Sarah + Tom: [the Wedding]

Sarah & Tom is such a genuine couple; I couldn't wait to see them becoming one! They got married last weekend at the bride's parents' hilltop backyard in Woodland, WA. 9 bridesmaids, 9 groomsmen, 5 flower girls, and a ring-arrow-bower; they are much loved and fun. Dessert buffet and "Rainbow Connection" first dance were the sweetness of the day.
Check out their online gallery!

"We've tried it 10 times yesterday and every single time worked!"

The first certificate-signing picture that I like.

Thanks for having me... I had lots of fun!

Amy + Albert

Shooting for Powers Studios last week, I got the privilege to document Amy & Albert wedding. They committed to each other at Cedar Mill Bible Church and celebrated the union at Wong's King. A nice combination of American-Chinese wedding, with friends and family came from different states and countries.

Fun enthusiastic speech from the Matron of Honor.

Sideline shots...

The official wedding gift from the groom's family to the bride's.

Happy in-laws.

Hey... that's Sara & Christian! But a same bridesmaid?

Sara & Christian at their 2007 wedding.

Trina + Dave: [the Engagement]

After our first meeting I thought Trina and Dave is a quiet couple, until I saw them with my own eyes (well, through my lenses) they couldn't stop teasing each other and laughing during their engagement session at Pittock Mansion. Funny sweet :)
For more engagement pictures, check out my [true stories] page!

Michelle + Chris: [the Engagement]

[opera.singer] + [bridge.engineer] = [playful.couple]. Flying from Calif. Bay Area, they gave me the live pictures of summer love at their childhood's backyard on Germantown Road. After the session, we hung out with their family for a home-made home-grown-cherry pie and coffee, talking and laughing about first time driving stories! Their wedding is coming up in a month...
For more engagement pictures, check out my [true stories] page!

Ooh... aah... and ouch!

Yesterday I upgraded my gear line with 105mm macro, pretty sweet. Later in the day though, I accidentally dropped my bag, hitting the street curb right where I keep my 85. Broken glasses, I thought it was over! Got it checked by Associated Camera Repair on NE Sandy at 36th this morning, they did great and fast job. Thank God it's only the filter, Nikon really built this one like a tank! Now I'm good to go for Michelle and Chris engagement session tonight!

The ooh... and aah...

The ouch!

Ok... it's Friday 10 am. I somehow dropped my camera, again, with the 50 on, during the engagement session. This time naked, hitting the gravel! Thank God, again, they looked just fine. So right after I arrived in office, I tested them hard, shooting some stuffs. And they are... fine.





Lessons learned:
1. Nikon pro cameras and lenses are built like a tank.
2. Put filter on your lenses!
3. Caffeine doesn't replace sleep - sleep well and drink just enough caffeine.
4. God is good.

Independence Day

Yesterday I celebrated the Independence Day by liberating myself to document how Portlanders celebrate the Fourth. Here are 20 images of our freedom and pride...

The only time could ask mom to buy some TNTs.

Early exposure to jazz.

Lining up for Blues Festival.

Free stand.

Boating out for the evening fireworks.

An American skiff.

Early reservation.

Backyard layback.

Just like many other Americans, I ended up BBQ and firework feasting with friends and family.

Warming up.

Lightening up.

What Facebook Can Do

I met a middle school friend in Facebook after 21 years. She and her family now live in Paris. Today I received a surprise mail; of family pictures, videos, their children's drawings, and jazzy French songs in a cool USB drive! Totally made my weekend... I'm brewing coffee with the songs :)

Elise's and Evan's artworks. For me!

A sweet card and a cool USB drive.

Kite Festival

I didn't have any wedding shooting last weekend, so off to the coast for the whole weekend with friends and checked out the Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival '09. I love local stuffs!

Doing her own thing.

That's one real giant squid kite!

My favorite. Classic.

These are not professionals.

Clamming during kite season?