Corey + Jessica
An Intimate Wedding at The Willows Event Center in Dallas, OR
When I think back on Corey and Jessica’s wedding, I don’t think of the fact that covid restrictions were still in place, nor do I think of the fact that quite literally Corey and Jessica had to pack up their house in preparation for an evacuation from wildfires which threatened their home only days prior to their wedding. I don’t think about the fact that there were many more horses, goats and other farm animals than usual in the pastures surrounding their venue due to rescue missions and emergency housing from the fires which were raging in the area, nor do I think about the fact that the smoke even miles away from the nearest fire, was thick enough to obscure the far edge of the pond that nestles on The Willow’s grounds. Nope! Although these are very unique things that could easily make Corey and Jessica’s wedding stand out, it isn’t these things I think about.
When I think about Corey and Jessica’s wedding I think of the speech Corey’s dad gave about happiness and finding someone who truly allows you to be happy.
When we see gorgeous wedding photos with all the laughter and smiles, it can be easy to forget that often the road traveled to get to this momentous day isn't always traveled to the soundtrack of happiness. Sometimes the road we take to find those we love is filled with uncertainty, fragility and even darkness.
When I think of Jessica and Corey, of course I can’t help but pull up all the happy memories of their wedding day- seeing Corey’s constantly widening grin every time he let his gaze fall on his beautiful bride, the look of shock and awe they both shared during their first look down by the river, the giggles of the flower girl as she hugged her Frozen doll tight against her chest. These memories are filled with the happiness and joy that a wedding should be filled with, but for Jessica and Corey finding each other and ending up with the bottomless happiness they have now wasn't necessarily an easy road.
When I saw them loving on each other all day during what could have very well justifiably been a day filled with stress and uncertainty I could see that these two had found their true forever person and that nothing- not a global pandemic, not roaring wildfires, nope NOTHING - will stand between them and their love!
Corey and Jessica’s wedding was nothing short of extraordinary and being such an intimate part of it made me feel so very lucky and blessed! Jessica is just about the most thoughtful bride you could ever ask for too! She put together custom gift bags for all the girls in her wedding party and even put together a special bag for her flower girl and filled it with treats and gifts that melted her shyness and lit up her eyes!
Corey also had a crew of stellar gents backing him up on the big day, and when I arrived to their hotel room, one of his groomsmen had even gone to the trouble to lay out their ties in the most aesthetic fashion I’d ever seen! (Seriously Corey I gotta learn how to do that!) They also had been studying up on YouTube all morning on how to tie ties and how to fold pocket squares, so there were no delays in getting everyone in their wedding garb and off to the ceremony venue on time.
Corey and Jessica shared an intimate first look down by the river next to their hotel where Corey’s mouth literally dropped and Jessica had equally big eyes and shrieks of happiness upon seeing her man looking so good in his suit. We spent just a few minutes after the first look snapping photos as the smoke made it look like a foggy sunrise even though it was past 1pm!
We all headed over to the venue where we rallied the wedding party and took some portraits by the lake. Tucking Jessica away as her guests arrived, I got to peruse around at the gorgeous florals which had been grown and assembled by family and friends.
Corey and Jessica’s ceremony was absolutely perfect! They said their vows in front of an arch adorned with greenery and their first kiss was fit for a hollywood movie!
After family portraits and a few minutes alone with Corey and Jessica to capture those “just married” feels, the newlyweds joined their guests who were congregating on the patio and in the barn. Dinner was served promptly and was followed by custom-made cheesecakes from Jessica’s father’s wife and cupcakes frosted with the most dreamy of frostings!
Dances were held beneath the large tents on the patio and as the sun began to sink the DJ cued up the jams and the youngest breakdancer I’ve ever seen wowed guests with his moves.
Traditionally the Willows loves to organize sparkler exits, but considering the fire danger in the area we opted for a safer approach so Corey and Jessica made their getaway down an aisle lit by sting lights. With a final kiss and a last dip the evening concluded amid shouts of approval from all who were present.
It was a magical evening filled with the love that these two have fostered in one another. I can’t help but feel my own heart warmed with the happiness that overflowed on this gorgeous day!
Enjoy this small selection of images celebrating these two in their new life together, congratulations Corey and Jessica!
