Amy Wing Designs Spring Lookbook

I’m so excited to finally be able to share these photos. These are the photos from Amy Wing Designs‘ spring/summer lookbook, and they’re so fun that I’ve been just about to burst waiting to share them on the blog! We did a fun photo shoot to show off Amy’s Blossom Collection that was completely ballet-inspired, and styled by Kimberly at Billede Design.

Wedding photographer, Portland Oregon

Wedding photographer, Portland Oregon

Our models for this shoot, Kelly and Megan, were so lovely in clothes from Souchi, Lille Boutique and Kate Towers.

Wedding photographer, Portland Oregon

Wedding photographer, Portland Oregon

Wedding photographer, Portland Oregon

The Blossom Collection is so beautiful and feminine — go check it out and get one of these pieces for yourself!

MarryThis! Photo Shoot

Photo Shoot: MarryThis! Guide 05

Earlier today, we launched a brand-new guide over at MarryThis! Styling and shooting these guides has become one of my favorite projects — and this one was no exception. I thought I’d show you some of my favorite shots from this shoot. To see more from the shoot, check out the guide, which is a free download.

MarryThis! Photo Shoot

MarryThis! Photo Shoot

Those gorgeous flowers came from Rosemary Stafford, one of my favorite local florists (and people). That stunning hairpiece is from Serephine, run by one of my other all-time-favorite people, Erin Brooks.

MarryThis! Photo Shoot

Paragon Restaurant & Bar played host to us for the day — they have really terrific event space right in the Pearl, where we put together this photo shoot.

MarryThis! Photo Shoot

Those invitations are part of the invitation suite that MarryThis! just released. Love them? They’re for sale in our shop.

MarryThis! Photo Shoot

Now on to that beautiful woman. That’s Megan Clark, of Clark & Co. She’s wearing a beautiful dress from Charlotte’s, one of my favorite local dress shops.

MarryThis! Photo Shoot

MarryThis! Photo Shoot

Finally, her hair and makeup was done by DeAnn, one of the geniuses behind Face Body Beauty. What a dream team!

MarryThis! Photo Shoot

I hope you all like this photo shoot as much as I did — be sure to check out the newest MarryThis! guide for more.

Recipe for a Photo Shoot: Train-inspired

A question I get all the time is: Where should we go for our engagement session? And what should we wear? This series will give you some cliff notes to put together an engagement, anniversary or newlywed session that reflects you.

Engagement Session Ideas

The shoot: A throwback to the glory days of train travel.

Based on: Angela & Luke’s fun engagement session at Union Station.

Ideal location: There’s really no beating Portland’s Union Station for vintage charm. Check out the marble arrivals hall and the great brick exterior.

Wardrobe: Since the station has vintage charm, why not incorporate some items with a vintage flair? I love the above coat (in a bright color, which keeps it modern still) and those T-straps. A bright lip is a great vintage touch, but can rub off if you do too much smooching during the session. I love this lipstain for a smudge-free look.

Accessories: Think accessories that will look natural but have a certain vintage charm. How about a fun umbrella in a bright color, an antique photograph or camera. You could even carry a small nosegay of flowers. Have fun!

Engagement Session Ideas

Recipe for a Photo Shoot: Beach-inspired

A question I get all the time is: Where should we go for our engagement session? And what should we wear? This series will give you some cliff notes to put together an engagement, anniversary or newlywed session that reflects you.

Engagement Photo Shoot Ideas

The Shoot: Lovebirds on the beach. Instead of going to the ocean, why not take advantage of one of Portland’s local beaches? I love their character.

Based on: Liz & Eric’s sweet save-the-date shoot near the water in Willamette Park.

Ideal location: There are some great riverfront spots in the area. Check out: Willamette Park, George Rogers Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park or Kelley Point Park, where the Columbia and Willamette run together in North Portland.

Wardrobe: These two struck just the right cord with preppy, clean outfits. Casual but classic white button-up shirts for both (try his and hers from Gap). I love Liz’s skinny jeans, rolled up and paired with some fun suede oxfords (or kick off your shoes and go barefoot!) I like the idea of finishing it off with a cardigan and these cute sailor knot earrings and ring — nautical without being too over the top).

Accessories: I think too many props for a simple waterfront shoot would look like you were trying too hard. Instead, go natural: Look for big driftwood pieces you can sit on, take a walk down the beach hand in hand or (like Liz and Eric did) bring along your dog. Your four-legged friend not only will be a fun addition to your photo shoot, but says more about your relationship, which is always a good idea.

Engagement Photo Shoot Ideas

Meet The Bylines!

If there’s one thing I admire in others, it’s commitment to following their dreams. I love to watch people I know doing amazing things, and some of the most inspiring people I know are my friends Marianna Theielen and Reece Marshburn, who together lead The Bylines, a soulful retro pop group. They’ve been following their dreams of making music for a couple of years now, and it’s been a thrill to watch them find success.

