Ashley & Joel's Engagement Album Design....

Photographing my fabulous couple, Ashley and Joel, was such a pleasure! After presenting their incredible images, I went to work designing their custom engagement album. Needless to say, I love designing albums! Here is Ashley and Joel's custom album design! Enjoy!

More than the Negatives...

For all those who know me, you know how much I LOVE weddings! Weddings are my passion. In fact, all things "Wedding" are my addiction passion. Weddings are a time of love, faith, accountability, family, friends, and of course memories. I love being part of couples special day; this intimate experience is such an amazing honor to be a part of. I love unveiling the couples images to them a few weeks after the wedding day.  To hear their first reactions from couples is always a thrill and a joy. Going over product and album options is always a fun process as I present the many options. Couples go crazy for custom panoramic albums and large gallery wall displays. These custom products are a fantastic way to debut the imagery photographers capture.

Now a days, I find that many brides think that purchasing the disk of digital negatives is all they need to have their wedding photos fulfilled. After much research and contemplation, I have found that though most brides have amazing expectations for their images, yet, they never find the time or creativity to put their images to good use. With the help of your photographer, you can really create some unique products that set the tone for remembering your special day.

From canvas prints, to large 20x30 framed images, to custom designed albums; these are the items that you can truly look back on when remembering your wedding day. Custom DVD slideshows are a fabulous way to remember your special day, and also a great alternative for those not hiring a videographer. The DVD slideshow gives you something you can watch on your wedding anniversary, and it is a great way to include others in your wedding day; especially for those who weren't able to attend. The DVD slideshow is also a fun gift idea for parents to give and receive.

Custom wall gallery designs are another passion of mine. All my couples are presented with a gallery guide  once they receive their proofs online. This helpful guide really helps brides create a custom display wall of multiple images in their home. Once couples see the layout ideas, their creative juices start flowing, as they can now visualize their images hanging on their walls. Sometimes, this is a daunting task, but having a guide to help you create the picture wall you've always dreamed of is a a sure way to help you achieve the task. I have even gone as far as to come into clients homes to help them chose and decide the placement of their images.

My advice to those who are getting married is to really take a look at what your photographer has to offer. This is their livelihood, and their passion. Photographers sell products they truly believe will make your wedding last a lifetime. So, take your time with your photographer. Ask what kinds of special products they can create to really make your wedding experience unique and memorable. From custom save the date cards, to custom thank you cards... your wedding photographer can really help to make your day last a lifetime. Remember, all you have left after your wedding day are the memories and how you chose to have them captured.

The Shore Series... The Album Design...

Eat your heart out at this FABULOUS album design.. by your's truly and the help of The Album Cafe! Talk about MAGIC! I just love the vintage feel of the template with the timeless beach images. Check it out and fall in love!!

Ashley & Joel's Engagement

Over this past weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing an incredible couple down at Esther Short Park. Ashley and Joel are getting married this summer at Camas Meadows Golf Club. After making the trek here from Spokane, we were able to find a few hours to photograph their love story. This is such a fantastic couple, full of love and laughter! I can't wait to capture their wedding day!

Sneak Peak of Ashley & Joel's Engagement Photos!

Here are a few sneak-peak images from Ashley and Joel's Engagement shoot this afternoon! Enjoy! More to come in the next couple days!

More from the "Shore Series"....

Debuting... "The Shore Series" slideshow. I am in love with this series. It is so quintessentially beachy. I hope you enjoy these as much as I am since I took them. I see a beach themed living room in my future....

Sneak Peak of "The Shore Series"

Beauty in the midst of Black and White...

I know it has been a few weeks since I captures some shots of Nevaeh. We finally scored on some sunshine last week, so here are a few images for you to pine over.

For all of you in the Vancouver/Portland area, keep a look-out for upcoming Vintage Chair Sessions for your kiddos! Discounted sessions will be announced this week! Be sure to let me know if you are interested! Here are some sample Vintage Chair Shots from other talented photogs to give you a rough idea of what these type of sessions are about. I have BIG plans for our sessions, so be sure to get your name on the list soon! Think tutu's, hair flowers, chandelier, awesome location, rockin' chair, your kiddos!

Images courtesy of Flickr

Case of the mondays...Bridal Inspiration...

This cakes comes to us from Style Me Pretty

More from Style Me Pretty

Nevaeh and Grandpa

This past weekend, my dad was here for a visit. Here are a few shot with Grandpa and his girl...

