Welcome:
Hi there, I'm so glad you're here! I'm Melissa, the creative mind
behind Soul Mates Photo. I enjoy spending time with people - with or
without my camera.
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Olivia and Ryan. I can't believe how lucky they are to not only have
found one another (totally smitten) but to have not one drop of rain on
their February wedding day. In the Northwest. I mean, really!
The girls got ready at the Hotel DeLuxe in downtown Portland. Gorgeous. The ceremony and reception were held at the Crystal Ballroom just a few blocks away. It was such a fun unexpected venue for a wedding, I had a great time and was really inspired by the funky-ness that is McMenamins. Olivia brought many sentimental elements into her wedding passed down from her or Ryan's families; cake stand, card table, the pin on her jacket. All these elements were family heirlooms incorporated into the wedding. I know the most important thing Olivia and Ryan is their family and friends. It truly was a fun filled day! Congratulations you two!
A huge thanks to Sara Gray for assisting me!
The girls got ready at the Hotel DeLuxe in downtown Portland. Gorgeous. The ceremony and reception were held at the Crystal Ballroom just a few blocks away. It was such a fun unexpected venue for a wedding, I had a great time and was really inspired by the funky-ness that is McMenamins. Olivia brought many sentimental elements into her wedding passed down from her or Ryan's families; cake stand, card table, the pin on her jacket. All these elements were family heirlooms incorporated into the wedding. I know the most important thing Olivia and Ryan is their family and friends. It truly was a fun filled day! Congratulations you two!
A huge thanks to Sara Gray for assisting me!
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There are days that seem hectic, and crazy with so many things in the
works. There are days where life is still, calm and full of peace. Either
way, this is how life is for me. Today life is calm. I'm working
diligently on Olivia and Ryan's gorgeous wedding images from last
weekend at the Crystal Ballroom - What party animals! I'm also working
on a few other sessions in the que. But, that's where the calm sense of
peace halts... the second I realize I'm planning a photography show in
a month, the boudoir weekend in two and Vegas for a photography
convention next week I stop breathing. For a moment. But in that
breathless moment somehow I find stillness. Maybe it's the simple
lack of breath, or maybe it is actually peace. Something bigger than me is in control.... thank goodness!
I'm willing to bet Olivia and Ryan felt the same way the moment this photograph was taken. Breathless, yet at peace.

I can't wait to share more!
I'm willing to bet Olivia and Ryan felt the same way the moment this photograph was taken. Breathless, yet at peace.

I can't wait to share more!
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Olivia and Ryan : Sneak Peek Portland Wedding
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**Correction to Newsletter** The correct address is 1706
NW Glisan #5 Portland, OR
APRIL FOOLS SHOW
Just kidding... kinda. Literally, on April 1st 2010 I will be having a show at Equilibrium located on 1706 NW Glisan #5 in NW Portland (next to Saint Cupcake). The artist reception will from 6-8pm and I'd love for you to join me for music, snacks and photography. I'll be there to chat and mingle, come on out because I'd love to meet you!
![soulmatesFlyer4110[1].jpg](http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/soulmatesFlyer4110%5B1%5D.jpg)
APRIL FOOLS SHOW
Just kidding... kinda. Literally, on April 1st 2010 I will be having a show at Equilibrium located on 1706 NW Glisan #5 in NW Portland (next to Saint Cupcake). The artist reception will from 6-8pm and I'd love for you to join me for music, snacks and photography. I'll be there to chat and mingle, come on out because I'd love to meet you!
![soulmatesFlyer4110[1].jpg](http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/soulmatesFlyer4110%5B1%5D.jpg)
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Announcement: April Fools Show
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You might ask, What's a Secret Session? Well, it's a secret (a
surprise for your man) the opportunity have beautiful, sexy portraits of yourself. The Secret Boudoir Sessions will be taking place at a luxury location in the Portland area. The Secret Sessions will be one hour long, you are welcome to bring a change of "outfits" heals and
props. The session are
scheduled in early May; perfect for wedding, anniversary or anytime
gift! The Secret Session fee is $175 and must be paid in full to
guarantee your spot.
I will be shooting one weekend only, April 30th- May 2nd.
The Secret Boudoir Sessions are only offered on a limited basis. Gather a few friends to book to back to back sessions, make an event out of it! On site hair and makeup will be available by Nicole Wagner.
For more info please send use the contact form located in the navigation bar above. I can't wait to hear from you!
Here's my inspiration for the upcoming sessions below. I'm excited!

