"What on earth is an axe major?" That question popped into my mind as I found myself chatting with a man named Wizard at 1:15am in the cozy downstairs bar of Timberline Lodge. The bride and groom, accompanied by their college buddies, had just erupted into a magnificent chorus. It was one of the most impressive drinking songs I had ever heard. If you had been standing down the hall, you would have sworn they were a group of spirited Irishmen, fresh off the boat and fueled by Guinness. Adara and Alex's wedding day shed light on their unique story, beginning in the marching band at Humboldt State College.
Unlike me, who attended schools without a marching band, my knowledge of marching bands had largely been shaped by movies. As wedding photographers, we believe in getting to know our clients deeply, so we can truly understand who they are and what matters most to them. This understanding informs our creative process, allowing us to craft imagery as unique as the couples we work with. However, no amount of conversation or questionnaire answers could have prepared me for the experience of being part of a college marching band. It was something I had to witness firsthand.
In our work, we strive to strike a delicate balance between the documentary and the abstract. We weave a more comprehensive narrative by combining authentic portrayals of people with abstract elements. We aim to transport viewers to the pinnacle of emotion while remaining firmly rooted in reality. We often draw from other artistic mediums, particularly painting, when seeking inspiration for our craft.
The post-impressionist painters were masters of achieving this balance. They fearlessly employed color in ways that were groundbreaking at the time. Bold strokes of vibrant hues graced the faces in their portraits, offering an emotional interpretation rather than a literal representation. One of my personal favorites is the work of post-impressionist painter Toulouse-Lautrec. His paintings capture the enchantment of Paris after dark, filled with captivating characters mingling under the soft glow of dim lights, their faces animated by passionate conversations and the warmth of libations.
For a group of musicians, post-impressionism felt like the perfect aesthetic to embrace.
For us, photographing weddings is about more than just capturing moments; it's about creating photographs that evoke the essence of those moments. We go beyond traditional documentary techniques to convey the whirlwind of emotions on a wedding day and the joyful chaos of a celebration
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The double exposures you see in this collection of photographs were created in-camera without relying on Photoshop or digital manipulation. We aren't purists when it comes to photography, so it's not that we believe these images are inherently superior. However, they do possess an unscripted quality that feels candid and genuine.
Adara and Alex have an extraordinary group of friends. They are a tight-knit, warm-hearted, and welcoming bunch who know how to throw a memorable party. Their contagious energy and vibrant personalities made our job as photographers an absolute delight.
If you're searching for a remarkable wedding venue at Timberline Lodge or Mt Hood, Oregon, we'd be thrilled to be part of your special day. Let us capture the essence of your unique love story, creating photographs that freeze time and embody the very spirit of the moment. Prepare for a journey filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories.
