Koes Bong Photography Blog - Portland, OR Wedding Photographer

Tim & Tristine Engagement – Portland, OR

koesbong — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:16:10 +0000

We can’t believe that the first time we talked to Tristine about shooting her wedding was in August 2009. Time has definitely flown by very quickly! At that time, we thought, “Wow, she is way on top of things. She’s already looking for a photographer for her end of July 2010 wedding!”. After meeting with her, we knew that it would be a lot of fun to be a part of her wedding day.

So, Tristine’s wedding is happening this weekend, July 31st and we did this engagement shoot last Friday, July 23rd. The reason for it is because Tristine’s fiance, Tim, has been away for work in Afghanistan. He had just returned, I believe, a few weeks ago. They picked Cathedral Park for the shoot location because their first date was the Portland Bridge Pedal. Pretty sweet, right?!

Anyways, it was so much fun getting to know Tim and Tristine during their engagement session. From the way they interacted, we could tell that they were so madly in love with each other. They are both witty, funny, and very intelligent. Tristine told us that they’d need some time to warm up to the “paparazzis”, but boy, was she joking :-) They looked absolutely comfortable in front of the camera.

Tim and Tristine, we can’t wait for this Saturday. Until then, hope you enjoy these photos as much as we do.

P.S. View more of their photos on Facebook by clicking here.

The Renfroes – Tulsa, OK

koesbong — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:00:33 +0000

Lindsey asked me to do a family session with her and her family when she found out I was coming to Tulsa, OK. Since it was also going to be the twins birthday soon, it was the perfect time to do a family session. I was really worried about the day being so hot and humid, but thankfully, it wasn’t that hot when we started our session and the trees at the park also helped a lot. You can also see more photos of them on Facebook.

Will, Lindsey, Riley Maddux, and Kayden, hope you guys like the photos as much as I do!

The Gowers – Tulsa, OK

koesbong — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:30:57 +0000

I have known Gayla for a long long time; since high school to be exact. She was a guest teacher who taught my drama class how to do a “vogue” pose and boy, she was really good at it

Gayla met Mick while she went on an outback trip in Australia and Mick was the trip guide. I am not sure how they met to be exact, but Mick was so smittened that he flew to the US to be close to her. Mick and Gayla got married and had 2 kids, Jack and Ben, until a few months ago when they adopted Laila Abeba from Ethiopia! You can read more of her adoption story here: http://3continents1fam.blogspot.com/

Hopefully from these photos you can see how well the Gowers got along with Laila and how much Laila is already a part of her new family. You can also check out more photos on Facebook.

Gayla, we love your family so much! Can’t wait to see you all again.

Portland, OR Wedding – Felix and Jessica

koesbong — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:00:27 +0000

When we first met Felix and Jessica during our initial consultation, we instantly felt as though they would be people we’d want to be friends with, not just clients. They are funny, thoughtful, and so loving to one another. At one point, they said something along the lines of “we love your work, so you guys just do what you think is best” and “do a few safe shots and just experiment with the rest”, two statements which are probably some of the best things a photographer could’ve asked for.

The more we got to know Felix and Jessica during their engagement session and more so at their wedding, the more we are convinced that they are really fun couple. The wedding ceremony and reception was set at Skamania Lodge. It had been raining in the morning so we were getting worried. Fortunately, the sun came out during the ceremony and the rain held off until the evening! For the weather we’ve been having in Portland, that’s kind of a big deal. And boy, was it a great wedding!

Check out a few of the photos and a slideshow at the end of this post to see the awesomeness of the wedding.

P.S. speaking of “being friends with clients”, my lovely wife and assistant, Lindsay, panicked when we were on our way to the wedding because “oh my gosh, we forgot to bring a present!”. Yep, we really enjoyed Felix and Jessica that much.

Watch the slideshow:

James and Lindsey – Portland, OR

koesbong — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 05:08:27 +0000

Church: Zion Lutheran Church
Reception: Gracie’s at Hotel DeLuxe
Videographer: Focal Point Digital Media
Flowers: Goose Hollow Gardens
Design: Lindsey [Bride]
Coordination: Champagne Wedding & Event Coordination
Entertainment: Mobile Music Entertainment
Cake: La Jaconde
Stationery: Lindsey [Bride]
Hair and Makeup: Austie Eckley

Felix and Jessica – Portland, OR

koesbong — Sat, 08 May 2010 06:14:18 +0000

LA in the Fall

koesbong — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:02:29 +0000

A few weeks ago, Lindsay and I flew down to LA for a few days to see friends, family, and U2. Because the Rose Bowl stadium didn’t allow any professional cameras, I don’t have any shots from the show. Lauryl of Lauryl Lane Floral Design and her husband, Sammy, were kind enough to let us stay with them in their cute bungalow and showed us around town. Here are a few shots from our trip:

Farmers Market

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory with LA skyline

Santa Monica Pier

Miniature Santa Monica Beach

The love of my life

Panoramic shot of LA. Click on image to view a larger size.

Tara – Portland, OR

koesbong — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:43:09 +0000

Deven – Portland, OR

koesbong — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:40:48 +0000

This will be the first part of a two-part post.

A while ago, I talked to Karyn from AniA Bridal in Portland, OR about possibly shooting one of their clients to expand my portfolio with OR brides. We have verbally agreed that when the opportunity presents itself, we will collaborate. A few weeks ago, Karyn got back to me with a bride who is totally up for a shoot. The aforementioned bride, Tara, also asked if her friend could also come along for the shoot, to which I agreed.

So here is Deven. She got married on December 11, 2008 (also my birthday) and is a hairstylist. If you are looking for a hairstylist, I highly recommend her. Let me know if you need her information.

I will be posting Tara’s photos in the next few days. Be on the lookout for it. Update: Tara’s photos have been posted.

The girl who knows more about Star Wars than I do

koesbong — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:54:19 +0000

Once in a while, our good friends John and Jennifer would ask if Lindsay and I could babysit their daughter, A, while they’re out running errands and stuff. These pictures were taken on one fine Sunday afternoon in Portland when the weather was amazing and the leaves were just starting to change colors.