Top Wedding Photos of the Year

Trends
Written by
Megan McCarty Liz Hummer

(above) That feeling when it seems you are the only two people in the world—this is what that looks like. Southeast Portland-based photographer David Barss decided to highlight Liz Walker and Jason Reaves under a striking midcentury modern lamp at The Nines in downtown Portland. Blending the actual light with his own filler and enhancing the composition with a subtle vignette effect made the couple pop against the textured curtain, yet the soft glow maintains the intimacy of the moment.

(above) The sideways glance has an allure known for centuries, and it’s reflection is in no way diminished. With bride Tamara deLine’s glamourous Old Hollywood look, it was easy for Laurel Powers of Portland’s Powers Photography Studios to capture her beauty while getting ready at The Nines. But the real draw comes from the interesting framing, catching her features in sharp focus, while the mirror—itself echoing the classic elegance of pearls—is softened to elevate her graceful gaze.

(above) No, that’s not a diorama. Kelly Goode of June Lion in Portland used a tilt-shift lens—which uses selective focus and other techniques to create a miniature look—to capture the scene at Windie Chao and Joel Morgan’s reception at The Cleaners in downtown Portland. Feeling as though you could hold the entire event in the palm of your hand somehow accentuates the enormity of the day, with the couple at the center of it all.

(above) Sometimes Oregon’s breathtaking beauty is all you need—and the eye to bring it to life. North Portland-based photographer Ashley Forrette made the most of the “golden hour” (sunset) on the coast, catching the warmth reflected in pools of water and waves of sand by shooting into the sun. Surrounded by an illuminated beach, Liz Macias and Paul Diaz, who eloped in Yachats, take on a depth of contrast in their newlywed bliss.

(above) Everyone loves the jump shot for its spontaneous energy, but Portland photographer Aaron Courter took it to the next level with some serious direction and perfect timing. Telling groom Stephen Wall (third from left) and his groomsmen to avoid disracting flailing arms and legs, they hopped just a handful of inches at the exact same time. The resulting illusion makes them appear to be floating just above the ground, and the uniform lineup calls even more attention to each unique, hilarious expression.

(above) Every couple should have at least one photo as exhilirating as they felt on their wedding day, one that’s shout-your-love-from-the-rooftops happy. Bend photographer Kimberly Kay caught that as Jessica Ferguson and Dennis Connor danced at his family’s Medford farm where they were wed. Shooting from below, she captured the expanse of sky and open land that seemed to open itself up to celebrate with them, a symbol of all the possibilities they could embrace together. 


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