Dragonleaf Photography....the Blog

Photography for all kinds

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The Beatles once sang that ”All you need is love”. I think it encompasses more than just relationships and things of that sort. It can also describe a day as well. Cassie and Alexis, I believe, took that to heart on their wedding day. Weather could not damper their mood. When you are in love and are ready and more than ready to get married, nothing else matters…nothing. I remember seeing Alexis’ reaction when Cassie came down the aisle. It wasn’t that he was grinning ear to ear…it was more than affection, it was the look on his face of complete content. Finally it was happening, the next step to the rest of their lives. The vows were killer. They were both so heartfelt and genuine and funny. After the ”I Do’s” were done and the first kiss was accomplished, a surprise. I’d like to think that I’ve seen everything but this was the first wedding were I witnessed everybody getting ”Rickrolled”. It was awesome. That pretty much summed up the crowd, the couples friends and the couple themselves. After the rain let up the true light show began. The sky was quite simply breathtaking and we got to take full advantage of it. A nineties music artist once sang about rain on a wedding day but on this day, it didn’t matter. Only love mattered this day.

Wedding held at McMenamins Grand Lodge!

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I wasn’t there when Tyler and Penny got engaged but I can assume that it went sort of like this. Tyler: Hey Penny, you’re awesome…let’s get married. Penny: Hey Tyler, you’re awesome too, yes. Tyler: Sweet. Penny: Will the world be able to handle our combined awesomeness? Tyler: Sure. I first met these two when I did their engagement session at the beautiful Cathedral Park last fall. We had a blast and they were two of the most easy going people I’ve met. You could tell that they had a lot of fun together. That was even more apparent when I met their crew on the day of the wedding. I’m sure they all know how to party! I had the most fun taking the couples photos in front of a 1956 Chevy Bel Air. A beautiful automobile to match the beautiful couple. The dance moves displayed during the 1st dances were impeccable and if there was a rug in the house, it was cut. Congratulations to Penny and Tyler! (Please tell Travis that I’ll be waiting for those cookies, and not oatmeal raisin either because that’s bush league)

Wedding at West End Ballroom

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Anthony and Chelsea’s fun filled wedding was held at the Surfsand Resort in Cannon Beach. One of my favorite places on the coast. Where else can you have someone build you a fire and stake out an umbrella for you so that you can enjoy the beautiful sunsets that the coast is famous for? I have been looking forward to their wedding for a while. Meeting with them a couple of days before to go over some loose ends, my excitement grew. The weather report was good, the vibe was good, it was going to be a great weekend. Everything seemed to be going my way that day. Driving over, traffic was way less than I was anticipating. While driving through town, I turned into a driveway and it just so happened to be the guys house I was looking for. Walking into the house, no one was stressed, everyone was happy and enjoying the weather and celebrating Anthony and Chelsea’s wedding weekend. After getting some shots with the guys I moved over to where the girls were at. Walking into the girls suite, the room was buzzing with activity. Much thanks to Stefi for helping me with Chelsea’s dress. After some more detail shots, it was time for the ceremony. The weather couldn’t be better. It was sunny but the ocean breeze provided ample cooling for the guests. Anthony and Chelsea opted not to see eachother before the ceremony. Anthony’s expression when Chelsea walked down the aisle was of pure joy and happiness. After the ceremony, walking away from the beach, Anthony decided to bust out some dance moves while walking up the dune. An introduction, a first dance, an awesome best man toast (if you weren’t emotional after that one, you have a dark soul), a cake cutting and a conga line later, we were at the beach again. The sunset was perfect with clouds painting the sky with color. The bridal part was there and we had a great time taking some awesome shots. Congrats to Anthony and Chelsea!

