the journal

I met Ricki & Dylan last summer when we did their SILVER FALLS ENGAGEMENT SESSION and I have seriously LOVED getting to know them over this last year. Most of it has been through social media, and they are seriously SO funny! I have loved seeing their relationship and just learning more about them. So, of course I was excited for their Rustic Outdoor Oregon Wedding! We were all expecting a hot day but luckily, we had awesome cloud cover but no rain! It was perfect! I pulled up to VANDERBECK VALLEY FARM in Mount Angel Oregon and it is SO pretty! Ricki’s family friends own the venue so it was super special to them to have their wedding here.

We started out with Ricki and her bridesmaids getting ready and then Ricki’s mom helped her into her wedding dress and the first looks started! Ricki did a first look with her bridesmaids, her dad, her brothers and of course with Dylan. I don’t think I’ve done that many first looks right in a row and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything so special. … I teared up more at this wedding than any other wedding I’ve photographed. Everyone was so happy for Ricki & Dylan and honestly, so proud of them for making this decision. It was truly something special to witness.

Both Dylan & Ricki had tears running down their cheeks when they finally got to see one another and it was so sweet. Dylan pulled Ricki in for the sweetest hug and wouldn’t let go. And he teared up again as he saw Ricki walking down the aisle. The ceremony was filled with laughter, advice and congratulations! Something that was really emphasized is that Ricki & Dylan made it! And I loved that! Working towards a marriage and being married is not always easy. It takes a lot of hard work and compromise which I don’t think is celebrated enough. Ricki & Dylan have worked to be ready for marriage and I LOVE that that was celebrated! They exchanged rings, said vows and had their moms come up for a candle lighting ceremony before Ricki & Dylan shared their first kiss as husband and wife!

The rest of the evening was filled with food, laughter, toasts and dancing! A family friend gave a toast and something she said really stood out to me. She said, ‘Everyday you have to choose to say yes’. You have to fight for your marriage and really try to work on things together! I loved seeing and hearing so many people support Ricki & Dylan in their marriage and wanting to celebrate that with them! I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to photograph Ricki & Dylan’s Rustic Outdoor Oregon Wedding and I’m even more grateful to have gotten to know them and celebrate with them!