Charming Backyard Portland Wedding - Allison & James

I cannot say enough good things about Allison and James’ charming backyard Portland wedding. The first time I met with them we spent 2 1/2 hours over a video chat and I learned so much about who they are and how they love. I was taken in immediately. They met from two different towns – Selwood and Salem – and their story began in an unexpected place: the Woodstock Cafe. And it all started with a simple swipe on a dating app.

In January 2022, while the world was still adjusting to life with masks, fate brought Allison and James together. And yes, they first met with masks on. It was a chance encounter in the cafe that led to warm drinks, a brisk walk, and a shared love for discussing what makes a house a home. They toured several nearby walk-in homes for sale, where else can you go on a January day in the pandemic and keep warm? Sparks flew as they discovered common values and dreams while asking each other key questions about what they valued in a home. Great questions to ask on a first date, right? After a year of dating, the topic of marriage arose. Life and love took flight.

Their charming backyard Portland wedding day was a reflection of their unique love story. Set in a friend’s backyard near a wooded area, it was a charming location for their 70 guests. They took a moment to connect with each other in the woods before the ceremony, a symbolic step (or in their case a fun piggyback ride) before embarking on their new journey together. A special tea ceremony with their parents held deep cultural significance and added a beautiful touch to their celebration.

The reception was a catered lunch with lawn games and even a pop-up bounce fort for the kids (and big kids at heart). The Kona Ice truck and local Thai food catering, while a Papa Hayden cake added sweetness to the occasion.

For Allison and James, their charming Portland backyard wedding was not just about tying the knot but about celebrating their love, their unique journey, and the blending of their families and friends. Both sets of parents, in their 70s, were there to witness this joyous occasion, and some traveled afar to be a part of it.

We’ve traveled far and wide to exotic settings photographing the most profound weddings, yet we also know “the exceptional” can be found in a charming Portland backyard wedding too. One love. One Life. It is beautiful.