Wedding Services NW

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Letha J

Stu and I loved our photos. The price was the best. We got 10 times more too of everything. A lot for no extra cost. On-line proofs and big photo downloading, slide shows, 3 albums, all the legal rights to our pictures and a few things we didn't expect. Stu didn't really like the pictures with him smiling, BUT I DO ! Nice to see the soft side too. He did appreciate you did some TOUGH pictures too. I just won't print them. hehe I recommend Mel and Jane, Absolutely Only Photography because you will get as good or better quality and packages than any body else, even the big names for a lot less money. Our only regret is we didn't book them for longer and a bigger package.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Maggie

Our favorite photo was the 1st bride/groom viewing each other before the ceremony; but they also got Tom's first sight of me during the ceremony (a real bonus). One photo is unfair because we wanted photo-journalist style, and got over 1,000 photos; but also received all in colour too. We also got more than contracted photos of traditional and formal. His posing was classic, but then did some unusally creative, almost avant-guarde styles. We also liked the Abbey Road walking across the street with my bridesmaids. Tom also liked his and his guys version too... They were part of our day telling us whenever needed to just look around and they would be there. They were very professional and followed our guidelines and flow of the day without any disruption. My family was disruptive with their taken photos however and they went with the flow. Maybe that's why they liked them too, and after 10 hrs that is saying a lot. We got several 8x11 flush mount albums, just getting them today and all I can say is THANK YOU.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Linda and Todd

Our ceremony was perfect. We wanted some special parts to be included. Todd and I also appreciated Mel helping us come up with our vows that spoke to us in a special way. We wanted a sentimental, yet at times humorous ceremony to involve everybody. Our wedding was in March and our friends and family still tell us how wonderful it was. A big part was Reverend Mel.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Cynthia S

Our photographer said no wedding went without a hitch, so just let it go by and enjoy the day. It rained and there was lightning, our caterer was late and a few other things went wrong, BUT Mel's advice was "right on". Planning an outdoor March wedding probably wasn't the best idea, but Sam was going overseas in the military. Absolutely Only on-line service is a great bonus for us because he HAS HIS ALBUM even over in Iraq. We only focused on the positives as he advised and had a blast anyway. Our photos reflected our day and a certain picture of the storm clouds as a back drop was beautiful. The group pictures were traditional, but we also had some unusual and "different" styles we liked. They are much more than great wedding photographers who work with your budget, but good people too. Thank you for sending Sam a "care package" overseas too. He really appreciated the sunscreen and lip balm, not to mention the gift picture of us.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by CMM

It is so hard for either my husband or myself to pick a favorite from our pictures! They were all so wonderful! I think we favor one with us in the grass. I was laying on top of him with my elbow on his chest and he looked like he was asleep. Mel did such an amazing job with the effects and it's a stunning b/w with my bouquet in color!!! So many of our family members are hard to get good pictures of. Mel was such an amazing photographer that we now have at least one amazing "haha we got your picture and you didn't know it" shot of each member in the family. He simply blended in as "Uncle Mel" and was like one of the family. Everyone really enjoyed meeting him and we truly felt he was our guest rather than a vendor. As for action shots, we didn't stop moving very much that day but there are so many wonderful shots of my husband and I dancing and everyone mingling and having a wonderful time. I could not believe the AMAZING deal we got for the price we paid!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Connie T

We just got our albums and prints, DVD slide shows, and DVDs with our pictures from our June wedding. We are so appreciative of having Absolutely Only do our wedding. They made it natural and comfortable plus the pictures are great. About 300 are magnificent, especially the special effects and the couple pictures, and the traditional poses are very good, but the different posing for some of those were terrific and very creative. At first we really didn't know what they would look like because the poses seemed king of weird, we are glad we did them. We also got over 600 candids (we wanted a lot) of everything going on during the day. We booked them for my mom and dad's 30th anniversary party and saying their vows again. Thank you Mel so very much. You were a bargain in so many ways. You need to charge a lot more, but not until my parents party. TEN+ stars and A+++

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Angela and Ty

We got our DVDs, slide shows from our Wedding in Cannon Beach about 2 weeks ago and now have our prints and albums. WOW. Absolutely beautiful. Wished we had engaged them for more time because the beach pictures are the best but our budget was restricted but we had to have professional pictures but did get 8 hours (other photographers wanted twice as much); some serious and some not traditional pictures. Our family is already downloading for free what they want from on line and are also WOWing and still can't believe we got as many pictures. Sure saved me a lot of time. We will recommend him to all our friends!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Jill and Bob

