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
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Tis the season of the wedding coordinator. Recently working with each, I LOVE IT when people choose to work with the best! I’ve worked with all (except the impressive Yolanda) for years.
In Seattle, the extremely experienced, save-the-day impressive Merry Beth Turpin of Aisle of View,
At your complete service, more than you expected, fun to be with, Janel Schlitt of Occasions LLC
The soft spoken yet makes-it-happen, adorable Melissa Parker of Amazing Events
Near Bellingham, Intuitive, spectacular details adorning, subtle, Anne Rasmussen-True Bliss Events, LLC and
Ms accommodating, last-second changes are no problem, it’s your day, Yolanda Haley from Dallas Texas- yhaley2002@yahoo.com

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

Part 1. Wedding Hair and Makeup Artist
For any bride, her wedding day look is obviously a high priority, and it has an enormous effect on her overall mood, not to mention the heirloom photography collection.
What’s a bride to do?
Hire an experienced, talented makeup artist who is specifically experienced with wedding hair and makeup and be sure to mention the photography start time, aiming for the bride to be completely styled an hour before show-time. Getting dressed takes longer than you think (and so do makeup artists, who rightfully so want you to look your stunning best). Your part is to allow them the time needed for this enjoyable service.
An experienced artist knows to respect the schedule you have already created for your special day, including to begin with the Bride, then her maid of honor, then mom so everyone is ready for photos before being needed. Your experienced artist already knows how to create looks that last all day, so a couple of hours difference shouldn’t matter one bit, except to your calm peace of mind.
Caution
Hiring an artist with little WEDDING experience.

Hair and Make-up by Tiara's on Location. Dress by Luly Yang Couture.

If reception touch ups are needed, ask how long this typically takes. If a second outfit and style-change is pre-planned, it works beautifully. I have never seen a reception freshen-up take more than a few minutes. I have, however, witnesses a very experienced “fashion-shoot” artist take a bride away from her wedding for a full 30 minutes, leaving guests murmuring, a confused coordinator, and a special guest artist perform only for the groom. How bad could her makeup have been?! Some artists have shined year after beautiful year. Tiara Whitney of Tiara’s on location is a favorite hair and makeup artist who works intuitively, efficiently, with humor and has a way with “getting the look” a variety of clients dream of. Tiara knows her stuff! I’ve worked with Tiara for years, both on wedding and fashion sessions and am always, every single time, impressed with her professionalism and artistry.

Result
Experienced artists understand that a wedding day schedule has an enormous effect on how a bride and groom experience the day, however good they might look. And stress looks good on no one! Not only does running over-time have a direct impact on the number of opportunities a wedding party and photographer can enjoy together, but it causes undo stress on the party and anxiety for the coordinator who is urging other vendors to make up for lost time. Ever heard of the domino effect? And personally, I would prefer not to take responsibility in the public-eye for an artist running over time nor for being solely burdened to “getting to the church on time”. Hey, we all have our pride! I want to look good too. Running behind making ME look inconsiderate, urging timeliness rather than creatively instigating the pre-ceremony, fabulous photography experience you and your party deserve.
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Karlee and Paul wanted wedding photography clearly depicting that “our wedding location is Seattle, Washington”. We considered the modern downtown library by Rem Koolhaas, and a fabulous rooftop view from Sodo, Pioneer Square. Ultimately “the classics” represented these two best. We began our pre-wedding urban excursion at Seattle’s Pike Place Market, then rode in a classic British Bentley to the Olympic Sculpture Park, and finally arriving at the adorable, lodge-like Edgewater Hotel. (No they didn’t fish from their room!)

We had so much fun (and accomplished so much for the families and wedding party) during this pre-wedding playful session that during the rest of the day we were able to capture the natural flow of events. I much prefer working this way. No one enjoys hurrying through photographs during the reception. Besides, the candid moments during the cocktail hour are often when the light is most beautiful. Karlee and Paul wanted images that illustrated their love for each other and family. Sometimes other flows work better, so plans are customized from couple to couple, event to event. Planning is Teamwork. Teamwork. Teamwork. Thanks to Karlee and Paul for the great experience, and for your creative exploration of the possibilities.

