Nick + Jessica
Smith Rock, OR
Dom and I first met Jessica at the wedding of another Kate Holt Bride last summer. Jessica was a bridesmaid and an absolute joy to be around. We were so excited when she reached out to us to photograph her and Nick’s wedding in 2020. They had originally scheduled their wedding to be at Broken Top Club in Bend, but with all the restrictions in the spring of 2020 they found themselves looking for a backup plan.
One thing you should know about Jess and Nick is that they’ve got ALL the hookups! Their talented family and friends spanned almost every vendor, from the florals to the catering to the venue location itself and made for a truly unique and close-knit feel on their wedding day.
Having family and friends designing your wedding means you get the absolute best and I think you’ll agree after seeing the stunning beauty of this sweet couple’s wedding day- they celebrated in STYLE!
Jessica and Nick’s family friend owns a gorgeous piece of property which is across the street from the iconic Smith Rock (and when I say across the street- I literally do mean right across the street!) and graciously offered it up as a venue for their wedding. They had never had a wedding at their home before, but once all the tents, decorations and enormous blooming florals were all put into place it looked like it had been solely designed to be a wedding venue!
Behind the arbor which was dripping with beautiful flower arrangements, you could see the face of Smith Rock- a place very dear to Dominic and my’s heart ever since we moved to Oregon 6 years ago. Smith Rock is world famous as a rock climber’s paradise and boasts both breathtaking and grueling hiking trails for those who prefer their feet on the ground. Any chance we get, Dom and I will take the 3 hours drive south of Portland to come climb at Smith so I was practically jumping up and down with excitement at the chance to photograph Jess and Nick in such a unique and stunning location.
The morning of the wedding, Nick and the boys were relaxing at their rented home in Eagle Crest, watching Star Wars and having a good time. Dom hung out with them and snapped a few getting ready photos while I was with the girls at Jessica’s parents house in Redmond.
The bridesmaids were dressed in stunning pale pink floor-length dresses and Jessica’s dress was a beautiful flowing gown with a full-length veil. When the buttons were all buttoned up it was tears all around with how gorgeous she looked!
Arriving to Terrebonne, we gathered up the bouquets and headed over to Smith Rock to meet up with the guys. Dom had been snapping portraits of them for a few minutes and had gained a little bit of a crowd of park visitors who wanted to stick around to witness the first look. Luckily, we’d chosen a spot that was out of the way from the main traffic zone, so even with on-lookers Jessica and Nick could have their moment together without worrying about seeing a big audience looking over their shoulders.
As Jessica approached Nick her face lit up into pure joy and excitement and when she tapped him on the shoulder and he finally got to see her in her bridal attire he gasped and grabbed her for an immediate hug. They shared intimate vows together as the Crooked River and Smith Rock framed them, and as Dom and I snapped away we both shared a tearful look at such a sweet and tender moment.
After the vows we had a blast photographing the bridal party and then took Jess and Nick on a little adventure which involved attempting to get Jessica’s fine tulle wedding dress around the sagebrush, and jumping across a rocky ledge to let her veil fly in the wind. Nick and Jess are such a kind and willing couple however, and were supportive of getting those “epic” wedding portraits despite being in gold flats and dress shoes!
After portraits we returned to the venue where their ceremony was officiated by Jessica’s grandfather. It was short and sweet- just the way Jess and Nick wanted it, and as they laughed and ran back down the aisle the party began!
The night was filled with tearful toasts which included a call-in toast from Nick’s best man who was unable to travel to be in attendance, beautiful blessings by both Nick and Jessica’s moms, a sweet and hilarious speech by Jessica’s maid of honor and even a raffle from Nick’s groomsmen for one lucky guest to win an extra spot to tag along with Nick and Jessica on their honeymoon!
The DJ busted out all the good beats, including Jimmy Buffet’s ‘Fins’ which had everyone on the dance floor shakin’ it.
The sunset was gorgeous and we managed to sneak out to the field for a few last portraits in that beautiful golden hour. It was a beautiful day and one I will surely look back on with much fondness for many years to come. I wish Jessica and Nick all the best as they begin this next chapter in their lives!
