Katy & Michael ~ McMenamin's Edgefield Hotel ~ Troutdale, OR

As a photographer, let me tell you... It’s not every day that you get to photograph a big life event for somebody that I personally know. When you do get that opportunity, it’s always SO exciting, and I always jump at the chance!

I met Katy over 20 years ago at Southern Oregon University where we lived on the same dorm floor. We reconnected after she shared with me that she needed a photographer for her engagement session and her wedding, too! It was a ton of fun to catch up with her, meet her now husband, and also reunite with some old friends at the reception.

When originally updating me on the wedding plans, Katy also shared that she and Michael had been together as a couple for over a decade! Hearing this made me even more excited to capture these memories for such a strong, fun couple.

For Katy and Michael’s engagement photos, we visited Fort Vancouver. We spent time taking photos on Officer’s Row and in the Garden, too! Officer’s Row has such a rich history, and the Garden added the perfect amount of greenery to the background of their shots. Both settings ended up making amazing backdrops!

Later, we jumped in the car and drove down to the Columbia River. Snapping some photos in the park with the bridge in the background was an absolute must! I love that all of their photos have a fun, playful feel while also featuring tons of historic, natural elements.

On the big day, the couple arrived at McMenamin’s Edgefield Hotel at 11:00am. Katy and Michael each got ready in separate rooms, and each of these rooms had such a unique, eclectic feel!

In Katy’s room, she was joined by her good friend who had traveled to the wedding from Africa after moving there just a couple months prior! Katy was very excited to have her friend there to spend time with her and assist her during this special day. Her friend played a huge role by helping Katy as she got dressed and finalized her wedding look.

While Katy was getting ready... the room was incredibly hot! Her sister and friend were trying to cool things down by strategically placing a box fan and fanning air from the hallway. When looking at the shots from this part of the day, you can see all of the creativity and hard work that went into making the room cooler! Now, I hope it’s a funny memory for Katy to look back on.

Before we knew it, it was time for the ceremony to start! The ceremony was held out on the lawn of Blackberry Hall at McMenamin’s Edgefield, and the space was decorated beautifully. An arch was placed in the center of the space near the Officiant and included gorgeous flowers in the couple’s chosen wedding colors. These orange and burgundy flowers along with the trees around them gave the ceremony space a very beautiful, natural feel.

When Michael came down the aisle, he was joined by his cousin who was officiating! She was actually the one who introduced Katy and Michael years ago, so it was incredibly fitting that she was chosen to bring them together as partners in life.

As Katy started walking to Michael, she was absolutely beaming, and her bright energy was infectious! All eyes were on her, and you couldn’t help but smile when watching her walk toward her future husband. Katy’s dress was stunning with a v-neck, straps, and beautiful appliqués, too.

Right after the ceremony, Katy and Michael took time to sign their marriage certificate with their Officiant, making it totally official!

Before we got started with the reception, there was time to snap some photos of the newlyweds! Luckily, we were at a McMenamin’s, which is very eclectic with plenty of unique spaces outside. These special areas made for amazing portrait backdrops!

I captured some shots of the couple as they stood right out front of Edgefield, and you can clearly see the details of the hotel behind them. We also found a very pretty area with wooden chairs and a table that turned into great props for us.

Plus, we couldn’t forget to take photos with more of a natural background! Some of the portraits have flowers and lush plants in the background, and others feature tall trees and the changing leaves.

I also made sure to take photos of the various décor and details found in their reception space. Their wedding colors of forest green, burnt orange, and burgundy could be seen in their floral centerpieces and place settings, too!

Before guests started enjoying their dessert, I also captured some shots of the mini cakes that were made by Nothing Bundt Cakes. They looked so tasty, and I couldn’t wait to try one!

Finally, it was time for the reception! The reception was held inside in Blackberry Hall, and this room felt historic yet cozy. First was dinner and drinks, and then it was time for the toasts! Katy’s sister and Michael’s brother both stood up and gave speeches that were very heartwarming.

During the reception, Katy, her sister, and her friend (who helped her get ready earlier in the day) all snuck into a tiny bathroom to get her dress bustled. There was a ton of laughter and finagling while getting the job done. Finally, the dress got bustled! Then, because Katy really loved the bow on the back of her dress, she asked for some help making the bow bigger with the extra fabric!

After having dessert and enjoying those delicious bundt cakes, it was time to dance. Katy and Michael got out on the dance floor to have their first dance together, and it was a dance filled with spins, smiles, and laughter!

Their happiness set the tone for the rest of the reception. Their friends and family joined them on the dance floor and matched their joyful energy! They all danced for the rest of the night, with the last dance ending the event at 11:30pm.

Thank you very much to both Katy and Michael for inviting me to capture your extra special day! It was a beautiful day filled with laughter, historic elements, and new memories, too.

Congratulations to the two of you! I’m so excited to see where you both go on your continued journey together.