As 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! 
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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.

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:

• Unmatched Natural Beauty: The waterfall, towering trees, and lush greenery create a breathtaking backdrop that feels like something straight out of a storybook.
• Intimacy and Privacy: With fewer crowds than other popular wedding venues, Horsetail Falls offers a peaceful, private setting for your vows.
• Adventure and Accessibility: The location is easily accessible, meaning you can have a beautiful, adventurous elopement without the need for a long, strenuous hike.
• Photogenic Setting: Every corner of the falls offers unique photo opportunities, making it a photographer’s dream location.

Ready to Plan Your Horsetail Falls Elopement?If you're ready to make your elopement dreams come true at one of Oregon’s most iconic locations, I’d love to help! As an experienced elopement photographer, I can help you plan the perfect session, guiding you through every step of the process—whether it’s finding the right time of day for the best light or ensuring you have all the right details in place.
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.

I 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!

​For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of moving to the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The thought of endless rainy days, glossy trees, and vibrant green moss filled my imagination. Eight years ago this summer, that dream became a reality. Since then, I've been immersed in the lush, verdant landscapes that define this beautiful region.
Living here, it’s easy to get lost in the myriad shades of green. The dense forests, rolling hills, and even the urban parks are all bathed in nature's favorite color. I've been dreaming in green for so long that it's hard to think of capturing these scenes in anything but their natural hues.

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​When I first arrived, my camera was perpetually set to capture the vibrant greens of the PNW. I loved how the rain enhanced every leaf and blade of grass, making them glisten with life. The moss-covered trunks and the deep green underbrush became the focal points of my photographs. Each picture was a testament to the rich, verdant beauty that I had longed for and finally found.