Bride.Inspired

BrideInspired has Relocated

2010-02-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

To reflect the new direction of BrideInspired, we are very excited to announce the moving of our blog! You can now find BrideInspired at www.BrideInspiredBlog.com.

Be sure to follow us there!

Sebastian & Aimee : Sneak Peek

2009-10-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

September 8th, 2009, my friends Sebastian and Aimee were married beneath the beautiful skies and gorgeous mountain backdrop of Colorado. They invited friends from all over the country - and the world to join them on their wedding day.

An intense storm nearly complicated their wedding, but portraits between downpours and a few towels for drying up wet chairs completed the adventure.

Here are a few favorites.

Phong & Thao

2009-09-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 23rd began rather early in the morning. At 4:00am, Thao, the beautiful bride of the day began her preparations for the all day wedding celebration. For the next 17 hours, Thao and her true love Phong brought together their families and friends in a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese bridal traditions with special American bridal fun. Not 3 weeks before their wedding, Phong and Thao changed their mind about another photographer, and booked me for their wedding.

We had, in a word, an absolute b.l.a.s.t.

Here are some of my favorite shots of the day.

Abby

2009-09-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

I've known Abby since my very first photography class in Dallas Texas four years ago. Since then, we took every single class the Institute in Photographic Studies had to offer - together. This last year, Abby joined the ranks of me and the other IPS instructors, teaching photography for several of their classes.

This year, Abby came out for 3 weeks to spend with IPS in Colorado. We had a reunion, held our basics in photography class, and last week we wrapped up the photo processing class, PWP II. During this class, Abby told me that her fabulous boyfriend [and Navy Seal], Andy was really missing her. She decided to bring me in on a special portrait shoot for her guy. We kept the shoot really simple. One window. One reflector. One chair.

But wow. Did these photo's come out nice.

I always feel especially satisfied when I achieve a successful portrait session with fellow photographers. This 30 minute shoot was no exception. DC photographer Abby loved the pictures, and is sending them off to her Andy one day at a time.

If you want a similar portrait session, be sure to give me a ring!

Christina

Evalyn

2009-09-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

I don't often have the opportunity to shoot children and infants. But when those times arrive, the time spent with these precious little people are so incredibly enjoyable.

Evalyn is a little girl whose parents are now renting my old house in Portland. I have never met a child who at 3 months I considered a dear friend. She spoke through her eyes as though she didn't even know she was not speaking with words. Precious. Beautiful. Aware. I miss Evalyn already. I look forward to seeing her in a few months when I make a trip back out to Portland.

Benjamin and Jennifer : Sneak Peek!

2009-09-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

One of the most classy weddings I've photographed to date, this Toledo event was completely fantastic. Benjamin and Jennifer have a style and class unlike anyone I've ever met, and it was such an honor to be with them on their wedding day.

Here's just a sneak peek of some of my favorite images! And wow! Do we have a l.o.t.!!!!

Stay tuned for more!

"Risk Love"

2009-09-01T17:12:00.001-07:00

Sometimes there are certain things that really inspire you. They inspire you because you realize that you are needed. They inspire you because you understand how much you matter. They inspire you because you catch a vision of something you never thought possible before. They inspire you because they challenge you to be better, be more authentic, be more true.

For me, one of these things is the idea of Foster Care.

You see, one day when I was a little girl, I asked my mother why we never saw her Mommy and Daddy. I remember how she turned to me with sadness in her eyes as she explained. "My Daddy died when I was 10. My Mommy died when I was 12. I grew up in many homes - in the Foster Care system."

My mom was finally placed with a beautiful couple in Northern California. Many changes came to her life - many good changes. After years of feeling alone, she finally found a family who would look out for her and care for her. It was difficult, but my Mother became the beautiful and inspiring person she is today because of those experiences.

Since then, the idea of Fostering and Adoption through the State has been something that truly inspires me. So much so, that the last 6 months I've donated time and energy working on a multimedia piece to inspire others to Foster and Adoption also. Volunteering with a nonprofit organization in Oregon and Washington. This multimedia piece artistically outlines the story of adopting from the foster care system. This was truly a dream project for me to work on with Revolutionary Media.

I was so blessed working on the "Risk Love" project. Every time I hear the title I am reminded of what life really is supposed to be about: loving others.

Watch "Risk Love" NOW on Youtube. I hope you find it inspiring.

By the way, be sure to check out the work of another Portland philanthropist and photographer, my friend and fellow wedding shooter Jocelyn Edlin. This girl is so full of heart and vision. I can't wait to work with her more!

Be Inspired Today!

Christina

Thao and Phong : Preview

2009-08-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

My fabulous friends Thao and Phong were married this Sunday at the World Trade Center! Their traditional Vietnamese wedding was incredible! Taking place over a full 16 hours, this couple knows how to party with their loved ones!

I can't wait to show you more highlights! In the meantime, enjoy this sneek peek!

Christina

These Days

2009-08-14T16:18:00.001-07:00

So.
Tonight is the last night in my house.
It is such a surreal experience.
I will spend a few days out at a wedding photographers convention.
Then a week in Portland.
Then a week in St. Louise.
Then a week in transit between weddings.
Then a month teaching in Colorado at my photography school.
But as for tonight...
Tonight is the last night in my home.

