Three different ways to choose your wedding colors...

So, the crowd has spoken! I asked our elite wedding community the other day how they chose their wedding colors and the response was…….* crickets * …….SO I thought I could share my top 3 tips for choosing your wedding colors. Surprisingly enough, yes, this has a lot to do with how your photos turn out.

Here’s three tips:

1. Start with your favorite color or a priority item. Do you have a keepsake that you really want to display at your wedding? This may be a good basis to create your color palette, so that that one important item doesn’t clash at the end. Alternatively, you could start with your favorite color and start there. Choose colors that don’t clash and instead compliment, as well as some neutrals, and you’re good to go! More on how to choose complimentary colors later.

2. Your venue can be your inspiration. If you’re getting married at the beach, you could include colors such as tan, blue, and green. If you’re getting married in the woods, green, maroon, and black could be good ideas. Or, you could go the complete opposite. Try black and gold at the beach, or white and gray in the woods. If you’re getting married in a building, this isn’t too much inspiration, but you could also take inspiration from where you’re holding the reception. Additionally, if you’re using a building such as a warehouse or a barn, these can allow you to do whatever color palette you want.

3. Take inspiration from the season you’re getting married- or, do the opposite. This is a classic way to choose your colors- darker, deeper colors in the fall and winter, and lighter, more fun colors in the spring and summer. But they don’t always have to match. Try black, dark green, and the classic color of bright coral in the summer. Try cream, pale pink, and the classic maroon in the winter. Your inspiration doesn’t have to be the whole palette, perhaps just one color.

So now you have one color you love, but how do you choose the rest? Let me tell you. Most people know that you want to choose complimentary colors- which means colors that are on the opposite sides of the color wheel. Blue and orange, for example. Or purple and yellow. But, you can always include more colors than just two. Say you want to have three main colors. Let’s start with blue, yellow, and red. From there, just rotate those spots around the color wheel (also known as triadic colors.) Rotating to the right, you have orange, purple, and green. You can do this with as many shades as you want. Rotate half a step to the right again, and you will have orange-yellow (sunset orange) , purple-red (maroon), and green-blue (aqua).

Monochromatic looks have been a large trend lately. I’ve seen couples even go so far as to have black, grey, and white be their entire inspiration. Some other ideas are orange, peach, copper, and blush as a palette. Or Green, emerald, aqua, and pale blue.

Throw some neutrals in there, such as white, grey, cream, black, slate, tan, etc.

Is this getting too complicated? If you’re not particularly art-inclined like I am, here’s an easy hack: go to coolers.co . This website provides free color palettes that people have already made, or you can create your own based on your own colors. It even has the exact color numbers to send to your vendors to ensure that everything matches perfectly.

Well, I hope this helps!

Until next week,

Alyssa

Why it's so important to choose a good location for your photoshoot!

Hey!

Long time no talk- I admit!

But here’s a topic that is so important, you don’t want to miss!

One of the most important things on your engagement shoot or wedding day is the location- obviously. You’d think this was a normal thing to think about, but you’d be surprised how many couples i’ve come across and they are so in love they don’t care where their wedding or engagement shoot happens. This is why this is a bad thing:

1. Most likely, you’re going to look at those photos later and cringe at the chaos in the background. This day is about you, and even your environment should allow the viewer to focus on you. You don’t want there to be a competition for attention.

2. Your environment actually will help you take better photos in front of the camera. I know this sounds silly, but people become inspired when they’re around a lake, river, forest, beautiful architecture, or garden. They start to interact with the environment and this makes the photos come alive.

3. Your environment can make your photoshoot a unique one. Our goal here is to separate you and your fiancé from the rest. Yes, we can do this with just the two of you, but both of our jobs become easier when the location is also unique.

4. This is a chance to display your love in your favorite place! Take a second and think about it- what is your favorite place in the world? Got it? Okay well let’s go shoot there.

So- let’s talk locations. What are the best locations to shoot in? As a photographer, my main goal is to get you in your element. The more comfortable you feel, the better photos you’ll take. What’s a significant location to the two of you? What is your favorite place to travel? Where do you both know the ins and outs really well?

Of course, I always have my favorite locations to shoot in my back pocket if anything fails.

What are you waiting for?

