Portland wedding and boudoir photographer, Soul Mates Photo. Melissa Tomeoni travels Salem, Beaverton, Oregon, Seattle, Washington and California

Portland wedding and boudoir photographer, Soul Mates Photo. Melissa Tomeoni travels Salem, Beaverton, Oregon, Seattle, Washington and California - RSS http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/ Soul Mates Photography is a boutique photography studio focusing on weddings and portraits located in Portland, Oregon. Melissa Tomeoni and Soul Mates Photo are available for travel worldwide. Now accepting Visa, MasterCard and Discover. en Copyright 2010 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:58:28 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Danielle and Tyler | Maui Wedding Danielle and Tyler's Maui wedding... honestly, I'm running out of ways to say it was amazing. It was the picture perfect island mountain vibe. Maui is, yes, known for it's beaches, but it's all called the Valley Isle for a reason. There are two mountains on both sides of the island with the valley resting in the middle, the town of Haiku rests up in the hills.

I think for the rest of the summer I'll be posting a "top 5" for my posts. I like the way it is and honestly, I'm more of a straight forward fact girl anyway. Here it goes, my top five moments of Danielle and Tyler's wedding.
5. The lush surroundings of the venue, the smells of blooming flora, the aroma of the leis. My senses were on overload. It was so gorgeous for not only the eyes but also the nose.
4. The family and guests who treated me like family and guests. It was so relaxing, fun, casual, and enjoyable. During the reception I leaned over to Tyler and said, "Many celebrations get caught up in the details, but not yours. I can tell it's all about the people for you and Danielle." And it was. It was all about family, involvement, conversation and love.
3. The bridal party. They were a riot/crazy/fun/caring/helpful and I could tell they had just spent the last few days bonding over drinks on the beach and windy roads on the Hana Highway. I tried to keep up with the groomsmen but totally failed. Sometimes I can hold my own, but not with these guys. Props to the wives! ;)
2. The toasts. Specifically the sister toasts where they couldn't make it all the way through because of tears. Matt, the boyfriend, come and finish it up the speech which was funny when he got to the part about sister stories. I have a special place in my heart for sisters... and these ones are so sweet to each other.
1. The leied kiss. After the ceremony and after Danielle and Tyler had presented leis to all other family they then presented leis to each other. It felt like a very private moment even when there were guests surrounding. However, It was the kiss that sealed the deal. It was different other kisses and it gives me the chills just thinking about it.

Happy marriage to the Mr. and Mrs.! (read the end for a list of Danielle and Tyler's wedding vendors)

Thanks for holding on all the way through! I know that was a long one... too many faves. Here's a list of vendors that made this wedding possible. They were AWESOME!

Venue & Wedding Coordination - Haiku Mill
Caterer - Fedwell Catering
Florals - Teresa Sena Designs
Leis - Sweet Blossoms, Paradise Flower Farm
Make-up - Talya G. Makeup Artistry
Hair - Jennifer Mau
Graphic Design - Ryan Tolentino at Imaginary Wings
Jewelry - AA Jewel Box
Dress - Casablanca
Cupcakes - Cake & Co (it's the brides company!)
Photography - Melissa Tomeoni, Soul Mates Photo

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/07/danielle-and-tyler-maui-wedding.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/07/danielle-and-tyler-maui-wedding.html weddings Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:58:28 -0800 Sneak Preview | Danielle and Tyler Haiku Mill. I would just prefer to move there and stay but reality set in and I'm home :)
More to come this week. I can hardly breathe I love this. Oh, and today...happy birthday to the bride!

