Stephanie Patterson Photography

Michelle + Daniel ~ The Wedding

2011-09-01T15:26:00.000-06:00

The violent colors of the sunset played romantically in the lakes, reflecting the suns farewell gift perfectly. The tall grass bent and danced to the wind as it caressed it gently. My gps said, in her Australian accent, "In one mile, turn right" my car crested a hill and my breath abandoned me completely as it had been threatening to do for the past hundred miles.
I looked down upon the single most beautiful scene I had ever seen. The sun sat cradled like a precious gem upon a row of protecting mountains. It cast its light across the glass surface of the lake making it glitter amber. The sky was celebrating, giving spring a farewell party of such vivacity.
As I skirted the lake, the sun's rays finally caressed the lake passionately one last time, and my car pulled quietly into the driveway. I went to bed that night thinking, "Tomorrow can only go one way after a wedding's eve such as that....perfectly."

Seriously, Michelle, could you be any more stunning? I vote no.

When Michelle told me she + Dan had chosen the summer solstice as their wedding date, I may or may not have gotten choked up. Who wouldn't want the happiest day of their life to be the longest day of the year? And the first day of summer? These two definitely made every second of that long and wonderful day count!

Michelle + Dan treated their guests to a sweet song they sang together....and to each other. How cute are they?

I cannot say enough good things about Michelle + Dan. Your wedding day was magical. I am grateful you invited me to be such an intimate part of it.

Bridal Gown: Uptown Bridal & Boutique
Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo
Jazz Band: Wilber Rehmann Quartet
Cake: Yvonne Crosby
Florist: Woodland Florist
Bridal Makeup: Amore Salon, Melanie Hobbs

Michelle + Daniel

2011-08-23T22:37:00.000-06:00

Run away with me.

Ashley + Scotty

2011-08-02T16:40:00.002-06:00

A while back I saw on facebook that Ashley was engaged. I congratulated her + asked if she knew any details about her wedding. She told me that all she knew was she wanted me to be her photographer....let me quote "I've been interested since before I even met Scotty! I would LOOOOOVE for you to be my photographer!"
{That's a lot of 'O's I was seriously stoked. One of the greatest compliments. ever}
So naturally I was amping up for their engagement session for some time {as was Ash. She had her outfit picked out months before} I was not disappointed. Ashley + Scotty were so fun to work with. Scotty really makes Ashley laugh, and her laugh is so contagious. Congrats you two. I cannot wait for your 'one'derful wedding!
They are getting hitched on 11.11.11 so I put together this save the date video....

Ashley + Scotty Save the Date from Stephanie Patterson on Vimeo.

Darling I Do ~ Inspirational Shoot

2011-07-22T14:59:00.000-06:00

I think I have a hard time narrowing down favorites!

This was a personal project I designed + put together. My vision came from this post on one of my favorite bridal blogs: Green Wedding Shoes. I fell in love with the song "Darling I Do" by Landon Pigg and Lucy Schwartz. To me, it was obviously one of the most perfect wedding songs written. Ever.

The world had less color without you. I was inspired.

And from this sprung the "Darling I Do" shoot. Whimsical and seriously colorful.

I designed most of the shoot. Made the tables from suitcases and window panes. Found the amazing vivid vases at Hobby Lobby. The cupcakes are from Rexburg's favorite cupcake cafe the Cocoa Bean.
Some of my favorite details are on the sign in table. In place of a sign in book, each guest could paint a colorful "signature" onto a canvas, making a unique and meaningful "art piece" for the couple. I also made custom crayons with the bride + grooms' names as colorful thank you presents.

OH! The floral arrangements. I cannot say enough about them. The lovely Kim Fortna + her team really latched onto the vision of this shoot. The flowers really pulled everything together. I loved the garland they did around the dessert table with the single stems in "test tubes" So unique. And the bouquets. I just died. Two of my favorites I've ever seen. The shoot would not have worked without you, Kim!!!

Both dresses are from the one and only Treasures. In my opinion, the best...the only place for gowns in south east Idaho. By far. I can't thank them enough!!

The hair and makeup was done by the super talented Jenna Riding. The hairpieces were custom made by Charity Watson in Rexburg. I cannot believe how stunning they are - she really took the little description I gave her and ran with it! Perfection.