Post From My iPhone

2009-08-12T19:29:00.000-07:00

In 2 weeks I have the honor of photographing Thao and Phong's wedding in Portland. We are so very excited! On Monday I sat down with this fabulous coulple to talk about thier wedding details. I learned some really sweet details (like Thao's orange wedding shoes) but this sweet couple also told me the unique story of thier families backgrounds. Wow! What stories! Both Thao and Phong's parents escaped to the US from Vietnam during the 1950's. This couple's family will have a rich heritage to which they will add thier own love story in just two weeks! Send us well wishes on August 23rd!

Vender Shouts!

2009-08-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

There are few things more beautiful than a Wedding.

Everything detail about a wedding is planned out with special care. So many individuals are involved to make every detail perfect. Professionals. Family. Friends. Time, energy, and money are invested on great levels to create a beautiful and memorable day for everyone involved.

As a photographer, I get to capture the beauty that has been created by a large team. And I think it's really important to give credit where credit is due.

The Kelly wedding included some incredible vendors who made the event stunning.

Held at the stunning Vista Hills Vinyard in Oregon, the wedding boasted a fantastic view of surrounding vinyards and the lights of Portland!

The cake by JaCivas was extraordinarily beautiful! Complete with fresh flowers from Flowers for You.

Flowers for You arranged some of the most beautiful wedding floral I have ever seen.

Thank you all for making the Kelly's wedding such a phenomenal event!

Trigger Wedding Favorites!

2009-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dana's wedding was one of the most enjoyable and adventurous I've photographed yet. It is so incredible to photograph the wedding of another world changer. Dana and I were both on a photographic team to New Zealand and Fiji last year with IPS. Her wedding brought a reliving of old times and memories!

I have posted a full album on facebook here, but these I must say are my absolute favorites!

"Portraits for Change"

2009-08-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

Do you believe your Portraits could Change the world?

I Do.

In November, I have the chance to go to Jaiper, India. My mission: Teach photography at Youth With a Mission’s "Create India" school. The students at this school are the ones who use media to reach the indigenous peoples of India. This is a world changing opportunity. However, YWAM
cannot afford to fly out their instructors. They ask that we cover our flight over, and then they will cover the rest for our time out there.

So you see, I have a goal:

I need to raise $1200 for my ticket to India. To this end, I am launching a fundraiser:

“Portraits for Change”

1 month. 12 portrait sessions. $100 a sitting.

For the month of August I am searching for 12 passionate clients who want to be involved in changing the world. These portrait sessions would raise enough to cover my flight. Sessions can be Senior Portraits, Engagements, or Family. This covers a 45 minute session, a cd for you - from which you can print 4x6 or 5x7s, and a gallery to order 8x10's and enlargements. All proceeds will go to my flight to India.

Thanks for the support. Please refer this opportunity on to anyone anyone you know would be interested in “Portraits for Change.” For the e-flyer, click here.

Please contact me for bookings and details.

360 713 8971 or Info@ChristinaNicholePhotography.com

The Darkroom : James and Olga

2009-07-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

Amid the craziness of helping my family with their packing to relocate in St. Louis, I've been slowly but steadily working on James and Olga's wedding book.

I am so excited about these images! It is always fantastic when - as the photographer - I have the chance to be caught up in the memories of the day. It is so exciting that they are special to me, and I know that they will be special to them.

A few hundred pages, this fabulous little 7x7" proof book is going to be a smashing hit!

Trisha and Justin

2009-07-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Last month, I had the absolute blast of a time taking engagement photos for Trisha and Justin at the Fast Track Photographer Workshop. They were so fantastic! We had so much fun taking photos with the other photographers at the workshop, but these were my favorite!

I mention this workshop because while attending, I discovered some newfound direction for my photography work and more. You'll be seeing some new changes reflected on my sites and offerings very soon!

Daniel: Professional Musician

2009-07-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

I know a sister is not supposed to have favorite brothers. But, I think I must break that rule. Daniel is my favorite brother - my favorite 16 year old brother [he's the only one right now.lol.] Smart. Talented. Confident. And a bit headstrong - which I can say because we're cut from the same cloth.

My brother Daniel is 16 and heading off to college on a full ride music scholarship. Gracing the world with remarkable skills in piano and cello performance, Daniel is from a unique breed of musicians. He's gifted, but when motivated, knows how to work those 8 hour practice days without complaint.

I am so very proud of my little brother. I know God has amazing things in store for him. I know that this next year is going to be an adventure, and a challenge, and I look forward to being there to support him.

I love you Daniel. You keep rocking the world.

Daniel and Dana: Highlights

2009-07-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

9 months ago I met Dana on a trip with my photography school, The Institute in Photographic Studies. We embarked on a mission and travel photography experience into New Zealand and Fiji for the next 5 weeks. The trip was incredible, and I was able to get to know Dana as we journeyed through changing the world with photography. This experience has made me wish I could go on a philanthropic art project with each of my brides!!!