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/07/sneak-preview-danielle-and-tyler.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/07/sneak-preview-danielle-and-tyler.html weddings Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:24:17 -0800 Michelle and Troy | Washington Wedding
10. The banter between brothers. Troy has three other brothers which should tell you enough; being witness to the boy shenanigans was capital F.U.N.
9. The BBQ. A real huge barbecue. It's the biggest one I've ever seen and the cooks were just as sweet as the delicious ribs. YUM.
8. The most important men of Michelle's life share a love for two things. The first one being Michelle, of course, the second is their trucks. Michelle's dad drove her to the aisle in his and she left the ceremony a married woman in Troy's. The giving away symbolism was precious.
7. Dancing. Never have I seen a dance floor so packed!
6. The details. I'm swooning from the country aspects throughout. The invites were designed by hi, friend design.
5. The girls and getting ready. I'm a big girly-girl and really enjoy being witness to the toasts, details, shoes, jewelry makeup and so on.
4. The first look... when Michelle hid behind her bouquet with a huge smile plastered on her face.
3. Electric slide.... sister style.
2. The toasts during the reception, namely Michelle toasting to her new husband. They took one shot of Jack together and then Troy smiled, grabbed Michelle and lifted her up for the biggest kiss of the day.
And finally...
1. The grand exit. This moment rocks my book.... Traveling in Troy's jacked-up truck, Michelle waves to all her guests through the sun roof as they depart down the dirt road.

I hope you made it all the way through! Phew. Too many favorites!
Thanks for reading :) Melissa Tomeoni

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/07/michelle-and-troy-washington-wedding.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/07/michelle-and-troy-washington-wedding.html weddings Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:07:04 -0800 Katie and Mike | Portland Engagement
Katie and Mike will be tying the knot at this same location later in August-- I can't wait! One of my favorite things about photographing at a farm is the ever changing element of the landscape. You never know if there will be hay or hay bales, twigs or fruit. It's exciting and fun for this city girl. Katie and Mike and Austin-- You guys were awesome! I can't wait for the wedding! Oh... and Mike, you better smile! :)

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/07/katie-and-mike-portland-engagement.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/07/katie-and-mike-portland-engagement.html engagements Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:53:11 -0800 Barb and Scott | Tacoma Engagement
Barb and Scott just moved to the area not too long ago but they fell in love with the city so we came back for the engagement. They've recently become homeowners and in my opinion happen to have one of the sweetest stories. When they met Scott was serving our country overseas. Yes, he's one of the guys who spent his days sweeping the fields for mines.... can you imagine! I'm not sure how Barb held it together. They would chat online, write and call frequently. Barb would leave the computer on overnight waiting for the instant message tone just to hear it's ring. It would always arrive in the early hours of the morning when Scott's shift ended. It was their virtual 'kiss on the cheek' after a long day at work.

I'm excited for them.... getting married in August! Hurray for time together!

Oh, and for the rest of you... Happy 4th of July! I hope you are all spending time together with people you love and enjoy. I'll be boating and enjoying the sun (hopefully) and yummy BBQ.

Happy Weekend!
Melissa Tomeoni

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/07/barb-and-scott-tacoma-engagement.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/07/barb-and-scott-tacoma-engagement.html engagements Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:08:18 -0800 Hang and Michael | Portland Engagement
We scheduled their engagement session at Oaks Park here in Portland, Oregon. The weather was gorgeous and the rides were just as fun. I can't remember the last time I've been on a carnival ride but they were a hoot!...it's sorta tricky photographing mid air on a swinging seat up on the ferris wheel!

Enjoy!

This session just makes me happy! Thanks for reading!
Melissa Tomeoni
]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/hang-and-michael-portland-engagement.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/hang-and-michael-portland-engagement.html engagements Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:51:04 -0800 the top 10 reasons
I must admit it seems a little problematic to be calling myself a bad blogger. Against the voices in my head I'll admit I've been a sporadic blogger for the better part of 2010. Why? Read ahead for the top 10 reasons I've been MIA.

10. I've been working! I know you would love to see everything that I do, but you don't :( sad but true. Blogging takes time. A LOT of time. If you are a blogger then you know. You have to shoot, edit, prep for web, backup, write, upload, publish, promote... and the list continues. I love hearing your feedback and I love sharing my work. I've got some super exiting projects this summer. I will share. Promise.

