Rosemary Ragusa Photography : Love is Love

New Blog!

2012-01-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

Hi There,

If you've found this blog and are wondering where I went... Check out my new blog: www.rosemaryragusa.com

Thank you!

2011-02-15T16:22:00.001-08:00

http://ping.fm/0ZcFD

Wedding Photography in Los Angeles - Dayna & Ember tie the knot!

2011-01-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

I love to travel, and I love photographing weddings. When the two come together it couldn't be better for me! I met Dayna and Ember a little over a year ago when they were in town visiting Dayna's sister and our client Marti. We had a fabulous family portrait session that day. Dayna and Ember were excited about their recent engagement. When they were planning the details of their wedding they thoughtfully asked me if I would be interested in a destination wedding photography gig! I was thrilled to be asked and even more elated when they hired me! So, I packed up my gear, and got on a plane to sunny Los Angeles. The weather cooperated nicely, it was a pleasantly warm day in southern California. The wedding was perfect. The ladies put so many delightful details into the day. A favorite: the neon sign they had made for the day with their names and the date, such a great idea - what a fun thing to have around the house for years to come. Dayna and Ember skillfully incorporated the traditions of their Jewish faith with festive modern twists. I was completely enraptured by their moonlit ceremony, it was absolutely lovely. Please enjoy my favorite images from the day by watching the slideshow.

And if you simply can't get enough you can see all of the images from the day in the galleries.

Wedding Photography - The Broetje House - Portland, OR

2010-10-31T22:38:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful October day this fabulous couple chose for their wedding! Lovely newlyweds Chris & Natasha are the happiest couple imaginable, and given how magnificent an occasion their big day was, it's easy to see why! The wedding was held in Milwaukie, OR at the historic Broetje House, a gorgeous Victorian classic estate that provided a perfectly picturesque setting for the intimate gathering of Chris & Natasha's family and friends. The occasion was made even more lush and lovely with flowers from The Flower Shop in Milwaukie and a delicious cake by Jacivas. We wish the couple and their daughter Violetta the very best in their long and happy life together.

Click on the center of the image below to watch the slideshow of their day!

Rich and Kevin celebrate their union at Timberline Lodge!

2009-09-04T08:34:00.001-07:00

I love my job! This summer I had the pleasure of planning and photographing Rich and Kevin's lovely wedding at Timberline Lodge. It was classic and elegant, just like they are. They poured their hearts into every detail, making it a very special day. The live music by Matthew Kern and the Rose City Hot Club gave the day extra celebratory flair. The weather couldn't have been more clear and temperate. It was the perfect summer day in Oregon.

Enjoy this slideshow. All of the photos from the day can be seen in the galleries.

Beautiful men in a beautiful place! Rich and Kevin's Wedding at Timberline.

2009-08-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

This Sunday I was blessed with the opportunity to witness and photograph the nuptials of Kevin and Rich at Timberline Lodge. We all had such a great time. The ceremony brought tears of joy to the eyes of all who witnessed it. This was my first attempt at wedding planning and design, it was really fun. I learned a lot and had help from some of Portland's finest artist, florists, musicians, event planners and photographers. Many thanks to Brooke, Cara from Affairs in Bloom, Matthew, Andrew, Katie, and the Rose City Hot Club. Together we helped piece together an event that was very memorable and one that truly captured the style and grace of Rich and Kevin... If I don't say so myself, tee hee. I've included a couple of gorgeous portraits of the fellas. There are many more to come, check back at the end of the month.

My awesome pet doctor, Kevin Long

2009-07-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give a shout out to my favorite veterinarian Kevin Long from The Community Pet Clinic in Tigard. I took my little guy Walter to him for surgery and he did a great job at making me feel totally secure about the whole thing. Wally is now all healed up and feeling great. I love this photo of Kevin and his adorable pup Annie that I took a few months ago. I'm looking forward to photographing Kevin's wedding this summer.

Thanks for all you do to keep the pets and their people happy!

Winner!

