Gerald Pope Photography

Meet Elsa

noreply@blogger.com (Airika Pope) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:53:00 +0000

Meet Elsa. She is the newest addition to Kelly & Pat's family, one of our 2008 wedding couples who are now dear friends. When Kelly & Pat told us that they were expecting, we were so excited for them! We knew that we just had to take her newborn photos--I mean how could we not? Look at their cute little girl!

We had a wonderful afternoon hanging out with little Elsa and photographing her in her new world. Kelly & Pat, it's been such a privilege for us to document the beginning of your journey into marriage, and now parenthood as well! Thank you for your friendship and for trusting us with your family's memories.

To view little Elsa's slideshow, click here.

Rebekah & Jonathan: Harvest Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:33:00 +0000

Fall may very well be my favorite time of year. It’s the time for harvest and celebration, family gatherings and great food, accented by bright colors and crisp, cool air. As Rebekah and Jonathan’s harvest wedding at Hidden Meadows drew closer, Airika & I grew even more excited about capturing the richness of emotion and detail that was sure to present itself at their wedding.

The first look.

After their first look, we headed out to Stocker Farms to explore their corn maze (They gave us a free tour!)

Erin Lindeman did an incredible job with the event decor. The details were absolutely amazing!

Such a beautiful location... not to mention that the light is perfect at this time of day!

Let the dancing begin!

One last goodbye...

Congratulations Rebekah and Jonathan! Be sure to check back next week for your slideshow!

Melanie and Chuck: Wedding Slideshow

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Venue: Willows Lodge
Bridal Boutique: PrincessBride

Tuxedos: Men's Warehouse
Photographers: Gerald & Airika Pope
Florist: I Do Floral

Officiant: Kathy Junglove

Catering: Barking Frog
Cupcakes: Trophy Cupcakes
Stationary: Wedding Paper Divas
DJ: Elliot Bay Entertainment

Hair: Jaime Undseth; Gary Manuel Aveda Institute

Make Up: Robbi Woods; L Artistry (MAC Certified Professional Makeup Artist)

Melanie and Chuck's Wedding at Willows Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:54:00 +0000

We hit it off with Melanie & Chuck from the very first meeting. We were sitting outside in the rain at the UVillage Starbucks when we discovered our shared love for travel, wine, and good food. The perfect match was confirmed when they told us that they wanted to set aside three hours on their wedding day for portraits in Seattle--yes please! They always made us feel welcome and frequently reminded us that they chose us not only because of our photographic abilities, but because they really liked the idea of actually getting to know their vendors--people who they truly wanted to share their day with. We couldn't ask for more--for us, the joy in photographing weddings is not only found in the art we create, but in the relationships that we build with our couples. Melanie & Chuck, thank you for sharing a glimpse into your lives and for allowing us the privilege to capture your beautiful wedidng day. We're looking forward to our next round of Grand Mariner prawns at the Willows Lodge Happy Hour! :) ~Airika & Gerald

Stay tuned for our next post...Melanie & Chuck's slideshow!

Tara & Matt's Wedding Slideshow

noreply@blogger.com (Airika Pope) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Venue: Rock Creek Gardens

Bridal Boutique: The Bridal Garden
Photographers: Gerald & Airika Pope

Florist: Erin and Company

Wedding Coordinator: Barbara Bryant

Pastor: Robert Christensen

Catering: Mama Stortinis

Cake: Oh Kelly's (Kelly Barkhurst)

Stationary: All About Weddings

Umbrellas: Bella Umbrella

DJ: Direct Sounds Disc Jockey

To view your slideshow in its own screen, click here. Enjoy!

Tara & Matt's Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:58:00 +0000

There's just something about the warmth of the sun that brings a smile to my face. Mostly sunny skies equals a very happy day. The entire week leading up to Tara and Matt's wedding, Airika and I were checking the weather reports, hoping and praying that the weatherman would change his mind about their wedding day. Thankfully, the weather ignored the forecast, and a bright shining ball of happiness showed up for the party. :) It was particularly sweet because it meant that Tara and Matt could move forward with their plans for a stunning outdoor wedding at Rock Creek Gardens.

As you may recall from Tara & Matt's preview post, they rented a few umbrellas from Bella Umbrella just in case the weatherman had been correct. Tara's half of the wedding party...