We just ran across Absolutely Only on line about 3 weeks ago. He had done my sister's wedding 3 years ago, and I was the best man, Jill was one of Susie's maids. We had forgotten his business name, but Susan reminded us and needed to say something here. We just booked Absolutely Only for next year, even though he was booked on one our dates already we were thinking about, we wanted them, so we choose the other date he was available. We don't even have our reception site picked out yet. Why? We loved Susan's pictures and the creativity of his work so much, and even the pictures of me and Jill are great (we weren't even the focus of attention). His packages were and are the best. And if his work is HALF as good as Susan's we will be happen with them. The on-line is fairly new, and we are really excited about that, but even after 3 years, because they didn't have it then, he gave that to my sister as a gift last week. Thank you for that! Absolutely Only deserves more stars than I can give here.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Catherine J and Derrik

We hired Absolutely Only for our engagement pictures and thought we were going to have a small wedding so we didn't hire him for our wedding. The engagement photos of us were what we wanted, we were very happy with his creative rendering of our pictures and cost, and his other free services. A month went by, hen we decided to hire them for our wedding and reception because our families was upset we weren't having a big celebration and all the frills. But Absolutely Only had already booked our date, and a 2nd option date, and we couldn't get Absolutely Only for our wedding. To make a long story short, we hired another wedding photographer, almost twice as expensive [because of their name], and were very disappointed, charged us $45 for ONE 8x10, and $15 for 5x7 with no sense of anything but what he wanted to take pictures and poses, forget what we wanted. My suggestion: hire Absolutely Only Wedding Photography. Don't make the same mistake I did.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Tam O

We had our engagement pictures in January and in May wedding/reception by Absolutely Only Wedding photography. Everything promised was completed and more ! All the special pictures were more than we had dreamed. All I can say is A+, reasonable rates and more than fair when compared with other wedding photographers. We had a band and they really didn't know how to MC, Mel is also "Big Mo" a DJ service, and he MC'd for free to help us out. Great presence. He made our event better just by being there, and after with the pictures. Very good guy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Jim and Jennie

Everything and more was satisfied on our contract. We loved over 900 pictures of the 1100, and liked the rest. We espesically liked the ceremony pictures and the different styles done for our traditional pictures, not "just" the standard ones you see, but we got those too. The best part is we own all the rights to our images and their on-line proof and downloading is amazing; saving us a lot of money. He said we would get more for less money... He should say "much more" for a lot less money". He worked with our budget and we were able to get everything and more. DVDs will all our pictures, full rights for printing, many albums, slide shows. We also appreciated his easy going manner, but keeping us on track. The time just flies by. We checked out over 10 other photographers before hiring Absolutely Only... nobody came close to cost, and after we got our pictures, the quality too. Not liking stars, we would rather give 2 thumbs up, WAY UP. I could have saved a lot time seeing them 1st...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Sara D

We went with their GOLD+ package and added 2 extra hours, and when compared with anybody else's, there was no comparison. Price better and more features, and free extras. Great pictures on DVD over 800 color, and many more special effects. Then surprised us with all of them in black and white, or antiques too. We also got 2 albums which we were able to choose our pictures. I have never thought I was pretty because I am real "curvy", their pictures made me gorgeous and beautiful bride. And makes me feel different in a good way, about myself now. I am pretty. I was worried about a certain body feature, and he respected that. We can get our prints anywhere because we own them. We didn't take their advice and got more pictures that what they gave us with the package at another processor here, and BOY, the difference in quality of print was very different. They told us we would be disappointed doing local prints... his was less expensive and coated, I also think thicker. Take their advice. Honest and friendly photographers that made our day as fun as possible. We really like the on-line proofs, and private link to send to family and friends so we don't have to be bothered getting pictures. They can get the ones they want, any size. If you need a wonderful photographer, we whole heartedly recommend Mel of Absolutely Only.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Jackie and Tim

We saw Absolutely Only Photography at the bridal show in 2008 in Vancouver, but our wedding date was 16 months later in March 2010. They were open and excited to WHAT WE WANTED for our wedding. We were surprised with their rates because they were about 30% less on the front end, and with all the no extra cost services offered that other charged for they were about 40-50% less... And from what I could see and have seen with our final DVDs and prints perhaps even better than those who charged twice or 3 times as much. Our photos were fantastic and with the rights to our pictures we opted for the on-line services they recommended and again saved some money with a great product. They promised us 40 pictures per hour minimum, but we got over 1,200 in 6 hrs. You do the math. Plus slide shows and several collages as an added gift. We were a little concerned because half our guests were Chinese, and they didn't speak Chinese, but everybody seemed to understand each other fine. We were after, during and before. Some of my family was from Hong Kong and they could easily get their pictures they wanted from his on-line download site. We recommend this company big time!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by DeLorean Meg

