Melissa Petersson and Richard Rinehart had a gorgeous ceremony at Blake Island’s Tillicum Village. This truly unique wedding embraced numerous cultures, most obviously Native American. From totem poles, to eagle feathers collected by Melissa and carried by the flowergirl, each moment presented something new to photograph.

The festivities began early morning with an hour long Argosy Cruise, and ended late night on another cruise rocked by the ceremonial beat of native drum, dance and song. What an honor and privledge to be apart of this cross-cultural, cross-generational and cross-the-water spectacular wedding.

Congratulations Melissa and Richard. May your life remain as colorful as your wedding day.

Vendor List:
Ceremony/Reception: Tillicum Village on Blake Island
Coordinator: Stephanie A. Wilson of Every Last Detail
Florist: Creative Colours by Patty
Wedding Cake: Creme de la Creme
Kransakage: Larsen’s Bakery (traditional Scandanavian wedding cake)
Guitarist: Steven King
Private Boat Transportation: Argosy Cruises
Limo: Crystal Coach Limousine
Linens: BBJ Linens
Hair & Makeup: Sherri Schwab

These two beautiful people light up the earth with their smiles! Here are a few spreads from their wedding album.
Thanks you two for choosing me as your photographer. Such a fun event! See you soon.

Announcing the fabulous Sharlane

The impression that Associate Photographers are “less than” simply isn’t true at Janet Klinger Photography. The ever popular Sharlane has come on board as an Associate Photographer. Together we have formed a win-win relationship. The first part was easy for me: choosing to pursue Sharlane as an Associate. Ever since meeting her, I have been impressed with Sharlane’s positive, creative energy. I fell in love with her work for it’s natural, playful, yet somehow classic style; exactly the same qualities that shine in Sharlane herself. If you are lucky enough to secure Sharlane for wedding photography, you’ll find someone who is passionate about creating something unique just for you. Not only is this inspiring for Sharlane’s clients, but for Sharlane herself. Finding the differences, enhancing the traditions in each wedding, Sharlane remains inspired as an artist, year after wonderful year.

So why would Sharlane, a popular, highly skilled, much published photographer want a Associate relationship? (more…)

We’re Nominated! King 5 TV Evening Magazine lists Janet Klinger Photography for “Best Wedding Photographer in Western Washington”! We’re thrilled to be included as a nominee in their 16th annual “Best of Western Washington” contest.

Voting ends Monday, October 13th. King 5 is encouraging us to reach out to our colleagues and clients to participate in the process.

If you would like to, we’d be honored to receive your vote and perhaps even a review of our work.

Vote here! Then simply press the yellow “Vote” button.

I am thrilled and honored that the Readers of Seattle Bride voted me, Janet Klinger, the “Best Photographer 2008″. THANK YOU! From the bottom of my heart. Granted it was a TIE, but according to Ali Basye (the Editor of Seattle Bride) we split the largest number of votes ever cast in a tie. Spreading the love.

The fabulously talented J Garner won Best Photographer in the “Vendors Choice” category along with his wife, Katarina. These two are not only incredibly talented, but industrious, personable, and business savvy. Hmmm. Wait. Don’t hire them. Hire me! After all, this is MY blog.

Other Winning Vendors (A partial list as it’s late. Purchase the latest edition of Seattle Bride for details.)

True Color Events: Best Wedding Planner AND Day-of-Wedding Planner. Vendors’ Choice.
Aisle of View: Best Wedding Planner AND Day-of-Wedding Planner AND ALL AROUND BEST WEDDING VENDOR. Readers’ Choice. Go Merry Beth!!!
Luly Yang Couture: Best Custom Dress Designer AND Best Bridal Accessories. Readers’ Choice.
Luly Yang Couture: Best Custom Dress Designer AND Best Dress Shop. Vendors’ Choice.
Golf Club At Newcastle: Best Location for a Sunset Wedding. Readers’ Choice.
Flora Nova: Best Florist. Vendors’ Choice. (She’s all over this blog. Do a search!)
Aria Style: Best Florist. Readers’ Choice.
Moms, Maids and More: Best Mother-of-the-Bride Apparel AND Flower Girl Dresses. Vendors’ Choice AND Readers’ Choice.
E.E. Robbins, The Engagement Ring Store: Engagement/Wedding Rings. Vendors’ Choice.
The Healthy Bride: Bridal Fitness Plan. (I work out with her too, but I’m a healthy “Goddess”, not bride.)
The Michael Benson Band: Best Live Band/Entertainment. Vendors’ Choice AND Readers’ Choice.
Wave Link Music: Best DJ for the Reception. Vendors’ Choice.
Hotel 1000: Best Hotel for Guests. Vendors’ Choice.
A Heavenly Ceremony: Best Officiant/Clergy. Readers’ Choice.
Fairmont Olympic Hotel: Best Quintessential Seattle-Area Reception Site. Readers’ Choice.

Anyone notice anything in common? Nearly all of these vendors have been featured on Janet Klinger’s Photography Blog. Love to say I told you so. For more Wedding Vendors we adore, choose the “Vendor” category on the right.

Before The Healthy Goddess, Christi Masi created The Healthy Bride. Herself beautiful, fit, and athletic, Christi is clever enough to make a living helping others maintain or create their own positive self-image. And If there is anyone who wants to look good, it’s a bride. Twice each week future brides join Christi at the SAM Olympic Sculpture Park to get in the shape of their lives to celebrate the happiest day of their lives.

BUT WHAT ABOUT AFTER THE WEDDING? Christi found women disinterested in socializing with future brides once no longer belonging to this special club. Hence, The Healthy Goddess. Then even further beyond these newlywed women are women like me who put themselves more in the category of “Recovering Moms”. If there has ever been a group in desperate need of a little kick in the booty camp, its members of THIS club. Move over you trim, fit, gorgeous brides. Here come the rest of us huffing up the hill in hopes of surviving another of Christi’s intense workouts.

Their is nothing like a little camaraderie to inspire me to get out of bed at 5:30 for a rain or shine workout. Even better is having a committed and inspired trainer like Christi Masi creating workouts step by step so my still sleeping brain can relax while the rest of me works toward looking even better than on my wedding day. Or at least better than yesterday. See you at the Greenlake track at 6am SHARP!

Event lighting has become todays elite wedding accessory. Even the best photographer can only do so much in a dark venue when it comes to candid photography. Your “posed candids” will look fabulous regardless. But for premium lighting of candid moments, subtle or dramatic lighting enhancements are worth the effort. Take a look at the Bride Ideas fabulous fashion show, produced by Terri Morgan of TCM. The great lighting and effects are a PNTA specialty- I used only a simple fill flash.

Granted, the fact that Flora Nova’s flowers were gorgeous, the dresses well chosen, the TCM models from adorable to glamorous all contribute to the sophistication of the images. You too can have the glamor. Hire these great vendors! –Especially ME to be your photographer!

All dresses and accessories are either from I Do Bridal or The Bridal Garden . Tuxedos by The Tuxedo Club. Make-up by Sephora

Flowers by Flora Nova

Flowers by Flora Nova

Flowers by Flora Nova

Flowers by Flora Nova

Flowers by Flora Nova

For a full list of Bride Ideas vendors see my former post.