Elysian Ballroom Wedding | Portland, OR | Vanessa+Rod

Vanessa and Rod were one of the first couples that I booked going into the 2018 wedding season. Vanessa is a longtime friend and was my next door neighbor growing up for some time. My dad was grabbing the mail one day as he usually does and runs into Vanessa’s dad. They both get to talking and her dad mentioned that she was getting married next year and my dad had to chime in and say ironically my son is a wedding photographer I am sure he would love to capture it.

I sat down with the both of them after not seeing her for over 10 years and things just clicked from the start. We setup their engagement session at Cannon Beach during the winter time. We headed out to Seaside Oregon where we went into an arcade called Funland. I had never shot in an arcade yet before so it was a fun challenge for me. They shot some hoops, played some air hockey and rolled some ski ball. I love starting off a session with something more upbeat and high energy. Its a chance to get them both loosened up build up trust along the way. We then ventured out to the coast and had them running around every which way to finish off the session.

Fast forward nine months later and we are having their wedding at the Elysian Ballroom in Portland Oregon. The day started out at Hotel Delux just down the street. I loved this choice because the hotel fit the vibe of the venue seamlessly. Both the bride and the groom shared drinks with their closest friends. The groom was even gifted a basketball with their wedding date engraved on it, pretty cool! He is a Laker fan but I guess I can let it slide. The brides getting ready room was loaded up with all goodies including yours truly (the wine). Kelli Thomsen did an amazing job with the hair and makeup.

Both the bride and groom ventured down to the Elysian ballroom to finish getting ready. Both rooms at this venue have plenty of room for a larger bridal party and have big windows to let in a lot of natural light for portraits. Vanessa and Rod wanted to do a first look on the stair case. We then went outside for a little bit and grabbed more portraits on the streets of Portland! I love shooting weddings in Portland. I cant describe the feeling being a photographer and having your couple dressed to the nines roaming the streets. All eyes are on them as it should be. But honestly you get photographs that are so different. We went back inside for the ceremony where they had an amazing floral backdrop on the stage provided by Crystal Lillies. They then enjoyed a cocktail hour with their closest friends and family followed by the reception. I honestly cant thank these two humans enough for trusting me to capture their day! They were one of the first couples I booked for 2018. Vanessa and Rod were both so accommodating and easy going the entire wedding. Congrats to you both! Enjoy all the cocktails in Hawaii come December.

Hair and Makeup: Kelli Thomsen / Wedding Planner: Mike Piper / Venue: Elysian Ballroom

Florals: Crystal Lillies / Videographer: GoodCoStudios / Caterer: Papa Hyden / Dress: The White Dress