Don’t be pressured to follow as wedding tradition simply because “it’s just how it’s done.” Most customs are deeply rooted in outdated beliefs that might not align with your goals as a couple. Partnership, and the celebration of that partnership, does not need to be represented by a garter toss or a cake cutting.

Portland fall is certainly somthin special, and while we had planned on just doing photos at Laurelhurst Park and calling it a day, I’m so grateful Brenna pointed and said “down this street there’s a tree we really like.”

Taiylor had a clear vision of how she wanted these photos to look and feel, and she fully trusted me to document them genuinely. Her Pinterest board was filled with warmth and movement, and I would call us overachievers in that regard

Couples oftentimes host backyard weddings to cut costs and make their day feel more intimate. The trade-off, however, is less built-in guidance and support from coordinators or vendors. After capturing a handful of sweet small weddings from folk’s yards, I’ve noticed a few patterns or afterthoughts.

There was a short drizzle as guests arrived, softening the sunlight, and glittering the pool, but quickly it cleared, and the energy is this yard was so fun. Polaroid selfies, margaritas, iPhone portraits, laughter, and lots of hugs.

As a documentary wedding photographer, I utilize film to capture the day in smaller, more intentional snippets; as if the digital is my coverage and my prep for the true moment I’m trying to capture. Then by the end of your wedding, each frame of film perfectly encapsulates the story of your day. A cohesive gallery of in-between, sweet, accidental phenomena’s that make up your celebration.

In recent years I’ve specialized into documentary wedding photography which is a special balance of editorial and natural moments. It can feel intimidating to couples to ensure they get all the moments they’re wanting, unmanufactured.

At our last family session, Mengyuan added a roll of black and white 35mm that added so much to the gallery; the little moments, the beautiful candids on black and white. This year she added a roll of medium format in color. I was so siked to take some photos from my top-down viewfinder at eye-level with Ari. And, as it turns out I had a spare roll of portra 400 35mm, so I decided to shoot some 35mm as well, and I’m obsessed with the results.

Her name is Marigold and she’s a true bundle of joy. The photo session was so calm, simple, and lovely. They had put a lot of love into their home, so I wanted to capture them in their element and capture just how cozy and beautiful their space is.

Anne Fontaine designs are ‘effortlessly chic” and the definition of timeless luxury. They’re often Parisian inspired, as Anne herself is Parisian. While we had no dedicated time for portraits or stylized direction, it was a fun challenge to create some artful images around a shopping mall.

For me, the role of photographer is to present a well-rounded gallery that fully encapsulates the story of the day. I love the moments of soft focus, glowing light, and motion blur between the crisp and perfectly framed ones. That’s what shooting both film and digital as a documentary photographer provide couples with.

Gwen and Mac are incredibly fashionable, artistic folks who clearly love their life; walking to the local dive, afternoons in the park, becoming regulars at the coffee shop, I loved seeing them so in their element, showing me the town, and even dipping into the corner market to grab a bouquet for their apartment.

Opening a gallery of new film scans is always like Christmas morning, and that morning I happened to be with a friend who saw them and said, “those look like heirloom photos Raina.” Boy oh boy if that isn’t the biggest compliment I’ve ever received.

After a couple beer cheers around the house, we ventured to the backyard to explore the magnificent terrain. I mean, we’re in Joshua Tree after all! They changed outfits to compliment the backdrop, and I snapped away as they went on walk in the desert.

As ya’ll know I’m all about movement. I like capturing every part of this hour hang, not just the posey-posey moments. Photographing a picnic at the park date night means I get the unfolding of the blanket, the feeding each other grapes, the tying their shoes back up and everything else in between!

As my favorite hobby turned career, I’m constantly trying to explain the excitement and value of analog photography. 35mm has recently become a large part of my business. It’s popularity has re-circulated, and clients are both more interested and more confused about adding rolls of film to their photo sessions.

We wanted to grab some simple, genuine portraits to bolster her social media and match her current vibe. I showed up to her adorable home, with half-finished paintings propped up against the wall, a coffee mug recently sipped, and the neighborhood cat lounging around making himself at home. The most ideal situation photo session set up.

I could talk forever about how special this day felt. The speeches made me weep (tricky thing to navigate when you need to see clearly through a lens), the cake cutting was glorious, and the dancing was divine.

The organization of this intimate wedding made the whole day smooth as butter. After vows were exchanged, tears were shed, photos were snapped, and smooches were given, we moved to location #2 for the reception.

I loved spending an afternoon with these ladies. Their smarts, talent, and creativity were immediately obvious. Their client focus is hotel and restaurants industry, so we wanted the photos to have that energy without being right on the nose.

My tired bones relaxed by our proud fire while we watched ravens pick at abandoned campgrounds and sipped our Campbells soup. Long hikes crunching through the snow with excessive photo breaks and occasional water breaks was a new kind of love for me.

This mini session totally stole my heart. A sweet family who loves road tripping in their new camper van, out on a walk in Seattle’s hidden arts district. Zoe tacked on a roll of black and white film to this session, and I must say, the little moments I caught on 35mm might be my favorite from the entire shoot.

Rachel and Phil were in town for a little work & pleasure, so they reached out for a quick couple’s session. These two are getting married soon and figured a spontaneous photoshoot would be a good trial run for getting comfy in front of the camera.

One of the many perks of living in LA is getting out in my neighborhood and being inspired by my surroundings. Go out into the world! Take photos! Put on fun outfits! Expand your craft!

One of the benefits of private, backyard weddings that Jack and Nermana wanted to take advantage of was the time for portrait sessions with all of their guests. The simple greenery was a clean and beautiful backdrop for all the groupings they could want.

We visited some of their staple spots, roamed the block while light rain drizzled, and cozied up in their art-filled apartment. I loved their openness and warmth throughout the shoot.