9. I branched my company. I've separated my portrait work from my wedding work. As you know Melissa Tomeoni is now a .com and it has a gorgeous logo and spanking new brand. It's going really well and I know it was the correct business choice for me. I just got my new cards in last week. I've committed to letterpress and it's beautiful! Studio M made sure of it. I love how it does double duty on both sides. Gorgeous!
melissatomeoni-100.5.jpg

8. I've been photographing more Boudoir, I love it! Sometimes I wish my clients were a little less conservative so I could show you, but hey, I respect that :)

7. This feels a little strange writing this on my business page as I don't even share all this with my own mother but personally things have been a little... how should we say... stressful. Josh and I are closer than we have been before but for reasons outside of our control (I love being in control!) we have been going through what someone has labeled as a "crisis season" of our lives. I laughed when I heard this partly because it was so refreshing to know we aren't the crazy ones. Again, for reasons outside of our control we starting going to counseling and I'll tell anyone-- it's AMAZING and worth it's weight in gold. I always viewed counseling as a negative experience. The thing is... it's so healthy. It's allowed Josh and I to not only grow closer together, but it's opened up this entire world of dreaming we didn't realize we had.... and we're doing it together! It's amazing and I can't speak highly enough of the process, the councilor and personal growth. I'm sharing this partly for encouragement for those of you who read the blog who may have been thinking of seeing one. I say, do it. I think that if you are considering going, go. It's so wonderful. I think that if we go and in the end are more capable of communicating with one another that it can only lead to good things, healthy things. If you want to chat more about this, write me! For the sake of brevity (which this post is most certainly not) I'll move on. But before I do; Josh, I love you and I'm so proud of you.

6. Speaking of personal growth I've been trying to do things that make me happy because the weather the Northwest has been driving me bonkers! I've been trying to get outside more and take little Persay on more walks. Sometimes the only cure to a cloudy day is a dog running free. It always make me smile.

5. New products! Since I attended WPPI back in March my brain has been going nonstop about different ideas, products and so forth. I've slowly been adding more products to the list... Here are the new accordion mini's! They are so perfect for babies, mini gifts for grandparents, boudoir... engagement, seniors. Actually, I just got a idea. What if you did it as a grandparent gift of your wedding. Cute, right? They are small enough to carry in your purse and show off at anytime. Here are my studio samples; senior, baby and boudoir.

4. I've been spending a lot of time with peers in the industry. I along with other local photographers get together and talk business a few times every month and I have to give a shout out to them. I love our meetings and I love having other people to bounce business ideas with. It's great to know these ladies and I think they deserve my time so they totally make the list.

3. Brainstorming more ideas on how to give back to the community.... of photographers! Would you guys like to see more behind the scenes? What about video. Would anyone watch video if I had a channel on youtube? Is it crazy that I just learned you can have your own channel... Feedback please! Here is one behind the scene shot of a newborn session from yesterday. We're trying to make baby happy by comforting him while he is set up ready to go in his basket.

2. Reading and... possibly writing! I've been reading a ton of business books, and a few personal books and the occasional gossip magazine. I'll admit I'm totally obsessed with the Kardashian sisters.... Anyway, my point is that you might be reading more from me in the future. More on that later.

drum roll please.....

1. Quality, not quantity. This isn't Costco, people. This is a custom photography studio. :)

And there you have it! 10 reason for my sporadic nature this season. Like I said earlier, I love hearing your feedback and I love sharing my work. I've got some super exiting projects this summer. I will share. Promise. Thoughts? ]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/the-top-10-reasons.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/the-top-10-reasons.html personal studio news Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:18:26 -0800 Sherri and Chad | Portland Engagement
Sherri and Chad, you guys were so great! You did a wonderful job, so laid back, and casual. Your dogs are a riot! I'm still laughing at how much fun they have roaming the property. I know we'll have a great time the day of your wedding and I can't wait to meet your friends and have a tiny sip of the hand crafted beer they pride themselves on. Congrats you two!

