY photo booth)
Eli practicing his vows right outside the little cottage.
I don’t typically stage any getting-ready photos, but Danielle was fixing her hair and there was a wall separating them both. So I asked Eli to sit on the couch so I could see both their silhouettes at the same time. Even though they saw each other that whole morning, they did want to do a first look in their gown and suit.
I have been using this old Voiglander 28mm 1.5 (yes, aperture 1.5), with the Techart TZM adapter. All that means is: a nice old lens, that’s not “perfect.” And makes for some really cool colors, light flares and a stunning softness. In a world of mirrorless perfection & sharp images, our eyes need a break sometimes.
Waiting for their wedding to start.
The bride is getting bustled. I loved photographing Danielle so much, she was the least fussy bride, just wanted to be with her people and let me do my thing. She was also delightfully silly.
The brides shoes.
Danielle & Eli, thank you for letting me document your day. I pray these photos are enjoyed and treasured by your great, great, grandkids someday.
