A Fun-Filled Portland Wedding Celebration – Erik + Brynn

“You know those moments that happen in romantic movies when two star crossed lovers meet for the first time? When time seems to stand still and nothing but the two people in the frame seem to matter? Our whole lives we saw these moments portrayed in movies time and time again but never really thought they occurred in real life. Boy were we wrong! We met on St. Patricks Day in a bar called Murphy’s in Downtown Honolulu. Brynn was celebrating her birthday that night wearing a beautiful Haku Lei, looking absolutely stunning. In walks a slightly less beautiful, but very self-assured Erik. Immediate eye contact and a smile or two later is all it took for both of us to know that sometimes movie moments do happen and when they do you better not let go!” – Brynn + Erik

It turns out that night in downtown Honolulu sparked the beginning of their lifelong journey together. This summer Erik + Brynn tied the knot with an Oregon wedding celebration complete with a large party bus and epic party on the dance floor! When Brynn reached out to me to photograph their wedding in Portland, I was beyond thrilled. The previous year, Erik had reached out to me to photograph their engagement session on top of one of their favorite hikes in Hawaii. So getting the opportunity to share more intimate moments with the two of them was a no brainer!

Bride and groom first look wedding portraits in Portland, Oregon — Bride and groom first look wedding portraits at Council Crest.

Sweet Getting Ready Moments and an Intimate First Look

Their wedding day started out with both Brynn and Erik getting ready at Brynn’s parent’s house in Portland, Oregon. Brynn and the bridesmaids got ready upstairs, while Erik and the groomsmen got ready in the basement. Brynn’s mom helped her get into her wedding dress and it was such a special moment to witness as I could tell they share a very unique bond.

Brynn + Erik decided to on doing a First Look (highly recommended!) Once everyone was ready, the whole bridal party piled into the party bus that took us to Council Crest, a neighborhood park that was only 5 minutes up the hill. Fun fact: Erik was blindfolded the whole way over to the park which made for a kick-ass time, filled with laughter.

Once we arrived at the park for their First Look, we made our way down a secluded trail in the woods, filled with lush greenery and canopy trees. It was here that Brynn + Erik were finally able to slow down, soak it all in, and be present in the moment. Their excitement, anticipation, and everlasting love shines through their faces.

After their intimate First Look and some portraits in the park, we headed to St. Andrews Catholic Church for the ceremony where Brynn + Erik tied the knot in a traditional fashion. After the “I Do” we all hopped back on the party bus and headed over to Peninsula Park for family portraits and bridal party portraits.

Bride and groom walking into their wedding reception party. — Brynn + Erik’s wedding reception with family and friends was so energetic and full of love!

An Energetic Dance Party to End the Night

Then came the PARTY! Brynn and Erik had told me they were a bit concerned about their wedding getting canceled due to COVID, but as it so happened, they were still able to celebrate their big day with their full guest count despite the ups and down of COVID. Brynn’s grandma was even able to make an appearance at the reception as well which created such a special moment for them.

The wedding reception was held at The Evergreen which is a beautiful wedding and event space in downtown Portland that is full of architectural history. Brynn and Erik had a great guest turnout and many of their family members and friends gave beautiful heartfelt speeches.

The highlight of the evening was the party on the dance floor. Every time I looked over the dance floor was PACKED! Brynn and Erik sure do know how to throw a party!

This Portland wedding was a jam-packed day of celebration and was filled with so much love and energy from everyone who came out to support them. For more information on wedding and elopement photography, head on over to my contact page to learn more!