Urgent prayer request!!

Please pray for my dear friend Alisha who is currently in the hospital
experiencing pregnacy problems similar to what I went through with
Leo. Her amniotic fluid is very low and baby is behind in weight
development. Please pray for Alisha, baby, and family as they endure
these uncertain times. Pray for the doctors, that God might grant them
the wisdom to make right decisions. Please pray for miracles to
happen, for problems to heal, and for a healthy delivery weeks from now.

Thank you all for your support. Updates will be provided as I am made
aware of the situation.

Blessings to you all!

Kellene Maynard, Photographer
(360)518-6837
www.bellaluciaphotography.com
---------------------------------------------
sent from my iPhone

AND here is the Promo Video from our Bridal Shoot out!

*video production by K. Tobin Video Productions

Artists:

K. Tobin Video Productions

Diamondheart Photography

Bella Lucia Photography

Models:

Katie Potts

Erin Leone

Riley Edwards

Tara Wood

Heather Stevens

Amy Stevens

Veronica Chenvert

The Final Debut...

Finally! Here are all the images from the bridal shoot-out! Enjoy!! There is a link to the gallery within the slideshow! Enjoy!!

Behind the Scenes....

Question: What does it take for a successful bridal shoot-out?

Answer:

I have been wanting to plan a BIG bridal shoot with models for months, and by sheer luck and many prayers I was able to make it happen. April 1st marked my first coordinated bridal shoot, featuring 7 models, 5 incredible gowns, 3 modern bouquets, 2 photographers, 1 videographer, and an unforgettable location. At first I wasn't sure if things would pan out. Coordinating that many individuals can be tricky, especially when hair and make-up are a key component. Some how though, things worked out brilliantly and we had an amazing shoot that lasted hours longer than I had anticipated. 

As I carried in my massive amounts of equipment, I realized what a huge accomplishment this was in my little world of photography. I have taken my time over these past 3 years to really network with some amazing people and because of those relationships, I was able to capture what I had envisioned. 

I excitedly waited for my other artists to arrive so I could show them the "diggs". Our shooting location is a private residence of a very close family member of ours. The intricate design of this 7000 sq. foot masterpiece is art in itself... shooting models in it was just about Heaven on earth! We excitedly sauntered from room to room, coming up with thousands of shot ideas and variations. Soon model arrived and we began our incredible journey of capturing "bridal essence".

Shiny marble floors and exquisite 2 story mirrors were interesting to work around. We laughed whole heartedly as we attempted to work in favor of the "glare" and mirror like shine of so many surfaces. The models were in awe at the amazing surroundings, and totally "worked it" for the camera. 

By the end of the day, we were sore, overwhelmed with goodness, and of course, STARVING! But, it was SO worth it. Our final images and footage are magnificent and highly exceeded our expectations.

I want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who made this shoot possible. To my models, you are all beautiful and incredible in front of the camera. To my artists, thank you for sharing in this experience with me and for everything you brought to the shoot in order to make this happen. To my fans and followers, thank you for all of your encouraging comments and reactions to the work I shot. Without your encouragement, I would have long ago given up on my dream of expanding my wedding business. 

I look forward to our next shoot-out. I am going to attempt to plan one at least once a month. This is such a great learning experience for artists and models alike, and l love nothing more than to debut images that literally dazzle and that I can truly be proud of.

Here are some images taken by the fabulous Angela Pollard with Diamond Heart Photography

Karina Tobin from K. Tobin Video Productions

Look forward to the entire collection from the shoot-out being posted soon!

And the WINNER is...

MISS Angelia Sims!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!

Spring is upon on and that means time for some relaxation after the harsh winter months!

So, here is a little bit of relaxation just for you! 

Enter now for your chance to win this splendid giveaway!

-a manicure set

-an awesome aluminum water bottle

-comfy spa socks

-an eye mask for those bright sunny mornings

-bath fizzies

-bath Salts

-Home Spa Treatment Book

-calming lavender lotion

TO ENTER:

Simply answer the following question by posting an answer in the comments section of this blog post.

What is your favorite part of the Spring season?

For additional entries, you can:

1. become a follower on my blog (please make a separate entry stating "follower")

2. become a follower on my Facebook page (please make a separate entry stating "Facebook")

3. ReTweet this posting ((please make a separate entry stating "retweet")

4. Become a follower on Twitter (please make a separate entry stating "twitter")

Contest ends Thursday, April 1st at 10:00am

GOOD LUCK!!