Billy + Kenzie
If I chose to sum up Billy and Kenzie in a few words, which is a difficult undertaking, I would say, “true love with an overwhelming sense of fun and spirit.”
When you do a first look with a couple you can really tell who they are as a couple.
When Billy turned around for the first time to see his bride-to-be he was beaming and immediately made the situation full of laughs, giggles and love! I could see in Kenzie’s eyes that deep, real admiration and love of Billy. It is a spark in the eyes that gives it a way, it is a quality that exists from within and shines bright.
The whole day started at the Best Western Rivershore Hotel in Oregon City where I was greeted by Kenzie and her group of bridesmaids. I quickly grabbed all of Kenzie’s details and snuck off to the best lit area I could find in the hotel. I love spending the first hour of of the wedding day creating some gorgeous detail shots of the rings, shoes and any other details available. It is just those first few moments where you can get really creative and starts off the entire wedding day just right!
Once I got the details done I headed over to hang out with the guys. Now this group of guys were nothing but fun! The jokes were being cracked left, right and center while a little bit of whiskey was being passed around - of course the best man and groomsmen brought a long a little bit of liquid courage! This moment really gave me an insight into Billie’s life because you can really get to know a person when you see how the people around them respond in their presence and I could tell Billy had a huge impact on all of the lives of his bridal party. The bonds were strong and it was obvious they would last forever.
Once both bridal parties were ready it was time to make our way to the wedding venue - Red Barn Villa!
As soon as we arrived I snuck Billy off to set him up for the first look and kept Kenzie tucked away in the car.
Their first look was perfect. No rain, just the two of them (except their paparazzi, of course) and a brief moment where they got to express their love for each other before the ceremony and reception.
We were able to spend 15-20 minutes taking Bridal Portraits of just the two of them. One thing to know about Billy and Kenzie is that they love the woods. When we did our engagement session together they really wanted to get some photos of the Red Woods at Hoyt Arboretum as it had a special meaning to them. So little did I know about Reb Barn Villa is that it has an entire ceremony space in the woods which was perfect for some portraits of them to bring in that aspect of their relationship to their photos! During their portraits there was just an atmosphere of happiness which really shows in their photos. There is something in the photos which you can make out but it isn’t something you can see but something you can feel and sense. A quality that is truly Billy and Kenzie.
The rain came and went a few times while we were doing bridal party portraits which made for a fun variation of photos of the red barn under some cover as well as the lush green forest and hills out in the open.
A big, big part of the day was Kenzie’s first look with her dad. There were tears of joy and laughter mixed in with so much love and respect for each other. It was a beautiful moment to get to be a part of and photograph. Kenzie’s dad uses a money clip and she had him a special money clip made engraved with something meaningful to them both as well as writing him a loving message just to let him know just how much he means to her!
The ceremony came next which they had in the wooded area at Red Barn Villa exactly as they had hoped for and planned. Their officiant was a good friend of Billy’s and actually a work friend who performed a very beautiful ceremony. I always love ceremonies performed by a friend or family member because the sincerity real comes through and shows giving the whole experience that little bit of extra something.
Of course, it was now party time and I would be lying if these guys didn’t know how to party! They had great food, an amazing DJ from PDX DJs who had the beats rocking as well as a fun photo booth set up with great props, a family who wanted to love on them and dance moves that would get any party going!
The entire evening was spent with the guests loving on Billy and Kenzie which is such a testament to this gorgeous couple and how great they are. They must have such a positive influence on all the lives around them because, man, does everyone love them and enjoy spending time with them!
If I could change anything about this day, I wouldn’t change a single thing because in my eyes it was perfect!
I wish Billy and Kenzie the absolute best in everything they decide to take on as a team and I cannot wait to spend some time with them in front of my lens again in the near future.
Here are but a few of the photos from their wedding day, some of my favorites that I am excited to share!
