Cardas Photography {PhotoBlog}

Shobhna and Jason - North Portland Engagement Session

Shobhna and Jason may live in Portland, but they, like so many others, have fallen in love with Bandon. We shot their Engagement session near their home in North Portland. We started out at the rose garden at Peninsula Park, then we headed over to Cathedral Park for some shots with the iconic (and recently newsworthy) St. Johns bridge. I was so glad to see their neighborhood and talk wedding details over a cold one with Shobhna at their local favorite spot. I can't wait for them to take over Bandon with their big beautiful Indian Wedding in October!

 

Shobhna has some serious skills!

 

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{Jill and Kevin} Engaged! Clackamas, Oregon

Engagement sessions are a lot of fun for me. It's that new love excitment that's fun to be around, nervous energy because most people have never had their photos taken by a professional before, and just fun really! When I first start talking to a couple about their engagement session (ok 90% of times it's just the bride and I hashing out ideas....lol) I like to emphasize that this is about them, and should reflect their personalities, likes/loves, locations that are special to them etc. (These are NOT the engagement sessions from the past - I had ones taken in a studio, and we were wearing MATCHING denim shirts in front of a white background, could you feel the love? Um, no.) 

Jill was READY though. We started at the restaurant in Clackamas where they met, and tried to capture their other biggest love - college football. 

We did intend to shoot the rest of the session on a football field, but neither of us thought that through all the way, and low and behold all the local schools had games going on on this Fall Saturday morning, doh! But we went to plan b - and headed over to the "neutral" ground of Reed College in SE Portland. 

(full disclosure time) Jill is a former classmate/sorority sister of mine from Oregon State - so I may be a bit biased....lol

Being a Duck and a Beaver is so "them" that they plan on integrating the themes into their wedding decor as well.

And this is my favorite shot and the one they chose for their wedding invitation

 

These photos are probably some of the only "nice" photos you will have of the two of you together not in your wedding attire. Make them something to remember, and something that shows your personalities as well! 

{Sarweshni} Haldi Night, Portland Oregon

Friday night before Sarweshni and Jack's wedding day was Haldi night. No need to adjust your monitor - Sarweshni's skin is in fact yellow! Traditionally the bride is smeared with a paste made with turmeric, rosewater, and sandalwood. The beautifying properties of turmeric are thought to cleanse and purify the skin, while the blessings from the invited relatives and friends bring luck to the soon-to-be-married couple.

 

 

 

{Sarweshni} Mehndi (Henna) Night, Portland Oregon

Sarweshni and Jack's wedding may not have been until Saturday - but it had two very cool nights of celebrating beforehand. Night one was Henna night at Sarweshni's parents house in Portland. I was fascinated by the whole process!

The professional henna artist was simply amazing to watch. She created the intricate pattern so quickly and perfectly. 

Both Sarweshni's and hands and feet were decorated. 

While the Hanna was being applied inside, several of Sarweshni's relatives were performing ceremonies outside.

What a great friend. Feeding the bride so she wouldn't mess up her Henna! :)

{Brittany and Keith} Wedding - Academy Chapel - Vancouver, WA

The Academy Chapel in Vancouver is a stunningly beautiful location for a wedding. The natural light through the windows, the amazingly high ceilings, intricate details and the balcony so we can shoot from above make it a photographer's dream location. I am always honored to shoot a ceremony here. I had two lovely assistants shooting with me - Traci from WindelHill Photography and Angela from Angela Gorham Photography. I have been incredibly lucky to have such talented friends!  

Angela and I started with the girls at the Marshall House just down Officers Row at Fort Vancouver.

Traci started with the guys up in Battle Ground - you can see more of her shots >>>HERE<<<

 
I loved the way Brittany incorporated Peacock feathers into her bouquet - and other decorations around the ceremony and reception as well!

 

The First Look:

 

 

I love Traci's view of the same moment.

A quiet moment as the guests made their way out to the front of the chapel to send off the couple to the reception at The Marshall House.

 

The Horse and Carriage ride from the ceremony to the reception was a complete surprise from Brittany's parents. What a fun surprise!!

The cake from Larson's Bakery was beautiful and delicious!

 

 

 

I am always thankful for the few minutes I can sneak away with the bride and groom - they are usually up for a break in the action as well. I stole them away for just a few minutes while the guests were served cake. It was the perfect light as the sun was setting.

 

 

Such a lovely Summer evening in Vancouver. Thank you to Brittany and Keith for having us all out to capture your day - I hope it was everything you imagined. And congrats on the move back to the left coast!  Since their wedding Brittany and Keith made the cross-country move from South Carolina down to Southern California.  One of many of my wedding clients to make BIG moves directly following their weddings.  What is it about major life events happening all at the same time?

And I know it seems like there can't be more from this wedding - but there is!  Check out more from their beautiful evening >>>HERE<<<

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Venue: The Academy Chapel, Vancouver Wa

           The Marshall House, Fort Vancouver, Wa

Cake: Larson's Bakery, Vancouver, Wa