This Castaway wedding mixes the beauty of Hoyt Arboretum with the urban vibes of the city. Portland is kinda magical like that; you can be in the midst of a dense forest one minute and the next minute surrounded by intertwined bridges and tall buildings.

I photographed Hannah + Zak’s wedding in the first month of living in Portland. I had just moved from Seattle and had no friends or connection in the Portland market. Prior to my move, I had joined a Portland wedding photography Facebook group, eager to connect with other photographers and start to navigate the new venues and photo spots that Oregon State has to offer. A sweet gal named Kate posted that she was looking for second shooter and ended up picking me to tag along for Hannah + Zak’s day. Coolest part, I not only landed a local gig but made a dear friend along the way.

Photography can be an isolating industry, especially when your support system is your competition. Despite all of this, Kate has shared inquiries and new ideas with me, she’s listened to me vent, and heard me out when I’ve felt defeated. She always remembers my birthday and lets me smother her dog Opal half to death, so to say I am grateful would be an understatement. Love you Kate.

Hannah and Zak did their first look at Hoyt Arboretum and said their vows at Castaway. These two originally met at Birth Right so you can image the level of party that went down. I say this because jews know how to party, this is not an opinion, it’s a fact and I can say this because I’m jewish through and through; had a Bat Mitzvah, went on Birth Right and spent countless years celebrating Passover and Chanukah. I felt right at home with crew and enjoyed the excitement and energy during the Horah. Hope to be back here soon!

Second Shot for Kate Ames
Transportation:  Double Decker PDX
Venue: Castaway
Food: Crown Paella
Live Music: Dance Machine
Hair + Makeup: Blossom and Beauty
Flowers: Blum Design
Event Planning + Design: Rose and Stone PDX