Seattle Wedding Show

When?

Saturday, January 16th, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m

Sunday, January 17th, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m

Where?

Washington State Convention & Trade Center, 800 Convention Place, 4th Floor, Seattle

How?

Tickets are $16 at the door and $14 if ordered at www.weddingshow.com

Get Hitched, Give Hope

Get Hitched, Give Hope is back on October 29th at the Arctic Club Hotel. The evening is a dream-come-true for brides and grooms eagerly planning their 2010 wedding. Think, luxurious wedding show meets glamorous party, and to top it off it’s a charity benefit too! In one night you can shop for your wedding all while feeling great because everything will go to a fabulous cause. It was exhilarating for everyone who participated last year to be a part in raising $30,000 for the Brides Against Breast Cancer/Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. I hope to see everyone help in meeting and surpassing the $50,000 goal this year! And if that doesn’t entice, perhaps the Cocktails, appetizers, deserts, insanely stocked swag bags, silent auction, live auction, and amazing shopping will get you in the door.

Get Hitched Give Hope

Why hire a professional photographer for your wedding?

In what is perhaps the best researched article I have seen, Cody Ellerd of Seattle Bride Magazine,  describes why couples should turn to professional photographers for their wedding through his own experience.  Take a peek at the full article for side-by-side photo comparisons. Below is a short snippet:

I consider myself a pretty good amateur photographer. I’ve taken a couple of classes, I have a nice Nikon D60 and, as a professional travel writer, I’ve even had a few of my shots make magazine covers and pages. If you didn’t budget for a professional photographer at your wedding, I’m the friend you might call to take pictures.

So when Seattle Bride sent me to the late-winter wedding of Vicky Wu and Chris Nicoll to shoot alongside Joey Hong of John & Joseph Photography, a local award-winning team of two brothers who have been shooting commercial, fashion and wedding photography for more than eight years, I was curious to see how well I could keep up with a seasoned pro.

From the moment we started shooting in the bride and groom’s room at Hotel 1000, I was floored. “Vicky, look down at your shoulders…put a gentle smile on your lips. Chris, look straight at my lens—no, smile. Relax your forehead.” Joey’s attention to such minute detail went way beyond “Say cheese” and brought out the couple’s absolute best. He knew how to manipulate the room’s light and reflective surfaces in ways I never would have dreamed of, transforming what I thought was an unremarkable setting into a photo studio with endless possibilities. 

I recently talked with a young woman who was married at the World Trade Center in Seattle. She told me she was seeking some professional portraits of herself because of the “nightmare experience” she had with the amateur photographer who covered her wedding.  I greatly sympathized with her.  It’s a responsibility, as a professional, that I do not take lightly! Spend some time discovering the style and approach you prefer your wedding photographer to have. Do you want someone who’s a “fly on the wall” and captures events as the enfold naturally, or someone who helps guide and direct you throughout the day for more stylistic imagery – perhaps some of both?  Do you lean towards tranditional or modern and edgy? What photos inspire you? Find the photographer that has the syle you are looking for and then trust them entirely. You will love the results.

206-219-9751
www.inaframe.com

The Mixed Wedding Party

Having captured weddings for over 4 years now, I am beginning to enthusiastically welcome a new trend…. the mixed wedding party. In the past month or two I have had brides and grooms choose both guy and gal friends for their attendants. My upcoming Labor Day bride affectionatley refers to her best friend as her “dude” of honor. I look forward to capturing more of these special bonds of friendship!

 Mixed Wedding Party Seattle

Mixed Wedding Party Seattle

206-219-9751
www.inaframe.com

Seattle’s Largest Bachelorette Party

Don’t miss the “Beyond the Boa” Bachelorette party on June 4th at the swanky Alexis Hotel in downtown Seattle. This event goes beyond the stereotypes to provide lavish spa services, products and an all around good experience to enjoy with your closest friends. Tickets include cocktails, mini-spa treatments, private suite tours, psychic readings by chocolate, dancing and a fabulous Swag Bag. Come prepared to bid on raffle and silent auction items both because you will get amazing deals and because ALL benefits go towards Brides Against Breast Cancer. You will even be able to shop for lingerie, purses, scarves, and more! Each ticket is only $20 (if you order now) and totally worth the $200+ free products and services right when you walk in the door!

 Order Tickets:

www.agrandwedding.com

beyond the boa

I will be there with a boudoir photography session available as a silent auction item.

Cheryl Jones, Seattle Wedding Photographer
www.inaframe.com

Should planning your wedding make you feel green?

