Portrait of a wedding
Two of my dearest friends from college, Christine and Aaron, got married last weekend at Lake Tahoe.
My partner and I drove to Tahoe City for the celebration, taking my wedding portraits of Christine and Aaron on a little road trip.
David with Robert Brady’s Eye Of The Storm
On our way down to the lakeside festivities, we stopped in Reno, Nevada, to see the lights of the biggest little city in the US and to visit the Stremmel Gallery. There, we got to see Robert Brady’s work, including the lovely piece pictured here with David. A lot of the work was wood sculptures and they’re so beautiful that they make me want to learn how to carve.
photo by David
Once in Tahoe, we camped. Sleeping outdoors was just what we both needed. Though living right in the city is practical, it’s imperative to get out of the urban bubble every so often.
They’re serious at Tahoe’s State Recreation Area about keeping the bears wild. Everything that smells good—food as well as soaps and shampoos—has to be stored in a bear-proof locker.
Our campground was equipped with this lovely little dock.
And Tahoe City found a special place in David’s heart when he discovered these chocolates. Since he gave up sweets a few years ago, he hasn’t had a whole lot of chocolate.
These tequila truffles were sweetened with agave nectar and the salt on top made them taste that much yummier.
The first night was the bachelorette party. Sisters: this is Virginia with Christine.
Here Christine is playing Mr. Webster. It’s a game we came up with in college. Nerds that we are, it involves asking the dictionary a question and then interpreting Webster’s response. It’s really hit or miss—one time my mom asked the dictionary what she’d be when she grows up and Mr. Webster responded with “Vietnamese.” But, when Webster is on, he’s really on. Almost ten years ago, he predicted that Christine and Aaron would marry!
What bachelorette party would be complete without shuffle board?
The moment I arrived at the lodge for the wedding rehearsal on Friday, I discovered why Christine and Aaron had chosen it for their special day. An enormous moose greets you at the main entrance!
The wedding was especially fun because I got to reconnect with old friends besides Christine and Aaron. Here is Jacob with the groom.
photo by David
The bride’s maids minus Virginia (who was probably taking care of some detail of the wedding while the rest of us enjoyed ourselves).
A bird looking to be a part of the festivities.
Even the chairs were milling about chattering excitedly about the next day’s celebrations.
Aaron trying on my sunglasses. It’s true: he looks better in them than me.
photo by David
The dinner after the rehearsal was fun for all, including Barneby.
photo by Christine
This is boyfriend #1. When he arrived at the wedding the next day, he was beardless—the David without a beard is my other boyfriend.
Skipping rocks on the lake.
photo by David
Despite the signs warning of the “extremely cold water,” Lake Tahoe was more refreshing than freezing.
And I can confirm it: Tahoe water tastes good!
Saturday morning, the bride arriving at the lodge after having her hair done.
Virginia doing Christine’s makeup.
The artist at work.
Michele admiring the lovely bride.
The Christine I know hates to be photographed, which makes it something of a challenge to get a good source image of her for a portrait.
That said, Christine the bride had no problem with the many cameras following her every move. If anything, she seemed to enjoy it!
Christine and her mama.
Taking a peek at the deck where guests were gathering for the ceremony.
And trying not to be seen by the groom!
photo by David
The first dance as the newly minted Mr. and Mrs.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Wedding...?
photo by David
Jacob and I being silly.
This bride will make you dance if it’s the last thing she does…
photo by David
...and some of us comply more willingly than others!
This is Tom and Irena. I painted Tom in 2005, but it seems likely that I’ll be painting his portrait again pretty soon…and in a diptych!
photo by David
I’ve painted Christine twice before, once in 2005 and once in 2006, but I was glad to have the excuse to paint her again. She is one of my all-time favorite people and I can’t get enough of her face.
photo by David
They liked the paintings.
They…
...really…
...liked them!
photo by David
Every part of this celebration was lovely, but the cake-cutting was definitely the highlight.
photo by David
Don’t be fooled by the amount of cake on the bride’s face.
photo by David
I had a front row seat, and I can say without a doubt that Christine started it and that Aaron was only defending himself!
photo by David
Here the bride is trying to get the crowd on her side…
photo by David
...and here she’s plotting her revenge!
The bride and groom paddling their way into many happy years together!
photo by David
The paintings in the hands of their rightful owners, David and I wound our way back up to Portland via the majestic Redwoods.
photo by David
I really liked this painting…
photo by that nice man who drove through the tree before us
...and I especially liked this tree!
photo by David
Still not feeding the bears.
photo by David
Me with Babe, companion of the enormous talking/winking/waving Paul Bunyan statue on Highway 101 somewhere north of Eureka, California.
The prettiest curls.
One of the smaller residents of Brookings in southern Oregon.
Boyfriend #2 (David without a beard) building a fire to cook me dinner on our last night on the road.
I love vacations…
...but I might love coming home from vacation even more.
The paintings in my studio always look better after a few days away!
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CATEGORIES: - Practice - On photography - Events -
(3) Comments / Commentaires: Portrait of a wedding
Beautiful and fun shots! You’re a great story teller, a very talented artist and a great friend. I’m so glad Christine and Aaron have you in their lives, and thus by association I get to have you in mine 
Look forward to more adventures and photos from your corner of the world (oh and thank you and David again for those incredible truffles—I’m enjoying one now)...
Thanks so much for posting your adventures! It’s great to see the photos of friends from university, it looks like you all had a wonderful time! What a lovely black dress you found, you look great in it. 
Miss you very much, can’t wait to see you this summer!!
Happy Hoekenga "MOB"...
I enjoyed the story unfolding…and the “bigger picture"of what happens beyond the rehersed activities. Thank You.
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