January 12, 2014

Real Weddings

A Charming Backyard Wedding

January 12, 2014

Real Weddings

Alrighty, the holiday rush is over, and we are now looking forward to all of our 2014 weddings. I think it's about time we show you all some of the fantastic weddings that I shot the past summer. I really lucked out with getting incredible couples. No horror stories makes for one happy photographer.

The first wedding to share was a lovely, countryesque backyard wedding. Meredith and Andrew tied the knot on her mom's property in northern Vancouver (Washington). This place was incredible! A straight shot view of Mt. St. Helen's and all the yummy, summer light that you could ever want. Plus, did I mention the horses?! There aren't too many weddings where you can convene, get ready, pre-funk in a functioning barn. Since the M&A's nuptuals, the site is now open for other weddings. I encourage you all to check out

their site

Not only that, but Meredith and Andrew are a delight (does that sound too old-ladyish to say?). Really though, these two have the kind of love that you dream of having on your wedding day. They are infatuated with one another so it didn't take much to get some great lovey, dovey couple shots. Everyone always loves a good wedding, but it makes family/friends more invested in the day and in the couple's future when their love is so evident. It was a day that everyone was just excited to be there and celebrate these two as a couple.

Portland Photojournalism Wedding Photographer

Portland Photojournalsim Wedding Photographer

photog cameo!!

Meredith and Andrew, I had such and amazing time capturing you big day. What a fantastic family and party. I wish you both nothing but the best!

Until next time...

alec vanderboom

January 10, 2014

10 on 10

10 on 10 - January

alec vanderboom

January 10, 2014

10 on 10

A new year, a new outlook. Every January, everyone (including myself) comes up with this year's resolutions on how to make this coming year even better than the last. After a glutinous holiday season, it's probably good timing. That's why this month we decided to do a theme for our 10 on 10. This month's theme is "resolutions and reflections". Every year I come up with about three or four solid resolutions. About mid- February, half of these well-intentioned resolutions start to fizzle out and eventually become part of the next year's resolutions, while the other half stand the test of time (anywhere from 6-12 months). This year was no different; however, I wanted to take this opportunity to share something a little more gratifying. Brace yourselves because it's about to get all sorts of sappy up in here.

This year I accomplished or at least made a valiant effort towards (most of)

last year's resolutions

. ...sorry family after March who didn't get a birthday card. Maybe in 2014.

In thinking about all the things that I wanted to accomplish this coming year, I found myself being increasingly thankful for everything that I have had so far. There will always be new goals, but sometimes it's nice to take a minute to reflect.

One of the things that I am the most thankful for is my family and being able to spend time together. We live in such a gorgeous part of the world, and it's nice to have the time to enjoy all that it has to offer, but how much fun would it be without this guy?!

Answer: not that fun

Nabil and I have been together since high school. That's right people, it

can

work. This past NYE will actually be 11 years as a couple! It's funny that as I think of resolutions and where I want to be this time next year, in five years, ten years, etc., I can't imagine doing any of it without him. Every time I think about any goals, I'm so thankful that I have him next to me. What a rock he has been throughout this adventure of starting my own business, of being in a "real job" that I have been less than thrilled about, and wandering through this great adventure we call life.

When stepping back I'm a little in awe that we made it all work. When we were in college we used to talk about the "when we are married" future, and now that it's actually here, I find myself having to pinch my own arm to make sure we're not still those starry eyed college love birds. That's not to say that life is a blissful fairytale that we all thought it would be when we were kidos. Being a grownup isn't quite everything it was cracked up to be. Both Nabil and I still have a ways to go to finish both of our life goals, but it's nice to step back and see that we are well on our way. Or, maybe it's just the sappy, romantic in me. Either way, I am thankful for what we have right now.

As always, thanks again for stopping by and supporting our project. I love seeing what everyone in our group has been up to each month. Make sure you finish the rounds and stop by the other 10 on 10ers. There are a few people missing from the group this month because they are traveling and are having technical problems or because they just had a baby and are having sleep problems. We should be back in full swing next month, but in the mean time check out Anya, Jessica and Casey. They are sure to have some good "resolustions/reflections" up their sleeve.

