“Honestly, Alex and I do not even know where to begin in expressing our gratitude for Shelley + Portugal. Not only are they quite possibly the most incredible humans on the entire planet, their passion for capturing quiet moments, love, and their service towards others is incomparable. In a business where people are not always put over profit, we can say confidently that you will not ever have to worry about coming second if you choose Shelley + Portugal as your wedding photographers and/or videographers. Alex and I originally fell in love with Shelley + Portugal's ability to capture the most personal, intimate moments of other folk's weddings, but we became head over heels for them in a myriad of other ways. Alex and I have come to find out that rain is just always going to be a part of our lives when it comes to major events. After having our engagement photos scheduled for what seemed like forever in advance, Mother Nature blessed us with a major storm, cancelling our session. If my memory serves me correctly, I was definitely being dramatic, but I for sure cried. But, when the storm passed sooner than expected and left us with some beautiful golden hour sunlight, Shelley came texting wanting to know if we still wanted to come out to catch the most gorgeous rays. She could have just moved on with her life and chalked it up to Fate, but instead, Shelley went above and beyond for us, giving us some of our most treasured photos and memories. Lo and behold, when it came it our wedding day, you can probably guess what happened. It rained and stormed, leaving us to scrap a year's worth of outdoor plans and move it indoor 24 hours before the ceremony. Again, I was being dramatic, but I definitely cried and unapologetically panic texted Shelley. Repeatedly. Like, I'm thinking, probably six texts in a row. And Shelley so kindly responded to all panic texts with kindness in the way only an Enneagram Type 1 can, words of affirmations, and promises that her and Portugal would take care of the rest. And, take care of the rest they did. I had not an absolute ounce of worry on the big day because they had it handled. How they are both photographers and certified meteorologists* (okay, not really, but they should be), is beyond me. The mud? Handled. My massive family portraits? HANDLED. Getting my husband and his groomsmen group to the venue site ON-TIME? Perfectly executed. I would considered having my money's worth with just those feats. But, instead, they were even more gracious and captured the most incredible wedding photos, including our split-second golden hour rays while we danced in the rain. Pretty full circle if you ask me. So, if you're still here- you need to book Shelley + Portugal for all your engagement/wedding needs. You won't regret it. Time will pass and it will be six months later and you'll still cry over your photos/videos. They might even come to Hilligan's with you post-BG wedding if you ask them. We love you and we like you, Shelley + Portugal. (Update: since our wedding photos, Shelley has been the only photographer we trust for family portraits. she gave us our final photos with our beloved dog, Johnny, before his passing and gave us our first few photos of our recent rescue, Gus. if my list for trusting people to capture my wedding was short, my list of people I trust to capture our dying dog for the last time is even fewer. they will be your photogs and friends for life. we still love you & like you, S & P.)”
