I hardly know where to begin for this post. How do you start talking about the cutest nerdy couple ever and their equally adorable nerdy wedding? I suppose you start that the beginning… You can read about Ashleigh + Brandon’s engagement session and what led them to me here.
Their wedding started like many others – with getting dressed in their fancy wedding wares with their respective escorts. The guys got ready at Ashleigh + Brandon’s apartment (Did I mention that they were MOVING the same weekend as their wedding? …silly.) in Lake Oswego, while the ladies got ready at one of the bridesmaid’s houses’ in Oregon City. Jessica offered much more than just a house. The setting was a lovely craftsman style home with an antique flare that perfectly matched Ashleigh’s soft and classic look. Jessica was also the hair and make-up artist for the Bride and her entourage – so much talent in this wedding party. On a personal note I had every intention of stealing Jessica’s (bridesmaid) SIX-burner gas range, but, you know, it wouldn’t fit in my little car.
After Ashleigh was ready I took her to near-by Mary S Young State Park to see her Groom for the first time. Tall trees and a bed of ivy created a magical scene for their ‘first look’. After much hugging and giggling we worked the immediate area since most of the part was quite soggy from the abundance of rain we had every day that week. …oh yea, they REALLY lucked out on the weather. Nobody was allowed to say the R-word all day Friday or Saturday. After we finished at the park we met their wedding party and families at Marylhurst University for some formal group portraits as well as some more portraits of just the two of them. From what my second shooter tells me, Brandon was all giggles and, “oh my god she’s so beautiful!!!” the whole 5 minute ride to the university. I LOVE excited Grooms. 😀
We had been hoping to get another beautiful sunset on Saturday, but the heavy overcast was looking to thwart our efforts… then, at the last minute, the sky opened up and gave them a colorful display that completed our every hope for their wedding photography! YES!!! Ashleigh + Brandon were also very popular with people driving down Hwy 99. ::honk honk::
Ashleigh + Brandon had an intimate literary-themed service at the Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom in Oregon City, followed by a dessert reception. Their friends and family where greeted by a book and bicycle wheel arch in the ceremony room – bridesmaids and groomsmen each carried their favorite love story instead of flowers. Sweet, self-written, vows left their guests laughing and crying happy tears; as did the performance/reading from Ashleigh’s favorite love story – “The Princess Bride”. The service also included a unique book exchange ceremony. They both picked out a book for the other to read during their first year of marriage. Said books have a love letter written inside for the other to also read, and on their first anniversary they will pick another book, write another love letter, and have another year to read the new book. It’s so precious I could squee! …I actually did squee a little when they told me about their alternative bonding ceremony. After a passionate, but tasteful kiss, guests were led into the reception ballroom where they found their tables by way of library “check-out” cards and signed a guestbook made from Magic: The Gathering cards. Ashleigh + Brandon started the short and very sweet reception with their first dance followed by cake cutting (book-cake of course), toasts, and a dance with Ashleigh and her Moms.
Congratulations to Ashleigh + Brandon!
Many thanks to my second shooter, Corinne Krogh, for her awesomeness.
Venue: Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom
Coordinator: Kate Gutierrez – Portland Event + Design
Dresses: David’s Bridal
Hair + Make Up: Jessica Belknap
Summer dates go quickly! Contact me for full details + booking of authentic wedding photography.