I will be shooting one weekend only, April 30th- May 2nd.
The Secret Boudoir Sessions are only offered on a limited basis. Gather a few friends to book to back to back sessions, make an event out of it! On site hair and makeup will be available by Nicole Wagner.
For more info please send use the contact form located in the navigation bar above. I can't wait to hear from you!
Here's my inspiration for the upcoming sessions below. I'm excited!

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Announcement: Secret Sessions April 30th - May 2nd
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Life is a funny thing, isn't it? Full of both mountains and valleys,
ups and downs. It, life, seems so predictable but yet never turns out the way
I envision it. The moment I plan something, view my life for the next X
amount of years is the exact moment I'm saying no to spontaneity. I'm
saying no to the unknown and I'm saying yes to normalcy, "yes" to me.
However, there is one tiny catch I forgot to factor in. I'm married and I share my life with someone. Sharing is a powerful thing; love is a powerful thing. The moment I have my life planned down to the yellow brick road which leads to the white picket fence is the time at which I come to a dividing point. Is it my path or your path? Enter love. My wishes, desires, needs become less important and Josh's begin to take first place. The time I say yes to Josh is when I say no to myself. The moment I listen is the same moment I say no to my own desires to be heard. See, life is a funny thing. I want to live it for myself and live life it to it's fullest. Right?
The moment I found out life is fullest with love is the moment I said "no" me and "yes" to us.
Last week Josh spoke in front of NAIFA. I couldn't be more proud.

I mean, really, who couldn't love a face like that!
However, there is one tiny catch I forgot to factor in. I'm married and I share my life with someone. Sharing is a powerful thing; love is a powerful thing. The moment I have my life planned down to the yellow brick road which leads to the white picket fence is the time at which I come to a dividing point. Is it my path or your path? Enter love. My wishes, desires, needs become less important and Josh's begin to take first place. The time I say yes to Josh is when I say no to myself. The moment I listen is the same moment I say no to my own desires to be heard. See, life is a funny thing. I want to live it for myself and live life it to it's fullest. Right?
The moment I found out life is fullest with love is the moment I said "no" me and "yes" to us.
Last week Josh spoke in front of NAIFA. I couldn't be more proud.

I mean, really, who couldn't love a face like that!
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"No" to me. "YES" to us.
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Great shots - love all the unique locations. The bride has a fun retro quality vibe going on!
(03.04.10 @ 12:22 PM)oh wow, melissa! LOVE these photos! the crystal ballroom is a gorgeous place for a celebration like this one and your photos captured it all perfectly!
(03.04.10 @ 12:24 PM)Melissa, these are great as usual! We are considering the Crystal ballroom for our reception NEXT February. Looks like a fun place from these photos!
(03.04.10 @ 01:35 PM)simply amazing! we are so grateful to melissa (& the lovely sara) for taking us on last min! we had the time of our lives- can we do it all over again?! if you are considering wedding photography: talk to one of these girls. if you are considering the ballroom: talk to dineen at the crystal. she, her staff & the AMAZING ballroom will make your wedding wonderful!
(03.04.10 @ 07:56 PM)She kinds of looks like you! Nice job, as always.
(03.04.10 @ 09:42 PM)This was such a fun and amazing wedding to attend and I feel like you captured Ryan, Olivia, and the ballroom perfectly. Great job!
(03.05.10 @ 09:29 AM)Great shot with the backlight in the Hotel DeLuxe lobby!
(03.05.10 @ 11:52 AM)I love the photos - Olivia you look simply stunning! I hope I look that nice on my wedding day :)
(03.05.10 @ 12:06 PM)Got some great ideas for our wedding photog (whomever that may be)...great job!
I really like the shot of the bride with her "coat" on looking down to her right. 6th or so from the top.
(03.08.10 @ 09:11 AM)OMG!! Your pictures just get better and better, Melissa!! The one of the couple in the foreground and the marquee of the Crystal Ballroom in the background is unbelievable. So is the one of the couple dancing where you can just see their legs. I love these!!
(03.09.10 @ 06:06 PM)