Portland Wedding Photographers | Jessica Hill Photography

Features

Bride’s Choice Award 2010!

I’m super excited and honored to announce this news! I’ve been choosen for The 2010 Bride’s Choice Award! This award “recognizes the top local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism.”
The Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds (brides and grooms) through extensive surveys and reviews, which means your past clients have spoken on our behalf and selected you to receive this honor. So thank you VERY much!
If you haven’t checked out Wedding Wire yet, it’s an awesome wedding resource guide. Your reviews are much appreciated and welcome!
Thanks so much and I couldn’t have done it without all my awesome clients!

Features

Portland Style Unveiled Feature!

Angela and Jason are fun-filled and witty couple with plenty of style and posh. Their October wedding was modern, spacious and elegant. I’m super honored that their wedding was just featured on one of the best wedding blogs in Oregon, Portland Style Unveiled. I was super excited to see the stunning layout of images, and the great write up from Angela, the bride.

From the write up, she wrote this about her wedding photography experience with Jessica Hill Photography. (I honestly started tearing up at her beautiful words, which were elegantly written and extremely touching.)

“I visited Yelp and explored the websites of several local photographers. There was a photographic style I had in mind however I was struggling to articulate it. I kept coming across websites with obviously talented photographers, however non displayed photos with any edge. Images were flat and one-dimensional and I was looking for a photography artist. Someone who played with exposures and film types, color and lenses. Someone who took photos with a “Wow” factor. Modern, Stylish.

When I came across the website for Jessica Hill, I was very excited. This woman was clearly an artist. I scheduled an appointment and met up at her studio above the train station- my favorite Portland landmark. After meeting Jessica I was most impressed by her take-control confidence. We were on the same wave length, and she was able to articulate and show me examples of the look I was seeking. After looking at photographer websites I was curious as to why only some of them offered “engagement photos”. I wasn’t sure if I wanted them and I had never heard of anyone getting them, however they were a part of each of Jessica’s photo packages. Her rationale was simple and made perfect sense- she always included them because it enabled her to learn how to best shoot the wedding couple before the big day and it’s an opportunity to learn more about the type of shots the couple wants. Makes perfect sense.

When we received our wedding photos we were blown away. First of all, Jason and I are camera shy and don’t believe we photograph well- yet she made us look fantastic. Secondly- the photos looked like they were plucked out of a magazine. Elegant, playful, artistic and just gorgeous. I’ve had no less than 20 people ask who my photographer was- and whether she’ll travel to San Francisco. As they say- a picture says a 1000 words- just check out her work to see for yourself.”

To view the full article to see all the photos, head to the “Real Weddings” page on the Portland Style Unveiled Site. To see my website, head to the Jessica Hill Wedding Portfolio.

Details

Meghan & Andrew’s Slideshow!

Meghan and Andrew had a lovely summer wedding at the Grotto and Columbia Edgewater Country Club! I love their color palate of teal and white! Their song is by Lenka and it’s really fun, so make sure the volume is up to swing to the beat! To see full screen please click here.

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Taryn & Aaron’s Slideshow!

Taryn and Aaron are a perfect match and had a fun and colorful wedding! Love their classic rock song choice 🙂 Make sure the sound is up to hear some good ol’ REO Speedwagon! To see full screen please click here.

Details

family / life / love

love the Northern Michigan landscape.

Martha Mary Chapel, where my parents were married 30 years ago this July!

My Mom and Dad!

Travis and I all bundled up.. (and we think Portland winters are bad!)

My family! My little sister, Lauren is my best friend. She’s rad. Dad- GO WINGS!

I set up my Mom’s Dept. 56 Christmas Village every year and i always have fun doing it.. I added the lights under the snow this year to switch things up a bit… yes, cheesy, but it was passed down to my mom from her grandma, so it means a lot to our family. (Arn’t the little elves cute as can be!?)

My Grandpa and I trying on the antler hat.. yup, it lights up!

Christmas Dinner with the family, complete with my Mom’s famous 7 layer spinach salad. (and turkey and ham, of course!)

We always play Michigan Rummy, and Travis is in the lead here.

But my Grandma ends up winning the pot!

Travis playing the Graphiphone, which belonged to my Great, Great Grandparents.

On the way to Chicago, out the car window. Crisp, clear and beautiful.

We visited the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago and explored the gardens! Can you tell I was excited to get into a more tropical environment?!

nature inspires me. I love the texture and colors of different plants.

Me and my old college roomie, Kat.

Travis and I with our friends Yoni and Meredith, of Standing Point Films greatness.

Kat, Yoni and I all met in the dorms at U of M. circa 2001.

Meghan, my dear friend and her bird Lula.

Meghan & Chris are an incredible couple and are wonderful friends. (Pictured here with Conway Twitty…i think)

So thankful that I was able to meet up with my wonderful cousin, Kelsey in Chicago while her and her boyfriend Mike were in town for New Years!

Travis and I watching the night fall. What an adventure and so thankful to have an incredible family, great friends, an awesome boyfriend and a home in Portland!

Details

The Best of 2009 – An exploration of wedding day fragrance

Pernilla & Alex-The Viewpoint Inn. Pernilla wore Chloe, which has a delicate rose and freesia scent. Very feminine and perfect for an outdoor garden wedding!

Aubri and Byron- The Queen Anne Victorian Mansion Aubri choose the lovely Euphoria by Calvin Klein fragrance, which has a sensual, mysterious qualities and includes Sandalwood and Bergamot as key notes.

