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.

Kate and Greg, whose wedding we had the honor of photographing, have been chosen for the “Commitments” feature of the upcoming Fall issue of Seattle Bride!

Ceremony: St. John’s Catholic Church, Old Town Mukilteo
Reception: Everett Golf & Country Club
Florist: Floressence
Limo: British Motor Coach

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:

• Flowers: Christopher Flowers
• Ceremony & Reception Venue: Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park
• Catering: TASTE Events at SAM
• Cake: Borracchini’s Bakery
• Parasols: Bella Umbrella
• DJ: Bamboo Beats – DJ Tecumseh

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!

Tonight the gorgeous Sculpture Park benefited immensely from the creative direction of Melissa Bryan of Lush Parties & Events. While the Park may stand alone, Melissa is true to her tagline: life more fabulous. Here are photos of the AT&T awards event she designed. Melissa made my job easy. Thanks Melissa!

Kelsey was associate shooter adding creativity all her own. Thanks Kelsey!

To see or purchase photos from the AT&T awards ceremony itself, visit our events section. It will be available after 2/20/08.

Kelsey caught this great shot and the food shot below.

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It’s a heartwarming feeling to be considered a favorite. Pat the backs of those you love by voting TODAY. It the last day! No pressure.

VOTE HERE to make headlines in Seattle  Bride Magazine.

Talk about a huge success. Not only has Luly Yang Couture taken Seattle by storm, and thrown a world-wide net around her captives, but I– the jean wearing, boot stomping momma from Phinney Ridge have been spell-bound and taken captive. Why should I care about fashion so much, living the active lifestyle my 3 year old requires? Because Luly makes ME look good. I’m not referring to stepping-out for my Valentine dinner with sweet hubby Tim. (hint hint) I’m talking about when my portfolio features her gowns. After 23 years of being a pro-photographer I now give credit where due.  All I have to say is that if you’re donning a Luly Yang creation, hiring me is all the more important to help save the dignity for your bridal party and family who would otherwise look woefully drab next to you.

Gorgeous as Luly Yang’s gowns are, they look even more so because David Galliett of Rented Elegance helped create this sapphire inspired ambiance.

Bella Signature Design takes care of clients from conceptual planning, through event design, to detailed day-of coordination. Check out her modern “invisible” chairs. This is my first event with Daniela, and like all great relationships, her effect is lasting!

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.

Photographing Vera Wang’s Fall 2008 collection I witnessed the talents of Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events who planned this fashion-infused champagne brunch. This man is pure elegance. Aside from the obvious impeccable attention to detail, his calm in-charge demeanor would put the most demanding mother of the bride at ease. Judging from the ambiance created in each space, it’s clear Bryan Rafanelli is equally in-touch with the bride and grooms individuality, encouraging a bold or gentle emergence, as best suits. I would recommend Rafanelli in a heartbeat.

Other top vendors at this exclusive event were: Dresses by Vera Wang, The Ritz Carlton, Boston Common, Claudia Kronenberg Photography, Hair & Makeup by Luiz Filho , Flowers by Spruce Floral, Music by Music Management,

The man himself, Bryan Rafanelli.

Erwin Schinnerl, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. Erica Ann Arkin, Vice President of Bridal and Maids, Vera Wang, New York, in the background.

Claudia Kronenberg and Brea McDonald

Luiz Filho, Hair and Makeup Artist

Outside the Ritz Carlton, Boston

Seattle premier vendors all under one roof, and a catwalk to boot! Sunday Jan 27, 2008 U Village. For details visit the Bride Ideas website, or simply come visit with us tomorrow in two sessions beginning at 10am and 1pm.