Til next time,

Alyssa

I’m so glad I knew about these makeup hacks for my wedding day.

It was the middle of July, and I was asked to shoot a wedding on the Hawaiian coastline. The bridesmaids were getting ready, the decorations were being set, and more coffee was being made. It looked like rain was in the horizon and the sun was fighting for its time in the sky. A warm breeze blew from the beach that sat below. I decided it was the perfect time to capture the bride getting her makeup done, so I walked across the property to the bridal suite. I expected to see the bride, in her silky robe admiring the makeup that the makeup artist had just completed. With a few more touches, she would be glowing and ready for pictures with her bridal party before the ceremony. I walked in, and to my dismay my bride looked at me with those “help me” eyes that you give to your best friend when a date isn’t going well. As the MUA stood back and admired her work, the bride looked in the mirror, trying to find any good angle. She tried not to cry as she stared at her heavy liner (both top and bottom), no lashes, an awful lip color, and splotchy eyeshadow. It was 1 hour before the ceremony and her dreams were crumbling before her eyes.

Here’s how to make sure this ISN’T you on your wedding day or engagement shoot:

1. This is a more common one, but oftentimes brides get too stressed or overwhelmed to actually plan this out. Schedule a test run with your makeup artist. Oftentimes it’s hard to see what that makeup will look like on your face, and you want to work together with your MUA to make sure you have the dream look you’re going for. It’s not too much to ask, and your MUA should be completely fine doing a test run weeks and even months in advance to your big day.

2. When in doubt, go darker. If you’ve ever done any acting, you know this rule. Okay, maybe you don’t quite want stage makeup for your wedding. Even if you feel the makeup is a little much, it isn’t. I promise. Here’s why: Especially in the middle of the day, your light and dainty eyeshadow won’t be seen by anyone, or by the cameras. Lots of bronzer ensures that you have the face shape that you want. Make sure you use fake lashes- the photographer won’t be able to capture your natural ones. Of course, this is all up to you, but I promise you’ll be thankful you went darker when you look back at those flash pictures and it looks like you still have a face.

3. Do your research for what looks best on your face! So many brides I know skip this step and think they already know what’s best. If your MUA is really good, she’ll be able to tell you. Otherwise, stop by M.A.C. in the mall or do your own research and figure it out. Here’s what I recommend researching:

• Undertones - What undertones do you have? This is the base for all your other makeup choices.

• Tones- Based on this, what type of tones look good on your skin?

• Foundation- find what foundation matches your skin PERFECTLY. Even if that means mixing two.

• Setting- what type of finish do you want/need? Oily skin will have different needs than dry skin.

• Eyeshadow- what colors make your eyes pop? This can easily be found online.

• Bronzer and Blush shape- yes, I said shape. Too many people don’t know what face shape they have and where/how to place bronzer and blush so it compliments that shape.

• Bronzer and blush tone- again, this will be based off your natural undertones. A good MUA should be able to tell you what tones will actually look good on your skin.

• Type of eyeliner- This one is a little bit more up to preferences, but again, this has to do with your eye and face shape. Find the one that compliments them best, whether that be winged, half-eye, cat eye, or none at all.

• Highlighter tone- I cannot stress enough that your UNDERTONE matters! even so much to affect what type and color of highlighter you should use.

This is a lot of small details, but I promise that it’ll be worth it. All the small details pay off to create one big experience that is well-thought-out and enjoyable.

Remember that story I shared about that bride in Hawaii? Yes, she did end up getting her makeup fixed. She was rushed to Macy’s as soon as possible, we took photos, and then started the ceremony over an hour late. But, it was her day. We’re on her time schedule. And it’s still one of my favorite weddings i’ve ever done.

What type of face do you have? What makeup looks best on your face? Leave a comment below!

5 hidden engagement shoot locations you NEED to know about...

There are millions of people getting engaged every year, and it feels like the race is constantly on to get the best and most beautiful engagement photos. Here are the best places I’ve found in Oregon to have your pictures done:

1. Silver Falls State Park

These hands down, are the most beautiful and interesting waterfalls i’ve ever seen. Super accessible for those who aren’t excited to hike miles and miles to get to a cool spot. The first waterfall that you get to WALK BEHIND (yes, you read that right) is only 0.7 mile from the parking lot. The downside, as always, is that with the easily accessible waterfall comes the hoards and hoards of tourists. Not too much of an issue for photoshop, but still can be annoying when you’re trying to have a fun and intimate engagement session.

