A Beautiful Lakeside Wedding at Portland’s Lakeside GardensAs a wedding photographer, there are few venues as stunning as Lakeside Gardens in Portland, Oregon. Nestled by a serene lake with lush gardens surrounding it, this location provides the perfect blend of natural beauty and elegance. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing a couple’s unforgettable day here, and it truly reaffirmed why it’s one of Portland’s most sought-after wedding venues. From the intimate lakeside ceremony to the vibrant garden reception, every detail was perfectly set against the backdrop of cascading trees and reflective waters. As a Portland wedding photographer, it's moments like these that remind me why I love what I do — telling a couple’s story through authentic, timeless images. ![]() The day began with an emotional first look by the water, where the couple exchanged a vows joined by their friends and family for the ceremony. The soft sunlight filtering through the trees created a magical glow, and I was able to capture breathtaking portraits of the couple along the water’s edge. After the ceremony, we wandered through the gardens for a relaxed, yet incredibly romantic photo session that included lush greenery and pops of color from the blooming flowers. I always make it a priority to make my couples feel at ease, so the photo session was full of natural moments and laughter, which translated into authentic and stunning images. If you're planning a wedding at Lakeside Gardens or any other venue in the Portland area, I’d love to help you capture your special day. As a professional wedding photographer, I understand how important it is to preserve the magic of your wedding day in a way that feels genuine and timeless. With my attention to detail and commitment to providing exceptional service, I’ll work closely with you to ensure your photos reflect the joy, love, and beauty of your celebration. Let’s connect and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Click here to inquire! K&J's Engagement Session at Peninsula Park Rose GardenThis past June, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing K&J's engagement session at the breathtaking Peninsula Park Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. The garden was in full bloom, with vibrant roses in every shade imaginable, making it the perfect backdrop for these two lovebirds. The soft, golden light of the evening illuminated the flowers, creating a dreamy atmosphere that set the tone for a fun and relaxed session. K&J were a total blast to work with! From the moment we met, their chemistry was undeniable, and they brought so much joy and energy to the shoot. They laughed, danced, and just soaked in every moment of their engagement experience, making my job so much fun. It's always a dream to work with couples who are comfortable in front of the camera and aren't afraid to show off their personalities. Whether we were snapping photos amongst the roses or strolling through the park's iconic fountain area, their love and excitement for the future truly shone through. ![]() Capturing this session reminded me of why I love what I do. Every couple is unique, and I am so lucky to be able to document these special moments for them. If you’re looking for a photographer who will help you feel comfortable, have fun, and create beautiful memories from your engagement session to your wedding day, I’d love to hear from you! Let's make your vision come to life—reach out to me through my Inquire Page and let’s chat about your upcoming wedding. I can’t wait to capture your love story! Kris and Aloe’s wedding at the stunning Four Directions Retreat in Rainier, Oregon, was a beautiful celebration of love set against a breathtaking backdrop of nature. Nestled among towering trees and surrounded by the serene atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest, this intimate venue offered the perfect setting for their special day. The couple chose to make their wedding even more memorable by inviting their guests to camp on-site, creating a relaxed, cozy vibe that allowed everyone to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. As a wedding photographer, I had the privilege of capturing every moment of this magical day, One of the most unique aspects of Kris and Aloe's wedding was the fact that all the guests were able to camp on-site, adding a touch of adventure and connection to the festivities. The Four Directions Retreat is known for its spacious grounds, which were perfect for pitching tents and enjoying the full camping experience. The sense of community and closeness created by this setting made the event feel even more personal and special. Guests shared meals, explored the grounds, and celebrated together, all while surrounded by nature’s peaceful embrace. As a photographer, I loved capturing the candid moments of laughter and connection that unfolded throughout the weekend. Another standout feature of Kris and Aloe's wedding was their decision to welcome pets into the celebration. Many of their guests brought their dogs along, making the day even more fun and relaxed. As a dog lover and wedding photographer, it was heartwarming to see the couples and families with their furry friends by their sides, adding to the joyous atmosphere. The dogs were a perfect addition to the day, playing and roaming the grounds with as much excitement and enthusiasm as the guests. As a wedding photographer, being able to capture moments of guests interacting with their dogs made the photos feel even more personal and meaningful, ensuring that every special detail was remembered. If you’re a newly engaged couple looking for a wedding photographer who specializes in capturing unique and intimate celebrations, I’d love to help you create stunning memories just like Kris and Aloe’s. Whether you’re planning a rustic outdoor wedding, an adventure-filled celebration, or a dog-friendly ceremony, I specialize in telling your love story in the most authentic and heartfelt way possible. Reach out to me to learn more about how we can make your wedding day unforgettable, and let’s make your vision come to life with photos that truly reflect the love, joy, and connection of your special day.
Winter weddings have a unique charm, and D&K's stunning celebration at The Abernathy Center in Oregon City, Oregon, was no exception. The couple’s ceremony took place in The Abernathy Center’s beautiful indoor space, where warm candlelight and soft music set the tone for an emotional, heartfelt exchange of vows. With its high ceilings and large windows, the venue allowed guests to enjoy both the indoor comfort and the winter scenery outside. After the ceremony, the celebration moved to the ballroom, where D&K shared their first dance beneath a canopy of string lights, creating a fairytale atmosphere that guests will never forget. The Abernathy Center’s team of wedding professionals helped bring the couple’s vision to life, from exquisite floral arrangements to impeccable catering, ensuring every moment went off without a hitch. Winter weddings at The Abernathy Center offer couples the opportunity to celebrate love in a breathtaking setting, surrounded by the beauty of Oregon City’s natural landscape. For couples like D&K who are looking for a venue that provides both elegance and charm, The Abernathy Center is the perfect choice. With its ability to blend classic romance with the magic of winter, it’s no wonder why this venue is a favorite for couples seeking an unforgettable winter wedding experience. If you're dreaming of a winter wedding that’s as beautiful and unique as your love story, The Abernathy Center in Oregon City could be the perfect place to start your forever.
I had the honor of photographing a beautiful wedding at The Evergreen in Portland on a rainy day, and instead of dampening the celebration, the weather added a unique, intimate charm to the event. The Evergreen, with its rustic elegance and natural light filtering through large windows, became even more enchanting as the rain softly pattered against the glass, creating a cozy, dreamlike atmosphere. The ceremony was nothing short of perfect. The couple exchanged vows under an arch adorned with greenery, and the soft lighting We stepped outside for a few portraits, where the couple walked hand-in-hand under umbrellas, the misty Portland backdrop making for some of my favorite photos. The rain became part of their story, symbolizing the beauty in embracing the unpredictable nature of life and love. The reflections on the wet pavement and the soft, overcast light made for romantic, timeless images that will stay with them forever.
As the celebration continued into the evening, The Evergreen’s charm shone through—its vintage touches and luxurious details providing the perfect backdrop for laughter, dancing, and heartfelt speeches. The rain outside only made the venue feel warmer and more inviting, and the couple’s joy was undiminished. It was a beautiful reminder that whether the sun shines or the rain falls, it’s the love shared on that day that truly makes it unforgettable. |
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![]() Author: ELLE JAMES
SITE DIRECTORYGalleries![]() Wedding & Portrait Photography
Portland, Or *has camera, WILL TRAVEL* for booking: 714.504.6559 [email protected] |