For their one year anniversary, Justin (whose wedding Janet Klinger Photography photographed last year) wrote a love song for Angie and recorded a video of it:
How great is he?! Congratulations to the them both! And to all of those who are celebrating their 1st year of marriage. May this be the 1st of many great years to come!
When your love is far from home moments together can be intense. Andrew surprised Shannon with a romantic photo session in Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park. And on a sunny New Years Eve afternoon. Andrew is charming, that’s for sure. No one has ever thought to arrange a secret photo session for me- at least not yet.
Shannon and Andrew certainly made the most of their short visit.
Now that's a kiss
A dreamy Seattle Sunset is supposed to be the shining star at Newcastle Golf and Country club. True to form, it was at the picture perfect sunset that made our Grand Finale photograph. Equally glowing were the joyful faces participating and listing to the rhythm of drums, clapping of hands, dancing and laughter coming from the dance floor in celebration of the Taji’s and Saliba’s wonderfully Arab-inspired reception.
The chocolates were unbelievable, made by Seattle’s own Theo Chocolates
The Engagement Story, from Laila’s perspective…
Bassam had told Laila that since his brother George and his sister-in-law Cina were in town that they should all go out for a fancy lunch. “I’ll pick you up at 1pm. Be sure to dress up,” Bassam told her. (Clue #1) He picked her up at 1:30pm, which is 1pm BST (Bassam Standard Time) and casually mentioned that Cina wanted them to pick up some Theo chocolate for her. “Remember I brought her some last year when we visited in October. I am so glad she liked it.” Not remembering at all Bassam quickly responded, “Oh, right . . . yeah she loved it.” (Close call #1)
As they walked towards and into the factory Bassam wondered a loud if the owner, Deb Music was there. Deb was friends with Bassam’s friend Alma and had previously met her at a party . Laila was doubtful. “I’d love to meet her but it’s Sunday. Do you really think she’ll be here?” The factory show room was bustling and sure enough Deb was there. (Clue #2). Despite having a whole script planned, Bassam jumped to the next phase of the surprise and asked. “Do you guys do tours?” “Yes, but we’re really full,” Deb began. “But, I’d be happy to give you a private tour.” Deb grabbed some stuff for us handed them hairnets and escorted them into the factory. She gave a cursory description of the chocolate equipment before saying, “Laila, I know a place you haven’t seen before. We just opened our dinner-theater space. Let me show you.” Suddenly, Deb realized that she forgot to do something very important. “Here take these chocolates,” she said as she handed Laila a rectangular Theo chocolate box labeled with a nice brown ribbon around it. “I have to run. Go ahead and peek into that room. They are setting up in there so you can’t stay long but, I’ll be right back to come and get you.”
Bassam and Laila walk into this space that is set up in a warehouse. “Wow what a beautiful space,” Laila remarks. “Where do you think the acting happens?”, Laila pondered as she scanned the room. “I’m not sure, but let’s have some chocolate.” (Clue #3) Bassam does not have much of a sweet tooth but his desire for chocolate was not of any concern. Laila’s concern was that if they ate from this box of chocolates than they would have to go pick out and buy another box of chocolates. And why do that when they had a perfectly good box of chocolates right here. So she said, “Let’s not and just give this one to Cina.”
“Well, I want to try one” Bassam said as he undid the brown bow. Seeing that it would be impossible to return the ribbon to its original state, Laila happily conceded to eating some chocolate. She lifted the top of the box revealing the protective top layer of crinkly white paper which Bassam then removed with his other hand. Laila’s eyes, immediately went, not to the beautiful diamond ring in the center of the box, but the oh-so-precious piece of chocolate that had stuck to the white paper in Bassam’s other hand. She stuck her hand out to catch it as Bassam said, “why don’t you pick a piece of chocolate”, as he delicately shook the box. She finally turned to him and then the box where she saw the ring sitting in a rose petal amongst 11 truffles. Laila still did not realize what was happening. She stared at the ring as these thoughts ran through her head, “It’s not my birthday, Christmas is still a month away, that’s a really nice ring for just a random present . . .” Until Bassam said, “So . . .?” “So . . .?,” she replied when it suddenly clicked. And she screamed “Yes! Yes! Yes!”
Vendor Details with Laila’s comments:
Venue & Catering: Golf Club at Newcastle: “Great at letting us add a few of our Middle Eastern spices and foods to help make the food unique to our families and culture.”
Florist: Aria: “John was great at utilizing a few of my crazy ideas while keeping everything sharp and beautiful. The arrangements were perfect and the purple runners really made the room!”
