CL Steele Studio

Badge of Courage

09.03.10

I was looking though some images today from past weddings and I stumbled upon an image that still brought a tear to my eye (ok, tons of them do, but still…). I remember crying behind my camera as I took this shot. I know, I’m a huge sap, but this, like so many things that happen at our weddings, really touched me.

The bride and groom had just given their kids badges of courage. You can see the brides daughter clutching it tightly in her hand while the groom is telling her how proud of her he is and how honored he is to be a part of her family. She wept and stared into his eyes looking at him in a way that melted my heart.

This family had already been through a lot before it even got started. The bride had been battling cancer and it had been a tough road. The kids had stayed strong though it all, and on this day they were honoring their courage as they came together as one family. I can’t even imagine how hard it was watching their Mom fight for her life. The ups, the downs, the sick days, the stress of not knowing. Going through something like that would really test a person and those that are close to them as well.

For anyone that has been through something like this – I think you deserve a badge of courage too.

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Posted in Life, Weddings

by Chris

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Simple rainy days…

09.01.10

The past few days here in Oregon have felt like fall, I know it has to be at least a few more weeks away. But it sure feels like boots and sweater weather! We really enjoy the simple things in life. The extravagant things are nice on occasion, but sometimes it’s just a nice hot latte, on a rainy day. However, we are totally guilty of dreaming about tropical vacations! It’s keeping entertained by our 10 year old daughters constant ramblings, of things she finds to be “weird”. Or even the occasional occurrence of wanting to pull your hair out, because she argues over everything and just knows that SHE IS RIGHT. We are just parents that know nothing. *insert heavy sigh here* When did this happen!? It’s a great recipe from a friend, that is tried and true! It’s the intoxicating aroma of a chopped cilantro garnish! It’s shopping for loose leaf tea and taking your kid to a laser light show for the first time. Here’s to a good day off and being able to just hang, family style, on a rainy day. Now it’s time to kick Chris’s butt at some car racing on the XBox…wish me luck!

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Posted in Life

by JD

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McMenamins Edgefield Wedding | Jon + Liz

08.31.10

8-9-10…Happy Wedding day John & Liz! It’s a whimsical feeling, as your feet carry you around the grounds of McMenamins Edgefield. So many details to take in and trying to keep your “GPS” working, so you make it back to the place you’ve just come from. Making our way down the never ending hallways, we feel the energy surrounding our bride and groom. Many people come together to celebrate the union of a couple and you can tell how loved John and Liz are this day. The jokes, the laughter and anticipation mount as the clock draws on to their evening wedding ceremony.

The girls are curling hair, applying makeup and drinking chilled champagne. Liz looks… stunning as she is trying to keep it all together, as questions are being asked and cell phones are ringing. It can be crazy, being a bride! Liz pulled it off impeccably well. The guys…well they will be guys! Helping each other with suspenders, ties, and occasional sips from a flask…WHAT!? Jon is being his amazing self, making last minute arrangements and trying to calm his nerves, as everyone is looking for the backpack!? (I know I saw it on the lawn) and doing it in style, with his amazing fedora. What a handsome man!

The reception was so earthy and natural. The chosen wedding colors blues, greens, brown made for one of the most beautiful bouquets. The wooden floors saw A LOT of dancing and within the four walls, a million memories were made. From the initials that hung so beautifully on the front doors, to the basket of flip flops on the dance floor, the handmade beer (yes, Jon and Liz made beer for their guests!) It was an unforgettable wedding.

Thank you for letting us share, such an incredible part of your lives. You are such a fun loving couple. You know how to have a good time and just let loose. We wish you the best in your life together, and know for a fact you’ll have fun celebrating YOUR journey.

Enjoy a few of our favorite images below or see the full slideshow HERE

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Posted in Weddings Tags: McMenamins Edgefield, Portland Wedding Photographer

by JD

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Smooth, Sassy, Sexy…SUGAR ME!

08.13.10