You’re probably wondering what is going on in the title of this blog post. Oregon? Maryland? What? That’s right, I photographed an amazing small wedding in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon! This has been my favorite wedding to date. Kristina and Jim could not have planned a more perfect day! I apologize for this super long blog post, but I could NOT narrow it down.

I’ve known Kristina since we went to college together. When she asked me, “If I get engaged, will you shoot my wedding?” I only had one answer! YES! As time went on, we talked about a few different dates and even locations, but they finally settled on an April wedding in Oregon, in the beautiful Willamette Valley, just about 90 minutes South of Portland. As you might have guessed, it was a little rainy on that April day, but I’ve never been anywhere so beautiful as the J Wrigley Vineyards! I think it was more lovely FOR the rain!

Kristina and Jim planned a small, intimate wedding with about 30 of their closest family and friends. Every detail was perfectly simple. The flowers and decor were exactly what the venue called for. Jim wore his Coast Guard dress whites, and Kristina was stunning in an elegant lace gown.  Their first look was pretty much perfect as far as first looks go, even if we did have to move it indoors due to a sudden downpour. I think the first look is becoming my favorite part of the wedding day, and strongly encourage all couples to consider it! It is a moment that words simply cannot capture. And it isn’t rushed. It can be as private or public as you like – though most couples opt to be alone or with just their closest loved ones present. Recently, I’ve seen couples getting more creative with their first looks, too! Just another way to make your wedding day totally personal!

Can we just talk about these rain boots for a second? THEY ARE SO MUCH FUN! I was so glad Kristina brought them along! I knew the moment I saw them, we were going to incorporate them into the formal bridals. And as luck would have it, the rain let up for about 30 minutes, and we were able to get out into some amazing light with stunning views for the bridals!

Kristina and Jim wrote their own vows, and let me tell you – there was not a dry eye in the house. (Including my own. I shared a knowing look with Jody of J Wrigley Vineyards, and saw a little tear there as well!) These two are such amazing complements to one another, and their happiness and love was evident in every word they each wrote (Kristina even wrote her vows on engineering paper!)

Thank you, Kristina and Jim, for inviting me to capture and share this amazing day for you! I’m not kidding when I say it was the most perfect wedding I’ve ever attended! As you know, I also fell in love with Portland, and cannot wait to get back there.  May you both enjoy many years of happiness, love, and adventure.

And one more “Thank you” to Jody, who was so sweet, helpful, and fun! I will never forget location scouting in the rain or riding the all terrain vehicle with the bride and groom. Can’t wait to see you again! (P.S. J Wrigley wines are easily the best I’ve ever had!!)