2009-07-15T13:26:00.000-07:00

Jenna Hill and Cris Pera
The Artisan Custom Framing And Gallery in Lake Oswego, Oregon
Photography by mon Amour photography
The winning entry for June is this classy, well put together photograph. The judges appreciated how the gray tones in the Darma frame match the photo and the way the white diamond pattern relates to the formal tuxedos. The addition of the silver fillet speaks to the dressiness of the occasion and adds depth to the design, making it look like a window into a private moment. We’re sure the lucky customers were thrilled to hang such an elegant reminder of the special day on their wall.

Nellie Seigel
Creative Director
Bella Moulding

Special Thanks to Bruce and Steve for allowing me to show off their beautiful faces!

Lucy, the Mamas and the Papa!

2009-07-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

I was so honored to be part of Father's Day this year with Lucy, her mamas and her papa, Brad. There are SOOOOO many cute photos of Lucy is was hard to choose. Here is a selection of my favorites. The rest of the photos from our shoot can be seen in the gallery.
What an adorable little foursome!

Delicious Dinner at Roux!

2009-06-19T17:01:00.000-07:00

The last stop of the night was dinner at Roux. The food was amazing! I can't say enough about how great it was. The service was also top notch. Great place to take your little darlin' on a date!

Thank you to everyone who made it part of their day to go to a restaurant who participated in Bites for Rights. See y'all next year.

Happy Hour at Mint

2009-06-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

I continue my day of eating and drink for Basic Rights Oregon with a trip to Mint. Where I met up with Kyndall, Simone, Jake, Brian and Kate. The cocktails at Mint are to die for! I had a spicy, sweet, citrusy cocktail and others at the table got even more adventurous. The back patio was full of people enjoying drinks and helping out BRO at the same time. What's better than that?

Midday IPA at Russell St. BBQ.

2009-06-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Russell Street Barbeque is a Portland favorite to many! As a vegetarian I was skeptical in the beginning. I was soon won over by their DELICIOUS barbequed tofu. Sadly, after brunch at Detour, I was too full for food. Luckily, Johnna and crew got me a super frosty IPA and I enjoyed every sip!

Brunch at the Detour Cafe

2009-06-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Next stop was a trip to Detour Cafe to meet Andrew and Kyndall. And there were Cera and Patrick enjoying their Bites for Rights brunch! We scooted our little tables together and had a grand old time! My sammy was so good!

The Little T American Baker

2009-06-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

This was my first stop of the day eating up a storm for rights!

The butter croissant was SO amazing!

The Strawberry turnover looked delicious too.

Try not to drool.

Ana's benefit party for Cascade AIDS Project

2009-06-18T09:03:00.001-07:00

Hey! This is my favorite photo of Ana from her party this past weekend. She's so cute. Check out all the photos from the night in these two galleries:

Red Carpet Arrivals
Party Time!

Faves from Pride 2009

2009-06-17T23:03:00.001-07:00

STUDIO GRAND OPENING PARTY!

2009-06-14T14:56:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all! We're finally having a party to celebrate the opening of the new Mon Amour Photography / BEET Illustrations and Design Studio. There will be fun, wine & beer, non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and a Silent Art Auction (hopefully, probably, maybe an awesome dj). Please join us, it will be no fun without you!
Location:
2505 SE 11th Ave Suite 107
Portland, OR 97202 US
When:
Friday, June 26, 7:00PM

2009-06-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Hey! I'll be photographing this event. I'll be in these places at these times... Join me if you can!
Little T Bakery 8 am
Detour Cafe 10:30 am
Russell St BBQ 1 pm
Mint for Happy hour 4:30
Roux for dinner 7pm
Hobos around 9pm
Boxxes around 11pm

Click Here for more details about the event.

Awesome Opening Party for Latino Gay Pride Weekend!

2009-06-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending a great party and wonderful performance at the Teatro Milagro for the opening night of Latino Gay Pride. The performance was called Voz Alta and it was created and performed by Danel Malan and Joaquin Lopez. The rest of the cast offered stunning performances by Angela Bolanos-Osorio, Enrique Andrade, and Edna Fabiola Vazquez Diaz. It was also an awards ceremony for the 2009 Mariposa Award Honorees,
Laura Calvo
Melanie Davis, El Hispanic News
Mo Kenny, Pride Project WA County
Allan Oliver, Onda Gallery
Miracle Theatre Group

Amazing food was provided by La Costita, Mayahuel & delicious deserts by Te Amo.
It was a fabulous time enjoyed by all!
Take a look at all of the photos from event in the gallery. I will be donating half of the print proceeds to the Milagro Theater for the month of June, so purchase a print and make a donation!

