wedding & lifestyle photography
It is almost August, which means these two are about to tie the knot! We can’t wait to celebrate with Martha and Christian at the Capital Hotel at the end of August. We had a blast getting to know them at their engagement session and if the wedding is anything like their engagements – we know it will be a great time! Cheers to Christian and Martha!
-Jaison and Callie
My family and Amanda’s family have known one another our whole lives; her uncle is one of my dad’s lifelong friends – but it wasn’t until her wedding planning journey when I really got to know this amazing girl!
She has the biggest heart; & yesterday she married Zach! I could tell how much she loves her friends and family – she told them so many times while fighting back her tears of joy. It was the sweetest day with such wonderful people. I have loved making memories with her as her photographer and new friend <3
Jaison and I have been heart eyed over these bridals for several weeks and we couldn’t wait for a single day to pass after the wedding to share them! Goodwin Manor was the perfect setting and the team at Tanarah Luxe Floral knocked her bouquet out of the park!
So many pretty photos of her on the blog below! Check them out!
<3 Callie & Jaison
Florals: Tanarah Luxe Floral
Venue: Goodwin Manor
Dress: Low’s Bridal and Formal
Make-up and Hair: A Cut Above Salon
“Working so closely together really helped us to know that we had found something special. At the end of the second year in Boston, I moved to Nashville to teach Special Education there, and James told me that he wanted to come with me. I will always remember him telling me that; it was right after a concert that he went with me to (one of my very favorites), and I was ecstatic but didn’t want him to feel like I was pressuring him. I never told him this, but that was when I knew deep down that we would get married one day.”
Emily: “Planning our wedding was all about the help of family and friends. Outside of the week-of when we almost had to move the wedding inside for extreme weather, with the help of my family and friends it really wasn’t stressful for James and I at all. I’m a details person (it was actually very relaxing for me to make a spreadsheet Cue-to-Cue of everything happening on the day of) and my mom is a vision person. More than anything else, it was a bonding experience for us, we make a great team! My mom handmade so many perfect little details- the beautiful signs with the white script, the tassels on the garland, even the pew markers! There was nothing that I could dream up that she couldn’t make happen. And what she didn’t make or find, someone else did! Almost every detail and decoration was touched by the love of our families and my community (I lived in Bentonville from preschool through graduating from BHS). One of my bridesmaids families that we’ve known forever just happened to have an ice cream truck that they lent us for the day! It really was such a humbling and loving experience to have so many people who wanted to help make our day perfect. And it really was.”
Emily: “Having so many handmade and borrowed elements really made our wedding very affordable without having to make many hard choices in terms of money. Between my mom working on the wedding basically full-time on top of our hired wedding planner, we had a team assembled around us and it really brought costs down. Our planner I felt was very affordable, but I would definitely say that every single bride should have one. At the very least, a day-of planner, who you feel truly understands your entire vision. It really took away the stress from me and my mom on the day of to know that we could leave the last minute decisions to someone we trusted. Other splurges for us were a great photographer (which I would also recommend to every bride–it’s so easy to forget many of the details of your wedding, and the pictures will remind you of everything you forget!), pampering/beauty for us and the wedding party (we are firm believers that we need to pamper our people), and lots of flowers to really emphasize the garden party feel! We also wanted to locally source as many of our foods in particular as possible, so that was an important investment as well.”
Wedding Dress: Savvy Bridal of Kansas City
Groom’s Attire: The Black Tux
Florals: Autumnn Crowder of The Floral Godmother
Cakes: B’s Cakes & Harp’s Bakery
Coordinator: Kim Mertes
Ceremony String Quartet and Vocalists: Chris Brown & Company
DJ: Scott Lamp
Hair & Makeup: Hannah Lamp and Brushed by Shae
Bridesmaids Dresses: Union Station
Invites: Minted
Decor: The Great Cover, Intents & Pretty Old Stuff
Tablecloths: Tablecloths Factory
Taylor & Dan celebrated their wedding this past Friday and it was everything! So much fun from the start all the way to the end! Her bridesmaids were the biggest help, always trying to make sure they were in the right place and helping coordinate everyone for us during family photos – they were awesome!
