Ava and Michael’s Youngberg Hill wedding was absolutely gorgeous. When we heard Ava and Michael recently hiked 14 miles at the grand canyon,18 miles down the Zion Narrows, visited SE Asia, Portugal/Spain, and love to create new experiences and learn about different cultures, we knew we were in for a real adventure. Our experience with them began with a lifestyle engagement photo session in their hometown, Chicago. It was then we learned about how much they listen, communicate, and trust each other and their deep love for family and friends. We immediately felt an open trust from Ava and Michael by how much they expressed their love for our candid artistic photos. Spending quality time with them along Chicago’s Riverwalk allowed us to develop a great dialogue and let them cut loose and be themselves.
Ava and Michael were graced with a gorgeous bluebird day Youngberg Hill wedding in McMinnville Oregon with 85 of their family and friends for an exquisite vineyard destination wedding. Youngberg Hill’s romantic and expansive indoor and outdoor venue escorted them into the perfect Oregon wine country wedding experience. Youngberg Hill is right in the heart of the Willamette Valley with breathtaking views, award-winning wines, and a gorgeous vineyard setting. It’s no wonder it’s the preferred destination for vineyard weddings in Oregon. Youngberg Hill’s seasoned staff and Luxe Event Productions coordination and planning team delivered them the best of the best. The great thing about Youngberg is Ava and Michael had an intimate place all to themselves for getting ready, a stunning ceremony site, and a brilliant reception setting ushering everyone into different spaces throughout the property. Their theme was garden / romantic/relaxed vibe with multiple furniture vignettes for guests to lounge; Latin-flair throughout the night including dinner, late-night snacks, and music. Everyone came dressed in their best cocktail dresses, long sundresses, floral prints, and suits. Hints of Ava’s Mexican heritage, including special dancing and other Mexican traditions. The Blue Wave Band shook the dance floor with endless dancing, especially with legendary late-night tacos by Willaby’s Catering.
We love how the Youngberg Hill team often refers to a French term called “terrior” which talks about wine being a “wonderful gift from nature. It’s not just the soil, but all other things that bring life into great wine. The rainfall, drainage, sun exposure, and climate specific to a given site. Vines send their roots deep into the living earth, struggles in the search of water and nutrients, in communion with the unseen but vital world of soil microbes.” Much like what makes great wine makes great families. All the love ebbing and flowing together makes magic. What better place for Ava and Michael to celebrate their wedding with their growing family atop this gorgeous vineyard terrace on a hill. For their honeymoon, they will be exploring the Amalfi Coast and Santorini Greece. A massive thanks to Greg Hastain with Hastain/Davis Studios for being a 2nd shooter & lighting assistant during this wedding. His brilliant team playing attitude, the constant hunger for learning, and endless determination to work hard to “light the shot or get the shot” no matter what marks the difference between a good photographer and a great photographer.
So much gratitude to all the great vendors from this wedding who helped make Ava and Michael’s wedding an exceptional experience. Photographers: JOS & TREE Venue: Youngberg Hill Inn & Winery Wedding Planning & Day-Of Coordinator: Allison w/ Luxe Event Productions – Ava & Michael’s planning | Guest Accommodations: Atticus Hotel in downtown McMinnville & AirBnB Makeup and Hair: Tiffany Randolph Groom & Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux Catering: Willaby’s Catering Wedding Cake: Hungry Hero | Floral: Honor Flowers Invitations / Signage: Hey Halle | Entertainment: Blue Wave Band Late-night churros: Churros Locos | Engagement Adventure along the Chicago River Walk