The first time I met Hannah we sat down for coffee and talked about our dogs for aprx 75% of the meeting. I knew right away I was going to love her forever. Zak is equally as loveable and anytime I think about their wedding I smile really big. H + Z have such a huge, amazing community of family and friends supporting them. From the very beginning, they knew they just wanted to throw a huge party to celebrate with everyone they loved. And they did just that! They started the day getting ready at Hotel Vintage in downtown Portland, which despite the name is a beautiful modern space with lots of gorgeous natural light. Couples take note! This helps so much for getting those pretty and flattering getting ready photos. When it was time for the first look Hannah and her ladies loaded onto the top deck of the Double Decker PDX bus, followed by Zak and his guys on the lower level. Everyone took a bumpy and fun drive through downtown and up to Hoyt Arboretum on the same bus. It was such a unique and fun way to transport the whole bridal party, but also keep the bride and groom separate until their official first look in the forest! We did portraits under the redwoods in the arboretum, which was lovely thanks to all the shade, despite being a hot July day! And Hannah was such a good sport, hiking around the trails in her heels and gown.

Castaway Portland was the perfect setting to have their big ceremony outside, with Hannah’s favorite bridge in the background. Then moving inside for a big reception that they could add all their own touches to, with the help of the amazing Rose and Stone PDX.  They had Crown Paella cooking up a feast during cocktail hour, which is always a crowd pleaser and my personal favorite catering in Portland! They also hired Double Decker PDX to take them on a celebratory loop around downtown, where there was lots of dancing, champagne popping, and cheering from the sidewalks. It was so much fun.

After there was feasting on the paella and some of the sweetest speeches from friends and family. The party really started when the band Dance Machine took the stage and kept everyone on their feet late into the night. If you’re thinking about a live band at your wedding, I say go for it! It always adds an extra level of entertainment and Dance Machine was one of my favorite I’ve seen. Everyone had blisters on their feet the next day from dancing all damn night.

Hannah and Zak seriously put on the most flawless party, that not only celebrated their relationship but also spotlighted Portland in such a fun way. I was so happy to be there every minute of the day to capture the fun and the love these two share.  Full vendor list after a million photos, so you can feel like you were there, too!

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Venue: Castaway Portland

Getting Ready: Hotel Vintage

First Look: Hoyt Arboretum

Hair and Makeup: Blossom and Beauty

Planning: Rose and Stone (closed)

Florals: Blum Floral Design

Bus: Double Decker PDX

Catering: Crown Paella

Dress: Maggie Sottero

Band: Dance Machine

Second Shooter: Alexandra Celia