This shoot was created out of a passion to celebrate love at each stage of marriage. Aesthetically, I wanted the shoot to be, “natural, light and romantic,” and emotionally, genuine. Although I knew we couldn’t go wrong with our stunning couple (who happen to be my sister and brother-in-law!) and gorgeous historic venue, it was the expertise of each creative that brought this shoot to another level.

Our team:
Photography: Mary Alice Hall
Florals: Flowers by Nancy Joslin
Venue: Reed Opera House
Hair & Makeup: Face Body Beauty
Dress: Anna’s Bridal
Suite: Este’s Mens Clothing

From our model: When my sister and dear friend, Mary Alice Hall, asked if my husband and I would like to model for a styled anniversary shoot, I was elated. Not only did this mean being Cinderella for a day (with professional hair and makeup done splendidly by Face Body Beauty, a gorgeous gown from Anna’s Bridal, and beautiful flowers by Nancy Joslin), but the shoot coincides with the anniversary of my husband’s and my friendship. Friendship is the foundation of our relationship. Love is, of course, essential and evidence of God’s work in our hearts (1 John 4:7), but this came later. Our friendship began twelve years ago, and has continued to grow to this day, nearly six years into our marriage.

Andrew and I met in Spanish class in 8th grade. For the first half of the year, we were conversation partners, turning to each other to practice phrases like “¿Cómo estás?” and “Me llamo Natalie.” Andrew began to sneak in jokes (in English) into our conversations and, despite my over zealous tendency to follow rules, I laughed every time. This had nothing to do with the quality of his jokes (most were terrible) but the unadulterated love of fun that burst from him and invaded my serious, introverted self. I was surprised and delighted when this fun-loving man pursued my friendship, and eventually my love, throughout high school and on into college. He continues to pursue it to this day!

Thank you, Mary Alice Hall Photography, for capturing, not only our love, but our friendship so beautifully!

You can see more of this shoot featured here on Oregon Bride Magazine.