Oregon is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country, and when it comes to dramatic beauty, Horsetail Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is an iconic destination that should be at the top of your list. Known for its breathtaking 200-foot waterfall and surrounding lush forests, this awe-inspiring location offers a perfect setting for an intimate, unforgettable elopement. If you’re considering a destination elopement in Oregon, keep reading to discover why Horsetail Falls should be at the heart of your wedding adventure—and how a thoughtfully crafted photography session can help you relive every moment for years to come. Why Horsetail Falls is the Perfect Elopement LocationWhen it comes to choosing an elopement location, it’s all about the vibe—natural beauty, privacy, and a sense of awe. Horsetail Falls offers all of that and more. The sheer magnitude of the waterfall is jaw-dropping, with its waters cascading over the rocky cliffs in a delicate yet powerful display. The mist from the falls adds an ethereal quality to the air, and the surrounding forest is dense with towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and vibrant green ferns. Whether you want a serene, quiet ceremony or an adventure-filled day with breathtaking views, Horsetail Falls has something special for every couple. What makes this location even more perfect for elopements is its accessibility. You don’t have to hike miles to reach the falls—just a short walk from the parking lot leads you directly to the base of the waterfall. This means you can have an adventurous and stunning elopement without the stress of a strenuous hike or difficult terrain. Stunning Photography in Every DirectionOne of the things I love most about photographing elopements in natural settings like this is how every angle offers a unique opportunity for gorgeous images. The light, the movement of the water, and the natural landscape create endless opportunities for beautiful, dynamic photos. Whether we were capturing their intimate first look, the exchange of vows, or candid moments as they shared their first kiss, every shot was infused with the natural beauty that surrounded them. The falls themselves were the perfect backdrop, but it was the natural lighting that made the photos come alive. We shot during the golden hour, just as the sun was dipping behind the trees, casting a soft, warm glow over the couple and their surroundings. The mist from the falls sparkled in the sunlight, adding an almost magical touch to the images. Why You Should Consider a Photography Session at Horsetail FallsWhether you’re planning a small, intimate elopement or a larger destination wedding, Horsetail Falls offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for truly spectacular photos. The location is versatile enough to cater to couples looking for a natural, relaxed vibe or those who want to add a more stylized touch to their day. With a little creativity and planning, this stunning waterfall can provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. If you’re dreaming of an elopement at Horsetail Falls, here are just a few reasons why it might be the right choice for you:
Take a look at my portfolio for more inspiration from real elopements at stunning locations like Horsetail Falls, and don’t hesitate to contact me to start planning your dream elopement. Let’s make your day as unforgettable as the love you share. The Film PhotosI shoot, process and print a lot of film in my personal art practice but when it comes to client work I shoot mostly digital. There are so many benifits to shooting so much digtail bu there is something so special about film shots. When I am able to incorporate some film into a session or an event i get real exicited. If youre interested in getting some film shots inquire with me about it! I would love love to add it to your session. Heres a look at the film shots from T&J's styled waterfall wedding. Your elopement is an experience you’ll cherish forever. Don’t just capture the moment—capture the magic of it all at Horsetail Falls. Let’s make your love story one for the ages!
Celebrating Pride and World Bike Day: The PDX Pride RideOn June 3rd, downtown Portland burst into a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and cycling with the PDX Pride Ride. This fantastic event was a double celebration, honoring both Pride and World Bike Day, and it brought together a community eager to celebrate love, acceptance, and the joy of biking. A Colorful Kickoff at Directors ParkThe festivities began at Directors Park, where a sea of rainbow flags and colorful outfits set the tone for the day. Excitement filled the air as riders gathered, each adding their unique flair to the celebration. The anticipation was palpable as the crowd awaited the arrival of the Grand Marshal, the world-class drag queen, Poison Waters. Poison Waters, renowned for her charisma and dynamic performances, brought an extra dose of sparkle and energy to the event. Her presence as Grand Marshal was a testament to the event's commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion. With a megawatt smile and words of encouragement, Poison Waters led the way, setting the stage for an unforgettable ride.
A Day to RememberThe PDX Pride Ride was a beautiful blend of celebration, education, and community spirit. It highlighted the importance of inclusivity and acceptance while promoting a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation. Participants left with not just memories of a wonderful day but also a deeper appreciation for Portland’s diverse and vibrant community.