Well, we went with his Platinum because we need 2 photographers, 3 hrs each one day and 2 photographers for 5 hrs on our wedding day. They also did our bridesmaid's "party", and engagement pictures and wedding day. Everything promised was wonderfully done. We especially liked the ring in bouquet and rings on my shoes pictures. Hank (Henry) loved the groomsmen jumping sequence. I loved my ceremony pictures, so real unusual, some traditional. BIG hugs to Mel and his 2nd photographer. So many memories! Absolutely gorgeous albums. fun slide shows and OMG prints. Check them out, for sure, if you want GREAT wedding photographers and memories of your day.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Yaz and Karen

All good and better. The wedding was our 2nd experience with this photographer. He also did my sister's graduation photos... made her look like a teen movie star. Our wedding was a bit strange with our theme and were concerned with him not looking the part in our theme... he actually came dressed as we asked to blend in. We hardly knew he was there and took great wedding and reception pictures, actually too many to chose from. It took us FOREVER to pick the pictures for our wedding album. Absolutely Only Photography gives you 1000%. We read the other reviews and all the same with us. You are wasting your money with someone else... you get everything including creative pictures (we really like the "Abby Road, barefoot, walking across the street" and "on the railroad tracks" artsy ones). The formals are that "formals", but we REALLY liked the requested and not requested different than usual pictures. We have recommended these guys already. You can't beat them and what they do. Our wedding was on the coast, not even a travel charge. Check out the on-line piece of the package (FREE too) terrific.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Mike and Katie

We searched and searched for the right photographer that we could afford and that we liked. They have fun with their art and made it fun for us too. We went to 4 different locations for our engagement photos (The falls, the grotto, Peninsula Park and Tom McCoy Park). Very creative pictures. For our wedding we received wonderful memories and that Absolutely Only for a relaxed comfortable session during our wedding. Over 1,000 pictures, DVD and the rights to them, our albums etc. "The price was more than right". "They were personable and friendly, not pushy. Photography was fantastic. Katie says "hi".

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Mary

WOW, nice reviews. I can't add much more except DITTO to the service, we even received some "gifts" extra without contacting for it. My one regret is we should have upgraded our package for more time even though Mel and Jane got all the pictures (shots) we wanted and more. Just we thought of more after they left... Bob will shoot me for this but I wish I could say "Next time I will know!" I wanted to say that I was most impressed with making me look 10 years younger (I am an "older" bride, ok 41", and 1st and last marriage) and the special effects making some pictures make it seem like a "dream". We were on too tight a budget, but the internet downloading and rites to our pictures is fantastic. Thank you Absolutely Only!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Melony J

On New Years night we had our wedding. 1st Absolutely Only did not gouge us on price because it was New Years, he charged his regular rates. We appreciated that. And his regular rates beat everyone else's regular rates by a big margin. 2nd We have so many pictures, it is hard to chose the ones we liked the best. He was there early and left late. We really wanted getting ready pictures and he did both "the girls" and "the boys", doing a nice job. 3rd Our wedding pictures, before, during and the 1/2 hour after for our personal pictures (just me and Tony) were very good. We even have a 20x36 made for our living room it was so nice. everybody say "wow" when they see it. I really liked his packages especially owning our pictures AND being able to give family a link to be able to get pictures from the internet. 4th We really wanted the traditional pictures BUT really wanted "something different" too, they did that for us too. We wanted that for our "memory book" of the day. I have recommended them to two others already, and can think of nobody else I would recommend. The whole experience was wonderful. I never saw my mom giggle so much during the event especially when having her pictures done.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Amazing Special effects and Intimate Portraits PLUS

We have limited professional wedding photographers here in Olympia, and they were pricey. We contacted Absolutely Only in Portland and their rates were the best (and no travel cost either); but we also liked his work. We wanted mostly photo-journalist style at first, but they offered all styles. We were happy we did. Their special effects are amazing, and we got all the originals too. So many candids, we were shocked. They also converted all the originals to black and white, so we ended up with 600+ regular color, all of them in black and white/sepia tone too... plus about 300 special effects. Over 1500 pictures in 6 hours. We couldn't have asked for more... We also own all the rights to our pictures on DVD, got DVD slide shows, several albums. Because we don't know computers very well, they also gave all of them in email size too. Also got a FREE on-line site so my family can download any picture they want, or even order it. 10 stars!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Chrissy and Joel

