Rikki and Rian are my kind of people. I had determined that before I even met them because we decided on a brewery and wine bar for two of the three locations for their engagement shoot. I like good beer and good wine so we were off to a REALLY good start.
Rikki works with my Wife, Alysen at Comcast while living in Portland, Oregon... My Hometown. Her and Rian are actually getting married just south of Portland, Maine this June and I can't wait to head East for their wedding celebration. First thing first though as their engagement photos were in order. I headed up to the Pacific Northwest to meet Rikki and Rian.
We started near OMSI down at the East Bank Esplanade down by the waterfront. We shot around and got some killer views of the city along with the urban feel of the area down there. After making them smile a bunch we built up quite a thirst, so naturally we needed some beer to stay hydrated.. or something like that. We headed to Hopworks, or HUB (Hopworks Urban Brewery) and got an amazing tour of cool places that the general public just simply doesn't get to see often. Eric from Hopworks was amazing. Extremely accommodating and showed us the run of the place. It allowed me to get some really unique photos... oh, and then he gave a couple of free bottles of Rikki and Rian's favorite beer as a thank you to doing the session there!
After Hopworks we were obviously still thirsty so we headed to Lake Oswego to their favorite wine bar called The Harvest. The owner Eric (different Eric) have become great friends over the years with Rikki and Rian and we had to go there to tell their story. After discovering this amazing place they would spend two (sometimes more) nights a week wine tasting and eating their delicious food. They even take notes on what wines you prefer from your previous visits. If you're in Portland, check this place out.
At the end of the night, I felt like I was having dinner with old friends. People I had known for years. I appreciate the kindness they showed me, the trust they have in me to shoot their wedding in Maine without even knowing me but most of all I appreciate the love they have for each other. It really is evident that they love each other. It is kind of a cliche but it seems that they became best friends first. I enjoyed every minute of my time with the two of them and am excited to see them again. The next time I come to Portland... I wont just be visiting family.
