Crystal & I sat down with Amanda & Justin months ago, while they were in town for a few days from Atlanta Georgia. Amanda is a graphic designer, and owner/operator of her own letterpress company: www.aleeandpress.com Her work is absolutely stunning; we had no idea one person could put together so many amazing, handcrafted details for their own wedding!
We knew almost immediately that photographing Amanda & Justin's wedding was going to be difficult to label as "work." Just a few reasons: 1. It was in Walla Walla, a great little up-and-coming old-fashioned town, world-renowned wine country, and the sun actually shines there. 2. Amanda had a vision, and was more than creatively capable to carry it out. 3. They're such a great couple; so easy to get along with, and even more importantly, they share a our same creative concepts & style. When we happen upon like-minded couples, magic happens.
Gibson & Ella (our 6- and 5-year-old son and daughter) spent the weekend with my mom, while we crossed I-90 in our toaster on wheels (a Honda Element for those of you might not have gotten the harsh comparison). The sun was out, the wind was warm, and the drive was suitably accompanied by a couple of neatly hand-rolled maduro cigars. We stopped in Prosser along the way to taste wine and peruse the few antique shops in town. We actually scarfed-up a few really great bargains (note: wait to do your antique shopping until you're on a trip to Western Washington...the deals abound).
After some lunch, and a fair assortment of both red & white wines, we finished the drive to Walla Walla. We checked into our hotel, threw on some fresh clothes, and headed to Amanda & Justin's rehearsal dinner. Yes, it was at a scenic winery. And yes, they graciously included us on the guest list :) We had an amazing time getting to know their family & friends, which was a great way to build an essential level of comfort with everyone we'd be barraging with our cameras the following day.
Their wedding day was everything we'd hoped for. It was real, laid-back, and a true celebration of the beginning of the rest of their lives. It lasted twelve-and-a-half hours, but seemed like only a few. Their reception photo-booth was a huge hit...especially with the wedding party (which I'm sure you've seen in the previous post). Thank you Amanda & Justin for your genuine spirits, zeal, and the way you made us feel at home. Enjoy a few of the images from that "sweet day in May..."
Holy cow, guys! BEST wedding ever!!! Beautiful, I love the color, details, and emotions you captured. And your new blogsite is a breath of fresh air...Congrats, your hard work has paid off--it's totally *you*
(06.18.09 @ 02:12 PM)-J
I love it ~ I love it ~ I love it! The intro is perfect; the photo of you two is perfect; the music is chillin' and you guys the pictures are amazing!! Congratulations my friends, to a wonderful new blog/site that will bring nothing but success and happiness to Ella Blue Studio. xoxo
(06.18.09 @ 03:05 PM)Heck YAHHHHH!!! I LOVE the new blog!!! So much I want to eat it. It looks sooo killer guys! Excited for you guys! This wedding rocked HARD too!
(06.18.09 @ 04:52 PM)Unbelievable guys! Great blog, and stunning wedding!
(06.18.09 @ 07:39 PM)I love seeing the wedding you both photograph. This one is by far my favorite. I do love Walla Walla and maybe that is why. Great shoot!
(06.18.09 @ 10:52 PM)You guys are so incredibly talented. What a unique website, and a great testament of your love for one another and your fine art. We can't wait for August!!!!
(06.19.09 @ 06:47 AM)testing
(06.19.09 @ 09:36 AM)These are absolutely gorgeous. AMANDA! You are stunning.... you did such an incredible job on EVERYTHING. You thought of every detail. I hope these pictures take you back to this day and make you so happy! You look amazing! Justin looks awesome. Everything looks perfect!
(06.19.09 @ 10:28 AM)I love these images and your writing style is wonderful. It was a joy to read and to look at your photos! Great job!
(06.21.09 @ 06:31 AM)Beautiful photographs! Her shoes are just wow! I have a lot of favorites from this wedding!
(06.21.09 @ 10:25 AM)Lovely site, lovely blog, LOVELY images!
(06.26.09 @ 07:04 AM)Love your new site! Seeing these pictures make me want to take a small visit to Walla Walla. It's my hometown after all! Great work!
(07.08.09 @ 03:06 PM)Wow! Amazing! i love them all, but especially the "sanctuary" shot. awesome!
(08.03.09 @ 12:22 PM)Lovely, lovely work. The rear view mirror portrait is unbelievable!
(08.04.09 @ 01:12 PM)The pictures are amazing....brings tears of happiness and joy to me. Amanda you are so beautiful! Justin so--handsome. We love you both so much! Martha Stewart really needs these in her magazine!!!!
(08.27.09 @ 01:06 PM)