Rev Mel did our ceremony exactly like we wanted. We had trouble finding someone who would. We didn't have any idea about our vows but had an idea of how we wanted the ceremonies and wanted vows to fit our personalities and beliefs. Rev Mel sent us many samples and we changed them to make them our own. He also suggested special ceremonies within the ceremony to make our mothers feel special and included and a special part that included our heritage. I know my grand mother was joking, but she said "That minister sounded like Moses, with a twinkle in his eye", maybe she was not joking.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Jim and Jennie

Everything and more was satisfied on our contract. We loved over 900 pictures of the 1100, and liked the rest. We especially liked the ceremony pictures and the different styles done for our traditional pictures, not "just" the standard ones you see, but we got those too. The best part is we own all the rights to our images and their on-line proof and downloading is amazing; saving us a lot of money. He said we would get more for less money... He should say "much more" for a lot less money". He worked with our budget and we were able to get everything and more. DVDs will all our pictures, full rights for printing, many albums, slide shows. We also appreciated his easy going manner, but keeping us on track. The time just flies by. We checked out over 10 other photographers before hiring Absolutely Only and nobody came close to cost, and after we got our pictures, the quality too. Not liking stars, we would rather give 2 thumbs up, WAY UP. I could have saved a lot time seeing them 1st !

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Jackie T

Absolutely Only not only gave us all our original images; I think about 800, and rights to them, the also did many special effects in addition to the special effects, with several collages. Honestly we liked many and loved some, but not some others AT FIRST. Mel had said this we consulted that "I do a lot of new things with special effects and traditional special effects" and "if you don't like them, you have them but don't print them. And you may like or even come to love them, later on." He was absolutely right: after a month, we actually liked several that were very "out of the box" as he called it. We have since used them for another event, again FANTASTIC PICTURES. His cost is the best, and you get the best. Other people mention gifts, we got some too... Mel and Jane gave us 150+ %, yes 6 + stars.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Gloria Garcia

We picked Absolutely Only because of his packages AND that we would get all the rights to our pictures, and be able to print ourselves with whoever, saving us a ton of money. We went with their Gold Package because of the time and wanted the albums, and slide shows, and prints. He offered us websites where we could get professional prints at the regular cost. We were impressed with him and his wife, nice social and "not in your face" type of photographers, not pushy, but did keep us on track because we wanted several special pictures that required timing of the sunset. We received over 600 pictures on DVD, slide shows, several flush mount albums, and pictures in black and white AND many special effects, and several prints at no extra cost. We also liked his choice of processors; great price and only 7 day turn around. He also gave us 2 surprise gifts we did not expect.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Ilene Wallace

We had so many great pictures that it is impossible to choose a favorite! I love the picture he took during the ceremony of our kiss. He was able to capture several shots at different angles and they turned out beautifully! Also when we were having our first dance, he took some very romantic shots as well. Mel was not disruptive at all! Most of the time at weddings, you can see the photographer getting in front of people or stepping up very close to the bride and groom, but we didn't have to deal with anything like that at all. Mel was very good at getting close ups without being right in our faces or in people's way. He had some great creative ideas for some fantastic shots and just did a fabulous job all around. When people look at our wedding album, they always compliment us on how gorgeous our photos are! We could not be happier! We received all of our pictures, including the rights to them!! This was a VERY valuable deal for us, since we wanted to print so many of them for our families. He also made us hardcover books that have many beautiful shots in them. We were given several copies of a slide show that HE put together for us that included music from our wedding!! He made us feel comfortable by not bossing us around like some other photographers do. He would make suggestions and really LISTEN to what we wanted. My husband and I LOVE our pictures and we will treasure them always! Thank you, Mel for doing such a great job!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Terry Jonas

When Mel met with us he told us we must be comfortable with rate, like his style and personality and trust them to get the best. We wanted 2 photographers for 10 hrs, but after a discussion it was decided 4 for one and 3 for the other would be MORE than enough which actually cost us less... and they were right. The day was comfortable shooting everything we wanted. We received more than we could have ever expected (plus stuff not even on the contract). The best is every package we owned all the rights to our pictures and could use an print processor we wanted. We went with his recommendations because they were less expensive and better quality that local printers... another plus. We paid about 20% less than the next least expensive photographer and over 60% from the most expensive. He is an artist giving us many special effects we've never seen before, and we still got all of our originals and extras on DVD too. His pass worded on-line (free too) services are fantastic and saved us money because friends and family can download pictures they want and print them without an up charge. How he got my husband to smile so much is a mystery to me...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Lynne Perry

