Totten Photography

I have often been accused of having a wild imagination (someday I may post images from my college art classes…), but never could I have dreamed of photographing mermaids in landlocked Montana. I am eternally grateful to Emilia and TC, who celebrated their wedding with a true country shindig, and kicked off their festivities after their rehearsal dinner at Great Falls Montana’s infamous Sip-n-Dip lounge, where saucy mermaids abide. The Sip-n-Dip, with piano bar entertainer Piano Pat, deserves it’s own blog post (or it’s own photo project…), but there is so much to tell that I suggest you book a direct flight to Great Falls and check it out yourself. There’s absolutely no place like it…

Under wide blue skies, we celebrated in style at their home on the river with all sorts of live music (TC is a talented musician with many talented musician friends), enjoyed bbq ribs and sno-cones, learned to dance with a local square dance caller, and were wildly entertained when Emilia and TC surprised us with a choreographed first dance to Louie Armstrong’s “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off.” Emilia was stunning in her red gown, and TC was a perfect gentleman with his western double string tie. It was a fabulous day of much laughter and tears, and so many sweet speeches and good words of advice. One comment in particular seemed to resonate well with the ladies: grooms- these two words could save your marriage… “Yes, dear.” I wish you two the best as you begin your life together!

This is TC throwing the garter belt- thought it was a cool angle…

I’ve certainly grooved out to two turntables and a microphone, but Telepathique rocks two microphones and a turntable. Mylene sings haunting vocals while Erico mixes and scratches, artfully distorting her words. I had only heard the Brazilian group on myspace, and their KEXP live performance was nothing short of awesome. Check them out at Paragon tomorrow night. More images here! YeYaH!

Ah- I am experiencing some serious bloggage issues. I have to share pictures of two fantastical weddings, a diva DJ, bridal bootcampers, a Seahawks fashion shoot, a dreamily decorated house, the most precise and beautifully crafted art installation, a Rad Gal rocker, mermaids in Montana, and other randomly magnificent kung fu-lery.* I have to do all of this, but it will have to wait until August. Dave and I are heading out the door in exactly one minute to explore the awesomeness that is Glacier National Park (before it becomes “The Park Formerly Known As Glacier”) for the next 10 days. In the meantime, Ipsos and Roman are keeping Team Totten alive and well. Adios amigos!

* “kung fu-lery” is my new favorite word, birthed from one of the many talented poets of the Seattle Poetry Slam. Go ahead and spread the good word…

Michelle and Frank married at the stunning Lord Hill Farms on a sunny, Sunday afternoon. Heavy clouds threatened rain, but it only sprinkled a bit as we were heading inside after playful pictures under a dramatic sky. Sunlight spilled through the clouds during the ceremony, and made for fantastic light during cocktail hour. Billy Joe and the Dusty 45s got everyone dancing at the reception, and they backed up Frank’s brother, Ryan, while he “Ol’ 55″ by Tom Waits for Michelle and Frank’s first dance. Such an awesome celebration!

Susan and Mark had an exceptional celebration last Saturday on the water at Bell Harbor. They married under a traditional Jewish hoopa, with the Puget Sound as their backdrop. Sailboats, seabirds, and an elated Argosy Cruise ship unexpectedly added to the fun ceremony, and Susan and Mark’s touching vows had everyone laughing and crying in the same breath. The reception was a fantastical celebration, and Mark impressed everyone with his robot skills on the dance floor. We headed outside to enjoy the fireworks, then partied on ’til closing time. The two of you are so loved! Enjoy your honeymoon you hotties!

Once in a lovely while I meet a beautiful being who radiates such a positive sense of self and balance, that merely being in her presence grounds me. Life is perpetually hectic, and it’s difficult to balance work and health and a social life, and find time for creative activities and personal growth. But Danielle Hoffman (energy healer, guide, and now published author!) is just such a sentient being. Danielle needed a portrait for her new book “Temples of Light; An experiential guide to opening the heart and elevating consciousness” (out Spring or Fall of next year), and the ever illustrious Darcey Howard fantastically styled the photo session last Monday. Surround yourself with energetic folks and your bound to make some magic.

Anna and Seth married last Sunday in the stunning North Cascades that cradle Sleeping Lady retreat. As avid adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, it was important to Anna and Seth to marry in a natural setting that also showed off the grandiose beauty of the Northwest. They exchanged vows under a hand-made hoopa, painted with details that represent their 8 year relationship and future lives as a married couple. Everyone there laughed easily (despite the triple-digit temperatures), which I’m sure had something to do with the energetic 10-piece mariachi band that played before the ceremony. A traditional Jewish band got everyone dancing during the reception, which made for some hilarious candids and unforgettable moments. Mazel tov to you both!!

Brittany and Jeff had a beautiful wedding at Kiana Lodge last Saturday. It was an emotionally charged day, with lots of laughter and tears. Brittany’s sweet son, Justin, was part of the ceremony and was honored by Jeff with a personalized medallion that reads “I will always be there for you as a dad and as your buddy.” Justin wore it with pride, and family and friends (and at least one photographer) couldn’t hold back the tears when Jeff got down on one knee and presented it to Justin. Such a powerful day! My mom and step-dad married when I was 5, and he adopted me and became my dad (and he’s the reason I’m Totten Photography, not Gamara Photography). My dad gave me a ring that day, and it barely fits over my little finger now. Such a sweet memory! I wish you all the best as you begin your life as a new family!

Today I got to photograph the Plants and Animals live KEXP in studio performance. These boys rock!! They are playing tonight at Nectar (free show!), or you can join me tomorrow night in Portland for their show at Doug Fir. If you aren’t already in love with these indie rockers, check them out and get ready to fall for them. Hard. More images here yo!!

Ashley and Eric had a fabulous summer solstice wedding last Saturday, and celebrated in grand style at the Palace Ballroom. Their pre-ceremony pictures are all about the dynamic urban spaces of Seattle, and the drama of Palace Ballroom rounded the day out perfectly. The wedding party, guests, and family had endless energy, and by the end of the evening even Grandma ditched her cane to get her groove on to my fav JT song, Sexy Back. YeYaH!!!