Cannon Beach Engagement Session

Long before I photographed my first engagement session at Cannon Beach, this beautiful place held a special spot in my heart. I’ve loved visiting Cannon Beach for as long as I can remember. As a kid growing up in Idaho we didn’t have regular access to beautiful beaches and coastlines but I vividly remember my parents loading up me and my three siblings in the car and driving out to the Oregon Coast.  Sometimes we ended up camping and more often than not we complained about being cold and hungry but that didn’t stop us from begging my parents to take us back the next summer.

Having experienced the Oregon Coast and Cannon Beach as a kid made choosing a site for Forrest and Dianne’s engagement session particularly easy. It is hard to beat the grandeur of Haystack Rock coupled with rolling waves and the bright blue background of sunny skies. It happened to be a beautiful crisp day in February when we were able to shoot but to be honest this slice of beach looks good in any weather. 

Dianne and Forrest were ready and willing to scramble up rocks, wade through beachgrass and even attempt some gymnastic level lifts during this session and their willingness to play and have fun really shows in the final results.  It also didn’t hurt that they brought along their cute furry companion Betty, who became the star of the show in several of the images. They also had some really fun wardrobe changes, including a long flowy gown worn by Dianne. This type of dress is great for a beach photoshoot as it really adds a little drama and movement which makes for some fun images.

One of my favorite things is booking shoots with couples that haven’t been lucky enough to visit before. Cannon Beach is a place that doesn’t get old whether you are taking photos for an engagement session, having an elopement or small wedding, or just enjoying your own little slice of the Oregon Coast. 

Cathedral Park Engagement Photos

I have done my fair share of engagements shoots in dense redwood forests and on sprawling hilly landscapes.  While I love those kinds of shoots, it was a refreshing change to shoot some engagement photos at Cathedral Park in North Portland, with the striking architectural features of the St. Johns Bridge and close proximity to the bustle of downtown Portland.  

Even though the day was cold, we were able to keep ourselves warm by exploring all the nooks and crannies that this city park has to offer. Moving from location to location not only kept us from getting hypothermia, it allowed for an almost constant change of scenery that gave this gallery great variety.  We got some great shots under the bridge, had some fun at the boat dock, and essentially made the grounds one big portrait studio. It doesn’t hurt that I had the benefit of shooting a fun couple that was willing to traipse across the park with me. As with most photo shoots, the shots I got kept getting better as the session progressed and by the end of the shoot they were a couple of pros in front of the camera.  

Doing an engagement session that isn’t too far off the beaten path also allowed me to spend a fun, low stress hour with these two before I shoot their big day at the Exchange Ballroom in Southeast Portland.  It’s always a benefit to get to spend one on one time with couples before their wedding day, even when it is a two sweater underneath two jackets kind of day outside. However, from the look of warmth on their faces, it would be hard to tell from the photos alone that it was a blustery day outside.  The weather may be a little rough for a good chunk of time in Portland but it doesn’t mean that there is break in capturing beautiful photos of beautiful couples.  

Update: Unfortunately due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Katie and David’s plans changed. While they didn’t get married at the Exchange Ballroom, they had a beautiful and socially distant ceremony at Katie’s mom’s house in Portland. Their story was picked up by the New York Times!

Timeline Tips for Getting the Best Wedding Photos

In the months leading up to the big day my clients frequently ask how they can organize their wedding day timelines to get the absolute best from their wedding photos.  Over the many years that I’ve been shooting weddings, I’ve definitely learned a lot along the way. I’ve decided to put together a resource with some tips that I feel are essential to making your wedding photography flow as smoothly as possible and help to provide you with lasting moments that you can look back on for years to come. Please note these suggestions take into account photography coverage lasting anywhere from 6 to 8 hours.

Getting Ready PHOTOS

(Recommended Time: 45 mins to 1 hour)

Getting ready is such a fun part of the day to shoot!  It’s a great opportunity to capture some really nice candid moments of the couple surrounded by their family and friends as they anticipate the day ahead.  This time also helps to re-connect my clients and I to one another and let folks know that I’m there to have fun and help out however I can.  This is also a great time to document all of the details before they've been exposed to the long day.  I love shooting wedding dresses, shoes, bouquets and boutonnieres, programs, and all of the little decorations that you've worked so hard on.

For the best getting ready photos, I recommend picking a well organized room that is basking in natural light.  If you’ve added a second photographer, we’re happy to split up and document both of you during this time.