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/sherri-and-chad-portland-engagement.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/sherri-and-chad-portland-engagement.html engagements Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:04:26 -0800 Happy Photography Friday | Portland, Oregon
Before I sign off for the weekend I've been working on this little guys 1 year old photo heirloom album. I love the collection this family has done. I've seen Jeevan in his parents maternity session, at 2 weeks old, at 6 months old and finally at a year old. It's been so fun to watch him grow and begin to explore this world! His parents have chosen three different 8x8 albums for each stage of his life. Each album is a different color but keeping will all the same earthy tones. I'll be doing the same thing when I have babies. It's just such a neat idea.

Here is a teaser from his 1 year old portrait session. He happens to sitting on the same structural cushion as he was as a newborn. A round of applause for his mom and dad-- for his outfit of course!

Happy Friday!
Melissa Tomeoni

Oh, and if you wish to see more portrait work hop on over to my portrait facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/melissatomeoniphotography

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/happy-photography-friday-portland-oregon.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/happy-photography-friday-portland-oregon.html portraits Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:27:01 -0800 Lindesy and Dan | Portland Engagement
When I asked Lindesy what was her and Dan's favorite thing to do I'm pretty sure her response was "be together". They are just that cute. We scheduled their engagement session in the historic part of Vancouver known as Officers Row as they spend a lot of time there. Just as they were finishing up dinner in The Grant House we met, they showed me around and we photographed the evening away. PS I'm going to need to eat there... the food looked scrumptious and the decor is just as yummy.

I adore it when couples are cute together when also they bring props. Lindesy and Dad did both. Check out the vintage brownie Lindesy brought along- it is a family heirloom! Without further ado.... Lindsey and Dan!

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/lindesy-and-dan-portland-engagement.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/lindesy-and-dan-portland-engagement.html engagements Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:41:55 -0800 Wedding Invitations and paper goods | A Portland Studio hi, friend and she's a complete doll, hi, friend is a local Portland company, and you can order online! Don't we all love that - shopping in pajamas. Two of my favorite worlds combined :)

If you fall into one of these categories you need to check out this online stationary store; you are getting married, you are having a baby, you find joy in custom cards cards, you like cute stuff. I think that includes most of you, so get on it! Hop on over to hi, friend design and check out their stationary. I personally have this and it's so darling - it actually makes me happy to do errands!

I'm featuring the Cherry Blossom wedding stationary set. This is the gray version but it is also available in green, lavender and pink. The set comes with 50 of each of the following pieces;
save the date postcard, invitation with envelope, directions card, RSVP postcard, folded thank you card with envelope and a custom wine label. All pieces are custom and you can indicate what you wish on the website. AND a proof will be sent to you before your order goes to print. Talk about awesome customer service! Huge thanks to hi, friend for making our world more adorable one card at a time.

What's your favorite product from hi, friend? Make sure you check out the wine bags too-- they are just too cute.

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/wedding-invitations-and-paper-goods-a-portland-studio.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/wedding-invitations-and-paper-goods-a-portland-studio.html weddings Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:58:14 -0800 Photo Makeup Tip melissatomeoni.com, shooting a crazy amount of seniors and then it hit me. Makeup, of course! Everyone, and I mean a whopping 95% of you don't like your picture taken. BTW those stats are very official... as in, I just made them up myself.

While I was editing seniors the past few weeks (which are now going to have their debut on my Melissa Tomeoni FB fan page). I noticed a sparkle. Maybe it's because they are seniors and they have the world at their feet, but maybe it's because they are expert makeup artists and actually apply the tips we read in magazines.

Take note: In the images below, see the sparkle? It's the brightness right around the tear duct that makes their eyes sing. The tip is to lightly dust shadow underneath your bottom lashes in a bright or shimmery shade. Try and stay just around the tear duct, don't go to far to the outer corners of your eyes. Presto! Even on the gloomy days you'll have a twinkle in your eye.

