Amaterra Winery in Portland's West Hills. The hottest summer day to date. Crosby and Will, celebrating their most-anticipated union with loved ones hailing from both coasts. Here is the wedding day journal of the Armstrongs & Laydens, told by their trusted photographer.
Saturday, July 6th, 2024
Portland, Oregon, USA
11:45am
A PORTLAND WINERY WEDDING
Winery weddings hit differently, especially when tucked away in the West Hills of Portland. For Crosby and Will, Amaterra Winery was the perfect venue to host their loved ones from both coasts for one iconic wedding weekend.
Even though the day ahead consisted of triple-digit temps and a large itinerary, everybody – including me – was ready to party.
Getting ready in separate adjacent rooms on the lower level of the winery, Crosby and Will buzzed with excitement as they prepared for their day. The scene was calm yet lively as Crosby sat in the makeup chair dressed in a silky white pajama ensemble, while her bridesmaids got ready and steamed her veil. Natural light shone into the room, adding a lightness to the industrial tones of the space.
I was given boxes of the couple’s details to start documenting the couple’s day. Within minutes, my assistants and second shooter arrived – catching me red-handed as I unpacked detail after detail and warmed up my flash.
12:00PM
THE WEDDING DETAILS
The details of this wedding day? Simple and so effective. The concrete floors outside the bride and groom’s spaces became my playground for detail shots.
I laid out the full-size newspaper that doubled as Crosby and Will’s wedding favor for guests, filled with their coastal engagement photos and typewritten text regarding the day's happenings. On top, in various intervals, I added sunglasses, rings, necklaces, Crosby’s shoes (all adorned with pearls), fragrances, and the couple’s vow books. Wanting to add a nature element to the photos, I brought the haul outside for a gleaming moment under the sun.
12:30pm
A PINTEREST BOARD MOMENT
Back inside, Crosby was wrapping up her finishing touches, and I realized I wanted to put her details to even more use. I explained the vision and she was immediately convinced. So, I handed her the newspaper for some light reading, accompanied by a coffee cup, later champagne, and finally, her pearly sunglasses.
A pajama moment with your bridesmaids is a classic hit for any wedding, and Crosby’s girls were elated to join in on the Pinterest board of my making. Dressed in matching blue pajama sets and seated on either side of their best friend, the three women brought a vision to life effortlessly.
1:30pm
DRESSED TO THE NINES
After a handful of minutes of capturing more shots of the space and untangling the daintiest necklace for the bride, it was time for Crosby to get into her dress.
We headed to another room and secured flash photos of the dress, veil, and shoes before Crosby and her mom got started. On the other side of the door, the florists finished up the remaining touches of Crosby’s wedding bouquet, adding a small blue cloth and pearls around the stems at her request.
I stayed inside with the bride, her mother, and her bridesmaids as Crosby was fitted into her dress, capturing her mother with all the clasps and straps. Smiles and patience filled the small space. Once Crosby was in her dress, she also took the time to read a private letter from Will.
In the other room with my second shooter, Will was also getting dressed, taking photos with family, lounging with his groomsmen, and reading his private letter from Crosby.
2:15pm
THE INITIAL PORTRAITS
Fully dressed and staying out of sight of her groom, Crosby and I headed to the outdoor terrace to begin the initial wedding portraits. After some quick shots with her immediate family and bridesmaids, I took Crosby aside. I guided her through prompts for standard bridal poses, along with some movement prompts to start securing documentary-style shots. We walked, jogged, and fluffed out her dress multiple times to photograph the bride and her dress in full splendor.
Not only could you see the beauty Crosby radiated as a bride, but you could also feel her anticipation for the coming hours.
3:00pm
With the afternoon sun barrelling towards triple digits, everyone hustled inside towards air conditioning and hydration. As the clock ticked closer to the 4 o’clock hour, guests began trickling in from upstairs, dressed in their summer wedding best. Before the cocktail hour space became too packed with people, I snuck in for some aesthetic shots of wine barrels, bar setups, and welcome table details.
Outside on the terrace, the remaining chairs and white flowers for the ceremony were brought out. As I scouted the balcony views overlooking the ceremony and the West Hills, the sound team prepped speakers, music, and microphones for the event ahead. Guests remained inside until the very last minutes prior, making their way to the terrace with fans, water, and newspapers in hand. I made my way downstairs, snapping photos of Crosby and Will’s loved ones arriving and taking their seats.
At the same time, the bride and groom stayed tucked away in their respective rooms, counting down the minutes until they were scheduled to reunite at the altar.
4:15pm
THE CEREMONY
With smooth melodies beginning to play, the officiant – best friend of the bride and groom – made his way to the altar. Their grandparents and close family found their seating, and then Will’s twin brothers/groomsmen followed suit, taking their place next to the officiant.
With his mother on his arm and father right behind, Will entered the ceremony and gave his parents loving embraces before standing at the altar. He held a solemn demeanor, ready for his bride’s arrival. Like clockwork, Crosby’s bridesmaids entered the ceremony with her brother, signaling that the bride was just around the corner.
The crowd stood to their feet as Crosby followed Will’s lead, entering the ceremony with her parents by her side. At first sight of each other from opposite ends of the aisle, their nerves began to turn into smiles. With every step Crosby took towards Will, there was more allowance to breathe easier. And when they united at the altar, you could feel it – the moment these two had been waiting for.
Under the bright, burning sun of a July afternoon, Crosby, Will, and their esteemed guests exchanged love in all forms. Fits of laughter from standing too long after Crosby’s entrance. Tearful and tender moments reflecting on the couple’s story. More laughter. Unique vows from the bride and groom, passing the microphone back and forth listing what they vow to do in marriage. The exchange of rings.
And then, under the bright burning sun of a July afternoon, Crosby and Will shared their first kisses as husband and wife – first at the altar, and second down the aisle.
