It’s funny how one night can make such a large impact on your life. For Kat + Joe that was a night in August 2009. Kat had just gotten off work at a local pizza shop and headed out to meet with friends for a drink, and there was Joe. He was already sitting with some of her friends and had tried to find out more about her from them when she walked in.
Joe: “Can I ask you a question?”
Kat: “You just did…” and BAM! It was love.
They started spending time together since they had a mutual day off and on trip to the Oregon Coast for what would end up being their first date they revealed in an awkward and nerdy way that they were interested in being boyfriend + girlfriend. Awwwww. Fast-forward… Joe took Kat to the salon for a let’s-get-hair-cuts-at-the-same-time day knowing full well that it would take a lot longer for her hair to be finished, and that was all part of the plan. He went to go “run some errands” while she was finishing up, picked up the ring, and asked her where she wanted to go for dinner; also knowing full well that he was taking her to their favorite restaurant – AQUA. After dinner they walked down the Waterfront, which is perfectly magical in August.
I had no idea what was going on… but I knew something was up when he got into the truck for no reason. Then when we were walking he stopped me; he got down on one knee and asked ‘Will you be mine?’
I was thrilled when Kat + Joe asked me to be their wedding photographer! We planned a trip out to Pacific City, Ore for their engagement session – unbeknownst to me I picked Joe’s favorite place on the coast, and somewhere that he had been meaning to take Kat. It was overcast, but mild with calm winds on the beach and we had a wonderful day with lots of laughing and piggy-back rides.
Their wedding week began with a short Bridal Session at Cardwell Hill Cellars. Kat + Joe wanted to do their first look there but with a very full wedding day and a delicate dress we decided against it and went with her reception dress and just the two of us. We coordinated her Bridal Session with the day of her practice hair and make-up at Epic Day Spa. It was hot and dry for Oregon in July, but the smell of the vineyard was well worth it.
The wedding was held at Beazell Memorial Forest in Kings Valley. The short guest list arrived by shuttle – a smart plan since there is NO cell reception and folks could easily miss the turn or drive right passed it. The most important thing to Kat + Joe was to celebrate their love with those closest to them and to do that with amazing food and wine. Their officiant, Morgan – a childhood friend of Joe’s, gave the most beautiful service! Seriously, it was amazing! Every detail of their day was meaningful; from the shamrocks to celebrate their Irish heritage, to the flowers grown by Joe’s Mother and Kat’s MOH, to the homemade loaves of blueberry-zucchini bread and jars of pepper jelly that Kat made for her guest. I am so honored to be part of that special day and can’t wait for their one-year anniversary portraits in Sisters, Ore this summer.
Dress: Galina Signature – David’s Bridal | Suit: Men’s Warehouse | Bridal Bouquet: Expressions in Bloom | Rings: Fred Meyer Jeweler & Olufsen Jewelers | Catering: Gathering Together Farm, Philomath, Ore. | Beer: Oregon Trail Brewery, Corvallis, Ore. | Wine: Cardwell Hill Cellars, Kings Valley, Ore. | Venue: Beazell Memorial Forest, Kings Valley, Ore.
MOH: Katie Watkins
Best Man: Matt Prudell
For full details + booking of my wedding photography services please visit the Dream Weddings page or contact me directly.