An early fall Hood River wedding

January 20, 2023

Kayla and Brenden have been together for 9 years and are so deeply in love! I worked with Kayla at Dutch Bros and she is one of the biggest and brightest lights you’ll ever meet. I absolutely adore her! She is hardworking and loyal to the core. I first met them both as a couple, when Kayla won my giveaway years ago, we did a free photoshoot for her and Brenden and it was so much fun. We came up with the most adorable theme, “skating down the street in Downtown Portland”. We then finished off the day with pizza on a rooftop and some champagne pops! It was such a fun day and I loved getting to see Kayla interact with her man.

Next came their proposal. Last year Kayla and Brendan were vacationing in Arizona for Brendan’s birthday and during one of their family hikes, Brendan popped the question! Kayla was SO thrilled, of course, she said yes!! Immediately after the proposal Kayla reached out to me and I was OVERJOYED. I did not hesitate to say yes to capturing their Hood River wedding day. For their engagement session, we ventured over to Cape Kiwanda. We watched the sunset over the sand dunes and hung out way past dark. We had the best time running around in the water and snapping some iconic photos. I absolutely loved the time we spent together, it was so special!

It was a huge honor to capture their Hood River wedding day. From the sweet ceremony to breaking it down on the dance floor, what an amazing wedding day. I was so thankful to be able to witness their beautiful love story and experience the love they received as they were surrounded by friends and family.

How a wedding planner can make all the difference

Kayla and Brenden hired an incredible wedding planner and coordinator to handle the ins and outs of their Hood River wedding day. Cindy of Peachy Keen Coordination ensured that every moment was accounted for. She kept everyone in line and on schedule, which I LOVED!

Having a professional wedding planner and coordinator makes all the difference on your actual wedding day. They know how to pace your day, so that you are achieving all you want without feeling too rushed. As a wedding photographer, I love working alongside a skilled coordinator. Typically, if a couple doesn’t have one the coordination falls on my shoulders which can take away from the focus that I pour on your photography.

Cindy had arranged a beautiful itinerary for us from the moment we stepped foot on site to the moment we got in our cars to head home. She also gathered all the important information for all of the family, wedding party, and vendors to know before the wedding day, so that everyone was aligned in what they needed to do. Most importantly having someone to look out for all the logistical side of the wedding day allowed Kayla and Brenden the time to soak up the details and special moments that filled their Hood River wedding day.

Details from this Hood River wedding day

The Griffin House is a must-see option for a Pacific Northwest wedding venue. Between the shining sun and the love flowing across the property, everything about Kayla and Brenden’s wedding day was perfect. To kick off the morning both Kayla and Brenden arrived around noon to get ready with their wedding party. I always love capturing a few getting-ready photos for my couples. Not only are the images beautifully intimate but also capture the stunning pre-ceremony jitters.

After showing off her gorgeous gown, Kayla headed outside to sneak up behind Brenden for their first look. They both were so present in the moment and it was clear they were just so ready to marry each other! After the first look, Kayla and Brenden shared their intimate vows that absolutely provoked a few tears. It was clear to see how thrilled their guests were to be in attendance at this Hood River wedding. With wide smiles, loud cheers, and SO much love, Kayla and Brenden’s love story was fully supported – it was beautiful.

When a couple has a first look it helps tremendously with the overall timeline and flow of the wedding day. For this Pacific Northwest wedding day, we were able to knock out some of the bigger more time-consuming photos before the ceremony. This allowed me the ability to pull Kayla and Brenden after the ceremony for private bridal shots and sunset pictures. I also love when couples choose to do a first look because it allows their family and bridal party to enjoy cocktail hour! This gives my couple a little private time before everyone starts pulling them in every direction to mingle.

Kayla and Brenden worked their wedding day itinerary around their wants. I loved this! One of my favorite moments of the night was the fact that they mixed the traditional first dance. Instead, they snuck out into the dark together for a private first dance. In lieu of the formal first dance they had a final dance with all of their guests surrounded by bubbles, it was such a fun way to end their Griffin House wedding and honestly fit perfectly in the space this venue has! What an incredible way to end the night.

Why I love The Griffin House for a Hood River wedding

A Griffin House wedding is an experience. This location and the surrounding area are all so special. For starters, The Griffin House is located just minutes away from Downtown Hood River, meaning there are loads of hotels nearby! The couple had room blocks at three various hotels and some were even right next to the venue! The location of this Hood River wedding venue couldn’t be more ideal.

The Griffin House is known for its breathtaking views, stunning house exterior, and see-through tent. Personally, I am a huge fan of their pink bathroom and sunbathed getting-ready room. There is also a quaint piano corner downstairs. The Griffin House makes weddings feel romantic, intimate, and special. Sunsets at this venue are to die for. The colors sweep the gorge and illuminate the venue with warmth making it so no one will forget your wedding day.

It’s important to note that this is a Pacific Northwest wedding hot spot! The venue books up FAST so once you decide you’re interested I recommend reserving your spot ASAP. You and your guests will be beyond thankful to spend an evening celebrating love at this iconic Hood River wedding venue. Personally, I can’t think of many locations that beat the elegance, ease, and experience a Griffin House wedding provides.

Vendors

Venue The Griffin House

Photographer Michelle Allan Photography

Videographer Long Light Productions

Day of Planner Peachy Keen Coordination

Florist Wildflower PDX

Caterer Portland Catering Company

Bartender The Swig Rig

Cake & Dessert Station Lux Sucre Desserts

DJ Stumptown DJ

Dress a&be Portland

Bridesmaids Dresses Azazie

Makeup Lillian Kacharak

Hair Shauna Teach

Rings Fred Meyer Jewelers

Men’s Attire Indochino

Invitations Vistaprint & Etsy

Transportation EcoShuttle

Vendor