Their day started with the bride and groom prep at the Hotel Vintage Plaza in downtown Portland. The Vintage Plaza features modern suites with a touch of Pacific Northwest flair. As usual, Josh and I started shooting our favorite part of the wedding day… the beginning… with the bride and her maids doing their hair and make-up. The air is always buzzing with this contagious anticipation early on and I also love taking pictures of the bridal details like the wedding gown and shoes.

After a few, I met up with the groom and his groomsmen to take a few shots of them putting on their tuxes and struggling with all the extra pieces that are included with the tuxedo rental. Weddings are about the only time where I can honestly say the groom might have the more complicated job of getting dressed. I think some of the things included in the rental bag are meant only to confuse these poor guys. Alas, they persevered and had a few celebratory swigs from their custom engraved flasks given to them as groomsmen gifts by Tim.

Finally it was time for the first look. Our backdrop? The bustling downtown streets in the heart of Portland. We had Tim stand on the corner of Stark and Broadway with the best man and maid of honor perched in the background to witness the main event of Nicole approaching to see her groom for the first time. The first look photos are easily my favorites from the whole wedding. Nicole and Tim were so excited and gushing with love.

From the hotel, we hopped into the limo and took portraits of the bridal party at Peninsula Park Rose Garden and Mount Tabor. Then we headed to the ceremony and reception site, The Acadian Ballroom in the Alberta Arts District.  The reception was decorated with a sophisticated black and white pallet of damask prints. The reception tables all featured childhood photos of Nicole and Tim as well as wedding photography from past generations. I always think incorporating the old family wedding photographs of the parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents is a really nice touch.

The ceremony was poignant and the reception was tons of fun. We hope you enjoy our new story-board blog layouts. I think it really helps tell the whole story of the wedding day.

-Melissa

We started our day with Pam’s family as she got ready in her parent’s Naperville home. I adore the beginning of a wedding day because the air is filled with nervous excitement and poignant moments with close friends and family. Plus, I get to see the DRESS and the SHOES. I’m such a girlie-girl in that way. I am always buzzing with joy waiting to see the beautiful bride buttoned up in her stunning wedding gown. Pam did not disappoint. Her dress was classically unique and complemented her frame perfectly. Pam looked amazing!

Once the gals were ready, they jumped in their limo and headed off to Cantigny Gardens where they met up with Brian and the groomsmen. Brian and Pam choose to see each other for the first time amongst the grand weeping willow trees that line the front lawn. They shared a private moment alone soaking up the overwhelming emotions that came with their wedding day. We always encourage our couples to have a “first look” before the ceremony for a variety of reasons but the most important reason is it slows down the day so there is more time for fun and photographs. It definitely helped them relieve some of the anticipation and relax too.

After spending some time in the park taking portraits we headed to Holy Apostle Greek Orthodox Church in Winchester, IL for their traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony and then to Cog Hill Country Club for their wedding reception. Their reception was elegantly designed with lavender and candle lit lanterns. The decor was simple and sophisticated and the party was full of traditional Greek dances and modern beats. We had a blast as always and it was such an honor to spend the day with such lovely people. We hope you enjoy the highlights!

-Melissa

- Josh