.png){kind=small}
It's such a huge compliment when photographers I admire refer me to their friends and clients when they're unavailable to shoot. That's what happened with Chris and Caitlin's wedding at Pomarius Nursery and Blockhouse in Portland, OR.
My friends and fellow wedding photographers Ty and Chey referred me to Chris and Caitlin last fall when they were unavailable to shoot their wedding (Ty and Chey were actually getting married themselves that same weekend).
I immediately loved Chris and Caitlin (and their dogs) when we first connected over video chat. They were looking for a Portland photographer to capture mostly documentary-style, candid wedding photos and wanted a mix of film and digital shots. They wanted to do a first look and some group shots but mainly wanted to prioritize staying in the moment on their wedding day - which I absolutely love.
As a candid wedding photographer, I never want your wedding photos to take away from your celebration. I've been a part of weddings where the photos feel like such a chore, and physically and mentally remove the couple and wedding party from enjoying the moment. That's not my vibe or my style - my number one priority is that you soak up every experience from the day while I capture those precious memories for you to look back on forever.
This day was a 6-hour package which gave us just enough time to capture some final getting ready shots of Caitlin and her sisters and bridesmaids and the Airbnb. Caitlin's entire wedding look was so stunning with her lavender hair, blue pumps, and beaded jewelry. Her veil was also the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen in my entire life. Literally. In my entire life. I love a bride who doesn't shy away from a little bit of color on their wedding day. The red nails and the red car that chauffeured her to the first look location were also giving serious main character energy. Very Hollywood. Very movie star.
Their celebration started at the funkiest, colorful Airbnb in NW Portland. I'm a sucker for a pop of color so I was living for this yellow and orange exterior and had to pull Caitlin outside for some creative bridal portraits on film.
I loved this little detail where you can see Caitlin's mom's reflection in the window. Normally I would have someone move out of the frame if they're showing up in the background of the photo, but something about this detail of her mom smiling in the reflection added such a nice touch to the story of the photos.
The couple was considering Cathedral Park for their first look & group photos but during rush hour on a Friday afternoon, I recommended looking into other locations that were a little closer. As classic as Cathedral Park is, I didn't want Chris and Caitlin to end up sitting in traffic for over an hour on their wedding day unless they truly had their hearts set on that location.
I suggested Lower Macleay Park at the base of Forest Park, just 10 minutes from their Airbnb and 5 minutes from their venue. I love that spot as an alternative to Cathedral Park because it has a similar color green bridge that feels very Portland, with accessible parking nearby, sidewalk access, and picnic tables. Not to mention you're right at the entrance of Forest Park so there are tons of photo opportunities everywhere you turn.
We spent about an hour capturing the family and group shots (most of which happened on digital so I could make sure to have enough options where everyone is looking good, smiling big with eyes open). Every couples shoot includes a film gallery and a digital gallery, whether you're booking an engagement photography package or an elopement at a waterfall outside Portland.
I love offering both formats because for a while I used to hate shooting weddings, but getting back into 35mm film (the format I learned on), forced me to slow down and enjoy the experience of capturing weddings. Now I include both digital and film galleries which gives couples multiple ways to re-experience the day and allows me to prioritize the format that works best for the specific scenario. (For example, the group shots and ceremony are mostly captured on digital so I don't miss a single moment, and a lot of the candid and detail shots are captured on film). I'm a huge advocate for having your wedding photographer focus on candid wedding photos but the digital shots are great for group shots, and physical prints.
After the park portion of the day, the party headed to the venue. Blockhouse and the Pomarius Nursery are located in NW Portland, and walking through that entrance immediately makes it feel like you're leaving behind the bustling cityscape of the Pearl District and stepping into the Secret Garden.
There are so many hidden nooks and covered area in the nursery that make for perfect pre-ceremony locations for the couple if they don't want to be seen by all of their guests. Caitlin shared her final moments before the ceremony with her sisters who helped her secure her veil and touch up her makeup before walking down the aisle.
This ceremony location at Blockhouse is so breathtaking and it's also the perfect option for couples who want to have that natural green PNW vibe while still staying within the city center. Truly the best of both worlds in there.
After exchanging what were probably the most touching vows I've ever heard (truly, I cried, like omg how unprofessional, but I couldn't help it!), the newlyweds shared a calm moment to sign their marriage license. I always recommend couples find a private, quiet place to sign the paperwork if that's something they want to incorporate on their day. It gives you a chance to take a breather after the emotional vows, and I swear the documents are always more confusing than anticipated so it might take a minute to gather the witnesses and figure out who signs what, where. (Better yet - sign the legal docs separately and save the decorative license for the day of so you can get that photo moment but don't need to stress about messing up a legal binding document in the middle of your celebration).
This quiet post-ceremony moment also gives couples a chance to have a snack and a drink before rejoining their guests and friends. Remember - snacks are of utmost importance on your wedding day! Don't forget the snack opps! In this case, Chris and Caitlin had an amazing wedding coordinator who hooked them up with a little charcuterie spread to snack on while signing their docs.
After the signing was complete and the couple was officially married, they rejoined the party for dinner, toasts, cake, and dancing. As the sun set, the venue got even more beautiful. Blockhouse has all these gorgeous string lights that illuminate the plants and tables in such a romantic way that was perfect for photos. Pro tip: if you're looking for cheap and easy ways to up-level your wedding photos, tons of string lights is my number one rec.
The dance floor popped off as soon as toasts and dinner were done which is something we love to see as a wedding photographer. The guests got down like it was 1999 (well, more like 2009 because this was a millennial wedding so the playlist was on point). I broke out my favorite piece of gear (my Godox film flash that attaches directly to the top of my Pentax K1000 film camera), and started capturing those fun late night shots of everyone letting loose. I ended up staying almost two hours later than the booked time (gasp!) just because I was having so much fun. This is frankly only possible with an impeccable playlist, local IPAs on tap, and a couple I'm thoroughly obsessed with.
If you're looking for a fun wedding photographer for your 2025 or 2026 celebration or a destination wedding photographer for anywhere in the world, my books are open.
Reach out today for a custom quote or a free consultation. I can't wait to celebrate with you :)
Comments