If anyone has other fabulous makeup tips please leave them in the comments below!
Thanks...
Big Smiles,
Melissa Tomeoni

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/photo-makeup-tip.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/06/photo-makeup-tip.html studio news Fri, 04 Jun 2010 09:19:03 -0800 Welcome MelissaTomeoni.com Kuzco, one of my favorite Disney characters would say, "We are outsourcing, moving in a different direction. Um. Your services are no longer needed here. You're fired. Clear?"

Now don't worry I am not firing myself, just moving in a different direction and I hope you are as excited as I am!

Over the past three years, Soul Mates Photo has been a wonderful and creative home for my wedding and portrait photography. The blog, facebook fan page and twitter have really taken off. Soul Mates Photo will continue to photograph couples in love ready to walk down the isle to become Mr. and Mrs. In the past, my couples have taken me not only across the country but more importantly throughout the winding country roads of my own backyard. It's been a wonderful and unique way of documenting peoples' love, lives, happiness and family as they become one.

But wait. What about the FAMILY?! I know that's what all my portrait clients are asking. In the past my portrait clients have been under the brand Soul Mates Photo. This year I've decided life will be a bit more clear separating the two. As stated earlier, I'm moving in a different direction with my portrait work but still focusing on newborns, children and graduating high school seniors. Welcome to MelissaTomeoni.com! Melissa Tomeoni is built specifically for family. It's catered toward the curious nature of children all the way to the independence of the graduating senior. It's modern, it's luxury and I know you will feel very comfortable at melissatomeoni.com. You will be able to find all the information you could need and more. Online, details are spelled out... some examples include: Where should I schedule my session and what type of clothing recommendations do you have? Feel free to browse the website and let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from you!

Now all portrait, family, newborn, child and senior work will be posted on the respective Melissa Tomeoni sites... so if you are not already, please be sure to be a fan or follower of the links below. I'd love to connect with you. Please send me a note

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/manage/?act=10050532#!/pages/Portland-OR/Melissa-Tomeoni/114817035195752
Twitter: @melissatomeoni

How 'bout a warm welcome and standing ovation for MelissaTomeoni.com!

For the sake of saving face I'll assume you all stood up in your cubical chairs and applauded. You can assume I did a big bow... or even a little curtsy. Thanks for the warm welcome :)

I'll leave you with a funny clip of Esma and Kronk... I'm telling you it's a must see Disney movie. Click here to be taken to the youtube clip.

Big Smiles!
Melissa Tomeoni
]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/05/welcome-melissatomeonicom.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/05/welcome-melissatomeonicom.html portraits studio news Wed, 26 May 2010 08:15:00 -0800 Emily | Portland Style Shoot Reina Style and Consulting. Emily is already confident and clear about how her body works and functions -- after all she is a health and fitness instructor! She just needed a little push in the right direction to be able to wear and rock a dress in heals. Emily, you totally own this look ;) A huge thanks to the ladies who made this possible. It was a huge success!

Stylest: Brianna of Reina Style Consulting
Photographer: Melissa Tomeoni
Hair and Makeup: Amanda at Bella Mar Salon
Clothing: ShopAdorn

I, as well as Nicole over at ShopAdorn, have a little surprise for the winners! Stay tuned to find out what it is :)

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/05/emily-portland-style-shoot.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/05/emily-portland-style-shoot.html portraits studio news Mon, 24 May 2010 14:19:00 -0800 Jala | Portland Style Shoot

Stylest: Brianna of Reina Style Consulting
Photographer: Melissa Tomeoni
Hair and Makeup: Amanda at Bella Mar Salon
Clothing: ShopAdorn

Jala was another winner from the makeover contest with Reina Style Consulting. She did a awesome job... and at 5 months pregnant! Like myself, Jala runs her business out of her home so we don't always take the time to get "dressed" up. I love how at 5 months along she totally rocked this dress. You can check out the original contest by clicking here.

]]> http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/05/jala-portland-style-shoot.html http://soulmatesphotoblog.com/2010/05/jala-portland-style-shoot.html portraits studio news Tue, 18 May 2010 09:26:55 -0800