About Us

Image courtesy of
Joe Cadiente. Used
with permission.

A little about Patricia

Patricia bought her first camera at age thirteen and hasn’t put it down since. She excelled in photography courses during high school and continues to take ongoing education classes to refine her skills. She has always enjoyed photographing family events as well as the natural beauty of Washington State.

Her composition style is varied and artistic, she notices small details, but can also compose large group portraits.

The opportunity to turn a hobby she loved into a career has been a dream come true. She believes that there is nothing more beautiful than capturing a couple in love on one of the happiest days in their lives together.

A little about Joel

Joel has had a camera in his hand since he was 9 years old, although to start with it was a video camera. Due to some unique opportunities presented to him, at the age of 15 he began working hand-in-hand with professionals in the industry doing both studio and on-location documentary video shoots.

He has also worked as the DP (director of photography) on a small budget feature-length independent movie ("Capitol Offense") that won first place in its category at the Palm Springs international film festival.

He has since hung up his video production hat, and now prefers to use professional still-frame cameras. Not to worry though, most of his training and experience still applies. Quickly framing a shot, optics and lenses, shot composition (rule of thirds, leading lines, repetition), utilizing depth of field, exposure control, lighting, cinematographic techniques, and telling a compelling story with visuals. The big difference is that now, instead of having a full 5, 15, or 30 minutes to get the point across - he has exactly one frame to capture and present the same level of emotion. It's challenging yes, but he feels fortunate that he get to do what he loves, and share the joy with others at the same time!

Joel brings an eye for "technical details" to the team, which creates excellent style balance with the artistic style of his wife Patricia.

Why we chose our business name

Many of our customers have asked us what “Illusion of Grandeur” means, so we figured we should share it with all of the visitors to our website. Every little girl is a princess, and never is that more apparent than on one of the happiest days in her life; her wedding day.

You have probably fantasized about all of the details of your wedding day for as long as you can remember, and now it is our job to capture the fantasy as it unfolds into reality. From the tear that your mom sheds as she helps you put your veil on, to the last dance of the night with your new husband, your photos will show the beauty and the grandeur of your wedding day.

Every bride is stunning and every groom is handsome, our photos will capture the magic that radiates from you on one of the most amazing days in your journey together as husband and wife, our photos will make you look as incredible as you feel.