Flower Petals
I have to admit… each wedding we photograph captivates me in some unique way. Name a couple, and I can name a moment or experience that occurred on that specific wedding day — be it a wedding from a year ago or 10 years ago. They all leave an impression on me.
Sarah and Cosmin’s wedding was particularly unique for me in that Sarah is deaf. To guide our communication she brought an interpreter to assist us throughout the day. What I learned very quickly is that Sarah is a highly visual person — a trait that we share in common — and while looking through her wedding photos, I recognized that this is how she experiences her day — without any sound. Experiences like these transcend the picture-taking process and make what I do a true passion.
To see more of our work, please visit Paul Rich Studio.
Wedding Rings
I recently met with a couple who asked about my decision making process in using one type of lens rather than another. They wanted to know for example why I might choose to use a telephoto lens versus a wide angle lens for a particular situation. The truth is that lens selection is a very conscious decision. When photographing wedding rings, I almost always use a macro lens (most often a 100mm macro). The reason for this is that it makes the rings the key element to the photograph and it accentuates the details of the rings and the beauty of the diamond.
To discover other reasons why we do what we do, contact us for a complimentary wedding consultation or check out our website at Paul Rich Studio.
Flower Kids
When meeting with couples to discuss their wedding plans, I always ask how many members are in their wedding party. While bridesmaids and groomsmen are almost always a given, the choice of whether or not to have a flower girl or ring bearer is far less common. For Heather & Jon’s wedding, they decided to have flower children rather than a specific flower girl. It was a perfect choice, seeing that the two little ones are twins!
As the flower children walked down the aisle, I was immediately drawn to not only their expressions but those of the guests watching them. This coupled with the bridal party in the background waiting for their own queues to proceed down the aisle, makes this image tell a more complete story of the moment captured.
To view more examples of our work, check out the Paul Rich Studio website and the Paul Rich Studio Photoblog.
Large Group Photo
One of our more popular images is the large group photo of all your guests. Typically following the ceremony, from an elevated perspective, we make sure to capture everyone who attends your wedding. It becomes the “who is who” or what we like to call the “Where’s Waldo” photo of the day. Whether it is from an upper balcony or shot from a 6 foot ladder, the end result is the same and the experience very memorable.
Want this on your wedding day?
Check out our website at Paul Rich Studio and fill out our contact page for more information.
You can even friend us on Facebook!
Greek Orthodox Wedding
Greek Orthodox Weddings are filled with symbolism and unique traditions that have been passed down for centuries. In preparation for the wedding ceremony, guests light candles by the entrance way as a symbol of prayer. Lighting a candle acts as a reminder that others pray with us even if they are not there. During the ceremony, the bride and groom are crowned with thin crowns, or “stefana”, which are joined by a white ribbon and have been blessed by the priest. The priest then leads the couple three times around the altar on their first steps as a married couple. When the ceremonial walk has ended, the priest blesses the couple and the crowns are removed.
Tell us about the details of your wedding. What unique traditions do you plan to incorporate into your day?
See more of our work at Paul Rich Studio.
Let’s Toast
I always enjoy capturing the toasts that are made to the bride and groom. When properly captured, the subtle gestures and fleeting expressions can really bring the photograph to life. Pair this with the bride and groom responding to the toast and you have a compelling set of images that tell a complete story.
These images brought to you by Paul Rich Studio.
Wine Country Farm
One of my favorite discoveries from last year’s wedding season was Wine Country Farm. The wedding venue is absolutely charming and it showcases some of the best of what the Northwest has to offer. The Vineyard spans the horizon for as far as the eye can see, making a wonderful backdrop for guests to enjoy.
Looking at venues for your wedding this year? We strongly recommend Wine Country Farm.
Please check out the Paul Rich Studio website and our wedding photography blog for more samples of our artistry.
Life’s Work
I like to think of my wedding photography as a body of work that documents lots of couples in love. A time in my life where I am afforded the ability to witness many couples on their very first day of embarking on a life long journey together.
This body of work continues to grow and as I look over the images, I can’t help but stop and pick an image like this one.
This photo really speaks to me. The intimacy of this moment, the gentleness of his embrace, and the posture of the bride soaking it all in – this is what inspires me.
Sparkler Departure
Want a truly simple idea that has great impact and photographs incredibly well? Have a sparkler departure at the end of your wedding day.
Tip: Make sure to purchase lots of lighters. This will enable all of your guests to light their sparklers at once.
All you have to do is come outside and take in all the energy just as the two of you depart for an evening together…alone.
Want some more tips for your wedding day?
Give us a call at Paul Rich Studio.
Exhaustion
This little boy was one of the most energetic and excited ring bearers I have ever seen. He took his responsibilities very seriously and seemed to be here, there, and everywhere throughout the entire day.
I could barely keep up with him… that is… until he fell asleep…
This image was captured using the Canon 5D MkII camera at ISO 6400 and placed in the top 10 in the AGWPJA Q2 2009 photography contest in the category of Kids Being Kids.
Please visit Paul Rich Studio to view our extensive portfolio of images.
Destination Wedding in the Snow
Last week I had the fortunate opportunity to document a wedding on Martha’s Vineyard. The night before the wedding, the quaint little island received a whopping 12 inches of snow. It was one of the largest snow storms the island had seen in years and it set the stage for Erin & Jonathan’s Winter Wonderland Wedding.