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”Nobody makes me bleed my own blood, nobody”. – Ben Stiller, Dodgeball. I guess Noah, Seth’s brother never saw this movie. While helping him with his boutainerre I buried about 1/4 inch of stainless steel pain into my finger. After the bleeding stopped we both laughed about it….rather, he was laughing and I was, well…I had some dust in my eye which caused my tear ducts to fill up and stream down my face. Besides that little snafu, Seth and Phi’s wedding day went off without a hitch. The day was bright and sunny and perfect for them. When I found Phi in the house, she told everyone to say hi to me. I was hearing hellos from everywhere. It was definitely a fun bunch. After Phi and Seth’s first look it was time to get things done. After signing the Katuba and dealing with a slight Chuppah malfunction it was time for the ceremony. Before I knew it, Seth was stomping down on that glass with authority and it was time to party. The reception was DJ’d by Seth’s cousin Josh. I will say that his skills are top shelf. His music choice was great but his comments throughout the night were better. To quote him after introducing his grandmother, ”The matriarch of the family, nemaw…..go get it girl!!”. I can say I’ve never heard someone tell their grandmother to go get it but it was apparent that this was how Seth’s family rolled and it was awesome. After helping me impale myself with that thin still widow maker of a pin, Noah dropped an epic best man toast. In it, among other things, he explained how he and Seth once dated the same girl. He also got to how Seth is the most prepared person he knows and that if there was an apocolypse…Seth’s place would be the first place he would go. With that he explained how Seth took his time and chose the very best of things and made a parallell on how Seth found the best person for him in Phi. It was such a great day. Congrats to Phi and Seth and your new adventure!

Wedding at Inn at Diamond Woods.

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There are some clues to see how people feel about each other. Certain physical actions that can tell you all you need to know about people. I saw the interactions between Dan and Rachelle and I knew….I knew how they felt. The way Rachelle looked at Dan during their wedding day, it was pure joy, it was pure love. First off, I’d like to thank them for having me shoot their wedding. These two were so easy going and relaxed and made working on a very hot day so enjoyable. Sometimes, I get really lucky and the couples I work with make it easy for me. We started at the beautiful, beautiful St. Patrick’s Church in Northwest. The stone work there is breath taking. I love old churches so this was a joy to photograph. I walked up to Rachelle and the rest of the girls in the parking lot. They were trying to figure out how to get into the church. Usually, this can cause anxiousness, maybe some frantic calls but Rachelle was as cool as can be. She even laughed about it. There was a little mishap with the lighting of the candles but the candle lighters took it in stride and were even subject to some light hearted applause. During the ceremony, even the priest clued the crowd into Dan’s affinity to the Ducks and Rachelle’s allegiance to the Cougs. After the ceremony, we jumped in my car and went out to Cathedral Park. We got some great shots in some even better light. We then jumped back into the car, cranked up the AC and we were off to the party. DJ Mo Funk was on the ones and twos and he kept the party going while Dan and Rachelle and I were taking more photos. Yes I was tired and yes it was very hot but I could have not asked for a better day. Congrats to Dan and Rachelle, if your wedding day is any indication of your lives together, it’s going to rock!

Reception at Columbia Edgewater Country Club.

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It’s rare that I see something new at a wedding. Meeting with Eric and Nikki last year, they informed me that I would indeed see something new. They decided to mix up the order of events and have dinner first then the ceremony. It was definitely different but it totally worked in my favor. It was another hot day but the couple and all that were involved took it in stride. Taking photos before and having a little siesta in the middle was awesome. We totally took advantage of all the spots The Aerie had to offer. After the photos and after dinner it was time to get to the ceremony. It was heart felt, it was genuine, it was everything you would want in a wedding ceremony. There was laughter and some great moments that crescendo-ed at the kiss. From that point on, it was fun time. DJ Paradox got the ball rolling with a little diddy we in the industry call the ”Shoe Game”. We then moved along to all the other activities. Nikki and Eric and I snuck away for some awesome, awesome sunset photos. It came time for Eric and Nikki to be sent off by sparklers. Much thanks to Nikki and Eric and their families. It was truly an honor to be your photographer.