BEAUTY, HEALTH, & FITNESS
The Healthy Bride www.healthy-bride.com
Sephora www.sephora.com
CAKES & DESSERTS
Mike’s Amazing Cakes www.mikesamazingcakes.com
Trophy Cupcakes www.trophycupcakes.com
Cupcake Royale www.cupcakeroyale.com
Celebrity Cake Studio www.celebritycakestudio.com
CATERING
Piatti www.piatti.com
Ravishing Radish Catering www.ravishingradish.com
That Brown Girl Catering www.thatbrowngirlcatering.com
ENTERTAINMENT | DJ | BANDS
Wave Link Music www.wavelinkmusic.com
Emerald City Productions, LLC
www.emeraldcityproductions.net
Seattle DJ Alliance djalliance.org
Pacific Harp Music www.ruthsmar.com

FASHION (DRESS, TUX, & LINGERE)
Bridal Garden www.thebridalgarden.com
I Do Bridalwww.idobridal.com
Zovo Lingerie www.zovolingerie.com
The Tuxedo Club

FLORISTS
Flora Nova www.floranovadesign.com
The Artful Posy www.mariannegrahamdesigns.com
Woodland Flowerswww.woodlandflowers.com
GIFTS & REGISTRY
Mrs. Cook’s www.mrscooks.com
Crate and Barrel www.crateandbarrel.com
Barnes and Noble www.barnesandnoble.com
Pottery Barn www.potterybarn.com
INVITATIONS | PROGRAMS
Real Card Company www.realcardcompany.com
Papyrus www.papyrusonline.com
JEWELRY
Studio Porter Jensen www.porterjensen.com
Something Silver www.somethingsilver.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janet Klinger Photography www.janetklinger.com
One Thousand Words Photography
www.onethousandwordsphotography.com
Stephanie Cristalli Photography
www.stephaniecristalli.com

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Photographing the Vera Wang Fall 2008 Bridal Collection in Boston I learned first hand Vera’s creative prowess. Luxurious ruffles and ribbon sashes. Jewel crimson, magenta, and cream. Garden accents of cabbage rose bustle, forest duchess cabbage rose, and wine wintergarden corsage. What I liked best was her dress-in-motion. Since my photography often captures personality-in-motion, I loved her selection of individuality: Mermaid, strapless column, ruffled layers, silk & wool , pleats, overskirts, and swagged ballskirt. I found her dresses both elegant and playful. Just what the Dr (or Event Planner, Rafanelli Events) ordered. Just what every girl dreams of.

A formula for wedding photography disaster? Men in black tuxes, women in long dresses, outside on a 107 degree day? Not so. After 15 years of dating, Jenny Tang and Luan Li were determined to have a fabulous wedding day. As temps rose, these folks kept their cool; attitude, that is. Not a complaint was heard. Playful natures intact, Jenny, Luan, 14 attendants and family showed their true colors, even inside of damp clothing. Spirits were NOT dampened though, and I can’t remember when I last experienced this much fun at a wedding. And I’ve been to many a fun wedding!

Green Valley Ranch was also fabulous, from modern Mediterranean poolside to soothing main lobby, to generous balconied suite. Even hallways and side entrances were designed as if with photography in mind. And my God, the food. Eating is often a quick experience for me while working. Even so I couldn’t help but enjoy the steak cooked to perfection, the potato tower light and dramatic in presentation, but the lobster was the highlight. Having lobster served atop it shell made the dinning experience all the more divine.
Good taste was part of not only food, but most of all, in choice of friends. The wedding party clearly loves this couple and showed it every minute of this memorable wedding day.

Upcoming Travel & Local Specials are now listed on the “Travel & Local Specials” section of the website.

When life takes me on an adventure, I want you to come too! Take advantage by benefiting from the “no cancellation fee” policy* and no travel expenses. Hey, I’m already going to be there anyway! Find future destination sessions listed on the website under “Travel & Local Specials” section.

Find Future Local Events listed on the “Specials” calendar too.

Investment
The cost is the same as our local options. You might choose a one hour session with unlimited exposures for $450, or a two hour for $650. For a complete menu of options see “Cost” on the website then select your desired category: Wedding, Engagement, or Portrait.

Let me capture your extraordinary life.

*Destination Photography Details:
Weather is unpredictable, so if our session is canceled 2 to 24 hours prior because of rain, snow, hurricane or other weather phenomenon, there is no cancellation fee. Choose to have all money refunded or applied to a future session. Rescheduled sessions may need to take place in Seattle. Cancellations made within 20 days prior to the scheduled session incur a $50 non-refundable fee. Cancellations made within 30-21 days prior to the scheduled session incur a $50 non-refundable fee, but can be applied to a session within 6 months. If canceled 30 or more days in advance, all money is refundable.