...and Matt's half of the wedding party. It was amazing to see how much support these two have from their friends and family.

Like I said earlier, their wedding was stunning! I absolutely love the bright colors they selected.

Married!

I'm definitely a sucker for candy... and I'm pretty proud that I was able to refrain from walking off with the jar of Reese's Pieces.

Congratulations Tara and Matt! We are so excited for you and your new life together!

Tiffany and Kellen's Engagement

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:41:00 +0000

Tiffany and Kellen are amazing. They're easy-going and up for anything--even an engagement session in the rain! We had barely gotten started shooting when we found ourselves scrambling for cover. The skies were opening up into an abnormally heavy rainstorm for Seattle. We shot in doorways and under overpasses, and after we had exhausted all of the covered shooting spots in Pioneer Square, we headed to the Seattle Library for some reprieve from the rain. It was a fabulous session, and Gerald & I can't wait to shoot their wedding next May!

Congratulations, Tiffany & Kellen. You are awesome and truly meant for each other!

~Airika

Rebekah & Jonathan: Wedding Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:49:00 +0000

I love the Fall, and Rebekah and Jonathan's wedding this past weekend encompassed everything I love about this time of year--incredible weather, rich colors, great food, and good friends.

Here's a quick preview from their wedding...

Thanks to Stocker Farms for giving us a free tour of their corn maze!

Katie & Jon's Slideshow

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:23:00 +0000

Bride's Hair Design: Ericksen Avenue Salon, Bainbridge Island, WA
Bridal Bouquet & Hair pieces: Flowers To Go
Bridal Gown: Lovingly Handmade by Katie's mom
Caterer: Molly of Molly's Creations
Centerpiece Flowers: Pike Place Market, DIY
DJ: Adam Campagna, Kingston, WA
Invitations and Stationary design: Anna Marie Seymour, Love and Luck Design
Rehearsal Evening Karaoke: Gordon Sound
Rehearsal Dinner: Manor Farm Dinner
Rentals: Abbey Rentals and Advanced Rentals

To view slideshow in its own screen, please click here. Enjoy! :)

Katie & Jonathan's Poulsbo Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:03:00 +0000

Variety. It's what gets me excited every time Airika and I shoot a wedding. Every couple is different, every wedding is unique, and there are always opportunities to discover something new. When two separate individuals--each with their own history, family, and personality--come together to celebrate their new life together, it's always a thing of beauty!

One of the things I loved about Katie and Jonathan's wedding was that they incorporated their Jewish and Christian backgrounds into their ceremony. They really love and respect each other for their differences, and wanted to make sure both were celebrated throughout the day! They had a Christian minister (Katie's godmother), a traditional katuba (Jewish wedding contract), and a ceremony under the chupah. It was a truly beautiful blending of their faiths.

We had a little time to go explore downtown Poulsbo with Katie and Jonathan, just down the street from where Katie grew up. It's such a cute little town!

Now what's the fun in getting married if you don't get to goof off a little?

Katie and Jonathan were married at Katie's Grandparents house on Lemolo Point in Poulsbo, WA. It is a very special place for their family--ever since raising their family there, Katie's grandparents have worked hard to make sure there is always room for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to come home and spend time together. It was the perfect place to gather and celebrate!

Check back tomorrow for Katie & Jon's slideshow!

Melanie and Chuck: Wedding Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:12:00 +0000

Here's a quick preview from Melanie and Chuck's wedding this past weekend. More to come in a few weeks!

Tara & Matt's Wedding Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Here's a quick preview from Tara & Matt's wedding last weekend. The forecast leading up to their big day was calling for rain, so we encouraged them to rent some umbrellas from Bella Umbrella just in case. It actually turned out to be a beautiful day, but we couldn't resist pulling out these gorgeous vintage umbrellas for a bit of old-fashioned fun. :)

To preregister to view all of Tara & Matt's photos, and to receive a complimentary credit toward prints, click here. And, be sure to check back here in a few weeks for more photos from their wedding!