Alicia + James

2011-07-19T16:03:00.001-06:00

The beautiful Alicia asked me to do a love shoot for her + her boyfriend, James. Throughout this entire shoot, the voice inside my head kept saying "wow. these two. I cannot believe how perfect for each other they are." And I really had to bite my tongue to not say out loud how much I could see them being soul mates for life...I didn't want to say anything out of place since they were just dating.
Go figure.
The same evening. After our shoot. James proposed.
And Alicia said "yes!"

A Story Of Love

2011-07-14T15:09:00.001-06:00

This is a story of a man.

A man and the woman he loves.

And how they destroy each other.

I struggle to caption this post, so bear with me...it might be rough.

I was commissioned by European artist, Daniel Angelus to photograph images to fit a single off his newest album. He sent me the lyrics to the single, and then he set me free to follow my own inspiration. From within a dragon-guarded safe in my brain, I cautiously removed this story.

Here is the music video with the complete set of photos:

The loveliest of ladies, Katy Thompson + the dashing Mike Foncannon are the models for this series. I cannot thank them enough for taking this to heart + delivering such striking images!!

Karey ~ Salt Lake Portrait Photographer

2011-07-11T12:01:00.000-06:00

Shut up, Karey!! Will you please. PPPUULLLEEEASE stop being so sassy!! I love ya lady!!!

Christina + Kolby's Black Tie

2011-06-29T18:02:00.000-06:00

Recently I had a long discussion with a friend of mine about energy - chi, if you will. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. Everybody outputs certain energy, certain "vibes" and this energy surrounds each person, just hanging in the air. Some people are sponges for energy, they absorb what other people exude. This - my friend and I decided - is the type of person I am. A sponge. I absorb energy - not only good energies but bad as well.
This is probably why I love weddings so much. People at weddings are almost always putting out good vibes, good energy. I love to be around people like that - they literally fill me with happiness.
Few more so than Christina and Kolby. From the moment we met up in Logan until hours after I left, I literally felt like I was bursting with happiness! Each of them alone is wonderful, but together ... together they create an energy that is so addictive + powerful. It is impossible to not smile around them. I cannot wait to bask in more of their bliss on Friday when they are married!!

Kimberly + Tom ~ Rexburg Engagement Photography

2011-06-27T15:11:00.000-06:00

Sometimes when I go to blog I feel like I say the same things over and over. I have the rare honor of getting to know these people individually and as a couple even in a brief amount of time. When they let me, I get a glimpse into some of their most tender moments + sincere emotions toward each other.
These glimpses are so precious to me that I feel that trying to describe them to the world at large would be do them a disservice or an injustice. Degrading the value + almost betraying their trust.
So I merely ask that you simply believe me when I say "this couple is amazing" or "these two are wonderful together" I mean it - and so much more that I can't express.

Kimberly and Tom. are. Amazing. The end.

Kim + Ryan ~ Salt Lake City Engagement Photographer

2011-06-20T09:06:00.000-06:00

Kim + Ryan met while they were both living in Chicago and wanted to have engagement pictures that incorporated that big-city metropolitan "Chicago" vibe. No pressure. We had a fun time wandering through downtown Salt Lake finding places to mimic streets they would have walked down together in the windy city. Kim + Ryan are wonderful. I absolutely love spending time with them and cannot wait for their San Diego wedding in August!

Pierrette + Brian - Vintner Grill Wedding Photography

2011-06-13T05:37:00.000-06:00

This post has a massive picture overload because there were so many fun aspects of this wedding. The boys all got ready in a suite at the one + only Palms. Pierrette got ready with the help of Courtney on hair {at Tonic Salon} and Harmony Medina on makeup!! The wedding took place at one of my favorite venues in Vegas, Vintner Grill, in front of a small group of friends + family. I loved the cream, gold, and "peacock colored" palette Pierrette chose. So rich and elegant, and the flowers {done by Flowers of the Field} had just the right touch of peacock feather. Beautiful.
I was amazed that Pierrette made {yes designed + sewed} not only the beautiful blue bridesmaids dresses but her own wedding dress!! I love how beautiful the details in the corset are - she blows me away.
After the lovely ceremony, tasty dinner from the grill, and a few hilarious toasts... DJ Rob B cranked some dance tunes and the dance floor wasn't empty for many hours. After much laughter, good food, drinks, and dancing the newly weds took off back to their suite at the Palms!
Brian + Pierrette ... You surely know how to throw a party! Congratulations I am thrilled for you in this adventure. Thank you for letting me be a part of it!!

