We look back on mountain top highs (literally!) this year. Join us as we ring in the New Year with (some of) the best moments of 2019!
Married on the highest mountain in Oregon, this couple had a winter wonderland wedding at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood just before the New Year. Their intimate after-sunset ceremony was followed by a night of absolutely joyous dancing.
From a visit to one of their favorite wineries, Five Fourteen Vineyards to a stop at their stylish new home in the North Gilham area, the Sherwood Family was such a joy to spend the day with! (Would you have guessed that just minutes after their family portrait in the vines was captured, we were met with a heavy downpour and lighting storm? This seems to be a theme for 2019—keep reading!)
When a senior nears the end of their K-12 experience, it often means a major life change is ahead. For the Holt family, it may mean their middle child will join their oldest: studying at an out-of-state university. Fortunately, this season was captured with their entire family present, and will be cherished for years to come.
The Columbia Gorge gave this couple from Mount Angel a day to remember—including a lightning storm that chased us for hours! We explored the incredible sights: along the river, below a waterfall, and even high atop with the valley below—and laughed a lot. Kami and Noah were delightful through the adventure; we are thrilled to celebrate with them this June at the iconic St. Mary’s church for their summer wedding.
Shianne, a Cottage Grove High School graduating senior had a day to remember as well! The day of her session, a lightning storm passed through the valley and a torrential down pour followed. Though we started in-studio for her first look after her professional hair and makeup styling, we headed to Owen Rose Garden along the river for her second (before finishing at home for her third). Braving the weather, not only did we create absolutely unique images, we created a memory that is sure to last!
This mama is a treasure. At her in-home styling consultation, it was profoundly clear: Amy is a talent and devoted mother and partner, with a spunky personality. Her aesthetic was enchanting, and together, custom art pieces were created. Both her parents and her in-laws also joined in, honoring this beauty, who celebrated her birthday the day of her Family Portrait session.
If you’ve been following us for any length of time, you know we absolutely love the empowering experience of boudoir. We shared 2019 with women of all walks of life: from the bride presenting herself as a groom’s gift, to the mom of 2 under 3 whose body and marriage has changed, to the empty-nester redefining her role and intimate space, and more! Due to the audience of this blog, a BOUDOIR Best of 2019 took place in our private group. To see, join us HERE.
We were able to share our year with several business professionals looking to elevate their brand and stand-out: from attorneys to accountants and more! Some of our favorites include blogger, It’s Me Laura Lee, Eugene Kids Pediatrics, Eugene Mortgage Brokers, Sam Krier, State Farm Agent, and singer-songwriter, Hannah Sophia (whose Heather Mills Photography image is the cover of her latest album release, “Say Hello”).
We were remarking recently that every single one of our Oregon Coast weddings has been met with perfect weather! Katie and Justin’s was no exception! And the sunset that ended their evening of celebration at Inn at the Spanish Head in Lincoln City was the icing on the cake!
Caleb, graduating from high school this spring, is a notable artist: both visually and musically. His Senior Portrait experience included a ballet and hip hop scene as well as a in-studio one for some dramatic cover-album type images with this bassoon.
2019 has brought us many delightful connections, including this one with Crissy! Owner of Centered Massage Therapy, Crissy first began as a professional contact, and has since become a dear client and friend! For her Family Portraits, Crissy wanted something that was unique and quirky. On a brisk day in December, we started at the Whitaker Tattoo Collective in Eugene for their first scene.
One of the best parts of a wedding day is the overflowing emotion. Sometimes, it’s the bride who is bursting just before seeing her groom. Other times, it’s the father of the bride who is overwhelmed by giving his daughter away or it’s the best friend trying to sum up their childhood affection over a toast. But the expression that always gets us the most: the emotional expression by a groom. Spencer and Julia locked eyes as Julia came down the aisle at the beautiful Deepwoods Events in Elmira and both of them lost it (Heather Mills, too!). Their processional was followed by an incredibly touching and sacred ceremony—one of our favorites of the year!
Did you know Heather Mills Photography plays matchmaker, too? Well, not really—but we sure help you in finding love through your online dating profile! This personal branding portrait client became a most vied-for bachelor shortly after his creative session featuring some of his passions, including master’s swim.
Hayley and Michael’s wedding at The Barn PNW in Dayton, Oregon was a highlight of the year for many reasons. Heather Mills’ favorite: Hayley, an undeniably beautiful bride was—some 15 years ago—one of Heather Mills’ middle school students (before she started Heather Mills Photography)! No doubt, this middle-schooler-turned-woman has found her life-mate, and is living her happily ever after. (Both of these featured images were fan favorites!)
After Jordan of Oregon Kids Pediatric Dentistry had her in-studio Branding Portrait session, we met up with her husband and son at a nearby park to capture their Family Portraits as well. The late summer sun and soft color palette selected from their Styling Consultation made a perfect pair!
Chloe and Jordan’s wedding-day images were fan favorites—2 of our #instagrambest9 were from their special day at New Hope Ranch and New Hope Christian College—and this first look is one of the very best! Chloe emerged from the barn’s double doors like royalty and Jordan’s reaction showed how absolutely captivated he was by her beauty. (Of course, Chloe is our beloved Studio Manager who helps create an unforgettable experience for each of our clients.)
These moments captured during Noah’s Bar Mitzvah celebration at the Eugene Country Club bring us smiles from ear to ear! After his ceremony at the Temple Beth Israel, the liveliest group of family (from near and very, very far!) and friends partied until the late-night hours!
It doesn’t get much better than a sunny wedding day in Glacier National Park! Another of our (literal) mountain top highs included Cara and Pat’s intimate wedding along the Going To The Sun Road. There were so many breathtaking views, but this image captured just after their intimate ceremony at Sun Point nearby Logan Pass is hands-down our favorite.
This year has left us again deeply grateful to ALL of our clients, friends, networks, and fans; in 2019 we were voted Eugene Area’s Best Photographer again! Heather Mills and Chloe Weinkauf, Studio Manager received their award at the Reader’s Choice Banquet held at the University of Oregon.