Valaree and Kris 9.17.2005

Valaree and Kris 9.17.2005

All weddings are special to me. I'm a romantic fool, and just melt when I'm around couples in love. This wedding was particularly special to me because I've been friends with Val's parents for years. It's an awesome responsibility to photograph a wedding, but even more so when it's for people that are close to your heart.

When Val and I did our pre-wedding consultation, she told me that she was not "one of those brides" who would freak out at the smallest thing, she wasn't fretting over the details, and although she had special plans for the wedding, she wasn't going to stress out if eveything wasn't perfect. Then she said something that really stuck with me, "I just want to get married".

For her, the wedding day wasn't about the ceremony or the reception...it was about beginning married life with the man of her dreams. I like that attitude!

Kris is just as special. As soon as Valaree stepped into the aisle to begin the ceremony, Kris began to cry. He had to keep wiping his eyes. You could just see it welling up in him...how much he loves Val and how happy he was to be marrying her. He made the rest of us cry, too! Luckily I keep kleenex in my pocket for just such an occassion.

The ceremony was lovely and sweet, and really focused on God and family. The love in that room was tangible, and I felt that I must be very reverent and quiet so as not to disturb this holy presence.

The reception was another thing altogether. Talk about raucus, rowdy and fun.......these people know how to DANCE and have a good time. Even without alcohol. They did the electric slide, the macarena, the chicken dance.......and all sorts of hip-hop stuff that looked like a lot of fun. (unfortunately for me, I'm un-coordinated and kinda dangerous on a dance floor. I actually broke my leg dancing one time....but that's another story)

At the end of the day, Val and Kris made their exit through a sea of bubbles and clapping, cheering family members. They drove away in their convertible get-away car waving and smiling, with balloons flying out of the car behind them.

It was a great honor to photograph this wedding for my friends, and to be allowed to be a part of such a tender, loving ceremony. I love you guys!

hugs,

Steph

Heidi and Justin 7.30.05

Heidi and Justin had a beautiful day for their wedding. They were married inside a church, but had their reception outdoors at Caswells on the Bay. What a beautiful location!

Aside from being verrrrryyyyy hot outside, the day was perfect; blue sky, sun, calm water, green grass, flowers blooming, birds singing, & butterflies fluttering around.

Justin is a bit shy, so I tried not to get in his face with my camera all day, or to be too obvious. This was a good opportunity for me to practice my paparazzi skills. Of course, being a beautiful woman, Heidi was aware of the camera sometimes, and often gave me a gorgeous smile. Her images were so fun, and colorful, and beautiful, I had a hard time editing down to a reasonable number. I just couldn't bear to delete them! Not that other weddings are any less wonderful, but sometimes, I just can't force myself to edit with a firm hand. Heidi's wedding was one of those.

It didn't help that baby Owen is such a cutie-pie. I couldn't stop photographing his sly grin or his little flirty blush. He's adorable! Of course there's NO WAY I'm editing out any of those images. You see my dilemma....LOL

Heidi and Justin have a huge, loving family. I was really touched by their stories and memories that were shared. These two have a wonderful support system. Kudos to the families.

I had a wonderful day, and was so honored to be there. Thanks, guys!

hugs,

Steph

Kiko and Jeff 10.22.2005

Kiko and Jeff.....two of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. I just fell in love with them at our first meeting. They are so real and down to earth. Kiko told me, "just do your thing, we trust you." Oh yea, wanna see a photographer do the happy dance? Just say that to her!

On the wedding day, Kiko was the picture of calm. Snacking with her girlfriends in the dressing room, laughing and talking. Aside from the wedding dress, you'd never have known that this was THE day. Poor Jeff, on the other hand, was a wee bit nervous. Excited is a more accurate description, but there was definitely some nervous pacing and thumb-twiddling going on in the groom's dressing room.

At the beginning of the ceremony, something funny happened when the ring bearer panicked and refused to go up the aisle. He sat down in the doorway, put his head in his hands, and had a meltdown. No way was he going to walk in there in front of all of those people!

No matter, Kiko just smiled and walked up the aisle, sans ring-bearer. She even seemed to be enjoying the little guy's "performance." Way to go, Kiko!

The reception was a fun mixture of tradition and karaoke. Yes, karaoke. From a memorable rendition of the "I like big butts" song, some Shania Twain music, and a Japanese song sung by the DJ, the music was enjoyable and fun. Lots of people danced and had a good time.

I saw (and photographed) Kiko and Jeff taking time during the reception to reconnect and snuggle as they mingled. A stolen kiss here, a comfy hug there. I love watching couples in love. The pictures are always so sweet and unrehearsed. Just people being themselves.

Congratulations you two, and thanks for inviting me to be a part of your special day.

hugs,

Steph

self portraits

avatar sized...yea, that's pretty small.

This is my son, Derek and me. Isn't he a cutie? He was around 11 yrs old in this picture. Now he's away at college. Time passes too quickly!

Me in the snow, somewhere near Mt. Hood. I like this picture.

That's me on the copy machine. See the crazy bracelets? I was dressed as a punk-rocker for Halloween, complete with bright blue big-hair. Fun.

Melanie and Shane 9.10.2005

Melanie and Shane....These two experienced the wildest weather I've ever seen on a wedding day.
We had sunshine, we had rain, we had wind, and we had thunder and lightning. The outdoor ceremony was chilly and grey, but rain-free until everyone walked to the water's edge to throw in their stones. In nearly perfect timing, the skies broke open as everyone was headed to the beach house. A few of us slow-pokes got rained on, but most everyone made it inside before the downpour.

Needless to say, the outdoor reception became an indoor one, as the groomsmen and several wedding guests braved the weather to bring in the decorations, tables and chairs.

Stoically deciding to have a fun time anyway, Melanie and Shane enjoyed their family and friends, all in a tightly packed livingroom. It was definitely a challenge to photograph everyone when it was nearly impossible to move around, but we made it happen.

As we sat down to dinner, some rays of sunlight began to appear in the clouds, and then the rain suddenly stopped, and a rainbow appeared.
Melanie & Shane, their families, the wedding party and I all rushed outside on the beach to take advantage of the last 10 minutes of daylight. We did a bunch of portraits there, capturing this spectacular shot of Melanie and Shane kissing with lightning in the background.

I've never seen such gorgeous light anywhere, and my heart was pounding as we photographed these images. I knew they'd be amazing.

Melanie and Shane, thanks for being good sports, and not being afraid to get your feet wet out on the beach. I love this image!!!!!!!
I was honored to be there with you, photographing your special day. Thank you for allowing me to document your wedding.

hugs,
Steph

My first post in my new blog

Unfortunately my first blog was accidentally destroyed in a tragic server failure known as PWP Black Tuesday. Gone are my funny little stories and my manic ramblings.....gone are my stupid jokes and silly musings. Just...gone.

Well, mourn no more, dear friends because I'M BACK!!!!!!!

Thanks to blogspot.com, I am back and bloggier than ever.

Viva la blog!

If you haven't visited my website recently, go check out the updates. Some new weddings have been posted. www.skstone.com

Stay tuned for new products that I'll be offering in 2006. I'm really excited about the new album styles, especially.