Christine + Brad ~ Las Vegas Love Shoot

2011-06-08T12:30:00.000-06:00

I'm going to fill you in a little secret. I get super nervous photographing family. Like. Serious nerves. Even before the shoot I spend so much time stressing about where to take the pictures "what if they don't like this place? They'll hate me forever." Then when we get there, something about that situation just makes my heart beat fast and I suddenly forget that I am a pretty decent photographer. I revert back to high school ... "uh ... kiss her or something" It's pathetic.
So I have been working on remedying this ailment of mine because I do truly love having my family in front of my lens. They are - despite my nerves - some of my favorite people to photograph!
So when Christine {my aunt} asked if she could schedule a love shoot with her and my uncle Brad, I was {despite being nervous} really excited to work with them. We ventured to a shopping center that had a European flair to it. It was perfect for Brad + Christine, who love to vacation there {to Europe, not the shopping center} The romantic vibe of the place really set the scene for a relaxed, sweet + fun shoot. I really love the feel of these images + especially the people! Thanks again for trusting me!!

Robertson Family - Las Vegas Family Photographer

2011-06-02T11:26:00.000-06:00

Not to toot my own horn but

TOOT TOOT!!!

I love these shots!! One of my favorite family shoots ever. Granted, I really cannot take much of the credit. Steve + Suzanne did seriously good work on these kiddos. They are not only adorable to look at, but they are so well behaved {in a totally energetic + playful sort of way} I loved the time we spent together + the images that resulted!!

Suzanne made this set of matryoshka dolls that looks just like her family!! Yes. She made them. Each one looks exactly like the real person!! Complete with freckles, super-hero cape, favorite tee-shirt, pearls or bows. The details blew me away! I think it is so cute!!

Don't you want a set of matryoshka dolls for your family? I do.

This picture below is counting freckles C:

This little guy makes me laugh so hard!! I love is Super hero cape mom made for him!

Check out those beautiful blue eyes {those are totally natural not photoshopped....for the record} And that smile with her cute little teeth! I could take her home!!

Thanks for sharing the evening with me!

Christine: yours are up next! Brian + Pierrette .... patience C: You're up soon I promise!

Tracy + Mark - Las Vegas Engagements

2011-05-31T12:14:00.000-06:00

These two belong together. Despite the wind + cold, there was so much love. So much warmth. Thank you thank you for letting me get a peak into that tenderness.

Senior Prom: Las Vegas Bonanza High School

2011-05-23T19:54:00.000-06:00

I was so excited that my trip to Vegas corresponded with my brother's prom + even more so when his group hired me to do their pictures. {I think getting a professional photog to do group pictures before the dance is seriously brilliant! I hope to do more of these shin-digs in the future}

I almost posted a throwback picture to my senior prom. Then thought twice about it. It would have been especially embarrassing next to this beautiful bunch! These girls are all knock-outs + had such fun unique dresses and the guys...quite the handsome group. Such good-looking couples, its not really fair!

I had so much fun with all of you + hope you had a memorable senior prom!

Erin: The Graduate

2011-05-19T14:09:00.000-06:00

This is my awesome cousin Erin. She is an amazingly talented track star for BYU, suuuper smart + also gorgeous. Congrats, again, on graduating Erin!

{Insert Exciting Title Here}

2011-05-17T19:35:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends. I'm sorry for my slight absence. So begins the "wedding season" ... let's just hope the spring + summer weather catches up soon!!!

So. For those of you who don't already know - I no longer live in Rexburg. And even though I'm down in the Salt Lake/Provo area working + living, I still travel ... a lot. I just got back from a week long trip to Vegas!! Sounds fun right?? It was! But. It was also a lot of work. I had five wonderful shoots that you can all look forward to seeing.

AND. It was just the beginning of my travel schedule for the next few months. I'm telling you not to brag, but so that you can schedule a shoot with me when I come to your area!!

May 27th - 29th: Rexburg + Pocatello {and anywhere in between}

June 3rd - 5th: Southeast Idaho again {love to party there friends}

June 20th - 22nd: Montana

June 24th - 26th: Twin Falls

July 3rd - 8th: Portland

July 15th - 17th: Rexburg

July 29th - 31st: Rexburg

August 12th - 14th: Sunny San Diego

Would love to extend my stay to include your session, and HELLO UTAH!!! I'm always here for you. I'll even make it easy click here to contact me.