Favors: (organic, fair-trade chocolate-dipped-and-stuffed figs) Theo Chocolates
Cake: Creme de la Creme Cakes
Photography: Janet Klinger Photography
Ceremony Music: Seattle Strings
Reception Music: DJ Saed from Los Angeles: “He was great at mixing Arabic and English and Latin music – he even got out on the dance floor and did dabkeh (a Lebanese dance) with the guests.”
Bridal Gown: Belltown Bridal
Stationer: Paper Moxie: “Sheryl did an amazing job of creating a unique design that matched our personalities exactly. We could not have asked for a better design and received so many compliments from everyone”
Makeup: Areen Al-Attal
Video: Bogle Productions
Used to teamwork, Angie Pressey & Justin Forsett became the star players in a game more important than the national championships- their wedding ceremony and now, marriage. The ceremony, held at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, filled the sanctuary with jubilant energy which I could feel deep-down to the core — and I clearly wasn’t the only one.
In a sacred, surprising ceremony, two talented souls shared laughter, God and tears. OK, maybe no tears for JUSTIN!- Psst, Justin, if you want to admit it or deny it just leave a comment 
. Sneaky Justin completely surprised Angie when her favorite singer, Avant, showed up to sing during the emotional ceremony, then again when Avant performed several encores during the reception stoking the house-on-fire! With so much celebrating, it’s a good thing the Omni Park West Hotel had a huge dance floor, made all the more spectacular by enhancements from AVT Event Technologies. Yolanda Haley coordinated this high energy event, putting together a fabulous team.
Thank you, Angie and Justin, for making the inquiries that allowed me to join you in Dallas. I feel completely honored to have photographed your portrait session and your wedding celebration. On top of that, I couldn’t have had a better time. You make it easy to love my job!
Surprise, surprise. Justin arranged for Avant to grace his union with Angie. Clearly she was hugely surprised and Justin received his well-earned look of love and gratitude from Angie as she realized Avant was indeed singing, in flesh and blood.
See reception photos, including more of musician Avant
(more…)
Vietnamese and Filipino cultures merge beautifully at this Seattle wedding of Minh Hua and Joel Gavino. They held the ceremony at lovely St Vincent De Paul in Federal Way, WA. The light in the sanctuary made it easy to take photos, even for amateur photographers. These two really love each other and had many moments and symbols that represent their blossoming relationship. At Minh’s home, Joel asked permission to marry Minh, which her father granted. Phew! The traditional Vietnamese ao dai (attire) and tea ceremony waited until we arrived at Columbia Tower Club which was glowing gold in the Seattle’s late afternoon light. What a picture perfect setting for the rest of the evening.
An attempt at making their first glance a private moment
The playful bubble exit of the Bride and Groom
Ah the amazing kiss among blowing bubbles. Two cultures marry and celebrate at St Vincent De Paul Church in Federal Way WA
There are so many fun photos. Keep you eyes open for part two which will feature more photos from St Vincent De Paul and the Columbia Tower Club, including the fabulous views.
Some of the Stand-out vendors include:
Wedding Planner and Coordination: Janel Schlitt of Occasions LLC, one of my favorite coordinators- and Seattle has so many. Janel is goes above and beyond.
Wedding Flowers: Anna’s Flowers
Wedding Gown and Bridesmaids Dresses: I Do Bridal
Wedding Cake: Cakes of Paradise
Wedding Videography: Bogle Productions
Meridith and Tommy’s spectacular wedding at Snoqualmie Ridge was a joy to photograph. These two are beautiful inside and out.
Vendor List:
Photography: Janet Klinger for Janet Klinger Photography
Coordinator: Melissa Parker for Amazing Events
Venue & Catering: Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Club
Officiant: Rev. Charles Salmon
Decor & Floral: Aria Style
Cake: Sharon’s Cakes
Musicians: Bob Pajer, Solo Piano (pre-ceremony) and Andre Feriante, Guitar (dinner music)
Ceremony Music/Reception Entertainment: Beautiful Noise
Videography: Aaron Horton Productions
Tricia won this two hour photo session while modeling gorgeous Luly Yang gowns during our Bridal Fashion in Fusion photo shoot. She invited her four close sisters to share in an opportunity to play together and show off their glamorous sides. One sister just had a baby (you’d never know) and one is about to have a baby. See. Glamour during and after baby IS possible. I feel so lucky to have met each of these five energetic, adorable women. We had so much fun giggling and collaborating on this sunny, warm Northwest wonderful day.
To see Tricia in Modeling action, visit our website, choose “Weddings”, then “Bridal Fashion”.
Rashada and Scott met doing relief work after Hurricane Katrina, and we were honored to photograph their beautiful wedding day.