Anya Elise Photography

Grace Photography

CLB Creative

Until next time...

alec vanderboom

December 10, 2013

10 on 10 - December

alec vanderboom

December 10, 2013

I say it every month, and I'll say it again, this month FLEW by. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and we always host for lots of friends and family. This year was no exception. We had friends from the area and family from Oregon and Washington. My sister even came out from the 303 for two whole weeks. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.

Normally, our "Black Friday" tradition is to avoid all the crazy crowds and meander on up to tMt. Hood for some family snowshoeing. It's a good way to burn off all those extra carbs that I stuffed in my face the day before, and we usually end up with a pretty spectacular x-mas card photo. This year however, the mountain hasn't had much snow. It's been crazy cold, but not enough moisture, so we sadly had to forgo that option. Instead, we decided to get a jump on Christmas and go hunt down our tree.

I thought "tree hunting" would be a fun thing to post for my 10 on 10 this month because since many of you are visiting from around the country, I thought you'd like to see where some of your Christmas trees come from! One of the awesome things about Oregon is all the greenery. There are many farms all over the area growing grapes, veggies, nuts, and TREES! We chose to head over to the Helvetia Christmas Tree Farm just outside of the city to find the perfect tree, and of course since we were in the area, we ended the day with some wine at Helvetia Winery. Nabil's cousin Connor was in town from Seattle and had never cut down his own Christmas tree, so we decided to forgo the "modern conveniences" aka chainsaws and take this thing down the old fashioned way.

Of course, it always takes a little longer than expected, so Syd and I decided to wander around with the camera while the boys finished up...

And there you have it, a Christmas tree adventure at it's finest. Now that you have soaked up your monthly dose of Oregon, head on over to all the other 10 on 10ers to check out their monthly post. They promise to be fantastic, as always, so get excited.

Anya Elise Photography

CLB Creative

Twinty Photography
Jamilah Photography - Jamilah just had a baby boy (and by just, I really mean JUST; it was less than a week ago), so I doubt she's found the time to edit and post some photos. I left her link up there just incase. If not, I bet she'll have something good for you all next month :) Congrats again Jamilah!!

alec vanderboom

November 10, 2013

10 on 10 - November

alec vanderboom

November 10, 2013

It's the 10th! Woop woop! This month I'm taking you all deep inside the Timber's Army (TA). Once you're done soaking up all the green and yellow, head on over to see the other great photogs that are participating in the 10 on 10 project. As always, their links are listed at the bottom of the post.

For those of you that aren't from Portland, or may not be into soccer, the Timbers are kind of a big deal. It's Portland's MLS soccer team. This year is their third year in MLS, and this is their first year making the playoffs... and the crowd goes wild!

My husband may very well be the one of the biggest Timbers' fans that ever lived. Normally, sports for me are 'meh. I mean, I get the strategy and love to play myself, but come on, isn't it all the same after a while? All that being said, I hear about the Timbers so often that I've been converted too. And in the franchise's defense, the Timbers' fan base is probably the most authentic, unconditionally supportive fans I have ever seen. This city LOOOOVES their team. The stadium used to be filled even back in the USL (United Soccer League = one step down from MLS) days. That's impressive considering that Americans in general don't tend to care about soccer or even know most of the rules.

Tie all that up, and the bow on top of it all was that we played (and beat) the Seattle Sounders in the first round of the playoffs. Hold on, let me correct myself. We kicked the Shittle Flounders out of the playoffs! The Sounders are definitely our biggest rival because in many ways the franchises are complete opposites. To say the least, the Timbers' Army had a fire lit in their belly for Thursday night's game.

There are great photographers like Craig Mitchelldyer who take amazing photos on the field, but for this month's 10 on 10, I wanted the take the camera into the stands and give you all a little taste of the TA from the inside.

And now that you've seen a little more about the Rose City, head on over and check out all the other 10 on 10ers around the country. They are all fantastic, so get excited!

Anya Elise Photography

Grace Photography

CLB Creative

Twinty Photography
Jamilah Photography

Until next time...

Hey there

Thanks for taking the time to stop by the blog and read my ramblings. Once you're done here, you can learn more about me, wonder around home base to see some work and get a feel for my style, or just shoot me a message so we can chat.