Here's a fun family session I got to do for one of Tanner {and mine's} aunts + uncles. They came all the way from NC for this session!! HAHA thats not true. It was their son's graduation from BYU that brought them in town. But either way - it was so wonderful to see them!!

HELLO TWIN FALLS!!!

2011-05-03T11:28:00.000-06:00

I feel like a rock star!

I have had quite a few people in the Twin Falls area contact me...."when are you coming up here?"

I love it.

And I have an answer for you!

I am planning on being in the Twin Falls area from June 24th - June 26th

{assuming my sweet cousin Lacie will let me stay with her}

My family sessions are typically $200. But. If I can get four families {or seniors or engagement sessions or whatever really} on the books, I will do each session for $125.

Since I know you'll ask - this includes a one and one half hour session and the disc of all edited images so you can print + post them wherever you'd like.

Spread the word to all your friends + call {503.473.7746} or email {stephaniephoto@hotmail.com} me to secure your time slot!!

{and since every post should have pictures....here are a few from the Dumas Family over the past few years}

Christina + Kolby Engagements

2011-04-28T14:37:00.000-06:00

Christina + I were roommates my freshman year. I have some seriously embarrassing memories of it. Luckily for Christina, most of them are about me and won't be shared here! I will say that you are one lucky man, Kolby! Christina is an insanely awesome roommate + lady! I cannot wait for your summer wedding, friends!!

Leave some love for these two love birds!

Allie + Ben {Part two}

2011-04-19T16:38:00.000-06:00

Truly a beautiful wedding. Rain in the morning. Sun in the afternoon. And smiles throughout all of it.

Rain or Shine ~ Allie + Ben {Part One}

2011-04-18T11:00:00.001-06:00

In the Hindu religion, you are a lucky couple if it rains on the day you tie the knot.

A wet knot is much more difficult to untie.

Check back tomorrow for part two!!!

Carissa + Austin {Salt Lake Engagement Photography}

2011-04-07T16:49:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things to do when I am being driven around by the boy is to look at billboards {and license plates, but that does not apply to this story.} So we are driving home from downtown Salt Lake + I spot a new billboard {which is really exciting since they do not change them as often as I think they should.} This new billboard is advertising the tulip festival at Thanksgiving Point {which I am excited to attend, as tulips are one of my favorite flowers} This billboard says:
"Annual Tulip Festival: eye-candy overload"
I read it out loud only to receive a loud snort from the boy. I did not think it was funny. He proceeds to explain that by using the word "eye candy" it is implying that there will be a lot of hot people there. I, naturally, disagreed because anything that is delightful + sweet to look at {in this case tulips} is eye candy. The boy spent the rest of the drive explaining why I was wrong + by the time we got home, I was agreeance that the phrase "eye candy" was appropriate for beautiful people only.
I would now like to provide an excellent example of what would, without a doubt, by considered eye-candy!! Lots and lots of it.

Can you imagine having to choose a favorite? I couldn't do it. I would send a book instead of a picture C: Which is your favorite?

Michelle + Dan ~ Engagements in Las Vegas

2011-03-28T15:48:00.001-06:00

hello friends.

Welcome to the end of March and the beginning of a wonderful "wedding season" I am so excited for this coming spring + summer. Excited for all the beautiful dresses, colorful flowers, stunning details and above all .... the happy couples I get to photograph these next few months! Things are getting pretty full - so if you want in on the Stephanie P. wedding season train, you better get your ticket soon!!

I am so excited to reveal this engagement session! It seems was such a long time ago that Michelle contacted me to schedule their wedding so I had plenty of time for my excitement to build up for this session and I was not disappointed. Dan + Michelle are so beautiful and have a beautiful friendship to match. I feel so lucky to have been able to capture some seriously tender moments and cannot wait for their Montana wedding in June!

If you love them as much as me, Leave a Comment!

Ali + her Princesses

2011-03-21T09:42:00.000-06:00

Ali is a super talented student at Paul Mitchell in Rexburg. She did the hair, makeup + styling on these three beautiful girls for a contest. I really had a blast working with all of them - even in the freezing cold. They turned out beautifully, right?!