The Strut Fashion Show

2009-05-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

This year I've been honored with the task of being the sponsor photographer for Basic Rights Oregon. The most recent event was the Strut fashion show. The Luxe Autohaus was filled with some of Portland's most fabulous people. A number of local fashion design talents were represented in the show. They were awesome, check out my list at the end of this entry, get some locally designed clothes!

And it ended with a crazy drag show performance off! What else could you ask for?
It was one of the most entertaining events I've been a part of. Here is a selection of some of my favorite shots of the night, you can enjoy all of the photos from the event in the galleries.

List of Designers at the show:
Heating and Cooling by Jessie DeWall

Idom Designs

Erhart Designs

A dreamy walk through Ladd's Addition

2009-05-09T19:00:00.001-07:00

2009-05-05T15:08:00.001-07:00

www.GayBusiness.com The Nation’s Largest Free Gay Business Directory! No Cost or Obligation to Search for a Business + Add Your Business Free.

Sponsor photographer for Basic Rights Oregon!

2009-05-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was asked to be the official sponsor photographer for the group Basic Rights Oregon, an organization very near and dear to my heart. I was thrilled to accept. My first project was photographing the Basic Rights Oregon Luncheon. This year the topic of discussion was making sure kids are safe from bullying in the classroom, for any reason. It was a great panel of speakers. I'm so happy to be part of the BRO team.
Check out the best photos from the event in the gallery.

To quote Justin Timberlake...

2009-03-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

Damn Girl.

Check out this smokin' hot portrait of my friend Marywynn. She is an amazing esthetician in NW Portland. Her studio is called Skin By Marywynn . She'll make you feel like a queen (or king)!
If you too want to look absolutely gorgeous...
First call Marywynn for a facial. Have your make up done by Michelle at Atlantis Studio .
And then come on by my studio for your personalized portrait session!

Lucy S., 3 months old and already charming the heck...

2009-03-07T19:38:00.001-08:00

Oh Lucy,
You are sooooooo cute.
I just can't stand it.
Look at this slideshow and fall in love!

cool old camera museum

2009-03-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

A portrait of me through the viewfinder of my yashica medium format camera

This is the newest member of the family, an awesome polaroid land camera,

with a flash called wink - light

This sx-70 was a college graduation gift. I have a special love for the sx-70 because it was a camera Walker Evans used, and I love Walker Evans.

This was my Grandparents camera, one of many that I have from them.

I love the Pentax k1000, it was the first "real camera" I ever used.

The holga is always a good time.

This camera is really fun to shoot with.

Look at these neat cameras I've collected over the years.

Fancy, huh?

Little Lucy sneak peek!

2009-02-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

OMG. Lucy is sooooo adorable. I'm working on finishing up her photos and getting them all on-line. But in the meantime I wanted to share these three favs from our shoot.

Rich & Kevin's adorable engagement session!

2009-02-27T11:48:00.001-08:00

I just can't get over how cute these two are. I can't wait to photograph their ceremony this summer at Timberline on Mount Hood. It'll be gorgeous!

Nothing's more fun that their sweet little doggies.

Check out the entire gallery of images from our shoot.

2009 starts off with a bang!

2009-02-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

This year has already been filled with all sorts of exciting changes. First allow me to introduce my new interns:

This is the lovely Megan.

Megan grew up in Washington State and has recently moved to Portland. She is interested in pursuing a career in photography, so she contacted me to ask if I would mentor her. She's been great to have around helping out and I love teaching people about photography so it's a perfect pairing.

And here is Edgar!

Edgar grew up in Mexico and moved to the Portland area as a teenager. He has a BS in Biology (so does his wife) and a love for photography. He has learned the basics of photography in school but is interested in developing his talents and eventually turning it into a career.

Both of them have been an amazing help this week, because...

My studio has moved!! Just downstairs in the same building. But the space is twice the size of my old studio and two glass garage door with tons of southern exposure.

