Today I’m writing from in front of a beautiful fireplace in the Fireside room at Sunriver Resort [Gorgeous wedding venue] while the brides are enjoying the fashion show at the Bravo! Central Oregon Showcase. We are having so much fun meeting new vendors and wonderful couples!

Day 3 brings us to Paul Rich Studio... We have worked with Paul many many times and every time we are impressed by his ability to combine a modern and traditional style to create timeless images! Paul is engaging and makes you feel at ease, helping you feel natural… He takes pride in connecting with his clients and truly getting to know them. Introducing… Paul Rich Studio...

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Paul: When I was 13, my next door neighbor was a wedding photographer.  He hired me to assist him in the studio.  This was back in the day when we were sorting negatives and shooting film.  I had the opportunity to assist him on some weddings and by the time I was 18, I was photographing weddings on my own.  Photography has always been a part of my life and in 1998 I graduated from Bard College in NY with a degree in photography.

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Paul:  I like to put my couples at ease.  There is so much preparation and excitement on the day of the wedding.  I want my couples to be able to take it all in and enjoy the day that they have worked so hard to make possible.  I look for those candid moments and unique details that best tell the story of the day.  My approach is loose, candid and fun and my goal is to produce work that will be enjoyed for many generations.  It is photojournalism mixed with creative artistry.

Champagne: What would be your dream person/event to photograph?

Paul: I am a certified scuba diver and I would love the opportunity to photograph a wedding that takes place under water.

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?

Paul: I absolutely cherish the relationships that I have created with each of my clients.  Wedding photographers receive a very unique opportunity to share in one of the most amazing days in a newlywed couple’s life.  The bond that is created from that experience is what makes me absolutely love the work that I do.

[Champagne’s Rachelle Bell]

Champagne: To you, what is key to creating a successful event?

Paul: Effective communication amongst the vendors is absolutely important.  For the florist to know when and where the flowers need to be delivered so that they can be included in the formal pictures.  For the proper timing of toasts, cake cutting, and the first dance so that guests are entertained and aware of each event as it unfolds.  Communication that occurs prior to the wedding and most certainly on the day of the wedding—this is absolutely critical to creating a successful event.  I document over 30 weddings every year and the ones that flow the best are without a doubt those that are handled in conjunction with an experienced wedding planner.  Having the details handled and the questions answered by someone else, frees up the bride and groom to spend more time together.  They invariably look more relaxed in their photos too!

Champagne: What do you do when you’re not doing what you do?

Paul: Photography is a passion of mine that extends beyond weddings.  Whether it is working on a creative project, visiting galleries and museums or collaborating with other artists, I am constantly thinking about photography.  One of the benefits of being a wedding photographer is that the work is very seasonal.  While I am extremely busy in the summer months, the winter months afford me the ability to travel and ski—two of my other passions in life.

Champagne: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Paul: We are taking on an increasing number of destination weddings each year.  This year, we had the opportunity to document weddings in upstate New York and on Martha’s Vineyard.  We even had the opportunity to travel as far as St Lucia.  Whatever your destination, know that we have cameras and love to travel!

Champagne: Thank you, Paul, for telling us more about you and your work! We look forward to working with you again soon! Make sure you to check out Paul Rich Studio‘s website and blog for Paul’s latest happenings!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
30 days of vendors

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Make sure you don’t miss our current promotion! Book your wedding or event coordination before January 30th, 2010 and receive 5% off your package!* Dates are booking quickly!

Don’t forget, we offer free consultations so you can learn if hiring a wedding planner would benefit you and if we’re the right match! We’d love to learn more about you, your fiance and your upcoming wedding plans!

*Not valid on previously booked packages. Contract and deposit must be returned by January 30th, 2010.

We are so excited for 2010 and all that is to come! We absolutely love what we do and feel so honored to be working with so many incredible couples and amazing vendors!

While we are taking it easy for a few weeks and spending time with our families for the holidays, we are starting out January by visiting some beautiful venues in wine country and then will be making our way over to Bend, Oregon to be a part of the Bravo! Central Oregon Wedding Showcase on Saturday, January 9th from 10am-5pm at Sunriver Resort. We hope to see you there!

Everyone loves gifts, so we wanted to give you a little something…
Receive 5% off any package you book between December 22nd, 2009 and January 30th, 2010*.
Don’t forget, we offer free consultations so you can learn if hiring a wedding planner would benefit you and if we’re the right match! We’d love to learn more about you, your fiance and your upcoming wedding plans!

