Ali Walker Photography | Walla Walla + Portland + Seattle + Worldwide

First sight.

Ali — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 16:16:33 +0000

Whoo boy, this was a busy weekend! First a wedding in Othello on Saturday at this really amazing Lodge overlooking Central Washington. Then yesterday I photographed my first Jewish wedding here in Walla Walla. Oh my goodness do Jewish people know how to party. I ponied up to the Rabbi’s wife to admire how full the dance floor was and she said, with a dismissive wave of her hand, “Oh, Jewish weddings are always like this.”

Who knew?

Anyhow, is it awful I wanted to run home and convert to Judaism because everything about the wedding was so awesome and beautiful? I mean, what’s not to love about a wedding where the bride and groom get bounced around in the air on chairs while people run wildly around them?

Okay, that part looked sort of scary.

But the Hebrew, the ketubah, the larger-than-life challah, the joyful people…it was all very, very beautiful.

97.9% of the attendees at yesterday’s wedding were not from Eastern, WA. In fact, half the wedding was from Boston, Philly, and Russia. This became evident when, at sunset, all of the guests walked out into the wheat field next to the venue and wandered. It was rather surreal seeing 150 well-dressed people wandering, aimlessly, a giant field of cut wheat. We Eastern WA folks tend to take things like wheat fields for granted and are not at all inclined to wander them.

I was amused.

Anyhow, here’s one from yesterday. Caitlin was going to fetch her groom for pictures. This moment when they see each other for the first time is pretty special and I loved how we had amazing light and puffy clouds.

Now it’s Monday morning. Labor day! Happy Labor Day! I labored all weekend so I’m looking forward to some rest. My parents are coming into town today and I’m starting to panic because have you seen my house? Not pretty.

How fast can I clean the house? Anybody placing bets?

A few from a recent wedding at Walla Walla Vintners.

Ali — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:52:06 +0000

Sarah and Derek’s recent wedding took my breath away. Here are a few sneak peaks.

Erin and Thomas Wed!

Ali — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:58:32 +0000

Erin and Thomas recently wed in the most darling backyard ceremony ever! Erin is an amazingly talented graphic designer and the details she came up with were incredible. All of the flowers were made of paper, including her stunning bouquet (check out the little bird nests)! The bird theme was woven throughout the design, including on the beautiful letterpress invitations she created. I adored everything about this wedding, including Erin and Thomas. What wonderful people. Congratulations, you two!

Late summer snippets.

Ali — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:51:46 +0000

This week the kids are back in school. Actually, my little one just started pre-school. When I picked her up today her teacher pronounced her both shy and smart. Today on the drive home from her first day we talked about the fair and the possibility of going and she asked if we could ride the miracle round.

Of course we can, sweetie.

My older one interjected to say that we must ride the bumper cars. And we will. The last time I was at the fair was three years ago when he wasn’t big enough to wrangle his own bumper car so we rode together and tore it all up.

Happy memories.

Fair and the beginning of school mark the last days of summer. It went by fast. A new house. Growing kids. A good business riding the busy season. I’m feeling good and happy and blessed.

Jamie and Doug marry at Cave B Inn.

Ali — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:32:17 +0000

Jamie and Doug were married last month in the Columbia Gorge at Sagecliffe. Or is it Cave B Inn? It’s a little of both, I suppose. It’s a gorgeous venue that sprawls across the jagged brown cliffs that guide the Columbia River southward through central Washington. The day started out with threatening weather and sporadic rain, which was surprising in July, but by the time the ceremony was held, the rain and cleared and we were blessed with beautiful sunshine.

Jamie and Doug were so much fun and the rain didn’t even make them bat a lash. They rolled with the weather changes with incredible grace and made the most of their perfectly sweet day. I adore these two and wish them many years of happiness together.

Jennae – Walla Walla High School Senior Photographer

Ali — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:41:38 +0000

Meet Jennae. This girl is a talented photographer in her own right and too much fun in front of the camera. Some favorites.

Protected: Katie and Ben wed at Mill Creek Gardens, Walla Walla, WA!

Ali — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 06:19:37 +0000

Lauren and Adam are engaged!

Ali — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:51:05 +0000

Lauren and Adam and I met up for an engagement session. Adam was the best man in Blayne and Ty’s wedding last year (and gave one of the best speeches I ever heard). Lauren happens to be the daughter of some of our long-time family friends. These two met via basketball, fell in love, and are tying the knot next summer. I’m so happy to be able to photograph these two.

Sneak Peak.

Ali — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:05:36 +0000

Hi party people! Here are a few images from my two most recent weddings. I can’t wait to blog them…soon, I promise!

First, Katie and Ben at Mill Creek Gardens in Walla Walla.

And then Jamie and Doug at Cave B Inn at Sagecliffe in the Gorge. We had thunderstorms. It totally rocked.

I’ve been receiving the nicest feedback from my clients lately, both in person, on the blog, and via e-mail. Katie, the bride featured in the first two images above, sent me this last week:

Ben and are I leaving for the honeymoon tomorrow, but we just wanted to take a minute to tell you how much we appreciated your help yesterday. Everything ran so smoothly and you did such a great job with our families and guests! Several of our friends and family members commented on how much they enjoyed you and how impressed they were with how late you stayed to document the party. We saw the detail photos you posted today and are already so excited to see the rest! We had the best time and are so thankful for everything you did to make that possible.

Squee! I did a little happy dance when I received this in my inbox. Things are swamped now, what with all of the shooting and post-production I’ve got on my plate during this busy time of year and these wonderful words of kindness and appreciation mean the world to me.

Patty and Michael wed at Basel Cellars

Ali — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:37:32 +0000

Patty and Michael, two lovely Seattlelites, had a beautiful destination wedding at Basel Cellars in Walla Walla. This was my first time shooting at this venue and it was spectacular. Patty and Michael were surrounded by an intimate group of loving family and friends for their celebration, including their daughters. Patty was beyond adorable and there were many sweet moments throughout the evening.