Isn't it adorable?

Well we just finished painting and moving in so it's still a bit of a mess but it will be great! I'll be sharing it with the lovely and talented Brooke Thompson, a local illustrator and graphic designer ( she developed my logo with me).

I'll be sending everyone a postcard with the new address and it's on the website now. Thank you to everyone who has helped me and my business become successful! I just love what I do and I'm so happy to continue growing and learning along the way. I hope everyone has a wonderful 2009, year of the ox!

The Hottest Valentine's Day ever!

2009-01-23T11:51:00.001-08:00

Hey there all you single ladies and gents! I have a fabulous deal going on... On February 1st and February 7th, I'm having internet dating photo days. Here's the deal:
I'll be in my studio from 11-3 both days. You just drop in, and for 25 bucks I'll give you a sassy new photo for your match.com or e-harmony or somebody else's dating site profile. This includes basic touch ups and an image file for your use, e-mailed to you within a day or two after our shoot. Prints will be made available at an additional cost. And you can purchase more than one image for your profile, additional images will be $20 a piece.
This new photo may just help you reel in the love of your life, or at least it might help you get an awesome date for Valentine's Day!!
So, drop on by.

Please take my survey!

2009-01-13T14:43:00.001-08:00

Hi friends of Mon Amour Photography. I have put this little survey together hoping to make improvements to my business, website, & studio with input from you. Don't worry, it'll only take a couple of minutes to fill out. And don't be afraid to write what you really think, it's anonymous. Thank you for your input!
Click Here to take survey

Snow, Snow, Snow!

2008-12-17T12:30:00.001-08:00

Hey everybody. It's snowing in Portland!! There are many funny news reports about it and I just thought I'd add my two cents to the subject. Here I am playing in the snow. I hope we still have some white stuff for Christmas. Stay warm and cozy.
-Rosey

Liz + Delisse = Married

2008-12-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

I just can't say enough to express how fun and beautiful Delisse and Liz's wedding was. As you can see they are beautiful women, but more so they are wonderful people and so in love! They both have such caring families who celebrated every moment with them, smiling, laughing, and high fiving the whole way. AND, it just so happened to be the most beautiful November day ever. Liz and Delisse decided to have their ceremony and reception at The White House B & B in Northeast Portland. A really gorgeous place surrounded by big, beautiful trees, showing off all the glorious colors of autumn. Everything was as it should be!
Watch this slideshow to see the story of their day!
And if that's not enough for you, you can see all of the photos from the day in the galleries.

THUMBS DOWN prop. 8!

Lensbaby Awesomeness!

2008-12-05T16:19:00.001-08:00

Fabulous Gift Certificate Deal!

2008-12-05T15:10:00.001-08:00

'Tis The Season for Gift Certificates!
Buy Two, Get a Free One for You
Not only is a gift certificate from Mon Amour Photography sure to be a hit with your loved ones, but this year, you'll be rewarded for your generosity with our "Buy Two, Get a Free One for You" special. That's right ... buy two gift certificates to give away as gifts, and you'll get a third gift certificate of equal value for free. Use it for yourself, or give it to a friend if you're feeling extra generous.
Call 503-313-2427 to purchase your gift certificates today, cuz this offer is only good until December 22nd!

Art Opening! And a fun gift idea.

2008-11-30T23:23:00.001-08:00

Hi friends!
I'm having an art opening this Thursday 6pm at a place called Spruce, a great hair salon in NW Portland.
The address is:
1435 Nw 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210

Also, the photos shown here are going to be in the show, and I have cute note cards for sale of these.
They come in packages of 4 (one card of each cuddly cutie). They are available for purchase on my etsy store!
Pettingzoodesigns.etsy.com

I hope you all can come!

Jim & Paul!

2008-11-24T16:14:00.000-08:00

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Jim and Paul. They are so lovable! What a couple of cuties.
Take a look at the entire gallery.

The debut of darling little Lucy!

