Albany Oregon Wedding Photographer - Jonny & Rubi's Nuptials at O & L Gardens

This was my one and only couple whose wedding actually went as planned in 2020! Everyone else had to make some kind of major change, like re-locating or downsizing, but most just pushed their wedding to 2021. Jonny & Rubi insisted on keeping their original wedding date, even if it meant getting married in someone’s backyard. They kept their reservation with the venue and just hoped for the best. As luck would have it, they got married in a county where, at the time, they were allowed to have a full guest list for their outdoor celebration.

This was my first time at O & L Gardens, which is located in Albany, Oregon. The outdoor venue is quite large and absolutely beautiful! It is out in the country and has a great rustic vibe, with a variety of locations to use for a wedding ceremony and/or reception.

We started the day with a First Look, which took place under a huge tree with the summer sun shining through. Ruby was stunning in a strapless ballgown, a simple veil, and some fabulous sparkly heels. Jonny looked quite dapper in his simple suit and pink tie. After their first look, we did a few portraits before the ceremony, where Jonny was escorted by his parents and Rubi was walked down the aisle by her brother and her mom.

After their nuptials, we did a few more portraits and then the newlyweds enjoyed their reception festivities. Their first dance, which was really sweet, was followed by a lot of fun fast-dancing by guests. The sun went down, as the reception came to a close, and the couple ran through a tunnel of bubbles on their way out!

Salem Wedding Photographer - Quarantine Elopement!

Jenna and Richard were scheduled to get married in the summer of 2020, but like many other couples, were forced to change their plans, due to COVID-19. A lot of venues and vendors were shut down for months, or at the very least had restrictions that made wedding planning difficult. In addition to the worldwide pandemic, the bride’s father was going through cancer treatment, so they decided to just elope, but still on their original wedding date, with a larger celebration/wedding planned for 2021. Unfortunately, the grooms father passed away unexpectedly about a month before the elopement. :(

Despite the loss and sadness, their families managed to be filled with joy and happiness on this special day. The couple eloped at the Wedding House, which is a small privately owned venue in Salem. Due to COVID restrictions, I did not attend their ceremony, but we met up immediately afterwards at Bush Park. The first thing they did was sign their marriage certificate, with their mothers as their witnesses. We then did a group photo with the whole family, after which everyone headed off to dinner, while the newlyweds stayed behind for a few portraits. I thought Jenna looked adorable in her Granny’s vintage dress (she has another dress that she’ll wear this year for their larger celebration) and Richard in his vest and hat. I first met Jenna a few years ago, when she was a photography student of mine (I still use her final project as an example in my class). She was just the sweetest, kind-hearted person and I was absolutely honored that she would consider me for her wedding photography. I met Richard when we did our in-person consultation and he’s also super nice and just down to earth and easygoing. Anyway, I’m wishing a lifetime of happiness to this beautiful couple and can’t wait to photograph them again this year!