Last August we joined Kishelle and Christian to photograph their wedding day. The event was an outdoor ceremony on Canon Beach, in Oregon, home of spectacular vistas and stunning sunset views. Although the day promised to be gray and cloudy, the location is always a pleasure.
We arrived at the Inn at Canon Beach to find Kishelle getting ready with the bulk of her family, who had flown in from Hawaii to celebrate with her. Kishelle is a beautiful woman with a sunny disposition and infectious good humor. We all hit it off right away.
I asked after Christian and was told that he was down at the beach location with volunteers setting up the area for the ceremony and the after party/reception. I walked down to find Christian and his best buddies hauling logs, and setting up tents. Christian is the kind of character you see in funny movies. He is your average guy, with a big heart, a unique sense of fun, and ready for any party to begin. His outgoing nature combined with his sincere friendliness keeps him surrounded by a pack of like-minded guys.
I hung around at the beach and took shots of the gang setting up the event. When I finished I went back to the hotel to join Natasha and the girls for some ring shots and to prepare for Christian’s return. Christian came back and dressed for the ceremony, and we met the young couple on the grounds of the Inn for their first look at each other.
Christian is a laid-back guy, and he wanted the ceremony to reflect his style as much as Kishelle’s. He wore khaki shorts and a crisp white shirt. Kishelle was resplendent in a soft white dress. They went barefoot and both wore hand made lei’s of Hawaiian flowers.
We all headed out near the beach for some portrait shots. It was an easy job with this couple as they are so in love you simply need to let them talk and they create their own world around them. We visited a few locations and then headed over to the designated ceremony area.
The guests started arriving and were seated. The ceremony was as eclectic as the couple, and featured hand written vows and a multipart pinky swear before the kiss. When the newlyweds exited the well appointed path, the party had begun.
As a light rain began to fall, we grabbed the relatives and took some formal shots. Afterward, everyone was ready to celebrate. We went over to the reception area and watched as the couple and their guests participated in the bouquet and garter toss. This was one of the more exciting garter tosses I have witnessed. The crowd participation left us rolling on the sand with laughter.
With all of the formalities out of the way, Kishelle and Christian settled into the party. Several guests whipped out guitars, a roaring bonfire was lit, and the barbecues supplied a never-ending supply of tasty food. Everyone had a wonderful time. This is a group of people who aren’t comfortable unless they succeed in making you feel like family, and they did so beautifully.
Despite the intermittent rain showers, the lovely location proved worthwhile. It made for a great day, with good people.
You can see more of their gallery here.