Now, their second album is out (I got my copy last week!) and it’s great. I wanted to share some photos I took of them recently (one of which appears in the album). I think you’ll love their music and their passion just as much as I do.

The Bylines, Portland Oregon

The Bylines, Portland Oregon

The Bylines, Portland Oregon

The Bylines, Portland Oregon

The Bylines, Portland Oregon

The Bylines are having a CD release party on March 16 at the Alberta Rose Theatre — I’d encourage you to come out and see them (we’ll be there!), or get your hands on a copy of the new album. It’s really great.

The Bylines’ regular appearances around the Portland area are listed on their site.

I Love: Photobooths!

I love photo booths

At the moment, I’m loving the whole photobooth experience. Last week, I was at Alt, where there was a new photobooth around every corner (from the fun, white-accessory one at the Winter Wonderland Party, above, to the fun Method-sponsored Smilebooth, below). These photos are me and my friends Amy and Erin, goofing around.

I have a photobooth of my own that makes the rounds, mostly at weddings, but I’ve got about a thousand cool ideas for making it event-ready. One is integrating cool accessories like the ones above, and the other involves some pretty rad backgrounds, like some fun crepe paper stripes or some glitter, like below. If you want to photobooth it up — for your wedding or for a birthday party, house party or whatever kind of party, let me know!

I love photo booths

Sara Gray Photography, Published!

I love seeing my weddings featured on my favorite wedding blogs. I wanted to share a couple of recent mentions that made me particularly excited!

Sara Gray Photography

On November 22, Morgan & Robert’s pretty Bridal Veil Lakes wedding was featured on The Sweetest Occasion.

Sara Gray Photography

Then, on December 23, my sister Emily’s Maui wedding was featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Sara Gray Photography

Finally, Rosa and Chris’ beautiful Riverplace Hotel wedding was featured on Ever Ours on Jan. 11.

Thanks so much to Cyd, Ami and Lydia for featuring my work! It’s always such a treat to see it on your wonderful blogs.

Engagement: Sara & Greg

I love love. And I love these two, Sara and Greg, who are getting married later this year on Whidbey Island. It’s one of my favorite places ever to shoot weddings, and I’m so lucky to get to do one or two every year. We took these engagement photos awhile back at Sara & Greg’s house and at Green Lake in Seattle. See their mugs? If you turn them around, they’re my initals. I got a little kick out of that one.

Wedding photographer, Seattle Washington

Wedding photographer, Seattle Washington

So in love with Sara’s dress — isn’t it cute?

Wedding photographer, Seattle Washington

Wedding photographer, Seattle Washington

Such a pretty lake — I love how it’s always full of people and activity, but it’s still so serene.

Wedding photographer, Seattle Washington

Wedding photographer, Seattle Washington

Wedding photographer, Seattle Washington

I can’t wait for your wedding, Sara and Greg! It’s going to be so beautiful.

Recipe for a Photo Shoot: Coffee-Inspired

Today I’m introducing a new kind of post on the blog. A question I get all the time is: Where should we go for our engagement session? And what should we wear? This series will give you some cliff notes to put together an engagement, anniversary or newlywed session that reflects you.

Coffee-inspired Photo Shoot

The Shoot: Coffee-inspired, based on a quiet morning reading the paper over lattes at the local coffee shop. Perfect for Portland.

Based on: Julie & Dan’s Coffee-inspired anniversary session

Ideal Location: An easygoing, original Portland coffeehouse with great light (I like Stumptown Coffee, Lovejoy Bakers, Barista, Crema or Heart)

Wardrobe: Laid-back and cozy. Think of what you’d normally wear to a lazy Sunday morning coffee excursion. My picks: This J.Crew striped dress paired with Essie polish in Sand Tropez. For him? A J.Crew chambray shirt and some easy Converse All Stars.

Accessories: Grab the paper, order a couple of drinks with some beautiful foam art and pull up some chairs. Get cozy! This shoot is all about being yourselves. We also added some international flair by integrating this Hello Languages poster from Made by Girl.

So, what do you guys think? Would you do a coffee-inspired shoot with your sweetie? What other shoot ideas would you like to see in this series?

 

Holiday Photos: Rosemary & Brian

Do you know Rosemary Stafford? If you don’t, you should. She’s a local florist who not only does amazing work with flowers, but is a really fun person to hang out with. We met earlier in 2011 on a photo shoot and totally hit it off. Just before Christmas, I got together with Rosemary and her man, Brian, and we took some really sweet couple photos in NW Portland and the edge of Forest Park.

Wedding photographer, Portland, Oregon

Wedding photographer, Portland, Oregon

I love their whole vibe — these guys are some of my favorite people.

Wedding photographer, Portland, Oregon

Wedding photographer, Portland, Oregon

Wedding photographer, Portland, Oregon

Above, that’s one of Rosemary’s floral arrangements, just casually arranged on her living room table. I’ve never seen one thing of hers that I don’t love.

Thanks, Rosemary and Brian, for choosing me to shoot your photos! It was amazing and you know I can’t wait for next time.