We are looking forward to meeting you! Wishing you a very happy holiday season and a new year filled with love, laughter and happiness!

Photo by PDX Photo Lounge
Cheers,

Mandi & Rachelle

*Not valid on previously booked packages. Contract and deposit must be returned by January 30th, 2010.

Watch for upcoming contests on our blog in early 2010! We are teaming up with some fabulous vendors to giveaway some services and items you won’t want to miss!

This August I had a great time working with Heather of Espana Photography for the first time. Her style of photography was perfect for the setting and the couple. While she is working she is quiet, unobtrusive, and always there when something is happening. I was really impressed by her professionalism, as well as the images once I saw them! I recently met up for coffee with her and found that she is truly one of the kindest people—I can’t wait to work with her again! Please read below to see some of the great images from Veronica and Jose’s wedding, as well as to get to know one of Oregon’s premier wedding photographers!

Rachelle: What made you decide to photograph weddings—what do you love about your profession?

Heather: When I first really got into photography, I honestly did not know how I would feel about shooting weddings.  I had heard so many people say how stressful they could be, so I went in as a second photographer with an open mind.  I told myself I would just see how things unfolded and decide where I wanted to go from there.

Looking back, I should have known I would fall head over heels for wedding photography.  New people, new locations. . . it’s always different and exciting.  You could say I’m addicted.

Rachelle: Are you a native Oregonian? What are some of your favorite things about Portland?

Heather:I am native Oregonian! Born and raised in the little town of Newberg, just south of Portland.  I think what I love most about Portland is its culture of nurturing individuality.  To me at least, it seems to be one of the most inviting places to just be yourself.  Everywhere you go in the city, people are expressing themselves freely through clothing, street performances, relationships, gardens, murals.  I go there so often, and always see something different.  As a photographer, that’s really exciting to me.

One time, my husband and I were just walking up Belmont and we saw a basket hanging down from a second story apartment.  It had a sign on it that said “Ring the bell for fresh peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”  We laughed, rang the bell, and a cheery face popped out of the window.

“Would you like white or whole wheat? Jelly, jam or honey?  OK. Would you like it toasted?”

It was the best toasted peanut butter and honey sandwich we’ve had to date. 

Rachelle: What do you think sets you apart from other wedding photographers?

Heather: JOY. 
I think both my joy in the work that I am doing, and the joy I see in people comes through in my work.

There are dozens of perfectly affordable high-quality cameras on the market, and there are thousands of excellent photographers.  The main thing that can set me apart is my personality.  I’m always saying photography is such a personal thing, I am grateful there are so many for people to choose from!  Each one of them will capture things differently.  That’s why it’s so important to find a photographer who’s way of seeing things really resonates with you.

I am in love with humanity.  The way you stroke her hair off her face, the way he holds his thumbs, the way she crinkles her nose when she laughs, his fascination with vintage hats, her love of dancing. . . I try to go into every situation with fresh eyes.  I never want to just go through a list of standard shots.  I don’t want to repeat something in the past just because it worked then.  Every couple, every relationship, every venue is completely different and I like to let all of those things inspire me in the moment and see what I can create that’s new and exciting.

Rachelle: How do you spend your free time?

Heather: My husband is chuckling at this question.  Honestly, I most often do the same thing in my free time that I do when I am working: I take photographs!  Besides that though, I’m a self-confessed thrift-shop and decorating fanatic, and I actually love living in a small space because it forces me to get really creative about how to use it.  A good “day off” to me could involve secondhand shopping, and reorganizing the kitchen and baking something.  Every now and then though, I’ll get into a good book and just curl up on the couch with my husband and some tea… or cocoa if I’m feeling saucy.

Rachelle: What would be your dream vacation?

Heather: Europe with my man.  We are fantasizing/planning a 5 year anniversary trip, hopefully involving Italy, my camera, and a lot of authentic Italian food ; ).  In a DREAM vacation though, there would also be a personal masseuse to travel along with us. 

Rachelle: Anything else you want brides to know?
Heather: Yes!  If you are planning a wedding, by all means plan one that has the two of you written all over it.  You can ignore the wedding dress trends, you can choose not to stress about having an even number of attendants on each side.  Be madly in love, hire a great coordinator, a photographer you’re ecstatic about, wear your personalities loud and proud,  and all will be well.

