Pat & Ann ~ A Woodsy Wedding ~ Clackamas, Oregon

When it comes to birthdays, I bet we all have a memorable story or two about our favorite memories or unique celebrations. This year for my birthday, I walked away with such a special memory… I photographed a wedding for Pat and Ann!

You heard that right! I spent the day celebrating this amazing couple and helped them capture their love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! For the wedding, we spent most of the gorgeous September day outside in their friend’s backyard in Clackamas, Oregon, and it was the PERFECT day for a celebration.

Pat and Ann shared that they were going to choose burgundy and rose gold for their wedding colors. Once I showed up to start capturing the day, I saw some of the woodsy decor they selected, and it went so perfectly with the colors they chose! At that point, I couldn’t wait to get started with the day and see everything unfold.

To start, we captured a “first look” between Pat and Ann! Because the ceremony and reception space was all set up outside, we used the inside of their friend’s home as a backdrop. This worked out so well! Pat and Ann stood back-to-back on either side of a wall, and we were able to capture all the anticipation right before the big moment as they held hands.

When the time came for the reveal, Ann put her hand on Pat’s shoulder, and then he turned around to face her. Immediately, I could see all of the feelings they were experiencing! Both of them were radiating with joy, and then Ann shed a tear. It was so clear to see that they were both ready as ever to walk down the aisle.

Right after the “first look” was captured, it was time to get in place for the ceremony. The ceremony space was SO beautiful with plenty of greenery and tall trees surrounding the area. A wooden arch with a cross attached to it was also included as a meaningful addition to their decor! It was a beautiful woodsy touch. Plus, the cross had so much importance to the bride and groom.

Before the ceremony started, Pat’s son and daughter-in-law made sure to join the ceremony via Skype because they were overseas at the time! Even though they couldn’t be there in person, it was very special that they found a way to be present for the big day.

Once it was time for the ceremony to start, Ann’s son walked her down the aisle. All eyes were on her as she made her way toward Pat, and she was glowing! As soon as she joined Pat, their expressions truly said it all and showed exactly how excited they were to be getting married.

Pat and Ann decided to include a love lock ceremony in their wedding to symbolize unity, and it added an extra special touch to what was already a beautiful ceremony! It was a perfect way to symbolize joining together as one.

As the ceremony was ending, I took plenty of photos of Pat and Ann as they walked back through the aisle. There’s SO much happiness and joy in these shots!

At this point in the day, I made sure that we were able to capture portraits of Pat and Ann together along with a few individual shots, too. Plenty of photos were taken during the “first look” and ceremony, but it’s also important to make sure they’ll have at least a few portrait-style shots to look back on!

In these next shots of Pat and Ann, I love that you can clearly see the details of Ann’s beautiful dress and bouquet! Her dress had such beautiful appliqués and some sequins sewn throughout, creating a detailed and romantic look. The dress and pearl accessories looked amazing alongside the burgundy of Pat’s tie and Ann’s bouquet.

Ann’s bouquet also had deeper importance. She included a picture of her dad on her bouquet, and it was an absolutely beautiful tribute to him. Being on her bouquet, he really did get to walk her down the aisle. Ann also requested a photo that included a framed picture of her dad. It was so special to help capture these shots for Ann!

Before the reception kicked off, we captured details and decor from both the ceremony space and reception space! It was so important to capture the locks used in their love lock ceremony, and of course we had to get a few shots of their rings! We also included some of their woodsy decor along with the delicious sweets and treats that were saved for their reception.

Then, the reception started! We jumped right into capturing the newlyweds some more and also enjoyed a tasty dinner that was catered by Rip City Grill. It was SO delicious, and I’m even getting hungry while looking back at photos of the catered food!

While it was still early in the night, Pat and Ann also decided to cut their wedding cake. This was SUCH a playful moment between them. When looking back at these shots, you can really tell how much fun they’re having together! The cake was super yummy, too.

Once it got to be a bit later in the night, Pat and Ann shared their first dance together. It was filled with laughs, kisses, spins, and a couple fun dips! Their newly joined families looked on with excitement, and they were all so incredibly happy for the newlyweds!

Congratulations to Pat and Ann! You two had such a beautiful wedding, and I’m honored that I was asked to come spend the day with you and help capture your memories. You helped make it such an amazing birthday for me, too, which I totally appreciate. It ended up being a gorgeous day filled with so many things worth celebrating!

Here’s to Pat and Ann! I wish you all of the happiness and love on your continued journey together.