Venue: The Edgewater Hotel
Florist: Sue Staple, Amaryllis (425) 339-6008
Dress & Veil: La Belle Elaines Bridal
Hair & Make-up: Salon Mason, (253) 984-0667
Men’s Attire: The Tux Shop

Novelty Hill Januik Winery was the perfect setting for Miko and Lance’s wedding. A mix of elegance, modernism, and color in both the venue and the menu. I would recommend this wedding location as one of my top picks for nearly anyone. The setting can be changed dramatically by chosen details. From casual to elegant, low key reception to ruckus dance party. It’s possible those who seek formal and/or classic will prefer the gorgeous Fairmont Olympic Hotel.

Otherwise, I love this dramatic location with it’s inside/outside flexibility, access to a large dressing suite with huge windows for natural light, enormous doorways, contemporary architecture (which my architect husband has me fully appreciating), geographic landscaping, colorful fixtures… Go see it yourself and enjoy a picnic on the grounds or take a bottle or a few cases of local wine home with you. Cheers.

If you are curious, here are some of Miko and Lance’s highly regarded vendors. True to their thoughtful natures, the quotes reflect thoughts they wanted to share.
Janet Klinger Photography (in case you were wondering!)
Dress: Luly Yang Couture (“Ashley is a great, great help”)
Coordinator: Emily Pollock from Novelty Hill Januik. (“She was Awesome!”)
Location: Novelty Hill Januik “Thrilled”
Hair Stylist: Monroe at Gene Juarez downtown Seattle (“She is phenomenal when it comes to updos”)
Aravinda- Eco Florist 206-853-3425
Officiant: Amy Epp from Seattle Mennonite Church
Ceremony Music: The Seattle Style Strings 206-621-8394
Accommodations: Willows Lodge (Granted, you don’t SEE shots here, but I personally enjoy the feel of this lodge.)

Voting has started for King 5 Evening Magazine’s “Best of Western Washington”. Why not help let everyone know YOUR choice of the best Wedding Vendors. Naturally we would be HONORED to have your vote! It only takes a minute to vote! (more…)

Monica Khurana and Vikrant Duggal put on a 4th of July extravaganza. Not only was theirs an above average wedding, it soars above even my (formerly) favorite Indian weddings, many of which are lush and exotic.
No white or blue to be found, but red was present in a thousand folds. Gold folds too. Between the attire and the draping, this lush event was one of my favorites to date. “Honored to be a part” feels trite. I was blown away. Above all, Monica and Vikrant handled this multiple-ceremony celebration with elegance and grace (and stamina too).

Behind every great event is a great team. Naturally Monica’s wisdom lead her to Janel of Occasions LLC- a fabulous event planner. She took care of hundreds of details on the day-of. Even before that, Janel and Monica were often seen attached at the hip pre-planning this event. Janel makes herself available, from her core being. The fact that she cares so much comes shining through. I’ve raved about Janel again and again, and after each event we participate in I only have more to rave about. Monica and Vikrant chose to commend her during their reception thank yous. “Our friend” came affectionately from their lips describing the culmination of their journey together.

Everyone of the vendors were carefully chosen to fit this grand day. If you care to, see the list below their sneek-preview images.

Thanks to Janel Schlitt for providing this list of choice A vendors, and for introducing me to Monica and Vikrant.
To see the list (more…)

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: (more…)

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 Chase has come on board as a Featured 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.

Aaron Horton created this video clip to illustrate how Janet works. We love working with Aaron. Great eye, attitude, and bends over backwards.

Dress designed by Luly Yang. Hair and Make up by Tiara’s on Location, Models: Sandra Kord and Nick Skinner. Location: The W Hotel, Seattle. Ring: Green Lake Jewelry Works.

