Kayla & David ~ Independence, Oregon Wedding

Wow you guys… I have totally been slacking in the whole blog department! But, I hope that this recap of this gorgeous wedding makes up for my hiatus. =)

In the summer of 2018 Kayla contacted me regarding her wedding and meeting with me for a consultation… the challenge was that they lived in Toledo, OR and I am up in Vancouver, WA… lucky for them, my family spends Labor Day weekend at the Oregon coast, just south of Newport, so I was able to combine business with pleasure and meet them one morning that weekend at a little restaurant in Newport for breakfast and coffee. =)

Kayla and her fiance, David, told me that they were planning on getting married on September 19, 2019… 9/19/19… this year’s palindrome day! They had already booked the garden at Green Villa Barn and Garden in Independence, Oregon and was hoping that I’d be willing to travel for document their big day. Without hesitation, I said “Yes!” they seemed like a fun couple and the venue looked gorgeous! We got a contract signed, their date on my calendar, and then waiting for over a year! But, I’ll tell you, it was worth the wait!

I received a message from Kayla a couple of days before the wedding letting me know that, due to some wet weather conditions, their ceremony and reception had been moved into the Green Villa’s barn… which she was totally psyched about! So, my second shooter and I arrived at the barn bright and early to get images of the ladies getting ready, the detailed decorations around the venue before guests showed up, and to capture the couple’s “first look” and some formal portraits. Kayla and David were hoping to take as many formal shots before the wedding, so that they would have plenty of time to celebrate with their guests at the reception!

Kayla and her three bridesmaids got ready in the beautiful bridal suite at the venue. Hair, make-up, dressing… everything was going on there! And, let me tell you just HOW much Kayla LOVED that her dress had pockets! lol I would have been pretty excited, too, I think! =)

After Kayla was all dressed and ready, she and I walked across the street to the gardens for her “First Look” with David. Even though their festivities had been moved to the barn, she loved the gazebo and other areas at the garden, and wanted some photos done over there.

I exchanged text messages with my second shooter, who was already with David at the gazebo, to make sure that his back was turned and eyes were closed… didn’t want him to risk seeing her as we walked down the driveway next to them!

After the first look, it was time for formal portraits, and for the guests to start arriving at the venue to see all of the hard work that the couple (and their families!) put in to planning and decorating for the big event! The ceremony went off without a hitch… except for the one that was intended of course! =) Kayla was walked down the aisle by her uncle. Both David and Kayla had siblings and friends standing with them, and another good friend acted as the officiant for their ceremony. Their ring bear and flower girl were adorable, and there was so much love and laughter in the barn that day… it was beautiful!

After the ceremony, the couple headed back to the bridal suite with their wedding party to take a few minutes to relax, have a toast, and quickly decompress before heading back into the barn for their reception! (This also gave their family members the opportunity to switch up seating a bit to turn the ceremony set up into a reception venue!) When it was time to head back to the party, friends and family were asked to welcome the couple back with a tunnel of bubbles!

Dinner, dessert, speeches and dancing all came next. The couple opted for a first dance and anniversary dance for their guests. They had a cake to cut, but had a table full of pies, too! A caricature artist from Thomas Portraits & Caricatures was there drawing the guests, every member of the wedding party (including the ring bearer!) gave a toast, and a personal playlist was the background for all of the happy celebration!

After the couple had eaten and enjoyed their reception a bit, we stole them away one last time for a few more portraits before we left. I always leave these “later” shots… after the stress and anticipation of the day has worn off and the couple has had the opportunity to relax for awhile, I find that I am able to get some beautiful, emotive images for them! Plus, the sunflowers at this venue were AMAZING. =)

**I have 2020 dates available! If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in the Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR metro areas (or, really, anywhere… I love a good vacation and adventure!) reach out! Let’s chat about the plans for your day and see if I’m a good fit for your photography needs!