We have done several of Taylor’s relative’s weddings and her friend’s weddings from St. Joe! We had 9 brides & grooms in attendance (future and past); so it was like a big reunion for Jaison and I — it was so great to see all of them and catch up!
I absolutely loved working with Taylor every step of the way, from engagements and bridals down to the wedding day – she was a dream bride! Thank you so much for choosing us to capture your wedding journey! We didn’t have to wait long to share these bridals, because we just took them about 2 weeks ago today to be exact – I always love getting to share them right away! Keep a lookout for Dan and Tay’s wedding coming up on the blog later this summer!
-Callie and Jaison
Wedding Vendors:
Dress: Low’s Bridal and Formal @lowsbridal
Tux: Bell & Sward @bellandsward
Cakes: Patti Cakes @patticakesar
Wedding Florals: Tanarah Luxe Floral @tanarahluxefloral
Earrings: Kendra Scott @kendrascott
Makeup: Kalie Huddleston
Hair: Joy Williams
Band: Jack Fancy Band
Videographer: @sydtrickett
Bridal Bouquet & Draping & Rentals: Events Rental & Floral @events_rental_and_floral
Bartender: Shawn Moix
Chairs: Hiegel Supply
SNOQUALMIE FALLS WEDDING – WASHINGTON
Very close friends of ours from Arkansas celebrated their wedding almost 1,800 miles from home on May 25, 2017. Drew and Kevin planned a vacation with a few friends and on whim decided that Snoqualmie Falls, just outside of Seattle would be the perfect spot for their wedding. They asked family and friends what they thought about them turning their vacation into a wedding trip – so many friends and family were on board and everything started to fall into place.
They invited close friends and family – and expected a small number of guests to attend – but close to 30 guests flew in from all over the country. Their ceremony took place literally on top of the falls, in a room right off the side of the lodge. It was perfect! Drew and Kevin decided to walk in together to signify the bond that they are one, we loved this so much. Kevin’s mom was in attendance and smiling from ear to ear the entire day. For Jaison and I, it was such a special day – we loved capturing these photos K&D!
The couple did a live stream of the ceremony on Facebook for those who could not attend.
& Nature showed off a bit with a rainbow behind them during their portraits (THIS WAS NOT PHOTOSHOPPED!) Amazing, right?!
As you can see from all of the hugs and love – these two were surrounded by the best company. There were laughs, tears and a lot of love.
The week leading up to the wedding many of the guests flew in early and our group explored seattle with one another – going to the original Starbucks, Pike’s Place Market, the gum wall, the troll, the original house that inspired the movie Up!; and more!
Unique elements from the day that we love:
The rainbow in the portraits of course!!!!!!
Their suits were custom made in Conway, Arkansas by Bell & Sward, a local small business.
The wine they served was made by Salish lodge itself.
Words from the groom (one of them):
The Wedding – (In Drew’s Words) We’d originally planned to return to the resort where we got engaged for our wedding. Ultimately we decided we’d rather stay domestic to allow some of our friends to be there. In January, we were returning from a trip to one of our favorite places: Seattle. On the plane, I asked Kev “if we could get married anywhere in the country, where would you choose?” I had already given this some thought and knew that Snoqualmie Falls just outside of Seattle would be my choice. He thought for a moment and then said “You know, I think I’d choose Snoqualmie.” At this point, we already had a trip to Seattle with 2 of our closest friends booked for May. I asked him, “What if we just got married while we’re there in May?” Quickly he said “that could work, as long as my mom could be there.” We called Debbie (Kevin’s mom) and she said she wouldn’t miss it. We then invited about 30 of our friends, thinking with such short notice (less than 2 months) we may have 10-15 people there. Much to our surprise, 30 of our closest friends from across the country were able to join us.
