From the Haugen Heart

It was my birthday when Neil proposed. He hadn't planned an elaborate event with a brass band or skywriting, "Will you marry me?" But he did have his heart set on asking me on my birthday. The problem was, I had other plans that did not include him. I got a chance to go on vacation with my family so I was miles away. Not to be deterred or delayed, Neil gave me a call. This was before the advent of cell phones so I was on a land line sitting in my sister's living room when he "popped the question." In my mind, there were serious things to discuss before I could answer that question and we certainly couldn't do it long distance and with my family listening in. So I made him agonize for three days until we could be together. The discussion didn't last long. We married young, at the age of 21 (well he was 21 and I was just short of it). We didn’t know much about planning a wedding but we launched into the process of wedding planning with gusto. ...

The early morning twilight was creating soft illumination to farm buildings and the rolling hills surrounding Azure Farms outside of Dufur, Oregon. It was 5:00 am and Sarah, her mom, and the hair dresser were just arriving at the house where she and the bridesmaids were going to be getting ready for the 11:00 am ceremony. Some of the girls were up and showering while others were tucked away in sleeping bags trying to ignore the hustle and bustle around them. There is a gray sleeping bag under the dresses and it is occupied! Curling irons and cosmetics were wielded with skill and artistry and 2 hours later fresh scrubbed girls were transformed into beautiful princesses. Meanwhile, it took the guys about 20 minutes to don their tuxes and were wondering what could possibly be taking so long. Finally the moment came for Joe to see Sarah for the first time in her wedding dress. Little sun rays peaked out from the clouds creating a dramatic backdrop for a romantic int...

It was a sunny day in September when I first heard Monica's voice on the other end of the phone. "I was just on your website and liked what I saw. Are you available on January 7 to photograph my wedding?" Neil and I were open so we set a time to meet in person. As we talked, it was clear that the ceremony meant a lot to Monica and Matt. It was to be a full Catholic Mass with all that entails: singing, praying, sermon, full communion, sitting, standing, kneeling.... after an hour and 20 minutes or so, you really feel married! The ceremony was to be performed by the priest that they had gotten to know as part of Campus Ministries at OSU. Its More Than a Party This got me thinking about how the typical wedding of the modern era places so much emphasis on the party. The vows the couple is making is a small blip in a day full of hairdressers, photography, cake cutting and first dances. But the vows are the reason for all the rest of the hoopla and what the couple...

The dress slipped quickly over Megan's head and the transformation from kicked back mama to wedding diva began. "Will I be flashing everybody when I bend over?... Will it work to have this rose in my hair?" In spite of the white gown and all the primping, Megan was determined to have a low stress day. The makeup was natural, the hairstyle: simple, the shoes: comfortable.... and Amy was there at her side to fix what needed to be fixed and to be the calm voice of experience. The two moms were flitting about outside, fixing this, helping with that like two hummingbirds lighting on this flower and then that. The two dads moved with  the calm assurance of those that have been through this before and the knowledge that no matter what else happened, Ryan and Megan would soon be officially starting their life together. Ryan wiped the perspiration from his brow. It took some convincing, but we finally assured him that there were other people that could finish getting three yea...

Alison and Brian Click on the link above to see the slide show.Alison and Brian were so much fun to photograph!

Jessica and Dan got married on September 19 under a brilliant Autumn sun. God smiled on them and gave them a perfect afternoon after showers in the morning. The ring bearer's name is Pudge and I am fairly certain that there has never been a more beloved ring bearer in any wedding anywhere! It was a bit of a challenge to get him down the aisle but, with the promise of a treat, he was willing to waddle down the aisle! There were a few tears, well chosen words from Grandfather, and a smashed cake in the face to top it off. Dan and Jessica's life is off to a great start!

Lizbeth grew up in Monmouth/Independence and even went to school with Anna but we never had a chance to photograph her until she got engaged. Bart kept hearing about Haugens and he insisted that they needed to come in and talk to us about photographing the wedding. We are SO glad you did, Bart. It has been a joy getting to know the two of you. Loved the Mariachi Band and the great food!

It was a perfect day. Clear sky, farm land stretching up to the foothills of the Cascades on the east and Marys Peak smiling down on us from the west. A perfect day that Jenna and Trevor had been planning for a year. The day they laughed, cried, danced and partied. The day they said, "Like it or not, you are stuck with me now!" Jenna, you have an inner beauty that shines through you. Trevor, you are a true "class act". It has been awesome to get to know the two of you and I look forward to photographing your babies some day!

I just did engagement portraits of Jenna and Trevor. It was a perfect day to be photographing a wheat field at sunset. Trevor is a wheat and grass seed farmer so it was VERY important that the wheat be perfect with no fall down spots. I love the one of them from the back. Anyone have suggestions for a title? It was really fun to go to Tangent and do a session so close to my old stomping ground. I grew up on a dairy farm in Oakville and taught music for three years at Tangent Elementary. Congratulations Jenna and Trevor! http://www.haugensgalleri.com/

must be a lucky day. The weather was absolutely perfect. The setting for the portraits with the water and tall trees expressed David and Meesh’s love of the outdoors beautifully. It was so much fun to photograph you. Neil and I are looking forward to doing anniversary portraits for years to come! Congratulations! My favorite qoute from the wedding was: "When the cookie pans arrive we will start"

It was 100 degrees on the day of their wedding but Camas and Kyle were awesome to work with. What a beautiful day!Congratulations Camas and Kyle! (Click on image to view a slideshow from Camas and Kyle's Wedding.) We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. http://www.haugensgalleri.com/