Luly Yang’s dreamy gowns are featured on the wedding fashion section of my new website. It’s exciting to display these stunning designs and contribute to the much deserved Luly-hype.

These two shots are from the sophisticated W Hotel in downtown Seattle.

I’m not sure who had more fun at this 3 hour Las Vegas engagement session:
the wild-about-you couple, or the wild-about-both-of-you photographer.

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!

Naturally I’m enamored with the fact that Nick Collison is a Seattle Super Sonic. Still, at least 50% of my adoration for this couple belongs to Robbie Harriford Collison. Not only is she beautiful, she’s REAL.
From the moment I met Robbie 2.5 years ago, she lit up the room. Robbie, Nick and I originally met for a pregnancy session and have since collaborated on several more sessions: new baby (Emma), with family, engagement photos and of course, the wedding day.
So you want wedding day details… I swear Robbie and Nick hired an All Star Team!
First and foremost, I take my lens cap off to Janel Schlitt, owner of Occasions, LLC. Janel made this day over-the-top spectacular. Shhhh. Don’t tell, but a glitch did happen, and Janel handled it as if it was part of the plan. She’s smooooth.

With the help of Rented Elegance and Athena Flora, a more luscious wedding there could not be.

Here are a few of the photos showing this wonderful day, staring Robbie and Nick Collison!

Tiara’s on Location is responsible for the sexy make-up for Bride, Mom and Maids. She also did most of the hairstyles. Robbie had two different hairstyles, both created by Robbie’s friend John.
Lisa Dupar Caterer created scrumptious food. Red, and White umbrellas from Bella Umbrella. The talented DJ, Austin Beaver of Nitelite Entertainment, provided outstanding skills and sound system. British Motorcoach added flavor with the classic Bentley.

This entry is inspired by Mother Talkers, an informative, get-involved site for mothers (and some fathers may enjoy it too). Specifically, I’m responding to a post about the now notorious “Trash the Dress” phenomenon.

Trashing the dress is anything but new. Photographing weddings since 1989 I have always most enjoyed sharing in the sheer joy of the day with those clients less concerned with wear and tear of the dress, and more with their overall excitement about their evolving relationship.

Wanting to keep a dress clean before the ceremony is understandable (though it’s helpful to get more spontaneous, fun, dramatic shots with those LESS concerned with a bit of dirt.)
Yet we all have dreams. Perhaps a bride owns a white horse. It makes sense to wait until after the wedding day to capture those classic bride-on-horse dreamy moments. I’m helping to fulfill dreams and visions, capturing a playful side of my clients. Why not have some fun, hurt no one, be gorgeous, be you, imagined or real, while dirty, wet, or wind blown?!

I prefer to involve both partners in the “trash” sessions. Marriage is not a solo journey.

Some of my recent trash, well, more RECYCLE concepts for couples include:
Riding on motor scooters, veil secured but wildly blown, dress hiked, shoes as jewels, even if a bit of mud hangs from the heel.
Mist sprayed bodies on a boat and then dock. Dog in tow. Who cares if the pup jumps on you. The wedding is over!
Sandy feet and dress fringe. No need to get the whole dress wet, unless you want to!
A romantic bathroom scene, complete with shaving cream, bubbles, and less.
Both of you romping in the hay, grass, mud. Then, of course, there’s clean-up time.
Simply going to your favorite location and not pampering the dress. Think Pike Place Market. Even if you don’t roll on the ground, your dress will be dirty.

Trash the dress if you want, or simply allow it to get soiled while you create life-lasting moments. Why wait for a wedding? Trash your pajamas today!

Client personalities are a favorite part of my job, my challenge, my life’s adventure. Some stand out above even my usual, fabulous clients.
Five years ago I had the BEST TIME photographing Gregg and Olinda Blackburn’s engagement session and then their Seattle Yacht Club wedding. These two are stand-outs in all the best ways. Recently I was thrilled to have a studio visit with Olinda and their daughter, Hailey. What a difference 5 years makes, but besides having Hailey in tow, you wouldn’t know it’s been 5 years by looking at Olinda.
Now we’re planning a Fall session including Gregg. I love hanging out with these three. I hope to be their photographer for life!





Five years later…

Look at this gorgeous woman. Would you know she has a 3 year old?