Our wedding was flawless. We wanted a very simple ceremony that felt warm and chill – just like we try to be in all of our relationships. Salish Lodge & Spa is nestled at the top of Snoqualmie Falls. We booked a small outdoor venue there that overlooked the falls, and had our reception in the Lodge’s atrium. The ceremony was short, sweet, and intimate. We streamed it on Facebook live so our friends who weren’t able to join in person were able to attend at home.
After the wedding and reception, Kev and I were in our room talking about how perfect the day felt and what we most enjoyed. We were so thankful that so many of our closest friends were able to be there and just share a low-key, fun day with us. The dinner (and open bar!) at the lodge were fantastic. Our friends shared stories of our experiences with them and well-wishes for our lives together. Between this and the gorgeous photos from the lodge, we couldn’t have asked for more!
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The Proposal – (In Drew’s Words) We got engaged at a small resort in the Dominican Republic in July of 2016. I’d booked a romantic dinner on the beach that was supposed to be a surprise for Kev. When we checked in at the resort, they said “we have dinner romantica for you on Saturday, yes?” I played it off to Kev as “something we hadn’t done before that’d be fun to do.” He trusted me and had no idea! I proposed on the beach with guitarists playing behind us and the ocean rushing next to us. I remember shaking the whole time, and in the video we have, as soon as he says yes you me exhale and start to breathe again. Definitely the most anxious moment (but good anxious!) of my life. Kevin says he freaked out when he realized I was proposing and heard nothing I said, and tuned back in just in time to say “this is where I say yes, right?”
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Quotes from Vendors:
Desi Jean Buchanan – event planning – Salish Lodge
“Drew & Kevin are the perfect example of clients-turned-friends. From the beginning of the planning process up to the moment they walked down the aisle together, they were kind & so genuine. Their joy was infectious – to their guests, my staff, & especially to me. I am so thrilled to have played a small role in this special day!
Salish Lodge & Spa is the iconic Pacific Northwest venue. Nestled at the base of the Cascade Mountains on the top of the incredible Snoqualmie Falls, it is a gorgeous backdrop for a special celebration. Plus, the perfect anniversary spot: state-famous brunch, full spa, fireplaces in each guest room, & a staff completely focused on giving you personal & friendly service.”
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Savannah Kirkdoffer Quote Hybrid Hair Studio) – flew in from Arkansas to do both Drew and Kevin’s hair
Savannah Kirkdoffer – Hybrid Hair Studio
“Kevin and Drew both started out as clients but quickly grew to something more. They have become some of my closest friends and a couple that I personally look up to and admire. There was no way I would miss there wedding and definitely no way I would not help them look there absolute best on such an important day. I truly love my craft and being able to be apart of such a beautiful time in their life.”
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Lodge/Venue info
Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot waterfall in the northwest United States, located east of Seattle on the Snoqualmie River between Snoqualmie and Fall City, Washington
Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state’s most popular scenic attractions. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year. At the falls, you will find a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, the Salish Lodge and the famous 270 foot waterfall.
History
A brief history of Snoqualmie Falls
Courtesy Seattle PI – Thursday, February 6, 2003
“Several thousand years ago, when the glaciers receded, they left a fertile plain near Snoqualmie Falls. When Native Americans arrived, they found a bounty of edible bulbs, roots and berries on the prairie. Deer and mountain goats were plentiful.
Though there were no salmon above the falls, the upper Snoqualmie River became a seasonal rendezvous and meeting place as trade among native peoples increased. The Snoqualmie Tribe (a subgroup of the Coast Salish) established a camp at the base of Mount Si. They also established villages at Fall City and Tolt (Carnation).
Snoqualmie is the English pronunciation of “sah-KOH-koh” or “Sdob-dwahibbluh,” a Salish word meaning moon. As a spiritual place, it gave birth to many legends. One tells of “S’Beow” (the beaver), who climbed into the sky to bring trees and fire down to earth. The Native Americans who roamed the valley were known as people of the moon.
White settlers began to arrive in the valley by the early 1850s. Long before, the falls became a tourist destination; pioneer women would edge as close to the falls as they could while friends held on to their dresses to keep them from falling. Jeremiah Borst was the first permanent white settler in the Snoqualmie Valley and is known to some as “the father of the Snoqualmie Valley.”
