Unscripted. Unposed. Unforgettable.
Vanessa and Justin's autumn wedding at the award winning and historic Joel Palmer House in Dayton, Oregon was a beautiful and intimate affair. The couple traveled from Brooklyn, New York to celebrate their love in the Pacific Northwest with their nearest and dearest. Each decade of their lives was represented through friends and family, and the love and care from every guest was palpable. I documented the essence of their day in digital photography with a few intentional rolls of film to capture the nostalgia. Throughout the day, I focused on the candid and authentic moments as they unfolded all around me - it was pure creative joy!
A Love Song to Remember: To help me connect with the vibe and intention of the wedding, Vanessa and Justin shared this song with me in their initial inquiry: Good Plates by Michael Bernard Fitzgerald. Justin had sent this song to Vanessa after their first date and I loved listening as I prepared to document their day.
“Our friends are coming
They've escaped the race for the night
Air out here feels right
When you move I love watching
I long to
Get the good plates out with you”
Meeting Vanessa & Justin: When I first met these loves over Zoom, it was like catching up with old friends. We quickly fell into a long conversation about their relationship, life in NYC, their vision for the wedding and the possibility of engagement photos in Brooklyn. Fast forward a couple months later and we were meeting IRL by the iconic Brooklyn Bridge (one of those pinch myself experiences)! We walked around the city, stopped for coffee and lunch, and visited some of their meaningful date spots, giving me a deeper look into their connection. I left NYC even more excited about Vanessa and Justin’s Oregon wine country wedding.
The Wedding Day: October arrived with all the vivid fall colors and so did the much anticipated day of their union! The golden autumn light was absolutely breathtaking, providing the perfect backdrop for Vanessa and Justin’s special moments. The day was filled with an artful intimacy and so many raw emotions, allowing for unscripted moments to photograph.
During their ceremony, having a dry eye was literally impossible. Justin’s parents anticipated this, gifting them both embroidered hankies as a keepsake. Their vows were so personal and sincere, filled with laughter and happy tears. Their toasts were equally emotional. One of my favorite memories was when Vanessa’s MOH sang “For Good” from Wicked during a toast to her best friend. “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” Try taking photos while you’re tearing up!
I feel incredibly grateful to have been a part of Vanessa and Justin's special day, and to call them friends. I loved creating photographs that tell their love story in a genuine and heartfelt way. And it was an honor to work with such a talented vendor team! Scroll to the end to learn more about the talented creatives who brought this day to life.
If you’re looking for wedding inspiration, browse and enjoy this beautiful day! And if my style and approach resonate with you, let’s connect! I would love to document your unique love story. 🩶
-Angelina