~Airika

Brianna & Ryan's Wedding Slideshow

noreply@blogger.com (Airika Pope) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:29:00 +0000

Venue, Hair, Makeup & Catering: Semiahmoo Resort
Bridal Gown & Dresses: Bellevue Bridal Boutique
Tiara: Belle Aire Bridal
Shoes: Nina Shoes
Tuxedos: Men's Wearhouse
Photographer: Gerald Pope Photography :)
Musicians: Groove House
Cake: Let Them Eat Cake
Flowers: Rachael Dewey
Decor: Brianna's Brilliant Artistry ;)

To view your slideshow in its own screen, click here. To view all of your wedding photos, click here. Enjoy!

Brianna & Ryan: Semiahmoo Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:14:00 +0000

I love destination weddings, even when they're not very far away. Brianna and Ryan were married at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, WA, and the whole weekend was nothing short of spectacular. It's such a beautiful location, and we never saw a cloud the entire time that we were there. Just thinking about it makes me feel all warm inside!

We met Brianna a few years ago, when she was bridesmaid in Neyssa & Derek's wedding at Snoqualmie Ridge. Now, it was Neyssa's turn to stand by and serve Brianna on her own wedding day. These two love each other like sisters, and it was such a privilege for us to be able to capture both of their wedding days.

Why is it that the guys ALWAYS get the short end of the stick when it comes to getting ready rooms? ;)

Brianna and Ryan didn't want to see each other before the ceremony, so we took them each out with their wedding parties to get a few shots. Airika and I had a chance to explore the grounds the day before and we found some really cool locations!

Brianna's dress and flowers were absolutely gorgeous. It's hard to believe that she arranged all of the flowers with the help of some friends and family. Not only did she do an amazing job, but she remained pretty stress-free throughout the entire process. I (Airika) can't imagine what shape I would have been in had I tried to do ANYTHING other than get ready on my wedding day.

This food almost makes me think that being a vegetarian wouldn't be so bad. Almost.

Mhmm...cakes by Let Them Eat Cake in Bellingham are uh-MAZ-ing.

Brianna was blissfully happy--I don't think this smile left her face her entire wedding day.

Come back tomorrow to see their slideshow!

Lydia & Joao's Wedding Slideshow

noreply@blogger.com (Airika Pope) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:40:00 +0000

Wedding Venue: Private Residence, Agoura Hills, CA
After Shoot Venue: Four Seasons Westlake Village
Photography: Airika & Gerald Pope
Floral & Event Design: Shawna Yamamoto
Wedding Coordinator: Danielle Desouza
Hair: John of Italy
Catering: Merlin's Kitchen
Cake: Hansen's Cakes
Party Rentals: Conejo Rental Center
DJ: Moises Rodriguez

Lydia & Joao~the song in your slideshow was written by a friend of ours. She actually sang it at our wedding six years ago, and it was the first song that came to mind when I thought of the journey that you're on together. Enjoy. You are beautiful.

To view Lydia & joao's Slideshow in its own screen, click here. To preregister to view all of their photos, click here. Please note that in honor of Lydia's sister Maura, all print sale proceeds from their wedding will be donated to the MD Anderson Cancer Center for Sarcoma Research.

Airika

Lydia and Joao: The Day After

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:48:00 +0000

The day after their wedding, we met up with Lydia and Joao one more time for their day after session. It was such a fun and relaxing morning! We had breakfast together, then wandered the grounds of the Four Seasons at Westlake Village with no schedule, nowhere to be, and no one else around. What a beautiful way for them to start off their first day of marriage!

A Reflection on Life & Dreams: Lydia & Joao's Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Over the past few months, Airika and I have spent a lot of time reflecting on our business, our selves, and why we are photographers. Sure, photography helps us pay the bills and provide for our needs, but that's definitely not what drives and motivates us. And of course we love photography; there are few things we enjoy more or feel as passionately about than creating images that are beautiful, artistic, and meaningful. But there is more to it than that, too.

For us, it all comes down to our desire to share the gifts and abilities that God has given us with those he brings into our life. We have been incredibly blessed, and there is nothing more rewarding than turning around and giving back our time and our talent--this is what feeds our souls and gives our lives meaning--it's why we fell in love with photography, and it's what makes our pursuit of this business worthwhile.