Josiah Merrit (“Uncle Si”) built a cabin at the base of a local peak in 1862 (the peak became known as Uncle Si’s mountain — now Mount Si). He raised vegetables and hogs and kept an orchard. According to local historians, he was a rugged man who sometimes hauled bacon to the large settlements.
To do so necessitated hauling the load on a sled to the river, canoeing downstream, strapping the load to his back and climbing down the 268-foot falls, hiking several miles, and then canoeing the rest of the way to Everett or Seattle.
By 1877, there were several logging operations in the region. In early days, logs were floated over the falls and down the river to Everett and Puget Sound. By 1889, entrepreneurs funded and built a railroad (the Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern) into the valley, opening up timber resources to the world market.
In 1889, the town of Snoqualmie was platted by Charles Baker, a civil engineer. He also constructed an underground power plant at the falls in the 1890s (those original generators are still functioning today). The power plant resulted in electricity and jobs for locals, and soon a small company town was established at the falls. In 1911, a second powerhouse was constructed.
Such large waterfalls often attract daredevils. When that first passenger train arrived in 1889, it was a big event — more than 1,000 people turned up for food, celebration and entertainment. A Mr. Blondin successfully walked a tightrope over the falls.
In 1890, Charlie Anderson was less fortunate. He parachuted into the canyon from a hot-air balloon, but when he opened the chute a strong air current pushed him toward the falls. As the crowd watched in horror, another gust pulled him in another direction and dropped him on a large boulder; he died that night.”
VENDORS
Venue: Salish Lodge and Spa
Photography: Sterling Imageworks
Suits: Bell & Sward
Ties: Tie Bar
Officiant: Amber Bartz
Coordinator: Desi Buchanan
Rings: Amazon
Shoes: Aldo & Johnston & Murphy by Bell & Sward
Cakes: Bakery Nouveau
Hair: Savannah Kirkdoffer of Hybrid Hair Studio
Catering: Salish Lodge & Spa
Invites: Kangabloo Creative
I have been patiently waiting to post these for over a month! Since Lauren and Heath’s wedding was this past weekend – I am finally allowed to share! Lauren in stunningly beautiful; but my favorite part about her is her heart for others.
She often reminds me of a younger version of myself; with wayyyyy better basketball skills (not even kidding!) I loved getting to meet her family and friends this past weekend at her home church in Cabot, (where the wedding was held).
She and Heath have been dating since high school and I loved getting to know her through Alpha Tau at UCA, I got to be a mentor to her during her time as Alpha Tau’s president. SO thankful for this chance that I have had to grow closer in my relationship with her through her wedding journey! I can’t wait for her wedding photos to be ready; Lauren, Haeth and their entire bridal party looked so stunning! So excited that your new journey with Heath has officially started! Happy honey-mooning this week!
-Callie
Hair & Makeup: Lacy Flurry
Dress: She Said Yes Bridal
Florals: Petals & Plants
Happy Sunday! When we get to collaborate with other vendors, it is our favorite thing! This team was so great; we highly recommend each and every one of them. We got together and created a styled shoot with Rebecca and Jacob, one of our favorite couples! They got married in 2015 and it was so much fun to photograph them again.
Our theme was simple, southern and natural with a touch of boho chic. The dress that the bridal cottage let us use was absolutely gorgeous and Rebecca looked so amazing in it! Sending big hugs to all that collaborated on this shoot with us! Anna Roger’s floral design really came to life and we have received so many compliments on our photos from this set that have included “oh my gosh look at those flowers!” They truly were breathtaking.
Hayley couldn’t have done a better job on Rebecca’s hair and makeup and she is one of my favorite people to work with – this girl is so much fun! Julie’s cake was amazing (as always)! And Finally – last but not least Paul with Sunflower films and the video he created! It was a little odd for Jaison and I to be the IN the shots for a change, but so much fun! We love the way the final product turned out. Brides – if you are considering having a videographer and you’re on the fence — do it! Cut the costs somewhere else (like your alcohol budget) — it will be worth it and you’ll be so happy you did, I promise. Check out the video here! Cheers to an amazing team!
