Photography Tips From Altura Studio

A few weeks ago, Shannin and I (Ashley), had the pleasure of meeting with John and Theresa Valls of Altura Studio.  We had originally met them at a recent networking event put on by My Portland Photographer  (an amazing group of collaborative photographers, some of the best in the industry) for some of the local coordinating companies in the area.  Shannin and I had a great time (and those mini cheesecakes were amazing), plus we really hit it off with this married, dynamic duo of photographers!  After meeting with them more, we fell even more in love with them!  They brought some great photo albums to share their work (stunning work by the way), as well as treating us to come hot cocoa!  We talked about a lot of things, but I really wanted to share the following five "top tips" that they shared with us (and let us share with you)!  There are more than 5 (see link at the bottom of the post), but Shannin and I really believe in these tips, and hope that every couple takes a few minutes to read these!  Thank you so much John and Theresa for sharing this invaluable insight!

 

#1. You love those beautiful getting ready photos, right?

It’s always better if we’re working with a good background. Tidy your getting-ready room. Stash the clutter, clothes, food and bags. Open all the curtains in order to maximize the natural daylight and turn off any florescent lights. Unwrap your dress and hang it somewhere out the way where we can find it. It’s also nice if your wedding day accessories such as rings, shoes, jewelry or veil are within reach as well.

 

#2 Should we see each other before the wedding?

Every couple ponders the question of whether to see one another prior to the ceremony. While there’s no exact substitute for that first glimpse down the aisle, some couples find it equally romantic to meet up in private before the wedding. Some couples actually find it easier to meet up before things get too crazy, when they are relaxed and not rushed. It can be private and a little more personal, too. Bonus: now you’re free to schedule group photos at any time that works in your wedding day plan.

#3 Why group photos take longer than you think they will.

Assembling key groups for portraits is an all-or-nothing proposition. When it comes to a photo of your entire wedding party, it is not going to happen if the best man has gone back to the hotel for his cummerbund or your BFF wants to redo her lipstick. One person’s delay translates into a full stop for certain wedding photos. Also, make sure to carve some time in the day for photos with just the two of you, either before your ceremony or after. Although it’s fun to be amidst the whirl of family and friends, a few quiet minutes alone lets us create memorable, emotional images.

 

 

#4 Won't it be fun to practice kissing?

Have you noticed that some kissing photos are wonderful and others, well, kind of awkward? It’s often the moments just before or after a kiss that are most photogenic. Here’s the trick: Go slow, keep your eyes closed and hold it a moment. When you go in for the smooch, try not to pucker up too hard. Have fun practicing!

 

 

#5 A toast to YOU.

Consider the best spot for the person giving a toast. Often, it’s right in the center of the dance floor. Don’t let the person speaking stand with his back smashed up against a wall. And nix the podium, please. There is an ideal spot for you, too. You can stand or sit amidst your guests or up front beside the person giving the toast. That way our shots will commemorate not only the speaker, but your sweet and sentimental reactions as well.

 

If you'd like to see all 12 tips for better wedding photos, you can visit their blog for the e-booklet here: http://alturastudio.com/blog/12-expert-tips-for-your-best-wedding-photos/

5.28.2011 ~ Pure Paradise

This wedding is very dear to my heart - it was my best friend's wedding! I was SO honored to be Stacy's Matron of Honor and help with the wedding...it was SO much fun! The groom (Mike) is also a very close friend of my husband (yes, also named Mike) and me, so it was all around amazing! They might have met through us, but I give God all the credit! They definitely complete each other and I LOVE seeing them so in love! Okay, okay - about the wedding!

Where to begin!?! Let's start with the venue. Choosing where you get married is usually number one on the list of things to do when planning - and I was happy to be a part of this whole process with them. We spent a LOT of time going and visiting different venues...but the second we arrived at Paradise Springs it was obvious that this was the venue for them. No other venue before or after that would do...Paradise Springs it was! Talk about a truly breathtaking venue...from the moment you arrive you're in awe of how gorgeous it is. The romantic covered, lighted pathway to the ceremony and reception area...the stunning view from the gazebo...the serene pond and waterwheel...all the wood accents...and the reception hall? To die for. Not only is the venue itself amazing - but the family that runs it as well. Amy and her husband paid attention to every detail and made you feel like a part of their family. It honestly was one of the best venues I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

Another aspect I LOVE about this venue is that when you rent it, you get it for the ENTIRE weekend. PLUS they have a wonderful house that you can rent right next to the reception hall! We were all able to go to the rehearsal, have the rehearsal dinner on site, spend the night (they even have a hot tub), and start getting ready the next day without having to worry about traffic or getting there on time! Our day started with the talented ladies of Face Body Beauty. I've had the pleasure of working with them numerous times (including my own wedding) and they are flawless! They make you feel the way you should on your wedding day - radiant! It's also a fun, memorable time to get "dolled up" with all of you closest friends and family members...and the staff at Face Body Beauty fit right in and laugh along side you! You feel like you've known them for years!