This is really where Lydia and Joao come in. Back in May we received an email from Airika's sister, Hannah, asking us to pray for her friend Lydia. Lydia was originally planning to get married today (September 10), but her younger sister Maura, who was going to be her maid of honor, had just passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. Airika and I both have younger siblings, and we couldn't even begin to imagine what she was going through. No one should have to go through the pain of losing a sibling, something made even more difficult when trying to plan for one of the most important days in their life. Because of everything that happened, Lydia and Joao's wedding plans were completely changed, and Lydia thought that she could no longer have the wedding of her dreams. A big New York wedding was no longer in the cards, and they were now looking at a small, simple summer ceremony at a relative's house in California.

Once they had a new date and a new venue, Lydia and Joao called us to see if it would be possible for us to photograph their wedding. The more we talked to Lydia, the more we saw that she is a passionate woman, full of life and a deep love for those around her. We knew that there was nothing we could do to take away the pain of losing her sister, but we felt very strongly that we had to do something. So we offered to give what we could as photographers – our time.

After making arrangements to fly down for their wedding, we called one of our favorite Southern California event designers, Shawna Yamamoto, and shared Lydia's story. We were thrilled when she offered to design and decorate the entire event for Lydia and Joao! We really can't say enough about Shawna and her husband and it was our joy to partner with them in giving Lydia the wedding of her dreams.

We hope you enjoy Lydia & Joao's photos, and that as you witness the love and joy that they share, you will be inspired to begin looking for new ways to be a blessing to those you come into contact with in your own lives.

Lydia and Joao~It has been such a blessing to work with you, and we hope that these moments bring smiles to your faces and joy to your hearts. Much love~Gerald & Airika

We got to spend a few minutes with just Lydia and Joao right after the ceremony, but we didn't want to eat up time that they could be spending with family. Instead, we offered to give them a day-after fashion shoot. Photos from that will be in our next post...

If you are interested in reading more about Lydia's sister Maura, her story, and how you can help further the cure research for sarcoma cancer, visit Lydia’s mother's blog, Maura. Life After. or Lydia's blog at Life. After. Maura.

Lydia and Joao: Intimate Wedding Rehearsal

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:42:00 +0000

The weekend we spent with Lydia, Joao, their family and friends down in Agoura Hills, CA was incredible for a lot of different reasons. We had never actually met in person until we arrived at their rehearsal the day before the wedding. The entire evening served to confirm what we already suspected... these two are their own separate breed of amazing! Here are a few moments we captured during their rehearsal.

One of our favorite moments from the evening was the toasts. Their hilarious and heart-felt stories, with a good mix of encouragement and inspiration. Everyone shared, even if was just one word to describe Lydia and Joao...

Joyful * Cute * Hilarious * Connected * United * Victorious * Precious * Inspiring * Lovely * Loving * Crazy * Happy * Christ-centered * Supernatural * Bright * Trusting * Meant for each other

(Airika's really quick with the notepad on her iPhone)

Julie & Jeff: Vow Renewals at Salish Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (Airika Pope) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:00:00 +0000

When Julie called us a few weeks ago, she invited us in to a very private renewal of their vows at Salish Lodge. The only people in attendance would be Julie, Jeff, the minister who married them, and me. Or... so she thought. Secretly, Jeff had invited just a few friends to be there to celebrate with them. The entire evening was exceptional. The amount of time and effort and love they put into this was a true testament to how much they value and care for one another.

In many ways, watching them was a beautiful lesson on what love should be about. You could just see it in their eyes, in the way they interacted; they are deeply in love and they are intent on keeping it that way. That's not an easy task but it is definitely worth the effort. No matter who you are or how long you have been married, do what you can to renew your love for each other every day. Taking the time daily be thoughtful and generous and attentive will go a long way to making your marriage long and full of joy.

Gerald

Briana and Paul: Sweet Love in Bellingham

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:51:00 +0000

Airika and I were up in Bellingham a few weeks ago, and spent an afternoon photographing Briana and Paul's engagement session. They gave us a tour of Western Washington University, we walked the streets of old Fairhaven, and enjoyed a beautiful sunset at Boulevard Park. Thanks for a great time Briana and Paul, we can't wait for your wedding at Semiahmoo next June!

Kaite & Jon

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Here's a quick preview from Katie and Jon's wedding in Poulsbo, WA this past weekend!

There's much more to share, so check back soon...

