Portland Elopement - Katherine & Stefan

Katherine and Stefan originally planned a big Portland wedding at Wonser Woods Estate. Everything was coming together smoothly, then COVID-19 hit and everything came to a halt. The Corona Virus was a nightmare with so many unknowns causing them extreme anxiety. They were devastated to have to cancel their joyous occasion. After many talks over the phone, we assured them if we take time to brainstorm ideas together we might be able to redesign their wedding into something great. By planning a small intimate Portland elopement this year and a larger wedding reception next year they could have the best of both worlds. This way they could satisfy the immediate desire of getting married this year while creating excitement and anticipation for next year. Spreading out the experience over a larger span of time suddenly became more and more attractive.

So we visited Stefan’s mother’s Portland home and began brainstorming ideas about how to orchestrate a backyard elopement. They were concerned about the backdrop not being as lovely as their original venue and the photography would suffer. We shared with them that from all the weddings we’ve seen, the photography isn’t solely about the backdrop so much as it is about how the moments and light are captured. For us, the best landscape is the light and not to worry, let us take on that task. Instead, we encouraged them to free themselves from worry and instead focus more on how they want to “be and feel” for their wedding. Also, as far as any concern about inside photography we would wear masks and also creatively photograph outside through doorways and windows. At that point, a weight seemed to lift as ideas began to flow. Their homes and backyards would become spaces for memories. Katherine and Stefan’s home would be the place for their ceremony and cocktail hour, then they would ride Stefan’s motorcycle over to Stefan’s mother’s home for their reception. By spreading out the activities they would diversify photography opportunities and also usher people through a variety of unique outdoor backdrops making this a fun, safe, and meaningful experience for everyone. Since Katherine’s immediate family and friends are from Venezuela they would use an iPad for a virtual ceremony. Ideas kept flowing. Their dog Chama would be the “dog of honor” and the ring bearer. Children would walk to the ceremony, outside chandeliers, string market lights, and, and… Once the bigger decision was made to have their wedding at their homes all the small details smoothly fell into place. Their elopement was absolutely unique, meaningful, and beautiful. We think it goes without saying, “necessity is the mother of invention.”