Patrick & Stephanie - Portland, OR

Patrick and Stephanie contacted me 2 short months before their wedding about photos/video. First of all, I LOVE a backyard wedding! There’s always something extra intimate and romantic about it. Secondly, I was inspired by how these two were making lemonade out of lemons when COVID destroyed all of their destination weddings plans in Hawaii. While they didn’t get to bring their loved ones to a tropical island, they brought the tropical island to their backyard in Portland, Oregon.

I think Steph and Patrick could attest, this was actually how it was meant to be. Their wedding day was PERFECT! It started with the good luck charm of rain drizzle, but ended with Kaulu pig, reggae music, and a sunset. Just like Hawaii. Twenty of their closest family and friends gathered to celebrate them, and it was a party! From the intimate ceremony and sharing of vows, to the entertaining toasts, to ending the night with good ole’ fashion karaoke - this “COVID'-19” wedding was one for the books!

While large weddings are fun, I’m not going to lie, I’m looking forward to this new trend of small, intimate celebrations. Stephanie and Patrick, thank you for including me in such an incredibly special day. I adore you guys and am excited to see what life has in store for you two!

Venue: Parent’s backyard (:

Florals: Brenna Burnett Florals
Catering: Noho’s Hawaiian Cafe
Hair: Kyla Whiting Hair Design

Makeup: Christina Braun
Wedding Dress: White Dress Bridal Boutique
Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulus

Nolan & Ricki - Aurora, OR

There are certain aspects of every wedding that standout—and Nolan and Ricki’s wedding day was a perfect reflection of how they are truly loved. Surrounded by their favorite people, I was fortunate to witness the joy of everyone as these two finally made their love story official. What began with squeals of excitement from Ricki’s bridesmaids as she put on her wedding dress; eventually ended with dripping sweat, exuberant faces, and dancing fools by the end of the night. This day was one for the ages!

I’m not going to lie, the vibes of this day were some I imagine for my own wedding—PNW ambience, evergreens and vineyards, mountains bordering the horizon, and an epic charcuterie board and photo bus during cocktail hour. Not to mention the tear jerking toasts at sunset to kickoff the reception. All of the stories and memories shared on this day made my heart melt. Nolan and Ricki, you truly are a love story written in the stars, and I loved hearing about the countless memories that your loved ones shared with both of you. I admire how much you love others. For example, both of you made sure everyone else was comfortable and having fun on YOUR wedding day. You guys are remarkable individuals that are unstoppable as a team. I look forward to what the future holds for you two. Thank you for including me in this special chapter of your love story.

Venue: Wilmes Hop Farm
Florals: Tim Hammerbeck and Mother of the Bride
Hair/Makeup: Brooke Narragon and Rachel Curry & Kelsey Best
Catering: Hula Boy
Cake/Desserts: Larson’s bakery
DJ: Rick Hall
Rentals: NW rentals
Wedding Gown: BHDN
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s bridal
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: men’s warehouse
Photobooth: Photo Bus of Portland

Joey & Whitney - Portland, OR

I've been friends with Whit and Joe for over 5 years. I have witnessed many of their ups and downs, documented their love (by making them model for me on several accounts), celebrated many birthdays with them, and have watched their flirty crushes develop into a deep, beautiful love over the years. 

What I love about Joey and Whitney is that they are a couple that truly brings out the best in one another, and in turn, brings so much joy to everyone else around them. Joey comes off a bit timid when you first meet him, but once you get to know him, he is funny as hell, down-to-earth, "life of the party" type of guy. Whitney is constantly outgoing, energetic, and friendly to those around her. She has the biggest heart, is encouraging and uplifting to others, and gives, gives, gives. She is a true light to those around her, and it is evident that Joey recognizes this. The way he looks at her like she is the only person in the entire room completely melts my heart. Together, they have a contagious type of charisma that people crave to be around.

Every moment of their wedding day was pure bliss. Whitney's bridesmaids were all rockstars who constantly made sure everything was flawless throughout the day. The Benson was the perfect venue and the staff were incredible - working hard to create the most magical setting. Their family had the most sentimental words for the newlyweds, and everyone toasted to their happiness,and danced the night away.

And....
THEY ARE EXPECTING!!! Whit and Joe found out shortly before their wedding day that they are expecting, and I couldn't be more thrilled for them! They are going to be such wonderful parents. During their reception, Whitney made the announcement to all of their friends and family that they have a baby on the way, and then surprised Joey by sharing that their cake cutting would actually be a gender reveal. The crowd went wild as they sliced into their wedding cake, revealing a bright, pretty, pink filling. There's not many things that could beat the excitement of that moment, but some of my other favorite moments of the day included: Whitney getting ready for her wedding day in the complete tranquility of their new, beautiful home that they just purchased as a couple. Whitney's bridesmaids enthusiastically watching their first look from the hotel window across the street. Joey seeing his bride for the first time on their wedding day. The venue coordinator giving Joey and Whitney a private moment to glimpse into their wedding reception room and Joey leading Whitney into a romantic slow dance. They were the only two in the room and the DJ turned on sounds of Billie Holiday in the background. I loved having Joey and Whitney to myself later on, shortly after they signed their marriage license, frolicking around the lit up night scene of downtown Portland. My last favorite moment of the day was watching Whitney, 10 weeks pregnant, round up the troops and lead everyone on the dance floor to "Wobble baby." Haha I love her!

Their wedding day was a true reflection of them as a couple, and every moment, start to finish, was truly so special! I admire their love, blessed to call them friends, and I am honored to have been a part of their wedding day. Whit and Joe- I can't thank you guys enough for choosing me to document this new chapter of your life, for including me in a huge part of your love story, and for your true friendship over the years. I adore the two of you together and am so excited to see all of the adventures and joy that God has in store for you, as a couple, and as a family!! Love you guys!
 

Venue: The Benson

Venue Planner: Danny Clougherty

Wedding Planner: Tatum from We Plan It, LLC

Florals: Crystal Lillie's Flowers by Kimberly

Hair/Makeup: Hannah Bennet & Shawna with LUX

Cake: Simply Sweets

DJ: Busta Move

Rentals: Barclay