We've hired Mel twice: first as mother of the bride(Tabitha) and then 3y later to do family portraits and candid shots. Mel is very personable and open, never directive or annoyingly intrusive. We liked his work so much that we had him do family portraits this Father's Day to include my 91y mother. I am looking forward to printing many of these and they absolutely wonderful both the candids and the formal shots. He captures the important moments beautifully. Mel did a very creative modification to a shot of our daughter and new husband that he converted to black and white with a hazy effect and the wedding candle lit. when I think of that lovely day this shot in particular comes to mind . It was ethereal and romantic. Mel was present but never intrusive. He took shots we requested and offered some really fun suggestions, i.e. one of the guys in the wedding party's hands. They had all gotten manicures along with the ladies. He made getting pictures taken fun and not a chore. Since most of us are very comfortable with digital photos, Mel's method of doing the digital work with creativity and tons of shots that he provided both on-line and in DVD format was ideal for us. He does not do prints but did steer us towards services that did. He was immensely affordable but remarkably talented.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Scott Sichley

My part for the wedding of my daughter on August 26th was to find a photographer. A friend has a wedding venue and gave me the website of Mel O'Brien ( Absolutelyonly ). I wanted a total professional so that my daughter's special day would be captured through photos with high quality for a lasting memory of this day. Also because "Dad" was paying for the photographer! From my first phone conversation with Mel, I knew that I had found the perfect photographer for my baby daughters wedding. They were polite to all family and friends and you will be amazed at the quality of your photos! I had one particular photo blown up to poster size to give to my daughter and her husband, there was no quality loss even after having a poster made! It was difficult at times to get some of our wedding party gathered to take some of the shots but Mel managed to somehow make it all happen throughout the wedding. I now fully understand that choosing a professional photographer is not just having someone that can press the shutter button. Absolutely Only Wedding Photography are truly good people and will capture your wedding day with a capitol "P" on Professional! Thank you so much Mel ! I will be calling you for a few more duplicates soon! Scott Sr.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Denise Lancaster

Mel is wonderful, he was amazing at our wedding. He got every shot we wanted and then some. He even got shots of our middle daughter smiling which hasn't happened since she was two. His prices were the best out there, and you own your own shots. I can't say enough good things about him. He is the only photographer we will ever use.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Carina M.

Mel did such an amazing job with the effects and it's a stunning b/w with my bouquet in color!!! So many of our family members are hard to get good pictures of. Mel was such an amazing photographer that we now have at least one amazing "ha-ha we got your picture and you didn't know it" shot of each member in the family. He simply blended in as "Uncle Mel" and was like one of the family. Everyone really enjoyed meeting him and we truly felt he was our guest rather than a vendor. As for action shots, we didn't stop moving very much that day but there are so many wonderful shots of my husband and I dancing and everyone mingling and having a wonderful time. I could not believe the AMAZING deal we got for the price we paid!! Most photographers are stingy and WAY over priced. Not only was the price far cheaper than any other wedding photographer and was custom made to our budget, we got more than we could've imagined: Rehearsal Photo Shoot; several hours of photography; HUNDREDS of shots; copies of all the proofs; NO COPY RIGHT, we own all the rights to our pictures. !!!; DVD Slide Show; CD of all images in full, web, and email size formats; photo books; and so much more......not to mention the priceless gift of going from the stress of trying to plan and survive my wedding to finding a photographer that was in my budget price wise and was such a joy to work with that everyone (including my husband and myself) felt was a great family friend! I could never say enough how much we enjoyed working with Mel and Absolutely Only. My family still to this day comments on how much fun the photo shoots were, how amazing the pictures turned out, and how we couldn't have found a better photographer to capture and share the biggest day of my life!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars by Tabitha P.

1st - In our book Mel gets 6 out of 5 stars! 2nd - I'd been told by many friends that a photographer can make or break the entire event, Mel definitely made our wedding very special! 3rd - Photographers are expensive, yet Mel's prices are reasonable, not outrageous like most others. Could he really be that good? YES!! Our Experience with Mel: When we sat down with Mel to discuss what he offers and what we wanted, we learned that he is a man with a passion for what he does. He gets to know his clients, he learns who they are. Yes, he has a standard contract (to protect himself and you, the client) and forms for what photos you want but he puts the personal effort into learning about you. On the day of the wedding he was early, stayed late and did a job exceeding our expectations. He melded in with our family and friends so well he captured wonderful candids and some great posed shots. He captured shots on the list and not on the list, getting shots I hadn't been able to put on paper in words. Best of all, all these photos are ours, we didn't have to pick and choose to fit a package that we could afford, instead they all belong to us and, with his guidance of quality photo print sites, we are able to print the pictures we want, when we want them. Yes, Mel deserves 6 out of 5 stars!