Gretchen & Josh: Married in Seattle

noreply@blogger.com (Airika Pope) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:51:00 +0000

For Airika and I, one of the most important (and fun) parts about what we do is getting to know the bride and groom. When we have the chance to build a relationship with them, it gives them a sense of trust that helps us get the natural and authentic photos that we strive for. Even with that, we quite often show up at a wedding and know no one outside of the bride and groom. This is a big reason that we started doing rehearsal coverage. It not only gives us a chance to see the venue, check out the lighting, and get a feel for the flow of the day, but it allows us to document the interactions between the closest friends and family in a relaxed, fun, and intimate setting.

We were fortunate enough to have already met Gretchen's family--the bride's father Kim was Airika's former boss at Fuller Seminary, and a very influential mentor in her life. Knowing the family and some of the history leading up to Gretchen and Josh's rehearsal made the stories we heard even more meaningful, leading to more than our fair share of tears and laughter.

It has been an huge blessing to get to know Gretchen and Josh over the past few months--they have incredible hearts for the Lord and a strong desire to serve and love all the people they come in contact with. They give so much of themselves--whether through their jobs, their church, or their daily interactions with friends and family. You can't help but come away from a conversation with them feeling encouraged and energized. This probably had a little something to do with the crowded church and overflowing reception on their wedding day!

You can enjoy some of our favorite images from their rehearsal & wedding day below, or you can view their entire slideshow. Congratulations Gretchen and Josh!

During their engagement, Gretchen & Josh kept a traveling journal to share their hearts and thoughts with each other since they were living far apart. This journal, along with Gretchen's grandfather's devotional book, are pictured here.

I love that Gretchen & Josh set aside time to relax and pray with their entire wedding party and family before the ceremony. It's such a testimony to the things that are most important to them.

Gretchen & Josh's amazing vendors include:

Bridal Gown: La Belle Elaine's

Tux rental: Men's Wearhouse
Officiant(s): Kim Anderson, Becca Bruner, Andrea Kladder, Dean Kladder
Flowers: Linda Hand
Catering: UW Club
Cupcakes: Cupcake Royale

Photography: Airika & Gerald Pope, Gerald Pope Photography ;)
Hair and Makeup: Annie Fisher, Swoop Salon

Venue(s): Lake City Presbyterian Church, UW Club, Magnuson Park
Rings: Amber Hill, Green Lake Jewelers

Julie & Jeff's Vow Renewals: A Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Gerald) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 01:29:00 +0000

This past Saturday, I had the incredible pleasure of meeting Julie and Jeff for the very first time. It was their first anniversary, and as they renewed their vows, I quickly realized that these are two of the most warm-hearted, loving, thoughtful, and romantic people I have ever met. After our short time together, I am deeply convinced that hanging out with these two is good for your marriage. Here's a small preview of the evening we shared together--more to come soon...

Lydia & Joao: A preview

noreply@blogger.com (Airika Pope) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:38:00 +0000

Lydia & Joao were married a couple of weeks ago at a private residence in Agoura Hills, CA. At the end of the evening, Gerald and I lined up on opposite sides of the stairs for their departure. I was behind Lydia & Joao with a flash, while Gerald shot from the front and captured this image. Not only do I love the lighting, but all of the love and joy oozing out of it makes me smile!

If you were a guest at the wedding, click here to preregister and receive an email when all of Lydia & Joao's photos are available online.

Katie & Jonathan's Engagement

noreply@blogger.com (Airika Pope) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:30:00 +0000

If you think planning a wedding is hard work, imagine trying to plan one from halfway around the world. Katie and Jonathan did just that, and were able plan their upcoming wedding in Poulsbo almost entirely through Skype! It has allowed them talk with all of their vendors (including us) face to face from Israel, and we are so grateful for their creativity in utilizing this great little invention. :)

These two live lives full of intentionality, generosity, and passion. They met in unique (and super cool) medical school program at the Ben Gurion University of the Negev Medical School for International Health in Israel. When we first talked with Katie, Jon was actually in Ethiopia for the developing country experience that is required as a part of their program. Katie plans to head to Nepal for her experience later this year. They celebrate their differences and find commonality in their love for life, each other, and their passion for serving others. We are delighted to have met them and couldn't be more excited to be photographing their wedding in a few weeks!

Airika