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.