Rikki Rivera | Photographer » Wedding & Portrait Photography

Every year I dream up this amazing family session I’d love to do with my family. Something really fun, adventurous, and beautiful. While I never intend to wait until November, it’s come to be the theme for us, when our weekends are less busy and we can all get away together. While I also plan to hire one of the amazing local photographer friends I have to capture our family, we usually like a solid adventure day, multiple locations, and as it works out, I take them myself. I don’t truly recommend doing your own photos, because it is really quite challenging. I literally dream of giving someone else the pressure to document the four of us. But this worked out, and I’m thankful we make time each year to document where we are in our lives. I’ll cherish these for always.

A few years ago, we traveled to the Washington Oregon border to a few of my husband’s favorite fishing areas, we ended up at this beautiful lake and had the best time exploring the area! So as I was scheming up this plan, creating a vision, and deciding which direction to head for the day’s adventure, I thought of that trip and decided it was time to recreate it. It really wasn’t about getting perfect photos or incredible scenery, it was about our love for the outdoors, being together, and loving one another. That’s always what I hope to capture, because it’s who we really are. Even the last few photos you see, were completely impromptu, where we stopped along the Columbia River, and I told my husband that since it’s one of his favorite places, we should get a few pictures here. It was so fun to dance alongside the river, laugh at our silliness, gush over the cute puppies walking around, and play with our children. These moments are what I hope my kids remember most about us, as it’s all too familiar they see their dad spinning their mom and taking a moment to be close, laugh, and kiss.

Take a peek at last year’s adventure for our family photos, HERE.


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Where do I begin with Abbie and Josh’s wedding? Truly, there was no detail left undone, it was so apparent that they thought of EVERYTHING! While I can only imagine the effort it all took, it made my heart swell to see so much love and thought put into the day they would marry one another. There’s just something to be said about it all. I adored my time individually with Abbie and Josh before their ceremony, getting to learn more about them and as the day went on, I felt so excited to see them exchange vows. Their calm demeanor was encouraging.

So not only was the venue, Red Cedar Farms, just as lovely as can be, the day was simply perfect. They also included many elements that represented who they are, fishing, pie instead of cake, and their parents on either side (as seen in the photo above). But what stood out to me the most, was the attention Josh and Abbie gave to everyone, namely Josh’s two sons. It was an emotional day for his boys, and there wasn’t a moment they didn’t stop to give them the love and affection they needed. Abbie took time out to dance with one of her nieces, which was incredibly adorable, then play for a moment. I’m sure I could continue to gush about all the wonderful things on this day, but a scroll through the photos will do the rest for me.

Congratulations Abbie and Josh, I couldn’t have been more honored to be there for you!

An incredibly sunny and warm month of August opened up to a rainy and moody weekend. It just so happened that the day Jeff and Shandy were going to tie the knot in an outdoor ceremony with the mountains behind them, the clouds rolled in thick and luminous. Just before the first look, the rain poured down and a brief moment of panic swept over everyone getting ready. Nerves slowly calmed as everyone pulled together to make the day turn out regardless of a little storm. Working in a very small space, putting Plan B into action, we pulled together, and reassured the bride that a little rain wouldn’t take away from their day, beautiful photos, or the excitement and joy surrounding these two as they tied the knot.

It was so great to be apart of an amazingly creative team with Kelly Lemon and Laura Ryan. Meadowbrook Farms was such a sweet, simple place. Every vendor pulled through to accommodate the rain and the support of family and friends was truly incredible. It was such an honor to be apart of it all. Congratulations Shandy and Jeff, happy honeymooning!