It will – if you use the new eco-friendly ”Be Wed planner“.  Recently highlighted in NWSource, what caught my eye was how reflective their approach is:

The Be Wed organizer offers brides an approach to wedding planning that is more reflective than what many guides prescribe. The first section, for instance, entitled Vision, asks questions such as, “how do we make decisions as a couple” and “how do we manage disagreement when it arises?”

This is a new product, so if you have any experience using it to help plan your wedding — let me know!  I’d love to hear.   Read the NWSource article here.

Now, I’m not a true granola tree-hugger, but I am very aware of the impact we make on the beautiful landscape we have here in the Northwest — so when I hear about something that helps make weddings a little more eco-friendly I like to pass it on. 

So thumbs up to Evotive for coming up with this new wedding planner!

See my Eco-Friendly Wedding Packages.

In A Frame Photography by Cheryl is a Seattle wedding photographer specializing in photojournalism and intimate portraiture. Cheryl offers engagement photography, bridal sessions, boudoir photography, and trash-the-dress photography. She is a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association, Modern Photographers, Photographik, the Seattle Professional Photographers Association, and Wedding and Portrait Photographers International.

206-219-9751
www.inaframe.com

Member Interview: Kim of Kim Hayes Photography

selfportrait

1. What sparked your interest in photography?

Photography has always been a part of who I am. Growing up, my Mom constantly had a camera pointed at our family or a beautiful landscape. I loved watching her photograph things, and it quickly became a medium I was interested in. Once in high school, I enrolled in a photography class. I was instantly hooked. Ever since that first day of class in the 10th grade, I knew photography would be my biggest passion in life. Since then, I continue to learn and grow as an artist. I look forward to seeing what my work will look like in 20 years.

2. Tell us about Kim Hayes Photography.

I started Kim Hayes Photography (originally Kim Behrens Photography- my maiden name) while attending the Art Institute of Seattle in 2004. After graduation, I dabbled in commercial photography and worked for a few magazines, but realized I missed forming personal relationships with my clients. In the past I had photographed a few weddings for friends, and found that I loved capturing (and participating) in one of the most special days in a couples life. That realization made me quickly change my focus, and I haven’t looked back! For the last 4 years, weddings have been my main endeavor. I also specialize in creative portraiture.

The goal with my photography is to deliver a set of beautiful images that truly represent you. And of course, have a little fun in the process. I am constantly challenging myself to produce more creative and fresh images for my clients.

3. What is your most memorable moment at a wedding?

All of my clients have left an impression on me one way or another. I end up feeling really close to the people that I photograph, and when I think back on each and every client, I can’t help but smile. Inevitably, we have had some sort of adventure together, and that’s what I love most about my job!

While every wedding has its special moments, one moment in particular sticks out in my mind. Caiti and Robby got hitched last year at the Seattle Yacht Club. Towards the end of the ceremony, Caiti’s brother got up to give a final reading. After his poem, he decided to do something a little unconventional; he instructed the crowd to join him in a cheer for the couple. In a true sports fan style, he raised his hand over the right side of the crowd and instructed them to yell “Caiti.” With his hand over the left, he instructed them to yell “Robby.” The crowd was a little confused at first, but once his hand started moving back and forth, and the crowd joined in, there was no stopping them. The crowd was in an uproar yelling “CAITI, ROBBY” until it ended in thunderous applause. The newlyweds made their way back down the aisle with the crowd so pumped they could barely control themselves.

It’s these unconventional and amazing moments that make me feel honored to be a part of someone’s wedding day.

Here they are making their way back down the aisle:

carver

4. Outside of weddings, where would we find you?

Originally a California girl, I can’t seem to get enough of the beauty that is Washington. My husband and I are usually planning our next day trip down a northwest back road to chase the light. I’m constantly working on my personal portfolio and I hope to get some fine art shows together before wedding season starts.

5. When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?

If I’m not working on personal projects, I’m probably rolling around on the ground playing with my pooches. Lincoln + Pip can be seen regularly on my blog (http://www.kimhayesphotography.com/blog) and are probably the cutest dogs on the planet. I also have an unhealthy obsession with blog reading. If you ever see my google reader your eyes might pop out of your head. If you don’t know what a google reader is, check it out. It’s the best way to watch a TON of blogs at the same time.

6. What’s your vice, that nasty little habbit you just can’t kick?
A good Americano! I can’t seem to kick that coffee habit; it has antioxidants right? So I figure, I’m really doing myself a favor with the coffee drinking. I also can’t live without sushi and ice cream!

Member Interview: Cheryl of In A Frame Photography

In A Frame Photography

What sparked your interest in photography?