Rachelle: Heather, thank you so much for your outgoing and honest answers! It was so great getting to know you better! We, at Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination, look forward to working with you again soon!!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

PS Have you checked out the giveaways on Portland Style Unveiled lately? Make sure you stop by their blog and don’t forget to tell your friends! Another thing not to forget… The Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Show at The Heathman Hotel—Downtown Portland this Saturday, November 21st at 12-4pm. AniA Collection fashion show starts at 12:30pm and David’s Bridal at 2:30pm. There will be multiple giveaways every half hour.. here’s the list of goodies up for grabs:

Grand prize: AniA Collection  Couture Bridal Boutique Giveaway:  Couture custom wedding gown $1,800 value Must be present to win—Drawing at 3:30 pm

Silpada Jewelry Giveaway: Breathlessly feminine and delicate, this Sterling Silver and Cubic Zirconia Necklace is a piece admirers will adore. 16” long with a 2” Extender and a Lobster Clasp.
Party with your friends and earn free Silpada Jewelry - what more could a girl ask for? Bring the Sterling boutique to your home today!

Heathman Hotel and Restaurant Giveaway: $100 gift certificate at The Heathman Restaurant

Joseph K Wedding Rings Giveaway: Three Tungsten Carbide groom’s wedding bands

So Many Moments Photography Giveaway: Free engagement photo session

Spa Above Giveaway: Facial and massage for the Bride and Mother of the Bride

Fiori Bella Giveaway: Floral arrangement $100 value

Flowers by Tommy Luke Giveaway:  Phalenopsis Orchid Plant in a beautiful bronze ceramic container $85.00 value

Le Cookie Monkey Giveaway: 50 Cupcakes for a wedding shower or event

1st Comes Love Custom Invitations Giveaway: $75 gift certificate towards wedding invitations

Under U 4 Men Giveaway: Gift certificate for designer underwear for your fiance

Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination Giveaway: Basket filled with ingredients to make two champagne drink recipes, 2 champagne flutes and a shaker

Nico Bella Giveaway: Gift Certificate for one Bridal up-do valued at $250, includes a trial run, onsite the day of and up to 20 mile radius of Bridal show

Mia with Panache Giveaway: Gift Certificate for one Bridal up-do valued at $250, includes a trial run, onsite the day of and up to 20 mile radius of Bridal show

AJ Hair Design & Make up Giveaway: One free makeup session good for any event, $65 value

William James Photography Giveaway: Engagement Session and Engagement Session Inspired 20x24 Signature Board

Event Team Entertainment Giveaway: $300.00 Gift Certificate off any DJ package booked with Event Team Entertainment.

Looking for great wedding shows to find some of the best vendors in Portland, Oregon in one place? Well here are two that are sure to entertain…

Bravo Wedding Affair
The 7th Annual Wedding Affair - Sunday, November 15th, 2009 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel, Portland Downtown 319 SW Pine Portland, Oregon
Experience extraordinary wedding vignettes each featuring its own unique style and personality overflowing with exciting trends and fresh ideas from over 60 wedding services. This is a show like no other.
From the centerpieces to the wedding cake, invitations to the photography, music to the catering, every detail has been carefully thought out and meticulously taken care of - all to help simplify the task of planning your own wedding.
The Bravo! Wedding Affair is designed to be an intimate setting where brides and grooms can experience wedding services first-hand and meet personally with caterers, photographers, stationers, dress designers and other wedding experts to get their advice.
Not your typical bridal show- It’s an affair not to be missed.
Tickets are $25 for bride and guest. $10 for additional guests.

Come see us in Colonel Lindbergh Foyer!

Perfect Wedding Guide Show
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Place: Heathman Hotel
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Price: $5.00
Location: 1001 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97705
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Don’t miss this exciting event.

Speak with local vendors about your wedding and enter for a chance to win any of these fabulous Giveaways.

-A wedding gown from Ania Collection valued $1800.00
-Jewelry for Wedding Party Dee Dee Anderson Silpada Jewelry
-One facial for pre wedding day compliments Spa Above
-One hour massage for Bride and Groom compliments of Spa Above couples massage
-Two hair Styles by top hair designers in Portland / Vancouver area
-Tea for two Bride and mom compliments of The Heathman

We’ll be there to greet you!

We look forward to seeing you all at these fabulous events!

Cheers,

Mandi & Rachelle