2. The Airplane Home in Beaverton, OR

So, if you’re looking for something totally obscure and out of place that will make your engagement session SUPER unique, this is the place for you! Many years ago, a man bought a plane, had it delivered here in the forest, and converted it into a home. He now spends the warmer half of the year here, and the other half overseas. This spot has endless opportunities for a magical, whimsical session, with a little bit of exploring mixed in. There’s no hiking involved, but you will have to watch out for casual bystanders that are jealous of the photos we’re getting.

3. The Jupiter Hotel

If you’re looking for a place that has total VIBES but is still a little edgy, I cannot recommend this hotel enough. I just recently did a shoot there and the couple was SO happy with their photos because they were classy, edgy, and unlike any of their friends’ photos! Not to mention, the most ADORABLE bar with all the plants and disco balls! They do require permission and a release form to do photos on their property, so make sure your photographer obtains this ahead of time.

4. Devil’s Punchbowl

More like punch me, i’m dreaming! This incredible cave is located on the Oregon coast and is so breathtaking, it’s impossible not to get good photos. Pictures don’t even do it justice, so you just need to book a shoot here and see for yourself. Go at low tide, and crawl over the rocks to a place that not a lot of people know how to get to. Also, make sure to get out before high tide. This is for the adventurous, the risk-takers, and the mermaids who absolutely want their hard work to pay off in photo form.

5. Mt. Hood Lavender Fields

Last but not least, here is an option for those who still want stunning photos but don’t quite want to hike across a beach or over boulders. The Lavender fields bloom every spring near Mt. Hood, and can be an incredible sight. Especially with Mt. Hood towering in the background, I guarantee that nobody will have photos like you. Most lavender fields are also U-pick, so take some home after your super stressful day of laughing and loving!

I’m always, always on the lookout for new places. I’ll probably write several more blog posts to inspire and quench your travel bug, so keep your eyes peeled!

Details that most brides miss on their wedding day...

Planning your wedding day is incredibly stressful and oftentimes can be overwhelming. That’s why i’ve created this list of things that MOST brides forget when it comes to photography on their wedding day.

1. Plan when you want your wedding to start, based on the lighting during the day.

   This is especially important if you want to do your ceremony inside. If you do your ceremony in the afternoon, your photos will have a brighter, happier feel, but you risk the weather becoming too hot. If you start your ceremony later in the day, your photos will have a more dramatic and intimate feel, and there’s the option of sunset photos. Make sure you take a look at your photographer’s portfolio and see if they are skilled in taking pictures during that time of day.

2. Designate someone to be the point person when it comes to family photos.

   This person is going to be the main person ensuring that you get alllllll the family photos that you want during your special day! Whenever family photos happen, this person who knows your family well and knows what you want will work with the photographer to get the groups of people together for those priceless shots.

3. Checking to make sure your vendors are available to stay overtime.

   You make not think this is important now, but you never know how the night is going to go! You may have one last moment that needs to be captured, but you don’t have your photographer anymore because you only booked them until 11:00pm. Many times, vendors will be happy to stay for an extra 15-30 minutes to capture that goodbye moment.

4. Making arrangements for alternate weather.

   What if it rains the day of? This can be a disappointment, but it doesn’t have to! Having an indoor wedding can be just as magical as an outdoor wedding if the proper planning goes into it. The photos may turn out slightly different, but if you have a good photographer, they most likely will end up better than you expect despite the circumstances! Think that one scene from sound of music, where Leisel and Rolf get caught in the rainstorm in the gazebo.

5. Include what is unique to you and your relationship.

   Too many brides just want a “beautiful” wedding, and not one that really speaks about their relationship and who they are. How did you meet? What’s an inside joke you two have? What’s a significant destination for you two? What is a subject you both love? Try incorporating these into your decorations or wedding day. It’ll be a unique experience for both you and your wedding guests- a wedding that everyone will remember! Besides the fact that your photos will be unique and catered exactly to your relationship.

Hopefully this helps! Happy planning!