Vendors:
Photography: Sterling Imageworks
Videographer: Paul Viefhaus of Sunflower Films
Design & Florals: Anna Rogers of Magnolia Belle Floral
Wedding Dress: The Bridal Cottage
Hair & Makeup: Hayley E. Roberts
Cake & Sweets: Julie’s Sweet Shoppe
Rings: Kyle Rochelle Jewelers
Mary and I have so many mutual friends it is crazy how many; and they are all people that I adore — so I knew with so many people that I love in common with her – that she and I would click instantly. I remember leaving our consultation and telling Jaison how much I liked her. When she e-mailed to officially book her wedding photography with us, I was over the moon excited. I didn’t get to meet Zach until the engagement session, because he is stationed in Delaware with the Air Force (as a military child, otherwise known as a ‘military brat’ growing up; I know all about being stationed away from your home. But these two seem to make their long-distance relationship work with ease while Mary is finishing pharmacy school. Even though he was just visiting, they acted as if they had never been apart!
They told me they weren’t super comfortable in front of the camera and when I told them they looked amazing and looked so great- I was not exaggerating. They rocked their engagement session – I have been showing it off to my other clients as an example ever since we finished editing them! We can’t wait until their 2018 wedding! <3
-Callie and Jaison
This month Kassi and Matt are celebrating their anniversary so we wanted to do a little throwback blog post to her bridal session – a session we have wanted to share for a long time but we have been playing catch-up on our blog! We truly have had so many sessions in the last year; I don’t say that to brag in any way – I just want to explain why we can not blog every single session – but we sure try to share as many as we can!
This is one session that I just couldn’t let slip through the cracks! Kassi was a beautiful bride and even more beautiful on the inside – my favorite kind of person. We have remained friends after wedding planning resumed for her, and I am so excited to coincidentally photograph a family session for her tomorrow! I also loved that Kas wore her mom’s wedding dress in a few photos at her bridal session and at her reception – it was completely redone to make a fun short reception dress while retaining some of the sweet vintage details! Love this girl and this session!
Tanarah Luxe Floral did a fabulous job (as always) on her bridal and wedding day bouquets!
<3 Callie
We have had more and more high school sweethearts lately and I think that is so sweet! Hannah and Craig have been dating since high school and this winter they will tie the knot officially! They’ll be getting married at St. Joseph in Conway; so it was only fitting to do their engagements in Conway. We had such a great time shoot these for this amazing couple! Can’t wait to work with them throughout their wedding journey!
<3 Callie
Watching Mallory and Colton’s relationship grow has been one of my favorite things. I literally love these two – and I love them together. They are literally the same person – just the male and female version of one another. They are sweet, kind, quirky, hilarious, cute, and two of the most genuine people you will ever meet. They are hands down one of my favorite couples; that double as great friends to Jaison and I.
We met them at UCA and I have always thought of Mallory as a little sister. She was in my sorority and she was Jenny’s (my roommate in college) “little” in AST. I loved Mal since I met her, I remember the first time I met her to be exact. Jenny asked if I wanted to go meet her new little in her dorm-room, and of course I said yes. I wanted to meet our sweet new AST from Texas!
Mallory was actually in a wheelchair at the time — she had been in a really bad car accident but still was as cute as a button! Fast forward through college and I got to know her even better through our time at UCA.
Then after college, their best friends – Kim and Chris Diaz (who we also love to the moon) got married and all three of us couples got to bond a little further through that experience of the Diaz wedding & wedding planning.
When Mallory called and said she wanted us to be her and Colton’s wedding photographers, it was such an exciting day and I couldn’t have been more excited to work with these two! I am so thankful for friends like these two who have supported us every step of the way in our journey with Sterling Imageworks. They have watched our company grow almost the entire time we have been in business. With that being said, we thought it was only fitting to start the session where it all began — UCA. And we ended in downtown Conway with more of a formal look.
