When I first met Elizabeth, she had recently completed her degree in Elementary Education and was planning the most beautiful wedding at East Fork Country Estate, a venue I had never shot at before. Our first conversation at one of my favorite local coffee shops was easy and full of laughter and smiles. I must admit, I instantly fall in love with people who are quick to smile and laugh, I can’t help it, and with Liz it was no exception! I was beyond thrilled when she asked me to be her and Jonathan’s photographer and couldn’t wait for their wedding date to arrive!

Obviously, 2020 had other plans for those planning big wedding celebrations and Liz and Jonathan were one of the couples who had to make the difficult decision to downsize to an elopement-sized ceremony. Luckily however, the gathering restrictions had lifted enough that both Liz and Jon could be surrounded by their entire bridal party and their immediate family to celebrate this momentous day. What’s more, the owners of East Fork, Diana and Grady, went above and beyond in allowing Liz, Jonathan and their family enjoy this gorgeous day with at NO additional charge. I have worked with a LOT of venues through this pandemic craziness and this is absolutely UNHEARD of, so I have to send a major shout-out to Diana and Grady for treating Liz, Jonathan and their families like pure gold through what has been a nail-biting, hair-raising year to plan a wedding.

Saturday, June 18th brought with it a 90+ degree day with perfectly clear blue skies which set off Mount Hood as it shone over the distant hills of Damascus. As I walked up to the venue, I was immediately met by Liz’s florist, Natalie Parks (Natalie Parks Floral and Design) who paid me such a huge compliment when she greeted me with an effusive “OH! You must be Kate, I’ve been stalking you out on Instagram and I’m so excited that you are photographing this wedding!” How amazing is it when other vendors support your work!?! And how great is it to know that I’m not the only one IG-stalking the beautiful creations of the future vendors I get to work with!

Liz’s florals were absolutely stunning as well, piled high to set off a pair of white doors which from the right angle framed Mount Hood perfectly, they shone with neutral white and pinks with a touch of blue to add a pop. Check them out below for inspiration on how to incorporate blue into a bouquet with effortless style and grace- not necessarily an easy thing to do!

When I asked Liz about her vision for her florals she simply responded that she had complete trust in Natalie and just told her the color palette of her ceremony and let her work her magic! Just another thing to love about Elizabeth, her instant kinship and trust in those she surrounds herself with!

Liz arrived in a flurry of pink and light blue swishing brides maid dresses and retreated to the house to away Jonathan’s arrival. The boys rolled up, we got the boutonnières all pinned on and I set Liz and Jon for their first look. Seeing Jon’s face light up as he turned and saw his gorgeous bride was absolutely priceless. Laughing they pulled each other into an embrace of joy as in the background, the girls faces pressed up to the window pane of the house, some with their hands pressed over their hearts.

Elizabeth and Jon enjoyed each other as we strolled to various corners of the venue and I was impressed at how easy they were in front of the camera. We had foregone an engagement shoot, but you wouldn’t know it looking at their portraits, these two are naturals!

The whole wedding crew joined us out on the lawn for a ton a silly, sassy and fun portraits before everyone escaped into the relative cool of the house as guests arrived.

Their ceremony was beautiful with a new take on a classic scripture reading that I had never heard before but greatly enjoyed. Liz and Jonathan exchanged gorgeous vows that left everyone teary and enjoyed a private moment as they shared their first communion together as husband and wife. A kiss amidst clapping and cheers and then it was back down the aisle, ready for signatures to make it all official, toasts, dancing and cake.

Elizabeth’s maid of honor played the guitar and sang while Liz and Jonathan swayed together during their first dance and again, I found myself fighting back tears.

The tables were all adorned with antique centerpieces from Elizabeth’s parent’s antique shop, and the simple, yet elegant vibe was perfect for the intimacy of this event.

Liz’s maid of honor make everyone laugh by reading off a “must-have” list of attributes that Liz had written out about her future man, and Jon had two of his groomsmen put words to his strength of character and steadfastness as a fiend.

The evening came to a close all too soon, but I take solace in knowing that next August we will all be getting back together again, this time with a full guest roster!

Elizabeth and Jon, you already have so much going for you as a couple, that to add my wishes to your future might be a mute point, but I want you to know I see nothing but good things in your future together. Enjoy the ride you two!