Avery + Garrett
An Intimate Wedding at The Silcox Hut on Mount Hood
Oh mannnnn…. I don’t think I’ll be getting over Garrett and Avery’s wedding day in the mountains for a looooonnnnggg time.
Where do I even begin…
So if you’ve followed along on the blog, you’ll recognize these two cuties from their engagement session at Howell Territorial Park last May. I had the pleasure of photographing Garrett’s father’s wedding a few years ago and I’ve gotten to know a bunch of the family through various family photo sessions.
When Garrett and Avery asked me to photograph their intimate celebration up on Mount Hood I was beyond honored. Their wedding was only going to include their immediate family and totaled no more than fifteen people and I made the list!
Not only was I so honored to be a part of this because of the intimacy of this event, but the location was also new to me! Avery’s dad years back used to work for Timberline Lodge and knew of this sturdy stone and wood lodge way up at the top of the highest lift on Mount Hood. Named the Silcox Hut after Ferdinand Silcox, the fifth Chief of the Forest Service, the hut’s construction was completed in 1939. Situated just under the glacier line on this majestic volcano, The Silcox Hut was offered a bit of a reprieve from the bitter winds that whipped the Magic Mile chairlift and hosts not only a fully functioning kitchen, but an entire floor of bunked sleeping quarters.
Getting to Silcox Hut is an adventure all in its own right, as guests were loaded into hearty 4X4 vans which climbed their way up the steep slope of Mount Hood, crawling over large boulders and ancient volcanic debris. Sitting at 6,950′ the hut is nearly 1,000 feet higher than Timberline Lodge and man let me tell you I felt that altitude gain when I ran around the outside to get a few snaps of the hut set against the most gorgeous blue sky.
But I’m getting ahead of myself, as Garrett and Avery’s wedding day didn’t start on that bumpy adventure, but rather began with Avery waking in the Presidential Suite at Timberline lodge itself, getting started a little early on her hair to makeup for the butterflies which were starting to cause a fuss in her stomach.
I arrived about midday and ran around looking for a secluded First Look location while skiiers, snowboarders and hikers were scattered all over the mountainside.
Entering Avery’s room, her mom sat in the presidential chair and her hair stylist was putting the finishing touches on Avery’s dark curls. The morning felt so relaxed and happy that I knew it was going to be a wonderful day. After snapping a few detail photos I popped over to where Garrett and the guys were getting ready and was met with a hearty hug from Dave. Throughout getting to know each other during his wedding, Dave and I bonded over a love of SCUBA and although the pandemic ruined more than one of our meet-up plans, seeing either him or Donna is just like falling into step with best friends.
After the guys donned their suits it was back up to the girls where Avery touched up her makeup and then slipped into one of the most elegant wedding gowns I’ve ever seen. Sleek lines and satin set off Avery’s slender frame, while a medium length train paired with a tied back added that touch of detailed design that is simply timeless.
Her mom helped her secure a veil to her up-do and as her father unveiled his eyes to gaze upon his beautiful daughter I don’t think there was a dry eye in the whole room!
I left to place Garrett for his First Look and then guided Avery up the pathway toward him. It was a fairly long walk so Garrett had all the time in the world to allow his pent-up energy to reach cataclysmic levels and when Avery finally called his name and he turned to see her it was pure elation which spread across his joyful face. Embracing in a hug before twirling her before him at one point Garrett even looked up to me in disbelief exclaiming “Look at how stunning she is!” You got that right man! Wait until you see her at sunset! ;)
After a few brief portraits where Avery was incredibly calm and patient with the little ants who were apparently displeased at my choice of photo spots and taking it out on her ankles, we walked back toward the lodge to meet up with the shuttles.
As I noted before, the drive up to Silcox Hut felt more like a rollercoaster than a van ride and produced the perfect amount of adrenaline to amp the guests up for the reveal of the inside of this historic national landmark.
We entered though the rear, walking by the bunk rooms and up into the main reception hall which really took my breath away. The way this amazing place was build in 1939 was incredible. The large stone floors mirrored the thick beams framing the high ceilings and even the hardware on the doors were period-perfect. The restoration on the Silcox Hut is phenomenal, especially when you consider that from the 1960s to 1980s it was left abandoned and practically torn apart by mountain climbers for firewood!
As we enjoyed exploring the nooks and crannies of this beautiful wedding space, I took advantage of the plethora of beautiful light pouring in from the large windows to snap a few more portraits of Garrett and Avery while their guests chatted and enjoyed appetizer plates of cheese and fruit and sipped on delicious coffee. Once the second van of guests arrived the ceremony got under way. Garrett’s two nieces covered the aisle with petals as they gleefully tossed then from their baskets and Avery made her entrance arm in arm with her beaming father.
Their ceremony was quite touching and as they held hands praying for a future of happiness, the love in the room was palpable. They sealed their vows with a gorgeous kiss and the Silcox Hut erupted with clapping, cheers and of course hugs all around.
While the room was flipped to create one long family table in the center of the hall, we all popped outside to take family photos while navigating the bright sunny skies, strong blowing winds, and crumbling ash-like volcanic debris. I tell you what the women of this family who were able to navigate all that in heels man, amazing!
Heading back in and out of the wind, I was able to visit with Dave and Donna a bit and catch up on the last few years, swapping diving stories and finding out about their recent travels.
Avery had a constant shadow in her little flower girls whom you could tell just adored her to no end.
A delicious dinner was served and paired with wine that included a label called Timberline!
After dinner Garrett and Avery cut their cake and we moved a few benches aside for them to enjoy their first dance as husband and wife along side the large hearth at the head of the grand hall. Seeing them rest their heads together, gently dancing is a moment I’ll think back on fondly when I think of this, their beautiful wedding day.
At the completion of their dance they even threw in an epic dip which was met with applause of approval!
Avery and her dad shared a dance as well and if I’m not mistaken there might have been a little moisture on his cheek at the end while he hugged his daughter tightly and congratulated her on her beautiful wedding.
Garrett shared a dance with both his sisters as they honored their late mother who for sure was smiling down on them with her heart full.
With the formal dances completed, everyone took to the “dance floor” to celebrate Garrett and Avery’s union with some lively tunes and excited dancing.
Just as the sun started to hide behind Mount Hood Garrett, Avery, Avery’s Dad and I snuck out to take a few last minute portraits in the gorgeous, but chilly golden hour. Avery’s dad Dave was a trooper, helping me with Avery’s bouquet and veil to create stunning portraits of the two of them set off from the epic view of the Cascades below.
We retreated back inside to warm up and enjoyed toasts and advice shared with the newlyweds. The speeches were so beautiful and heartfelt that once again I found myself counting my blessings that of all places, my life path had brought me to being here in this little hut with these wonderful people on such a magical day.
As the sun’s light began to fade, I made my rounds hugging everyone and thanking them for asking me to be a part of this celebration.
I truly think it was the most memorable and meaningful wedding I’ve ever photographed, so I hope you enjoy getting a little peek into Garrett and Avery’s big day with this small selection of photos.
Feel free to leave a comment below wishing Garrett and Avery the best in their life together ahead!
Cheers to Avery and Garrett! Love you guys!