First Look Photos

(Recommended Time: 15 to 20 minutes)

First looks are super popular these days.  It's an amazing moment to capture candidly and a nice way for the couple to relieve some pre-ceremony jitters.  It also provides the chance to capture the joy of seeing one another for the first time away from all the guests.  It also can help free up your timeline a bit and allow you and your partner to take portraits with family your wedding party before the ceremony. Although first looks are nice they are definitely not necessary, I love shooting the traditional approach too.

Wedding Party Portraits

(Recommended Time: 20 to 25 minutes)

These photos can happen at a number of different times throughout your day.  Depending on where final preparations are happening, these photos can take place once you're all ready to go.  If you opt for a second photographer, we can split up and save time and shoot both sides independently. If you are opting for the first look, these portraits can happen after we've spent some time with just the two of you.  Alternatively, these portraits can also take place after your family portraits and before your reception.

Family Portraits 

(Recommended Time: 30 to 40 minutes)

Formal family portraits are that part of the day that most couples know needs to happen but often fret about how it will happen.  I always encourage couples to set aside anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes for this portion of your day.  If we're able to keep the groupings to an essential minimum (immediate family) then this part of the day can go smoothly and often be wrapped up before our allotted window of time.  I try my best to expedite this process in order to get you and your guests back to celebrating.  Before your wedding day, I'll ask you to provide me with a list of family groupings that are important to document.  More often than not family portraits happen immediately after the ceremony. Keep in mind if you do opt for a first look, family portraits can happen before the ceremony too.

Couple Portraits 

(Recommended Time: 20 to 30 minutes)

Beyond the first look it’s always nice to take some time with you and your partner to shoot some portraits of just the two of you.  Best case scenario is that we are given a minimum of 20 minutes around sunset.  Some couples look at this as a quick mini session that takes place around the venue.  If a couple is looking to create something really special I’m always down to travel nearby to a designated spot to work away from the bustle of the event and really focus on the couple.  Obviously if we travel elsewhere a more generous time window will be needed.

Dance Floor Photos

I love being there when the dance floor opens up and people start to really cut loose and have fun. Taking photos of your friends and family getting low with Lil’ Jon makes my day and my clients are always so pumped to see photos of their grandma on the dance floor. I find that an hour or so of dancing coverage usually does the trick.

Sample Wedding Day Timeline

When building your timeline it’s important to think about light and how it will look on your wedding day. I often suggest to check out what time sunset is on your wedding day and build your timeline around that. This helps to ensure that nice golden light (“magic hour”) for your couple portraits. Of course, I’m always flexible when it comes to timeline logistics. If we can’t quite get the timing right, that’s OK. We’ll still get great photos. Depending on your venue and the weather, we might need to make adjustments.

It’s also important to consider light during your ceremony. How does the light hit your ceremony location? Will you and your guests be in bright sun or a mix of half shade and half sun? If you can pick a time when your ceremony takes place in the shade that’s awesome otherwise aim for when the sun is up and behind you and your ceremony location.

Below is a basic summer timeline for 8 hours of wedding photography coverage. For more details and logistics and for an easy to edit wedding day timeline download one from me here.

1:45pm	Photographer arrives	Chris Brodell
2:00pm - 2:30pm	Getting Ready Photos	Photographer
2:30pm - 2:45pm	First Look	Photographer
3:00pm - 3:30pm	Wedding Party Photos	Wedding Party
4:00pm - 4:30pm	Ceremony	Officiant
4:30pm - 5:30pm	Cocktail Hour	Catering
4:30pm -5:10pm	Immediate Family Photos	Photographer
6:20pm	Dinner begins	Catering
7:20pm	Toasts	DJ
8:00pm	Couple portraits	Photographer
8:30pm	Sunset
9:45pm	Photographer departs	Photographer

Every wedding is different and every couple has different priorities.  These are simply some things to think about.  As you begin to plan your wedding day, please don't hesitate to ask me any questions you might have or check out my wedding guide. I want to help you make your day enjoyable and stress free!

My Favorite Wedding Trend

One of my favorite wedding trends of the last couple of years has been the late night wedding snack. Whether it’s pizza, french fries, donuts, or ice cream; you’re guests will love the extra fuel for the dance floor. Below are some of my favorite local vendors in Portland who offer delicious catering options for weddings.

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Wood Fired Pizza

Portland is becoming quite the pizza town and it feels like just about every major street has a spot to grab a tasty slice. Ash Wood Fired pizza makes their sourdough crust from scratch and serves up pies out of a cute little food truck. You can try a taste at their new food cart on SE Division St and visit their website for catering here.