This event was a shining example of how a city can come together to celebrate both its history and its future, fostering a sense of pride and belonging for all. Here’s to many more rides, more celebrations, and more moments that remind us of the beauty of diversity and the power of community. Unveiling the Vision Behind DepaveEver wondered what it would be like to turn a concrete jungle into a green paradise? Enter Depave, the crusaders of urban re-greening, who've been flipping the script since 2008. With a mission that sounds like a superhero's call to action, Depave rolls up its sleeves to help disenfranchised communities break free from the concrete that binds them—literally. This isn't your average gardening club. Depave sees a future where cities aren't just expanses of asphalt and echoing traffic, but places where people and nature have RSVP'd 'yes' to the same party. Through their work, they're painting the town green, ensuring every square foot of reclaimed land lays down a challenge to social and environmental injustices. Their dream? Cities that breathe, flourish, and buzz with biodiversity; places where clean air isn't a luxury, and community gardens are the norm, not the exception. By weaving together justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion into the urban fabric, Depave is crafting a narrative where sustainable living isn't a lofty goal, but an everyday reality. So, if you've ever wanted to see what happens when pavement gives way to paradise, Depave's vision is a masterclass in making the impossible, possible. The Heartbeat of the Community: Inakui Boys and Girls ClubThe Inakui Boys and Girls Club isn't just any neighborhood hub—it's the pulsating heart of community life, beating strong with the laughter and footsteps of the future: our kids. Stepping into the limelight by hosting the Depave Planting event, this club proved it's more than a place for homework and hoops. It's a seedbed for eco-warriors and green thumbs in training. Imagine the scene: youngsters swapping video games for garden gloves, diving into the dirt with enthusiasm that could outshine the sun. It's here, among the budding plants and new friendships, that children learn a lesson not found in textbooks—the value of nature, teamwork, and the impact of their hands on the earth. The Inakui Boys and Girls Club, by embracing this event, has woven environmental stewardship into the tapestry of their offerings, showing that caring for the planet starts with the joy of planting a single seed. And let's be honest, watching a child's eyes light up as they plant their first tree? That's the kind of magic that could make even a cynic believe in the power of community and growth. Capturing the Moment: Event PhotographyThrough the lens of event photography, every shovel of soil and burst of laughter at the Depave Planting event was immortalized, painting a vivid picture of community and transformation. These snapshots, more than just pixels, tell the story of hands dirty with purpose, of smiles shared over sprouting greens, and of the collective triumph over gray monotony. Each photo serves as a visual testament to the joy and dedication woven into the fabric of the day. Whether it was a candid moment of a child marveling at their newly planted sapling or a group shot of volunteers, poised with tools like warriors of greenery, the photographs captured the essence of action and hope. They offer a glimpse into the heart of the community, showcasing how, together, small acts can unfold into significant environmental tapestries. With every share and tag, these images ripple out, inspiring others to don their gardening gloves and join the vibrant, ever-growing mosaic of urban re-greening. https://www.depave.org/
!You should know I MAKE ALBUMS! I have been making albums for years but am currently working on my formal degree in Graphic Design with an emphasis in Photography, to make it official I guess! You've heard it before, Im gonna say it again but its important to print these images. In the digital age and the attention span it creates it can be tempting to post a few images on a social media platform, save the images on your computer and move on. But.... you gotta print your images! You need to remember your story! I am one of those photographers who will edit and send you an overwhelming amount of images. I can't NOT give you all your images. They are just all so special to me and Im hoping they are special to you. They tell this expansive story of your wedding day. From the small details to the posed formals, to the candid moments and not to candid moments its a whole story but I understand the amount of information in this story can be overwhelming. An album is such a beautiful and perfect way to tell the story. Here's how I approach the project with you! First I ask you to create a favorites list of your must have photos. I usually ask for you to start with around 30 images, but if that list expands further or is smaller NO WORRIES, I got you! The next step is when I fill in the gaps. I take your favorite photos and build around them to fill in the story. I will make sure those formals of you and your family make it in there and use those details shots creatively. Basically I round out the album to tell the story and create layouts. Then I will send it over to you for your review. Here you can give me your thoughts, redlines, changes you'd like to make, etc. and this process can repeat (3 free reviews) so it really is a creative process between you and me! Then we pick the album cover and debossing colors and text. From there we send it off to the printer and it ships directly to you! It really is a fairly painless (dare i say fun!) process and you will have a cherished keepsake you will be looking back on for years and years. These really become heirlooms and I am so proud to offer them! You can order albums at any time, it really makes a great way to mark an anniversary so if I shot your wedding in the past and you didn't initially purchase an album, have no fear! send me a message and lets get the process started! Doan & Mai 50th Anniversary THE ALBUM! |
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December 2024
Author: ELLE JAMES
SITE DIRECTORYGalleriesWedding & Portrait Photography
Portland, Or *has camera, WILL TRAVEL* for booking: 714.504.6559 [email protected] |