ShTara Manzano

When it comes to weddings and elopements in this era, there are so many vendors and expenses that fall into your lap. I am a huge supporter of hiring local business owners, but sometimes that's out of budget. Luck for you, I have had to put together a bouquet and boutonniere a handful of times as an elopement photographer. Here are my favorite places to find florals around the greater Portland area and all the things you'll need to put together a stunning floral arrangement for your wedding/elopement!

Elopement dress that are built for the birthplace of eloping! These dresses are fun, unique, quirky, elegant and anything but normal. I believe if you are eloping in Vegas, you want a little party in your life. These dresses, jumpsuits and accessories will help your bring the party!

Bridal shops in Portland that have amazing reviews and some that benefit amazing causes. I've included a few shops that are Portland and/or PNW based as well. It's always good to support your local businesses! These bridal boutiques have dresses in a wide price range, offer many styles and have extended sizing. You're sure to find exactly what you are looking for at one of these boutiques!

Elopements are here to stay and there is so much to love about them. What I love most as a photographer is seeing couples taking back the power on their day and doing what they want to do. So, I have put together this list of stellar dresses that are elopement worthy AND $500 & under!

Planning a fall engagement? Not quite sure what to wear? Well, you've come to the right place babe. I have pulled some of my favorite items from all across the interwebs for some outfit inspiration.

Winter engagement photoshoots are just around the corner and I am here to help you enter your session with confidence. I have pulled some of my favorite pieces out there for winter engagements. I firmly believe in buying pieces for your photoshoot that you will want to wear over and over again, so the prices of thes items vary quite drastically.

If you got engaged this winter, CONGRATS to you and your partner! Now that the reality of your engagement has set in, you might be planning for a lovely spring engagement photoshoot. Have no fear, I've got you covered! Below, you'll find a list of dresses, tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories that you can throw together and make the perfect spring engagement outfit

I have lived in the Portland area for a little over 10 years now. In the last year, I have been opting to spend more time in the downtown area. This is the first time I have really taken a moment to explore what the city has to offer. Portland is a great hub for food and wild entertainment!

We all have out go-to things that we grab when we are on our way out the door on a grand adventure. Whether it's your tried and true chapstick or that bag that has been toured the world with you, we all have these things we can't live without. I figured, since I love these things so much, maybe one of you would find something you loved too!

Okay, when it comes to buying basic articles of clothing, I am looking for the shit that is going to last! I want to buy something that can stand being worn a few times a week and is offered in many colors!

Here are some of my favorite skincare products I use that leave my face looking stunning. I literally like, never wear makeup anymore since rotating these bad boys into my skincare routine!

If you are an ADHD babe like yours truly, you know what it is like to hyper-fixate on hobbies. It can be a rush finding something that you are super interested in and just going with the flow. So, I have put together a collection of my favorite hobbies that I have tried and that stuck with me the longest.

As a thick and voluptuous girly, I can sympathize with the struggle of finding cute clothing that finds your body right and makes you feel good. I have scoured come of my favorite clothing companies to bring you a lovely list full of a ton of plus sized spring pieces for your wardrobe!

Etsy is a lawless land and I am living in it, just riding the vibes and swooning over everything. So, here is a random list of things I searched for in Etsy during these first few months of 2024. Enjoy my ADHD searches and all the cool things I found becuase I fell down a deep, dark rabbit hole

I have started reading more this month and with that, has come the need/want for random bookish things. If you are in the same boat I am, here are some cool finds from Etsy to make reading that much more relaxing.

My dog lovers! Etsy has once again sucked me in and this time all I could think about was my sweet lil pup. From cute lil bandanas to poop loops, this list has all the fun, yet functional things us dog parents love.

Hiking around Portland, Oregon (North West Oregon) in the spring is a magical time! The wildflowers begin to bloom, waterfalls begin to flow a little heavier with the weather warming up and the coast becomes enjoyable again. Here are some of our favorite places to go with our pup when we need to take a hike!

Seeing as I am from the PNW I love me a good hike. There are so many different items that I have learned to keep on me over the years and clothing that I have learned I like. Also, finding items you love as a plus sized girly can be a challenge. I have put all my hiking essentials together so you can thumb through and, hopefully, find something that you love.

Now that the sun is starting to emerge, there are so many fun date night ideas that open up. With the weather starting to turn, the flowers beginning to bloom and farmers markets starting to open, here are a few spring date night ideas for you lovers out there!