Pre-ceremony photography: Pike Place Market
Venue: Pravda Studios
Live Music: Jason Parker Music
Cake: friend of the couple
Coordinator: Kelly Simants of Sweet Pea Events
Decor: Rented Elegance & Chic Celebrations (lanterns & fabric draping)
Florist: friends of the couple
Officiant: Allen Belton of University Presbyterian Church
Catering: Seasoned in Seattle
Jocelyn is Engaged! Just because Clive is thousands of miles away didn’t stop Jocelyn from having an engagement session. I can’t wait to meet the mystery man, and share with him how lucky he is. Jocelyn, thanks for choosing me. I had a ball working with you. Now you know first hand why it’s easy to love my job.
For a fun urban location, we chose the Seattle Central Library, which was the building voted #108 on the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) list of Americans’ 150 favorite structures in the U.S. It provides a stunning setting, both inside and out!
Emily & Shyam had a fabulously fun urban wedding at the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park PACCAR Pavilion:
And now they are off to South Africa to do it all over again!
Their vendors:
This is just a teaser from Paul and Jody’s fabulous wedding at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and the Resort at Port Ludlow. More to come!
Professional athletes have something remarkable in common: their significant others! In the past two years I have had the wonderful luck to photograph a handful of these women (and their men, pregnant bellies, babies and an upcoming wedding too! NOT Damien and Traci’s wedding, just for the record…)
Granted, pro athletes have their choice of women. Still, choosing women who are not only beautiful and smart, but also warm, down to earth, and devoted to family expresses more about character than the increasing range of a jump shot.
Not only is the probable migration of the Seattle Super Sonics a loss of urban culture, but one of business, personal and community diversity. I for one, will be deeply sorry if Seattle looses these women and their Sonic partners.
Damien Wilkins and Traci Boyd have allowed me to share these images.
These two were so much fun.
This is my favorite moment.
Nicole Favorite and Matt Holt are engaged! This event is such a family affair. Nicole’s mom, Kim, is as much a welcome part of the fun as are their two loving kids. Every idea shared has been openly considered. This family is a dream. Since my motto is “Your Photographer for Life”, I hope to be shooting their daughter’s high school senior portraits, weddings and Nicole & Matt’s 50th wedding anniversary too! To say I’m honored to be chosen photographer is an understatement. I feel so lucky. (And I’m not even the Bride!)
Oh yeah, the cute engagement story…
Hiding from Mommy, Nicole found a butt sticking out from behind the “giggling couch”. There she found Daddy and girls “sneaking” a treat of ring pops. Nicole asked where her ring was. Matt pulled out a box holding a special ring indeed. Lots more giggling ensued, and crying, and hugging. On August 18, 2007 these high school sweethearts will be celebrating the life and love they already share.
Save the Date! Now anything goes to get your family and friends to reserve your wedding date. Traditional cards and photos are still king, but messages in a bottle, e-mails, frames with the wedding date engraved, and now, magnets! Jenny Tang and Luan Kinh Le sent out these fun magnets as their Save the Date. Love these! Get them at Magnet Street.
I can wait to photography Jenny and Luan on the Vegas strip and at their gorgeous spa location, Green Valley Ranch Resort.
I have a client who’s been WRONGED! Their venue has ousted them for someone even more rich and famous, so they are left looking for a Fab Las Vegas location for their Sept 1st wedding. Do you know of any place with a spa, artistic, or glamorous sensibility?
Wedding Date: 7/26/2008.
I love these two. Not only are the adorable in looks, but in personality. Sometimes you know a relationship is made in heaven. Well, I’m sure there’s is too, but it’s my relationship with THEM that I’m talking about. Did I mention that I love these two?
Here’s an excerpt from their fabulous, almost ruined by snow storm, almost “busted” by accidentally flying on the same plane, wedding proposal story.
In their words and photo. (Notice the glow of the honking diamond. Thanks to Lauren’s Photoshop skills for the glow, and to Andrew for the honking.)
On December 23, 2006, Andrew flew out to Denver and gave Lauren the surprise of her lifetime! Instead of going to visit his little old grandma in Minnesota (which is what he had told Lauren), he flew to Denver, built an igloo out of snow in a friend’s back yard, and proposed to Lauren! Yes, he built an igloo, and managed to hide inside the cold snow for a half hour waiting for Lauren to arrive. Of course she said “yes!” and the rest is history.
And then they hired Janet Klinger as their photographer for life, and lived happily ever after.
Some people say the nicest things. Jenny Tang, who recently booked us for her Las Vegas wedding, flattered the heck out of me. She warmly spoke of choosing me to photograph her day because of “your integrity and how your heart is in each event.†I was really touched, to say the least. Jenny used to assist me on weddings, so if anyone knows how much fun we have, and how seriously I take each event, it’s Jenny.
Jenny and Luan’s confidence in me means so much, and is warmly and deeply felt.
Stay tuned for their slideshows from the Vegas Strip, coming in September. I’m so excited!
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