Rikki Rivera | Photographer » Wedding & Portrait Photography

Bryanna is such a incredibly down-to-earth girl with an undeniable natural beauty! No matter what way she looked or smiled, she made my job was pretty easy. We walked and talked around the field, spending time with the horses, enjoying the sun, and the little bit of wind that picked up from time to time.

It was an honor to be with Bryanna as she dreams and plans for life after high school. It only gets better from here. To share in this time with her on a beautiful afternoon, the kind where you roll the windows down and turn up the music.

At times it can be a challenge to bring out their “true self” in a portrait session. As the photographer, you never know what kind of day they’ve had leading up to your time together, what’s going on in their life at the moment, and so on. You’re test as a professional is to gage that and still manage to bring out their best.

I know Bryanna’s parents are proud of her, yet wondering where the time went and how we’re here now. As a parent, I can completely understand. There’s come a time when you have to look at all the work and effort you put in, and just pray you did all that you could for these incredible people we’ve created. The world will never know exactly what they’re gaining quite like parents do.

Being a senior is such a big turning point in a young person’s life, as they find their place, figure out who they are, and make their first big life decisions. Thank you Bryanna for spending the afternoon with me. I had a great time with you, your mom, and friend, Amy. I wish you the best of luck on your senior year, enjoy all the time you can.

This post is near and dear to my heart, as it is my baby sister that is going to be a senior in high school. We had such a great time hanging out, playing, and just enjoying our time together. It’s a blessing to capture this incredibly beautiful time in her life before she transitions into the college life. I’m so excited for her and can’t wait to see where she goes with her creative talent, huge heart, and all that beauty.

I’d like to think that my sessions are pretty laid back and fun no matter where we are. Shelby took it one step further by starting our time off at the playground. Nothing says a fun time than swinging, running around, and unabashedly letting out your inner child!

I really love these two shots of her as she came down the slide laughing hysterically. Shelby may seem shy at first, but this girl can be some serious fun!

Some of my favorite times are seeing my clients get past their momentary shyness in doing a certain pose or laughing on command. Then the moment of showing them on camera how it turned out and hearing, “Wow, that looks really good,” or “I can’t believe that’s me,” and knowing that you’ve done a job well done. You can’t ask for more.

During our session, Shelby talked about her dreams and plans as she prepares to embark on her new journey in life. I’m so thankful to have this time with her, and I hope that we have many more. It’s going to be hard watching her go out into the world, but I know she is going to move mountains with the passion lying deep inside of her.

This summer in Washington has been one of the most beautiful I’ve experienced. Being a photographer, I watch the weather way more often then I ever have and look for that beautiful light that makes my images that much more incredible.

I mentioned this on my Facebook when I posted a few teasers, but this photo sums up Shelby perfectly. Music and art are a deep passion for the Rivera family, and it’s amazing to be able to capture those moments with such a beautiful young woman whom I love dearly.

Our last stop of the day was by the water where we could enjoy the warmth and sunshine. We walked, talked, and finished up our session full of excitement at how great a time we had and anxious to see the beautiful photos of her.

Part two is yet to come to complete her new look before the school year begins. So stay tuned for more! I’d like to extend a big thanks to my sister for indulging me in taking her senior pictures. I couldn’t be more proud of the beautiful young woman you’ve become and for the opportunity to capture that. I love you.

The beautiful wedding of Nisreen and Benjamin took place at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle. It was a beautiful venue for their special day, the morning started off with an overcast sky until the clouds parted and gave way to a beautiful blue sky just in time!

I was invited to shoot this wedding with my brother-in-law, Chris Koch. He’s a talented photographer in Tacoma, and was great to work with! We shared photo credit on all of our images, these are just a few that I took. Between our images, and having the talented Sara Huntley edit them, we ended up with so many beautiful photos. Sara is a good friend of the bride and groom, and was a great help to Chris and I throughout the busy day!

Wedding after wedding I’m always reassured how much I love to be a part of them in the way that I am. It’s such a beautiful and special time, and to be able to capture those moments is an incredible honor. Nisreen was stunning from beginning to end.

Some weddings are really laid back, some are more stressful, others are really fun, and others are more serious. Nisreen and Benjamin had the perfect combination of everything you’d want in a wedding. One of the most important aspects of weddings I’ve come to realize is the support of those immediately surrounding the bride and groom. It was great to see everyone come together for them, keep smiles on, and ensure that everything went smoothly.

You never really know what you’re going to get out of the bridesmaids and groomsmen come picture time, especially with such a large group, but they were a fun bunch! Everyone was just so excited the entire day!

This was probably one of my favorite images from the day. Nisreen had a lovely dress that complimented her so well.

I really loved the beautiful sunlight that was shining through! It was truly meant to be.

I just love when a bride and groom really enjoy their wedding, as we finished pictures and headed to their reception, they danced along the way. Too cute!

Thank you Nisreen, Benjamin, Sara, and Chris for having me apart of this gorgeous day! I had a really great time capturing these beautiful moments. It turned out to be a beautiful day that was undoubtedly meant for you. Congratulations on your wedding – cheers to forever!

  • Ben Santana - August 18, 2012 - 3:42 pm

    Wow thank you for putting our wedding day on such an eloquent way. I loved the commentary to go along with the pictures! Your last comment about our wedding party is so true especially the night pictures! Reply Cancel

    • Jeffrey - October 9, 2012 - 10:09 pm

      Corinne Brown – What a beautiful mmeroy of a special time to be viewed over and over. Avi and I really enjoyed it. May it reinforce your bond of love. We wish you both L’Chaim! (Maybe Ilan can renew your vows in 30 years)Hugs, Corinne and Avi Brown Reply Cancel