This last weekend I had the priviledge of being part of Dana's wedding in Colonial Beach, Virginia. We were blessed with fantastic weather - hardly humid at all - and gorgeous shooting locations.

Here's just a sneak peak of the beautiful Mrs. Dana Wise. I'm sure you will agree with me: she is a woman of beauty inside and out.

More to come soon!

James and Olga - Preview

2009-06-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

On a blustery day in June, James from Portland, Oregon, and Olga from the Ukraine, came together in holy matrimony.

They were, in a word, adorable.

Promise to put up their preview soon!

Mariah and JW - Preview!

2009-06-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

So, in between a working visit to Hannah - one of my favorite philanthropic artists ever! - and a for-the-family house hunting trip to St. Louis, I've been slowly working my way through Mariah and JW's wedding day images! I will absolutely have a post of their amazing wedding day by Monday, but until then, check out these STUNNING! memories from their awesome day!

Post Wedding Preview

2009-06-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

So, yes, I have been awol.

So very sorry.

The last two weeks following James and Christina's wedding have been quite insane. Editing. Project creation. Destination wedding...But, don't be alarmed. I shall not stoop so low as to stop posting current weddings. Now that I am home for a few days before heading out again, I will be posting on a regular basis! I promise!

I'm uploading galleries for the newly wed Post family today. I thought I'd give you a sneak peak!

Doesn't Christina look like the perfect vintage bride?!?

Jessica and Jared: Gallery

2009-05-06T20:11:00.001-07:00

Now that the images are edited and the Wedding Day Film has been finished, I've released Jessica and Jared's photo's to their friends and family! I am so excited to be using Pictage as my studio lab and image printer. They have outstanding quality and I'm taking my cue from some of the industries finest photographers who also use them!

If you are friends or family of Jessica and Jared, please go here to view and order the photos!

I hope these memories last a lifetime for Jessica and Jared, and all you who attended!

Christina

Jessica and Jared - Happily Ever After Film

2009-05-04T16:48:00.000-07:00

This last weekend my second shooter and I had the privilege of making a road trip out to Wenatchee, WA . Our purpose: to photograph the wedding of [name of school she teaches for] very own piano and vocalist instructor Jessica Graybill and WA state correctional facility youth counselor Jared Wardle.

The drive was absolutely stunning and fabulous. The weather was gorgeous. We stopped at Cup of Joe's in Centralia [manned by the fabulous Voetberg Band], said hey to our former bride Brice Hansen, and had some amazing chai. During the rest of the time, we talked about everything from curriculum development [Jocelyn is teaching photography at Portland Christian next year] to personal wedding preferences ourselves. It was so much fun! When we got into town, we found out that we would be staying at the WorldMark Restort at Leavenworth! I can't wait to go back to that small town! It's like a little Swiss Alps tucked away in the back lands of Washington!

Saturday, April 25th, was Jessica and Jared's wedding day. Things were really, really interesting - partly because of traffic caused by Wenatchee's Apple Blossom Festival where half the city was blocked off for a parade!

We started with Jared getting a cool, old fashioned shave at Rick's Barber Shop. Then with Jessica getting her hair done by a salonist in East Wenatchee. By 11am, we followed Jessica to the stunning Brethren Church of Wenatchee where there was crazy hustle and bustle with people getting ready for the wedding.

The day went fabulously from there. The light was absolutely extraordinary. The people were so much fun. And the imagery we brought back was out of this world!

Jessica and Jared, I wish you all the happiness in the world!

Jess and Jared Highlights

2009-05-04T12:27:00.000-07:00

So, I'm working on getting my turn around time really fast. The last week I finished up editing all of Jessica and Jared's wedding pictures and am so very happy. They turned out beautifully...

Tomorrow I should get out their wedding day film! Be awaiting!

Jessica and Jared: Happily Ever After

2009-04-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Late last night I returned from my trip to Wenatchee. Oh my goodness! What a beautiful place! Especially during their Apple Blossom Festival! Jessica and Jared's wedding was absolutely f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s! The light was absolutely extraordinary. The people were so much fun. And the imagery we brought back was out of this world!

Don't forget! If you were in Jessica and Jared's wedding or are guests, you can view all of the pictures here by the end of the week.

Check back in a couple of days for more images and a slideshow!

Until then, here's a sneak preview!

New Shoots. Good Seasons. Continued Projects.

2009-04-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

Well, the last week was the start of a new editing routine. I've been spending six hours or more in front of my laptop sorting, editing, and compiling the projects that I've been working on with Revolutionary Media.

I'm not gonna lie, editing so long is really challenging for me. I'm working on 3 mulitmedia projects in the middle of normal shoots with editing, and another wedding season is coming upon my business. I look forward to the different aspects of this artistic media work. Right now, it just finds me in one place with not a lot of deviance.

Saturday I took a break from editing to do a concert shoot for The Dickson String Quartet. And you may notice, yes, they carry my last name. My fabulous brothers and sister are amazing musicians. You can view them on www.thedicksonfive.com.

Here's a sneak peak at what we brought back home. Stay tuned for some more really sweet images!