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A while back I rolled out an award for awesomest wedding of the year. It was called the Guapo and one of the things that would better your chances was to have a wedding outside the state of Oregon. This years leader in the club house is Megan and Cody’s wedding in Chicago. Actually, the wedding was about an hour or so outside Chicago on Megan’s family’s farm. It was a weird juxtaposition to leave the concrete and steel of the city behind and drive into lush farm land. There were corn fields as far as the eye could see. There were also corn fields as far as the eye couldn’t see as well which made it a challenge trying to find my way back into Chicago. The family far was awesome equipped with an old barn that was great for photos. Apparently, Cody and Megan are super lucky because there was a thunder storm moving in but decided at the last minute to move east and their perfect wedding day was saved. They decided not to see each other before the wedding so when the time came, the smile on Cody’s face when he saw Megan was priceless. After their wonderful ceremony we took some photos utilizing the barn and the beautiful Illinois sky. Then we moved on to their reception site. This place was a photographers dream, really. It was the coolest place I’ve ever been in. It was an old factory and has been in their little town for a hundred years or so. Exposed beams, wood floors and exposed brick adorned this place. I wished with all my might that I could somehow shrink this place and bring it back to Oregon. It was so cool. After getting some clutch shots in the venue it was time for the introduction. They used an old freight elevator to make their entrance. There was even a little air guitar happening as the wedding party strolled in. The rest of the evening went like the afternoon….perfectly. To top it all off, we got to take some photos of the beautiful sunset and even had the cooperation of a train conductor to make it happen. Congrats to Cody and Megan!

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*Please note:  Some photos taken by an assistant photographer and not Michael Keo. 

As a photographer there comes a time and a place where two worlds collide to make a black hole of awesomeness. This is how I would describe my time with Courtney and Will. On their wedding day they were laid back, humorous and up for everything. They were so laid back and humorous, oh wait….did I repeat myself? Sorry…they are so awesome that their swag overflowed onto the next sentence. Our relationship started off with their engagement session last fall that took place at a quaint little dive bar in North Portland. It was a last hoorah of sorts as their sweet, innocent little dive bar was scheduled to be demolished in a fit of corporate greed, modern development, yuppie fueled rage in a couple of months. I knew then as I know now, that their wedding was going to be one for the ages. I met up with Courtney and the girls at the Imago Ballroom off of Burnside which is a super cool venue. It’s one of those places that have secret back doors and things behind curtains that would bring a whole new world of possibilities. After taking some photos in and around the ballroom it was go time. We all piled into the party bus and went down to where the main event was going to happen. Instead of having flowers, Courtney and Will decided it would be more interesting and funner (that’s right, I said FUNNER) to have giant balloons adorning the reception and the ceremony site. I don’t think I have ever photographed a wedding where there were rock walls flanking the alter until now. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever photographed a wedding with big giant balloons either. Then again, I don’t think I’ve ever photographed a couple who brought their A game as hard as Courtney and Will did. It was such a joy to photograph these two. I usually don’t cry at weddings. Some say it’s because I’ve seen it all, some say it’s because I have an empty heart. All I know is that darn it all if Courtney’s aunt Frankie, all the way from South Africa pulled out a little, tiny liquid sunshine out from my eye as she was walking down the aisle. It was a blast and got me so pumped for the rest of my weddings this year. Here’s to Courtney and Will….you got a tear out of me but hell, you guys deserve it!

Wedding at Imago Ballroom

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Don’t let her exterior fool you, Michelle Gomes/Fisher knows how to get down. That woman and her family pulled out some pretty epic dance moves. I don’t think I’ve ever seen people bust out some Bollywood Moves before but it was definitely on display. Let’s back up a little. Back in the Spring, Jared, Michelle and I collaborated on their Engagement Session. Back then I said that in the mist of an apocalypse, Jared and Michelle would be good to know since they were both doctors. I think that even more so because now, I know that even if the world was coming to a close, with them we would still be able to have a good time. It was an international affair as there were some people from Cincinnati, India, California and of course as someone so boldly stated out loud, Oregon. Jared and Michelle was dropping little jokes all day that had me giggling (grown men are allowed to giggle, right?). They were so easy going and Michelle kept her spirits up even as an unruly swath of hair tried it’s hardest to bring her down. I teamed up with Marc fromMoving Picture Weddings for some epic videography and Shawn from Event Team for some epic dancing. Speaking of dancing, while Shawn was busy dropping beats, Francis, Michelle’s father was busy dropping hammers on the dance floor. Just like Michelle, don’t let his demeanor fool you. As soon as he heard a bass beat he liked, he lit the dance floor on fire. And yes…he didn’t need no water, he just let that dance floor burn. Much thanks to Michelle and Jared for their hospitality on their wedding day. Congrats!

