One of the things I love about Melissa and Andrew is their sincerity. They’re both really smart and talented people, but more importantly, they’re genuinely wonderful people. One way you can tell they’re so wonderful is because their wedding party was amazing.

These girls were all so nice. They all knew exactly what Melissa needed from her friends (and sister) that day, and they rallied around her so that she would be comfortable and taken care of.

Andrew’s groomsmen (and groomswoman) were the same way — true friends.

On Friday, even more photos from Andrew and Melissa’s celebration.

Melissa & Andrew

Married July 4, 2010 at Zenith Vineyard

Flowers/Catering: Vibrant Table Events

Hair and Makeup: AJ’s Hair Design & Makeup

On the Fourth of July, I think both Melissa and Andrew started out pretty nervous. They slowly got ready (which was more getting ready for Melissa and quite a bit of Wii Mariokart for Andrew) and then they got ready to see each other for the first time on their wedding day.

This is Andrew with his parents, and below, Melissa with hers. I love seeing how proud parents always look on their child’s wedding day.

The light was perfect that day, with soft billowy clouds rolling over Salem.

Melissa’s bridesmaids all wore hot pink shoes and, well, you know how I feel about shoes. Especially bright-colored ones.

Come back for more from this wedding on Wednesday!

It’s become a really fun way to work with another local, women-owned business for me to be able to shoot the Dress of the Month Club’s dresses from time to time. I love the August dress — not just because it’s cute, but because it was inspired by my dear friend Arwa, who runs GemKitty Jewelry.

The dress is so perfectly her! And it can be so perfectly yours, too, if you want to get your very own this month from Liz and Kirsten, the brilliant minds behind this fun project.

Thanks, gals, for a great time as usual!

All I have to say is, I’m glad it’s rose season. The day I met up with Katy and Justin (who are getting married in August at the coast) to do their session, the roses at the Rose Garden in Portland were in fine form — the whole place smelled like perfume and the blooms were everywhere.

Katy and Justin are a great couple. They’re always smiling and laughing, and let’s face it, they look great together.

Katy was really excited to shoot near red roses since red will be the accent color in their wedding, which is less than a month away!

Congrats, Katy and Justin! I can’t wait for your wedding. I just know it’s going to be beautiful.

I love taking engagement photos. They’re so fun and relaxed and there’s usually a lot of laughing. When I met up with Caroline and Michael to do their engagement session, all this was true, except that there were also hats. They love hats, so they thought, why not bring some along?

We ran around on a perfect summer afternoon at Portland’s Pittock Mansion. It was a great spot, especially since Caroline and Michael had never seen the place before. They just moved to Portland about three months ago, so they’re still getting to know the area.

I just love how comfortable they are together — you can tell they’ve been together for awhile and they’re totally at ease.

Congratulations, Caroline and Michael! I had a blast with you guys doing engagement photos and I can’t wait for your wedding!

I am so excited — last week, the fantastic bridal blog Brooklyn Bride featured Kim and Curt’s engagement session, shot in Waterfront Park.

I just love photographing fun couples like Kim and Curt, and I also love seeing my work featured on wedding blogs! Thanks for the feature, Vané!

Erica and Nick had their reception at the Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Portland, where her family has been members for longer than she’s been alive. They also incorporated other traditions in her family, like using the same pastor. Her parents’ reception was also at Columbia Edgewater, when it was housed in a different building.

I loved Erica and Nick’s gorgeous wedding cake by Helen Bernhard Bakery. It was so regal and I loved the topper of yellow flowers.

Erica’s niece, Jordyn, was the hit of the party. She danced it up and she was the smallest member of the wedding party.

Congratulations, Nick and Erica! I had such fun documenting your wedding and I wish you many happy years of marriage together.

Erica and Nick’s wedding was a great family event, especially because Erica’s family is big and local. Nick’s family came in from Texas and Georgia, and the two groups got to meet each other during this big wedding weekend.

These guest book and gift table girls are Erica’s cousins, and they were so cute in their fancy dresses.

This was such a fun wedding party to work with! Everyone was fun and laughing the whole time.

Tune in on Friday for even more photos from Erica and Nick’s reception.

Erica & Nick

Married July 3, 2010 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the Columbia Edgewater Country Club

Flowers: Annie Chen, Floral Sunshine

Cake: Helen Bernhard Bakery, Portland

Erica and I went to middle school together about a million years ago, so I was so happy to hear that she was getting married. Erica and Nick make the best pair — they’re sweet, kind, laid-back and smart. Being at their wedding was such a treat.

A little bridesmaid R&R during hair and makeup time on the morning of the wedding.

Erica and Nick were both so calm and collected on the day of the wedding, and it showed.

Tune in on Wednesday for more photos from Erica and Nick’s wedding!