Following the ceremony at the Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven, the bride, the groom, and the entire wedding party went down to the Black Dog Wharf for pictures. It is one of the most popular sites on the entire island. With the pounding snow and howling gusts of wind, Erin & Jonathan remained determined to have their pictures taken outside. As a wedding photographer, you live for moments like these.
Check out more of our adventures at Paul Rich Studio.
Let it Snow. Let it Snow. Let it Snow.
Ann & Ian are avid skiers. They typically ski over 50 times a year. So, Timberline Lodge was a natural destination for their wedding. In fact, they scheduled their wedding for the earlier part of the day so that they could go off and hit the slopes together as newlyweds.
Check out the couple’s wedding slideshow or head on over to Paul Rich Studio to see more samples of our work.
Sucker for a Seersucker
I am a Sucker for a Seersucker Suit.
Seersucker is woven in such a way that some threads bunch together, giving the fabric a wrinkled appearance in places. This feature causes the fabric to be mostly held away from the skin when worn, facilitating improved heat dissipation and air circulation. It also means that ironing is far less critical.
So, if you are planning a wedding during the hot months of the year, you too may want to become a sucker for Seersucker. Low maintenance and stays cool – interesting huh?
This tip brought to you by Paul Rich Studio.
Engagement Session in the Snow
This time of year when couples ask, “Where should we have our engagement session?” I like to suggest Timberline Lodge!
After all, who doesn’t like to play in the snow?
Plus, Timberline Lodge offers not only a great outdoor location but a wonderfully warm and cozy indoor location as well. We typically begin outside, shoot until we are ready to be warmed up, and then head inside for a clothing change and some hot cocoa. After completing all the indoor shots, we bundle back up again and head outside for one final round. Then, during the ride home we have plenty of time to work on wedding details. It is truly a perfect location.
Ready to head up to the mountain? Let’s go play.
Just Dance
One of the best parts of being a seasoned wedding photographer is anticipating and capturing moments like these. We capture the action as it happens and present you with images you won’t believe happened on your wedding day.
Check out Paul Rich Studio and the Paul Rich Studio Photoblog.
Just Married
During the month of November, we are focusing on giving thanks and wanted to thank all of our couples for making us one of the most highly sought after photography teams in Portland. We compiled a slideshow of over 60 recent weddings titled Just Married. Check it out and stroll down memory lane with us.
Thank you everyone for your continued support and referrals.
From all of us at Paul Rich Studio.
Destination: Blue Hill at Stone Barns
One of the highlights of my career as a wedding photographer was having the opportunity to not only document a wedding but also to dine at the exquisite Blue Hill at Stone Barns in NY. Executive Chef Dan Barber has been featured in the New Yorker, CBS Sunday Morning, House and Garden, and Martha Stewart Living and in 2009 was named James Beard’s Outstanding Chef of the Year.
The wedding day menu consisted of the following:
Greenhouse Greens and Herbs – with this morning’s farm egg
Asparagus Soup – american sturgeon caviar, mushrooms
Alaskan Halibut – pistou of spring vegetables
Loin of Lamb – quinoa, cracked wheat, spring parsnips
Hungry to see more? Check out the feature on Style Me Pretty or view the couple’s entire online wedding gallery at Paul Rich Studio.
Wine Country Farm
While pursuing my photography degree at Bard College in New York, I spent one of my summers driving cross-country in exploration of the west. That was back in 1996 and I found the Pacific Northwest to be so compelling that I officially moved out here in 1998.
The reason I share this tale is because I recently had the opportunity to document a wedding at Wine Country Farm. The location is absolutely stunning. It was an immediate reminder as to why I chose to move to Portland so many years ago.
To view more samples of our work, please visit the Paul Rich Studio website or come and visit us at this weekend’s Bravo Wedding Affair from 11am-4pm at the Embassy Suites in downtown Portland.
Where the Wild Things Are
As guests began taking their seats for dinner at Victoria & Brian’s wedding, I began hearing a bunch of popping noises. There was a bunch of chatter amongst the guests followed by tremendous amounts of laughter. The room became filled with laughter and jokes — really, really bad jokes — such as: Why did the banker rob the bank? He needed the dough.
You see, each table setting had its own individual Christmas Cracker. A cracker consists of a cardboard tube wrapped in a brightly decorated twist of paper, making it resemble an oversized sweet-wrapper. The cracker is pulled by two people, and, much in the manner of a wishbone, the cracker splits unevenly. The split is accompanied by a small bang. In one version of the tradition the person with the larger portion of cracker empties the contents from the tube and keeps them. Typically the contents are a paper hat or crown; a small toy or other trinket and a joke or piece of trivia on a small strip of paper.
To see more of our work, please visit Paul Rich Studio.
Wonderfully in Love
Many couples spend about a year planning their wedding. So when the day finally arrives, shouldn’t you be able to relax and enjoy it all?
Tiffany and Aaron were very diligent in their wedding day preparations. From seeking the advice of friends and family to meeting with various vendors and attending such trade shows as the Bravo Wedding Affair, Tiffany and Aaron truly did it all. The end result was a day filled with lots of joy, laughter, and love. The couple exchanged vows at the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort and while the reception was well on its way, Tiffany and Aaron asked to set aside some alone time for additional photos. That early evening light is so beautiful to photograph especially when up on the mountain. As we headed back to the reception to enjoy more of the party, Tiffany and Aaron looked so content and so wonderfully in love.
To see more of our work, please visit Paul Rich Studio.
RSS Feed