Wedding at The Abernethy Center.

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I was invited to photograph these two up at Mt. Hood which is one of my favorite places around. Knocking on the door I heard the sniffing of an excited participant to the days activities. Trevor opened the door and I was greeted by the aptly named Turbo the dog. I love dogs and when they are involved in a shoot I get a little giddy. Trevor, Calin and I decided to walk down to a bridge and Turbo was going a mile a minute. Staging the couple I walked along the banks trying not to sink into the deep snow. Mission failed…I sunk down instantly. Flashes of the movie Alive kept popping in my head as I was trying to traverse while climbing in and out of mini snow caves I was making with my body. When I finally got to where I wanted to be we took some shots then got Turbo into some. It was great. We then went to a lake behind their condo. The setting was exquisite with trees and a snow covered pond. Trevor and Calin were dressed to the nines and I looked like I just came off the set of Ice Road Truckers. They went down a pretty steep hill with ease, I on the other hand decided to be cool and slide down with my camera in one hand and a light stand in the other. Well, it looked like a good idea at the time. I slid, I said Uh Oh and I hit the bottom and did flip in the snow submerging my camera lens into the snow. Success. Trevor and Calin were good sports and we had a lot of fun on the shoot. I was the substitute photographer and I am a little envious of their actual photographer. I wish good luck to Trevor and Calin and of course, Turbo.

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Pure unadulterated joy is the words I would use to describe the nuptials between Mallory and Tyler. The first time I met them, I knew we had something special brewing. I loved the way they played off of each other during our meeting. It went kind of like this: Mallory – Witty comment, Tyler – laughter, laughter, equally witty comment, Mallory – laughter, comment, laughter, witty comment, Tyler – comment, witty comment, laughter, Me – laughter, laughter, pause, laughter. It was great and I also found it interesting the way that Mallory and Tyler tried to convey how they wanted their wedding photographs to feel. Instead of showing me photos from a magazine or pinterest, they showed me a photo book from one of their favorite photographers. The genre of the book was more editorial but we were communicating on a totally different level that I was used too. Awesome. Let’s fast forward a couple of months. It was no secret that this last winter in the Northwest kind of sucked. It was rainy and cold and we just had a spring snowmageddonish storm roll through. The wedding day though, it was perfect. A little break from the liquid sunshine we were so used to seeing. It was bright and warm and I was so happy that this was what Tyler and Mallory were going to get. They deserved this day. The wedding was to be held at the Westend Ballroom and the venue fit Mallory and Tyler to a tee. It was vintage and classical and the downstairs ballroom, being newly redone, was the perfect place to get this party started. The ceremony was awesome. Tyler kind of winged his vows but they were great, straight from the heart. It received tears, laughter and ruckus applause. Mallory was right there with him though, receiving the same kind of fanfare. Weddings are often very serious affairs kind of like golf. People lightly clapping as the bride and groom leave the chapel. This was not such an affair. People were cheering when they were pronounced husband and wife. I could have sworn I saw some high fives and a chest bump in the crowd. The table décor was expertly arranged with the finishing touch being bibs with Tyler and Mallory’s cartoon face printed on them. How appropriate it was. Dinner was followed by the couple’s first dance and father daughter boogie down. Their soundtrack was expertly crafted by DJ Paradox. Any person that can mix in Softcell and House of Pain gets a scratch and sniff excellent sticker in my book. In between laughter, witty comments, and just pure getting down, we took some simply awesome photographs. Some that included going to bask amongst the Cherry Blossoms. Alas, the music was winding down and the guests were lined up to send these two crazed love birds off. I can’t say I was glad to see them go, I still wanted to take some photos because it was so much fun. Congratulations Mallory and Tyler, you guys got what you deserved!