2008-11-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

Yay! She's here! I know many of you just can wait to get a look at the adorable little Lucy, so... here she is! What a gorgeous baby. The two moms are so happy to hold and cuddle her after the the long 9 months of waiting. The story of her birth is an amazing one, Sarah & Jamie ended up delivering her themselves! Wow. Good thing they are cool headed types. They both took on the challenge with grace. I think all Lucy fans will agree, she's the cutest 2 day old ever in these photos.
Take a look at the slideshow I made of our photo shoot.
You can see all of the photos from our shoot in the gallery.

2008-11-14T10:19:00.001-08:00

Super fun photo shoot with Rushie of Just Out fame!

2008-11-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Hey! I had a really fun photo shoot with my friends Rushie, Sarah & Addi for their ebay vintage store. Here is a sampling of our shoot. We had such a great time!!

Check out Rushie's shop here if you're looking for sweet deals on clothing & accessories. Her specialty is rad tennies! Jackpot Vintage

Steve & Bruce's ceremony gets a nod in Just Out!

2008-10-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

Look how great this note about Steve & Bruce's wedding is. How CUTE!
Their wedding was so fun!

Metamorphosis, Basic Rights Oregon’s 26th Annual Dinner & Auction

2008-10-20T13:35:00.001-07:00

Sam Adams!

My favorite director, Gus Van Sant

Storm Large = Hot!

This October I was asked to be involved in the Basic Rights Oregon Annual Dinner and I happily accepted. I made a few donations to the silent auction and I photographed the event! It was super fun and I got a lot of great shots, even some of our local and not so local celebrities! This organization is a fantastic one to work with! Check out all the best shots I got from the night in the gallery.

Lisa Collins, LMT

2008-10-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Lisa is a massage therapist! Calming the nerves of Porlanders all over town! I know I could use a massage, how about you? To book an appointment with Lisa call (503) 929-3394.

Jamie, Sarah & their adorable little bump!

2008-10-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

Yah! Here they are, looking beautiful and happy! I can't wait to see their little munchkin!
Take a look at all of their photos in the galleries.

The pet portraits are here!

2008-09-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody!
I just wanted to let everyone who attended my pet portrait party at the Cat's Meow, that the photos are ready and up online.
Check out the gallery here!

Bruce & Steve!!

2008-09-05T13:27:00.000-07:00

This August 23rd I had the honor of witnessing the celebration of Bruce and Steve's partnership. It was truly one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. It was clear that these guys are in love and that happily ever after is in their future!
Congratulations guys.
Take a look at this slideshow I put together from the day.
If you just can't get enough and you want to see all of the images from the day, check out the gallery.

You go Girls!

2008-08-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

They're so cute!!! So far, the photos I've seen are lame, they totally should have hired me!
Tee Hee.

A couple of awesome deals I've got coming up soon!

2008-08-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

These Petite portrait sessions are a great opportunity for your family to have fresh new portraits for your 2008 holiday cards!

The Petite sessions are approximately 25 minutes long, priced at just $49 each. They include an online slideshow, a one on one ordering session, and a 8x10 print.

Appointments are limited, so call today!

503.313.2427

Just in case the lettering is too small on this image file, the dates are: August 19th 4-8 pm at the Crystal Srings Rhododendron Garden.

September 7th 11-3 at Manzanita Beach on the Oregon Coast.

October 12th at 12-3 and 5-7 at Laurelhurst Park.

Pet Portrait Party at the Cat's Meow!

Stop by between 12 and 3 pm on Saturday the 30th of August and let your kitty or doggie or frog... play pet model for the afternoon. I'm sure they already have a pretty good idea that they are cute!

We'll have a great time. I can't wait to meet everyone's pets!

2008-08-04T15:32:00.001-07:00

My favorite gals are havin' a baby... Girl!

2008-07-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

My friends and regular clients of Mon Amour Photography are having a baby! I'm so excited for them. In September we're going to take maternity photographs of Jamie. But for now I'm just here to say that I'm so happy for them. They recently found out that the little lump is a girl! Take a look at this slideshow I made from my photos of their gorgeous wedding a few years ago.
Jamie & Sarah's Wedding Slideshow

Andy & Taylor at Rocky Butte

2008-07-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to be starting this new blog with Andy, Taylor, and (of course) Wiggles. The four of us ran around Rocky Butte having fun with the setting sun. It was a gorgeous July evening in Portland, what could be better?

This is such a great job!