Erica and Mike- The Portland White House Erica had a timeless and classic style for her wedding, as well as her perfume! Scenteur Vanille is a soft and delicious perfume with a feminine core. Always a classic!

Meghan and Ryan- Skamania Lodge Meghan chose to spritz a little of Doir’s Pure Poison on before saying her I Do’s. This woodsy and seductive scent has amber and floral notes and fit the eartthy setting at the mountain perfectly!

Rachelle and Aaron- The Bell Chapel and The Viewpoint Inn Rachelle chose the Body Shop’s Morroccan Rose to accent her wrists and neck. This scent has a romantic feel with it’s floral and spice notes and of course- Rose! This classic scent paired well with their timeless and romantic wedding.

Kathy and Johnny- The Legin Restaurant Kathy splashed the right amount of diva on with Vera Wang’s Princess perfume. With waterlilly and apple key notes, this sexy and fun scent is a unique and sweet treat that’s not to be forgotten!

Kristen and Jered- Camp Sherman Metolius River Lodges Kristen walked down the aisle in a stunning dress with a hint of Chanel. Sweet, spicy and floral- this perfume is energizing and daring, which fit well with their wedding on a river bed in rural Oregon!

Meghan and Andrew- The Grotto and Columbia Edgewater Country Club The Meghan decided to go with the floral and clean scent of Philosopy’s Amazing Grace perfume for her wedding to Andrew at The Grotto.

Amber and Kody- The Portland Rose Garden and Portland City Grill Amber wore Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf, which I love because it smells like cotton candy with a touch of Patchouli. This perfume also has a lot of rose on its base note and it fit the Rose Garden, a Flowerbomb of Roses, perfectly!

Allie and Josh- Zenith Vineyards Allie wore her signature scent, Very Irresistible by Givenchy which is a vibrant perfume with a fresh and captivating scent. Star Anise and Rose make this a perfect Spring smell for the perfect Spring wedding!

Michelle and Dave- David Hill VineyardsMichelle wore Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom cologne which has uplifting and sweet notes and a clementine-like distinction. Citrus is known to be energizing and inspiring, and so was their wonderful wedding!

Heidi and Mike- Embassy Suites Hotel Heidi looked and smelled lovely in Amouage. This floral and earthy scent is created in France and is really luxurious and classic! Her contemporary and elegant style matched both the inside and the outside of this incredible perfume.

Libby and Kenneth- The Viewpoint Inn Libby wore Estee Launder’s Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia, which has an elegant and timeless rich floral scent. Libby smelled divine as she and Kenneth shared their first dance together as husband and wife.

What’s the scent of your wedding?

Engagement

Engaged: Katie & Matt

I love the vintage elegance and feel of Union Station, where my office and studio is located. Katie and Matt’s outfits look great with this location… Love her shoes!

Who doesn’t love a rooftop garden kiss! Matt, Katie and I discovered this great location on our fun walk around the Pearl District.

We also discovered an awesome sports bar, where we toasted to the holidays and caught a bit of the Gonzaga game. Check out Matt’s awesome Trail Blazers blog at BustaBucket.com.

Katie and Matt and I had a super fun time on our engagement shoot, first starting in Union Station and continuing on to the Pearl District in NW Portland. This couple is super fun and incredibly kind. They brought me a rocking Christmas CD with tons of great jazz music on it, which my family has been loving and listening to non-stop. Thanks guys! We also had a great time toasting to the holidays while watching some crazy Montana football fans and the Gonzaga game at a local sports bar… Thanks SO much Katie and Matt for being awesome and a ton of fun! I can’t wait for your wedding in July and I’m very honored and excited to be working with such a kind-hearted, positive and hip couple!

Wedding

Nicole & Beachum
West End Theater Wedding

My most favorite image of 2009 for all the right reasons.

Nicole’s amazing Prada shoes make my heart flutter.

Their lovely letter press invites and unique rings, alongside the stunning bride, whose makeup was in the good hands of Nicole Wagner… Ahhmazing!

Love this image~ Beachum looking dapper wearing Dolce&Gabbana and Nicole transcended “bride” in her silver Vera Wang with a backdrop of modern day graffiti in SE Portland.

Love that the tables were named after the Portland precincts, and their favors were customized jam jars, created by the couple from Beachum’s family recipe! The incredible Mandi Downs with Blush Bridal Consultation did an outstanding job making the day run smoothly.

The West End Theater fit their modern day vintage vibe perfectly.

Instead of the traditional cake cutting, the couple chose to break creme brule. (my personal favorite)

Considering this was our last wedding shoot of 2009, I can’t contain my excitement about how incredible and perfect this wedding was. From the super hot style, the gorgeous flowers (created by Nicole’s grandmother) to their first dance song by Neko Case, I couldn’t have planned a more perfect day for this artistic couple. Nicole and Beachum are filled with compassion, sincerity and kindness and I’m so so so honored to have been in the presence of their family and friends as we celebrated their palpable love. Thank you so much to Nicole and Beachum for sharing the perfect wedding to close out a wonderous year of weddings. Love you guys big.

Details

Happy 60th Anniversary!

My grandparents are incredible and I’m so blessed to have them in my life! Shirley and Doug (aka Grams and Gramps) are super active and love tennis, bridge, their Christmas tree farm and their mystery club, which is this cool club they belong to that holds their meetings at a mystery location each month! I recently discovered these photos of them and wanted to share in the bliss.I love the wedding pic on the doorstep- taken 60 years ago! This photo is a testament to my passion and mission as a wedding photographer… To document timeless and endless love that future generations will smile about, if only for a moment.