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There are a couple phrases to describe when everything falls into place. ”The A-Ha Moment” or ”Epiphany” or ”The Moment it Clicks”. The last one being my favorite of course. I would use that to describe my experience with Josh and Celeste. After meeting with them the first time, it just seemed like I was meant to photograph their wedding. After the Engagement Session I felt even stronger about it. It was funny because everything just made sense, everything felt as if it was supposed to be like that. Up to the wedding weekend. Saturday was not so great and Monday was downright terrible weather up at the mountain. On the wedding day, blue skies, mildly cold, no rain or wind. It was amazing. As I was driving up I wanted to stop and snap some shots of the surroundings because it was so pristine. Everyone was so happy that day. I think the officiant said it best as Celeste’s dad escorted her to the altar. She said, ”Who needs a symphony when you have the sound of the babbling brook and the breeze through the trees.” It was the perfect setting. After the ceremony and a couple family photos we continued up the mountain to Timberline Lodge. We had a couple of minutes while guests were still checking in to take some photos of the amazing sunset bouncing it’s warm beams of light on a freshly white canvas of snow. Even though it was a little chilly, Celeste and Josh braved the elements and we had a great time. We then went inside to warm temperatures. After some eating, speaking, dancing, cake smashing, drinking and laughing, we decided to go outside once again for a few photos on a ski lift. I will say it was the first time I’ve ever been on a ski lift without something strapped to my feet but it was well worth it. At the end of the night, a few friends ended up at the bar with a country band playing and there was more eating, laughing and drinking. This day was an awesome experience and I would like to thank Josh and Celeste for giving me a glimpse into their amazing circle of friends and family. ”The Billies are alright…”

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These two. Will and Courtney are a bag of laughs. Meeting them at a pub (which are quickly becoming as common as coffee shops in Portland) one night we decided to do their Engagement Session starting at their favorite pub. The New Old Lompoc in NW was our destination and a place that has, in my expert opinion, the best chicken strips this side of the moon. By expert I mean, I am indeed an expert on chicken strips trying them from almost every place that offers them and even contemplating making my very own versions as well. I digress, let’s get back to these two characters. I really don’t take myself too seriously and as it turns out, neither does Courtney and Will. Birds of a feather, laugh together so I had a great time photographing these guys. After moving in and out of the Lompoc, we casually walked around the area taking advantage of concrete barricades, hoarder-esque apartment steps and of course, Will’s mini-van. We even threw in a ”vogue” pose (yes, that dance move from the 90’s….wwwwhhhuuuttt). All in all, it was a good time and I’m pretty sure we’re not going to include Will’s van on the wedding day, I’m really excited about their day. Viva La Windstar!

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t’s funny how weddings can bring people together. Old friends or maybe family members who haven’t seen each other for a long time. Guests from far and near congregate in one singular celebratory purpose. Lydia and Jeff’s wedding was of no exception. Friends and family came from all over to share in their special day. One of the most endearing things of the day was Jeff’s pure excitement. He kept saying, ”I can’t wait to see Lydia” over and over again with a smile that over took his whole face. After the ceremony, photos were taken and reception was well on it’s way. We decided to duck out for some more couple photos. It was a beautiful and sunny winter day which was a minor miracle in itself. Now back to how weddings bring people together. During our first meeting, Lydia and I discovered that we grew up in the same town in Louisiana. After talking a little bit more about that during the day we discovered that we went to the same elementary school at the same time. Crazy. The odds of me shooting a wedding for someone who I probably passed a hundred times during recess in New Orleans is astronomical. Congratulations to these two crazy love birds!

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