The stunning dress was provided by The Bridal Gallery in Salem. Angie (the owner) will literally go to any length to make sure your dress is perfect for you! She cares for her brides more than I can express - and I LOVE sending my brides to her! The Bridal Gallery also provided the veil, hair accessories, bridesmaid dresses, and the tuxes for the guys! It was a one-stop-shop with impeccable service and quality! Shopping for the dress was a total blast - and let me tell you...when you "know"...you know! Once she put "her" dress on - it was like the venue - she just knew it was the one.


Now, on a personal note...the "getting ready" part of the day was really meaningful to me. Watching the excitement on Stacy's face (I could hear it in her voice too) was priceless. So many things had led to this day, this moment...and I couldn't WAIT for her to see her groom for the first time. One of the most important things for Stacy was that "first moment" that Mike would see her. And let me tell you what - she was STUNNING! Every time I look at these pictures I can't help but smile. I remember walking with her to help her with her dress...and then "letting go" so she could walk to her groom, her best friend, her soon to be husband. I'm pretty sure she literally took his breathe away. Mike sure is one lucky man!

During all of these events, Brittany of 5th and 59th Photography was right by our side, documenting all the special moments. She truly has an eye for "catching the moment" as well as making sure to catch all the little details along the way as well. Her pictures speak for themselves! Not only does she have amazing talent, but she's really easy to work with as well!

Now, I'm a pretty sentimental person for those of you that know me...and the ceremony was one of the most heartfelt and sincere ceremonies I've ever heard. I shed a tear a time or two...the first was when Stacy and her father walked through the glass double doors of the reception hall to begin her walk down the aisle. As I mentioned before, she was simply stunning. She instantly made eye contact with Mike...and their eyes were locked on each other the whole time (with the biggest smiles I'd ever seen)! I was bursting with overwhelming joy for Stacy and Mike! When it came time for the vows, Mike had written a special vow to their (at the time) 16 month old son. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house (I know mine weren't)! The rings were exchanged, the "I do's" were said, and now it was time to party!

After the ceremony, the guests entered the reception hall and found their name on a cut-out leaf (all made by an amazing bridesmaid) that corresponded to a specific table. The table linens were provided by SHE Designs in Salem. She has great quality rentals and makes the whole process a breeze by separating all linens by table instead of size...it makes setting up much easier! Stacy really loved the "pin-tuck" look - and so did I! I love something different, and it looked so elegant and really pulled together the whole look she was going for.


As a wedding favor, Mike and Stacy had ordered crayons from Twigs and More - but they weren't just any crayons! They were made out of little twigs! They were a HUGE hit with the guests - they were such a hit that there wasn't a SINGLE ONE left at the end of the night. I loved this unique, fun favor! All of the centerpieces were filled with espresso beans - which provided a rich brown color and a great aroma!


A VERY talented family friend, Collin, did all of the flowers! He definitely went above and beyond and the colors were perfect! Our Daily Bread did the catering and it was yummy! It was my first time working with them, and I was impressed! They always made sure the food was stocked and were very attentive to the details. Music and announcing was by BMAC Productions, yet another great vendor I had the pleasure of working with for the first time! Everything was announced on time, names were pronounced correctly, and music always started at the right time with perfect transition.


And that gorgeous cake? That was made by the talented team at Haute Cakes and Confections. And yes, it tasted as good as it looks! One of my favorite parts of the whole day was the special "groom's cake" that Stacy had made for Mike. If you couldn't tell...he's a firefighter / paramedic...and Haute Cakes did an AMAZING job of making a 3D fire truck! It was made even more special because Mike had NO idea about this...we all cleared the reception room so Stacy could surprise him with it - he was stunned! I love, love sweet moments like this!


This wedding was SO spectacular, that it even got published on an online wedding inspiration blog, Le Magnifique! I'm a huge fan of this blog - there's giveaways, photos, and all things wedding! The blog is always posting new things for all styles! Here's their writeup about Mike and Stacy's wedding!

I was pretty busy this day...so I wanted to give a huge thank you to Melissa, who ran most of the "day of" coordination for me so I could be by Stacy's side and soak in all the memories of the day with her. I could look at these pictures again, and again, and again...and never get tired of looking at them - there are endless amazing memories from the day! I could probably write a blog twice as long too, going over all the memories! Mike and Stacy - "my Mike" and I couldn't be happier for you and we're honored to be a part of sharing in so many parts of not only your wedding, but in your lives as well. We have lots, lots more memories to make in the future! We love you!

Marry You Me Inspiration Blog

Back in August the Marry You Me inspiration blog for "all things wedding, love, and sweetness" wrote about Stargazer Weddings and our contribution to the Click Chicks' 1st Annual Summer Lovin' Workshop! A lot of time went into putting together this workshop, and a lot of collaboration from numerous vendors made it successful! A few quotes from the review from Marry You Me about the two "themes" we did:

"This sweet little photo shoot has such a fresh palette of aqua blue, lemon yellow, and white. There are some great and inexpensive steal worthy tablescape ideas from this workshop...Loving this color combo so much!"

"I am loving the farm-meets-Victorian feel!"

Thank you Marry You Me for sharing our work for inspiration for future brides! If you're a bride looking for another website to check out tips, inspirations, and literally all things "wedding, love, and sweetness," check out Marry You Me!