Brook and Zack

If you're looking for one of those hidden gem venues where you can tie the knot with all your loved ones in a warm but gorgeous spot, then check out The Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center. Brook and Zack chose this location because it is nestled in the heart of where they'd spent lots of time adventuring outdoors. On their wedding day, watched the weather change every 30 minutes from the glowing sun to thunderous storm clouds to blankets of rain to overcast skies to windy fronts! But inside the Discovery Center walls, which are largely made of glass, everyone happily ate lasagnas and butternut squash and rainbow salads and a 325 pound homemade ice-cream cake towner--the groom's family tradition. Such a brilliant and memorable April day with these two!

Emily WilkensMay 7, 2024Comment

2023 in Review

This year I took on a smaller number of weddings—10 spread out across the year. That seems to be the magical number for me and I’ll be capping my bookings at 10 this year again. Each wedding was a joy and I looked forward to each so much! With more time free in the summer, it allowed me to photograph more families. They (you all) bring me so much joy. I love that you’re all so different and that makes every session new and fresh. I found myself thriving in sessions around or in the water, inside your homes (big and small, modern or of older vintage—all were inspiring!), shooting through windows, and getting playful with movement and blur (I dragged that shutter for a few images in almost every shoot this season!) While I love a good earth tone, I just cannot deny a love for COLOR. And it shows in this Year in Review collection! I did a handful of commercial/branding shoots this year and even got to work with a food stylist and shoot a number of fancy and beautiful recipes for a special project.

Emily WilkensDecember 13, 2023Comment

2022 in Review

Ah! It’s here—the end of another beautiful four seasons in the PNW! Photography here is really great like that: you have summer with warm, glowy light and long daylight hours, fall with soft brown tones and falling leaves, winter for shooting among the evergreens flocked in white or inside warm homes, and spring for chasing wildflowers in the mountains! We get a little of everything and that is something I don’t ever want to take for granted.

Emily WilkensDecember 21, 2022Comment

2021 in Review

Putting together a “Year in Review” post always makes me feel RICH. And I don’t mean because of how much I got paid. I mean, it’s nice to get paid, but the wealth I feel in these images is color, experience, happiness, and wisdom. I feel rich because this job requires that I keep my eyes on what is true and telling and powerful and lasting and tender. It’s good for my heart to do this work. It pushes me to see color and light and opportunity. What this work requires of me and what what you offer me when you hire me—it has made my heart and mind richer this year. So, thank you so much! Here are a few photos from every session I shot this year. I may have missed one or two but I tried to get them all! I hope you enjoy <3

Much love, Emily

Emily WilkensDecember 27, 2021Emily Star Poole Comments

Crystal Peak Lookout // Five Year Anni Adventure Session

Lauren and Cory rented this rustic little lookout in Fernwood, ID for their 5th anniversary weekend. I know many of you are going to have questions about how you can rent this amazing little place yourself, so I’ll just link The Mandagies' in-depth blog about this place! They cover all the details from how to find it on Airbnb to how to get there to how to use the sauna! Such a great resource.

Loved getting to third wheel with these kind/creative/down-to-earth people. And getting to shoot in such an aesthetically fun space was an extra bonus! I brought a few lenses including a 16mm lens which I was very glad to have since inside the little lookout was actually quite tight—”cozy”! A current fav session to be sure!

Emily WilkensApril 15, 2021 Comment

A 2020 Marriage Celebration

As I get ready to start my 2021 wedding season this coming weekend, I am holding all the plans lightly yet treasuredly (spell check is telling me that is not a word!)—knowing that there may be adjustments, their will be love, and there is sure to be so much goodness to capture. I loved Leisl and Stephen’s wedding from last fall in Champoeg State Park. The gas masks were such an apt touch. The florals by Bloomin’ Fabulous and yellow leather slippers were the happiest of details!

Emily WilkensApril 12, 2021Comment

First Week Home with Baby I // Family Session

I will never tire of this kind of session. In fact, if you have the cereal box still on the table from breakfast or if the birthday party banner is still up or if some of the kids have chosen their own outfits or if the artwork on the walls is authored by members of your own family—well, I can only say: that is the rich life. The rich life is in the moving details, the in-process dreams and days. This family, welcoming their newest little “I” home—pure love and joy!

Emily WilkensApril 9, 2021Comment

Rian and Marianne // Gallery 308 at Fort Mason Center

When one pairs beautiful emotions with beautiful surroundings and details—the beauty of the moments is absolutely amplified! Rian and Marianne, I just still pinch myself to have gotten to be there for your wedding. You put your whole hearts into the day and I felt it fully!

Emily WilkensFebruary 2, 2021Comment