The 2007 Urban Bridal Fashion Infusion was made possible by the generous contributions of the following Seattle vendors:

Luly Yang Couture
206.623.8200

David Galliett of Rented Elegance
425.462.2244

Tiara’s on Location- Hair & Makeup
206.818.0341

Darcy Camden of Styled Seattle
206.349.3401

The Tux Shop
206.363.5020

Merry Beth Turpin of Aisle of View
425.427.2277

Bella Umbrella
425.844.8461

Green Lake Jewelry Works
206.527.1108

Pravda Studios
206.728.1177

W Seattle
206.264.6000

The Heights on Capitol Hill Apartments
206.838.5558

Aaron Horton Productions Videography
206.679.8784

A tremendous thanks also goes to our models who played “Bride” and “Groom” for the day: Sandra Kord, Tricia Benzinger, Elisa Pupko, Marcio Catalano, Michael Reese and Nick Skinner.

Seattle is blessed with many fine jewelers. Still, when I was looking for a jeweler to participate in Urban Fashion Infusion, I immediately thought of Green Lake Jewelry Works. I was thrilled when owner Jim Tuttle joined the growing crew of collaborators.

Over the years, my clients have worked with talented Green Lake designers to fulfill each unique vision. You have no vision to speak of? A jaunt around the custom studio will have you wishing for 10 more ring fingers to satiate your cravings.

My daughter, Ellie, turns 3 in June. Surely this is a big enough event to inspire gift giving (and I don’t mean for Ellie).

Feel free to forward this post to my husband!

The selection of dresses, gowns and accessories displayed at Luly Yang’s 4th Ave studio is what dreams are made of. Darcy Camden and I were tickled to enjoy this fashion dreamland while selecting dresses for Fashion In Fusion. Luly runs her business with the utmost care and attention to detail, and given that we were treated like queens, just imagine how YOU will be treated!

Remember this name, as if you haven’t already!

These are a few of the Luly Yang dresses we are considering. This is an inventory shot only with the lens and flash on hand, but you can still get a sense of how glorious these designs are. Just wait until they are well lite and on a gorgeous Bride!

Details make the difference, but nothing matters more than having a master designer!

I am guilty of not knowing Luly’s full scope until now. This is a complete salon with jewelry, shoes, wraps, veils, and party dresses. Remember, these shots were taken without the benefit of good lighting. There’s nothing like seeing them in person. — Well, perhaps in the upcoming fashion spreads…

Darcy envisioning which of our brides or models might wear this particular gown in which of our urban settings.

The sessions are coming up May 22 and 23. We’ll post some images within the following week. Stay tuned.

Model Bride, Model Groom Contest

Janet Klinger Photography
in collaboration with
David Galliett of Rented Elegance
Merry Beth Turpin of Aisle of View
And
Luly Yang Couture

Present

Urban Fashion In Fusion

Beautiful Brides, Gorgeous Grooms
Model exquisite couture along with the professionals!
Enter to win a day of glamor, excitement, and a chance to be published!
You will be treated to professional hair and make up
by top designer Tiara’s on Location.
Fashion Styling by expert Darcy Camden
Let your inner-Urban out!

One winning Bride and one winning Groom will choose
one from the following

$800 towards a coffee table book from the fashion sessions
*$800 credit on Janet Klinger’s wedding packages
Up to two hours of Portrait photography

AND

One hour of wedding consultation, compliments of Aisle of View
A complimentary Signature Bella Umbrella
25% off a Décor and Flower package from David Galliett of Rented Elegance
And other vendor discounts and gifts

How to enter: Entry deadlines are May 18th. Send up to 4 photographs of yourself to info@janetklinger.com, indicating the referring wedding professional. You can also begin by replying to this post. Please note that more than one Bride and one Groom may participate in fashion shoots, but only one of each will be chosen Winner.
More:
Fashion sessions are tentatively planned for May 22 and 23, 2007.Your wedding date must be between Jan 1, 2006 and Dec 31, 2008. Claiming prizes must take place prior to Dec 31, 2008. You must provide the name of the referring wedding professional. All ages 18 and older are welcome. You must sign a model release agreeing to unlimited use of the images. You will receive digital files of all images you participated in, printable up to 8×10. * It is completely fine if you already have your wedding vendors booked. We simply want the best people for the session.

Note to Seattle Wedding Coordinators and Vendors
Do you know Incredible Brides and Gorgeous Grooms?
Send them our way. If your referred Bride and/or Groom wins, you too can use the images for promotion.
Inquire about Vendor Details