Photo Credit: ASH Woodfired

Tacos

It is hard to say no to tacos at any time but you would be especially hard pressed to find a wedding guest that that would say no to these delicious hand held treats after a night of cutting it up on the dance floor. The taco pedaler will be there at the ready to dish out a variety of tacos packed with local ingredients wrapped up in hand-pressed tortillas when your guests need a pick-me-up. Meat and vegan options will keep everyone on all sides of the family happy. Hire them for your event at https://www.tacopedalerpdx.com

Photo Credit: Taco Pedaler

French Fries and Sliders

Nothing helps sober guests up like fried potatoes, right? It’s science or something. Pair these delicious morsels with a tiny burger and you have yourself a delightful late night snack that is sure to keep your guests going until they send you off with a line of sparklers. PDX liders has two mobile trucks for hire that can serve both large and small scale events (or just you if you are very hungry). If your guests can’t get enough they can visit one of their the brick and mortar locations in both Sellwood and on Division. Book them for your wedding at https://pdxsliders.com

Photo Credit: PDX Sliders

Donuts
If you live in Portland you know that donuts are kind of thing here. We’ve got Voodoo, Blue Star, Doe, and a whole bunch of other mom and pop shops and while it’s a tough competition, my favorite of the bunch is without a doubt Pip’s. Nothing beats them when they’re fresh and warm out of the fryer, drizzled in chocolate, and covered in sugar. The Pip’s Mobile operation is cute as can be and is ready to sling warm, delicious donuts to you and your wedding guests. Book them for your wedding at http://www.pipsmobile.com

Photo Credit: Pips Mobile

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Regardless of weather (or of the question)-ice cream is always the answer. Ruby Jewel combines artisan cookies with small batch ice cream to make ice cream sandwiches that your guests will want to eat (even after eating tacos, sliders and tiny donuts). I really don’t need to hype up ice cream all that much because it is a dessert that speaks for itself but Ruby Jewel really takes ice cream to the next level of enjoyment. You can also order a variety of different flavors from their catering menu which ensures that all of your guests will leave the reception happy. Learn more at http://www.rubyjewel.com

Photo Credit: Ruby Jewel

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Did I miss your favorite late night wedding snack? Drop me a line here and I’ll add it to the list.

Hug Point Proposal

Hannah and Laura were super excited to spend the day posing for an elopement style portrait session at Hug Point out on the Oregon Coast.  Laura was juiced to spend the evening taking pictures with her girlfriend and their dog at a beautiful location, but she didn’t know that the day was actually an elaborately planned opportunity to capture Hannah’s real life proposal to her.  

The idea for a surprise proposal blossomed quickly after Hannah and Laura penciled in the date for a photoshoot near Cannon Beach.  Hannah and I planned over text, phone calls, in person meetings and even videos mocking up how the ring transfer would happen in order to keep Laura believing that it was “just a photoshoot” until the very last minute.

Jenny and I met Hannah and Laura at an off the beaten path cliffside location at first and we could tell from the get go that it would be a great day. The first location was beautiful but we were all buzzing (except Laura who was blissfully unaware) with nervous energy as the proposal was going to happen as we headed to Hug Point for some additional portraits.  

When we got the beach, I took the couple to grab some photos near the cave while Jenny told them that she was ready-ing the site for a “mock ceremony” at the further end of the beach.  As we walked towards Jenny we saw that the candles had been lit and arranged on the rocky structure that was reminiscent of a church altar. According to plan, Hannah held a “prop” notebook, except inside of the notebook was a handwritten card that Hannah began to read to Laura.  After a few sentences, Laura began to realize that these words were not just for a photoshoot but she was actually being proposed to. It really sealed the deal when Hannah slipped the ring out of a pocket in the back of the notebook and got down on one knee. Both Jenny and I confirmed that this was the real deal by having some tears in our eyes as Laura fully realized that this day had been planned for her.   

We celebrated the “yes!” by popping a bottle of champagne and enjoying some moments of sunset and grabbing some post-proposal photos by the waters edge. We parted ways as Hannah and Laura went to celebrate their engagement at The Bistro.   It was a relief and an excitement that all the planning paid off with a proposal that went even better than we initially imagined. I am incredibly grateful to have been a part of such a special day for Hannah and Laura and can’t wait to see them in the near future as beautiful brides!