AN ELEGANT, SUNSET colored, FIESTA WEDDING AT THE OREGON GARDEN
Tracey and Jessi let nature shine in their extraordinary wedding that celebrated the beauty and colors in the picturesque setting of The Oregon Garden. This couple, adventurous at heart, chose to embrace the enchanting allure of their surroundings and added their own unique touch, resulting in a celebration that was as unique as it was unforgettable.
Nestled in the heart of Oregon's stunning Willamette Valley, The Oregon Garden provided an idyllic backdrop for this couple's special day. The lush greenery, colorful blooms, and the gentle sound of trickling water served as silent witnesses as the couple exchanged their heartfelt vows, surrounded by their loved ones.
Choosing to stay consistent with the theme of natural beauty, the bride allowed her attendants to choose their own gown in beautiful sunset shades of pink, burgundy and terra cotta. Together the colors added visual interest and vibrant depth.
Rather than feeling the need for extravagant decorations, this couple opted to let the natural beauty of The Oregon Garden shine through. The garden's enchanting pathways, blooming arbors, and perfectly manicured lawns set the stage for an ethereal ambiance that exuded romance at every turn. The vibrant hues of the surrounding foliage, showcasing the summer season's radiance, painted a breathtaking picture that no man-made decoration could ever surpass.
Adding their own personal touch to the festivities, the couple incorporated elements that reflected their vibrant personalities and family traditions. From the picado papel that created the wonderland that was their reception to the custom-designed floral arrangements in shades of adobe and desert, every detail showcased their creativity and passion. The Oregon Garden gave such a lush, colorful pairing to their earthy, sunset colored accents.
Their sunset portraits, set amidst the meandering garden paths at The Oregon Garden and sun-dappled water features, captured the couple's glowing love in its purest form. The ethereal setting added a special magic to their day, highlighting their sweetness and joy against the backdrop of nature's own grand design.
To infuse their celebration with a touch of their own spice, they incorporated small, meaningful accents into the natural setting. Sangria stations, featuring freshly picked Oregon fruits, provided a refreshing and lively treat for their guests, while wild, sunset colored garlands adorned each table and chair from ceremony to reception. Never one to let culture be put on the side lines, the couple laced their dinner space with crisp, white, picado papel to add a playful nod to the groom’s family traditions and to add a touch of elegance to all the wonderment and color that surrounded them at The Oregon Garden.
Papel picado, which translates into "chopped" or "punched" paper, are beautiful banners made out of paper or plastic panels that are cut with intricate designs. These decorations are used for celebrations and the color white signifies hope for a bright future. It is widely believed that the Aztecs began this tradition by using a bark to create religious works of art. Throughout the mid 1900’s, the popularity of papel picado banners spread from Huixolotla to Mexico City and beyond. Today, they can be found in many parts of the world, adding a touch of tradition and joy to festivities.
I love capturing quiet, still life moments like this. I just imagine the remnants of a wonderful meal lingering on the crumbs on the plates, the chatter and conversations that touched the lips of the glasses, and the well used napkins that have been abandoned for the thrill of the dance floor.
The couple had an unforgettable and refreshingly unique grand exit on their wedding day. As their guests cheered and clapped, the newlyweds giddily walked through a whimsical garden path beautifully illuminated by an array of glowing white balloons in the hands of their family and friends. The lit path filled with loved ones to guide them towards their next stop. And there it waited, a candy apple red vintage Thunderbird convertible. Its classic charm stunningly accented by the moonlight. With laughter in their eyes and hearts full of love, they hopped into the car, feeling the thrill of the moment. As they drove away, the night embraced them, and a sense of exhilaration hung in the air as they waved goodbye as newlyweds, through the gates of The Oregon Garden, and off to a new adventure.
Looking back at the vibrance and simplicity of their day, it becomes clear that sometimes, the most beautiful decorations are the ones nature provides. The Oregon Garden served as a perfect testament to that notion, showcasing the couple's love in a way that was authentic, timeless, and truly memorable.
I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this couple's special day, documenting all the beautiful colors, the vibrancy of the dancing, the air buzzing with celebratory vibes and all the moments that will forever remind them of the beginning of their love story in the heart of The Oregon Garden.