(Love love love the shirts they wore in the first part — Mallory is from Texas and Colton from Oklahoma) — such a cute idea! Here is a glimpse into their engagement session – we are completely swooning over them all.
We love you two!
– Callie and Jaison
Kimber is such a sweetheart! During her session she was so comfortable in front of the camera and made my job so easy! She was an absolute joy to work with!
She and I both attended UCA and we were in the same sorority – Alpha Sigma Tau. I have enjoyed getting to know her over the years! And I’m so proud of her as she begins the professional phase of her life! Congratulations on your December graduation from UCA, Kimber!
<3 Thank you for letting me capture your college senior portraits!
-Callie
2016 has been a fantastic year for us at Sterling Imageworks! We have had 53 wonderful weddings this year & we have been so blessed to get to know each of our clients. Sometimes vendors get together and plan a little something of our own – our own design and our own creativity get to run wild and that is when the real magic happens! Anna and I wanted to do a holiday styled shoot – no models (besides Anna in her cute hat posing for a few — love), just florals, pretty design and colorful tablescapes for days. We wanted to incorporate Thanksgiving as well as Christmas and even a little winter look. We just had a blast; laughing, setting up the tables and even munching on the delicious cookies!
I love how this all came together in the photographs & here is a little snippet of photographing things we love – the details!
Floral/Design: Anna Beth Rogers of Magnolia Belle Floral
Cookies: Julie’s Sweet Shoppe
Blanket: Sackcloth & Ashes
Just a few short days ago this sweet girl graduated from The University of Central Arkansas. Emily is one of my sorority sisters and I loved taking these photos for her, it was fun and we just chatted in between poses – and I love the way they turned out! Congratulations on starting your next big chapter, I am so proud of you! Thank you so much for letting me take your senior photos! XO
-Callie
Courtney and Michael celebrated an incredibly special day yesterday – their wedding! That means today I can release these images out into the world, and I couldn’t be more excited to share! The lighting was so dreamy on this early November day; since the seasons changed so late this year – it still looked a lot like summer! I am absolutely in love with her dress – so classic and her veil was the perfect touch! Love love love everything about this session! <3
-Callie
This family completely has my heart. Anna and I became friends through the wedding industry and we haven’t looked back since. She has a heart of gold. Sometimes you just find people that automatically become ‘your person’ and she is one of those people for me. I feel like we have been friends forever. I couldn’t imagine life without this girl and taking her family photos was such a fun shoot! Her and Caleb seriously have the kiddo! I love baby Everett too the moon – he makes the cutest little faces ever! Check out their session below!
<3 Callie
Kaitlin and John celebrated their wedding this summer in Conway at the Brick Room. We loved all the little unique details that they incorporated into their decor – especially the hanging lanterns! And those shoes, love love love! & I adore the pale yellow & navy that they went with for their color scheme! So excited to finally share this beautiful collection of images! Congrats John & Kaitlin – it was a pleasure working with you both!
-Callie and Jaison
Sometimes we get to work with other vendors and just play! This is one of the best things about our job – working with other vendors! We loved getting to do a shoot for Events Rental and Floral in Conway. The owner, Jennifer, is the sweetest! And the head floral designer, Anna, is AMAZING! This duo and their team were so fun and we all used our collective creative visions to capture these images! In this blog post we showcase some of their rental items and some of their fabulous florals! We love working with them and so excited that three of our May brides are using them! We can’t wait to work with them more!
-Callie
We had a blast taking Jason’s senior photos around the Little Rock area. We met his mom through a friend of ours and she has been making me t-shirt blankets for probably over a year now. (She is amazingly talented)! She is actually a photographer herself! We were honored that she asked us to take these, it is always flattering when fellow photographers trust us enough to work on their own projects! Jason is super cool and pretty great at guitar too!
Congrats on graduating Jason! We hope to work with you again in the future!
-Callie
Dee is the cutest thing ever! Her UCA themed senior session was such a blast! We took her brother’s senior pictures back in the fall and this time we had the privilege of working with this sweet girl! Congrats Dee on your upcoming graduation! & GO BEARS!
-Callie