Art.  I’ve always had a passion for art.  In fact, many of my childhood memories are inside art galleries and museums across the globe.  I studied art in college and traveled to Florence and Paris to study my two favorite eras of art:  Renaissance and Impressionism.  Up until I graduated from college, I spent much of my time painting. It was from this background that I purchased my first SLR camera – and I haven’t looked back since! My background in art plays an inseparable role in my photography. As I compose images, I can still hear my art professors instructing me to think about the direction of light, negative space, leading lines and so many other fundamental aspects of art and photography. I love capturing intimate moments in an artful way.

Tell us about In A Frame Photography.

I am the main photographer and owner of In A Frame Photography. I specialize in weddings and many of the portrait sessions I do are of previous wedding clients.  In A Frame Photography’s mission is to deliver a consistent set of timeless wedding images and products to our clients.  I shoot about 30 weddings a year, each of which invites fond memories and often lasting friendships.  This will be my fourth year shooting weddings professionally and I have enjoyed every second of it. I started SWIP to help other professionals in the wedding industry and give my clients a better experience.

What is your most memorable wedding?

Each and every wedding has contributed to my style and left an impression with me one way or the other. However, one of the first few weddings I shot especially inspired and shaped the direction I would take my photography.

Melissa and Adam were a wonderful couple that planned an elopement ceremony on San Juan Island. I remember how special it was for me and my husband to act as their witnesses.  The ceremony itself took place on a rocky edge against the beach with numerous sailboats relaxing in the background.  At many weddings there are cousins, friends, bridesmaids all snapping pictures and enjoying the moment, but here we were, just us witnessing a wedding of two very-much-in-love individuals.  It was truly up to me to ensure that this moment was captured in an intimate and timeless fashion so their friends and family could take part in the moment. 

I realized that while capturing all the details and events of a wedding are essential, the most important image a wedding photographer can capture is the emotional connection and love between a bride and groom.  I am open and genuine with my couples and in return they share a glimpse of their love with me.  

Weddings should be captured in a way that everyone can see this connection by looking at a photograph like Melissa and Adam’s below, whether or not they were present. 

Melissa and Adam

Outside of doing weddings, where would we find you?

I do a lot of graphic design work and branding for my husband’s web development company. I run/manage SWIP too.

Outside of work, I often go for long walks (rarely on beaches), travel, and wish I could do more hiking/camping. I am also known to many as a blog stalker and I have recently got caught up in social media (cough).

When you have an hour of free time, what do you like to do?

One of the pleasures of owning your own business is you can set your own hours.  Ha!  As long as it’s 24/7.  I find that working on various photography and work projects has become the “hobby” I enjoy doing in my free time.  Some might think that’s weird.

However, I do love to read, especially with a cup of hot cider on a crisp Fall day. I love non-fiction histories and biographies, business, and cookbooks mostly, but I also love to get lost in a good novel from time to time.

I enjoy cooking gourmet foods but detest day-to-day cooking. If you’re ever over for dinner, I’ll make you my favorite, French Onion Soup and Coq Au Vin with garlic potatoes.

What’s Your Vice? … that nasty little habit you just can’t seem to kick.

Oh…. what self-respecting woman doesn’t have an addiction to fine chocolate?  And as my bookshelves will attest to, I am strangely addicted to ordering books off Amazon.com. I am attempting to remedy that by frequenting the library, but I just love adding new books to my collection.

Great engagement portrait locations in Seattle

Here’s a short list of some of my favorite locations to shoot Engagement Photos. I have organized them into three categories to help you quickly select the location that fits your style. If you are able to select more than one location, I suggest picking locations in different categories to give the largest variety in options. These are also great spots for bridal sessions, trash-the-dress, or locations for portraits on the day of your wedding. If you have any other ideas, drop a comment below!

Park/Landscape Locations
University of Washington Arboretum
Japanese Garden
Greenlake Park
Discovery Park
Seward Park
Woodland Park Zoo
Volunteer Park
Kubota Gardens
Saint Edwards Park
Carkeek Park

Urban/Industrial Locations
Pike’s Place Market and Post Alley
Kerry Park and Parsons park
Pioneer Square
University of Washington Campus
Sodo Industrial area
Lake Union Industrial area
Georgetown, Fremont, Wallingford, and other Neighborhoods
Seattle Center – Experience Music Project
Gasworks Park
SAM Olympic Sculpture Park

Beach/Waterfront Locations
Alki Beach
Golden Gardens Park
Southlake Union Park
Edmonds – Kingston Ferry
Madrona Park on Lake Washington

Seattle Engagement Locations

You’re invited!

The opening party for Seattle Wedding Industry Professionals has been scheduled for January 29th! Come drop by anytime for treats and a chance to look around.

Seattle Wedding Industry Professionals