ABOUT ME
Thanks for taking a peek at my work! In Summer, when I'm not shooting weddings, you can find me dressed in a silly costume playing kickball, splashing in a cold lake or river, camping with friends, drinking tequila soda on a patio, or record shopping with my beau. In Winter I hibernate. I've called Portland home since 2012. I left NC to travel around the USA for 4 months in search of a creative and inspiring environment, and found it here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Founder of NW Wedding Underground.
I BELIEVE
IN dreaming
Hi, I'm Crystal!
PORTFOLIO
featured weddings
INFO
SOME THINGS
ARE IMPORTANT
Big or small, the photos from your wedding day will travel with you throughout your lifetime. My favorite way to document a wedding is by focusing on the unique personality and excitement that you, your friends and family, and your vision all bring together, so that you won't miss a single moment and you can relive it for years to come.
Three words I think best sum up my images. I've been shooting weddings for 14 years and loving every minute of it! From Martha's Vineyard to Puerto Rico to NYC to Portland, and all in between, I've documented some amazing events.
Color. Laughter. Personality.
If your style is fun, vibrant, and just a little bit quirky, I'd love to hear from you!
As seen on...
KIND WORDS
Gretchen & Michael
a Lost Lake, OR wedding
Crystal captured more about our day than I could have imagined possible. Her gentle suggestions were beyond helpful and she has some kind of magic ability to be practically invisible and yet present in 5 places at the same time! The colors and emotions she sees and photographs are my favorite memories of our wedding day.
"She has some kind of
magic ability"
Valerie & Lyndell
an oregon vineyard wedding
Crystal is incredibly talented and absolutely wonderful to work with. I could not have been more happy with my wedding photos and my engagement photos. I highly recommend her for your wedding or any other event. She’s very creative and has an amazing skill for capturing expressions.
"Besides being a phenomenal photographer
she’s also a fantastic human being"
Kathleen + cobey
a Portland, or wedding
We really can't say enough great things about Crystal and Crystal Genes Photography! Crystal was so wonderful to work with on every level. She was prompt, thorough, and all with a lovely calm demeanor which is a perfect contrast to the craziness of the big day.
"She was prompt, thorough, and all with a
lovely calm demeanor"
Joey + Natalie
a portland, OR wedding
it was super important for us to work with like-minded professionals who wanted to get to know us and our vision. we could not be happier with the beautiful documentation of our day. From the outset, we were impressed with her branding and truly exceptional communication. her amazing work speaks for itself. She has an impeccable ability for capturing the feel of the event in a uniquely artistic way.
"We were impressed with her
truly exceptional communication"
Leila + Joe
a mcminnville, OR wedding
CRYSTAL WAS THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER EVER! She was sweet, calm, creative and just downright AMAZING!! We loved every single photo she took! She was everywhere but nowhere; not intrusive at all and her photos of everyone turned out beautiful, even the real candid ones with everyone laughing with their mouths open! everyone who looked at our photos ALL commented, "WOW, these look like they are postcards!"
"Everyone who looked at our photos all commented,
these look like postcards!"
michelle + ryan
a charleston, sc wedding
we have officially determined that the pictures from our wedding day have been the most important part of it all. The photos are what will last a lifetime and you can trust Crystal to make sure they are absolutely PERFECT! Our pictures were better than we could have ever imagined.
"Our pictures were better than we could have
ever imagined"
read more
Watch what it's like to work with CGP!
From An engagement session in the columbia river gorge all the way to hanging canvases in the couple's living room
awards
Featured on the
get to know your wedding pro podcast!
favorite venues
No. 1
The evergreen
No. 1 - The Evergreen
The Evergreen is located in a historic building in central SE Portland. With original hardwood floors, huge windows and several skylights, it is a gem of a natural light venue! It boasts a wrap around bar on the main floor of the venue, and is also above Loyal Legion and Voysey, so you won't have to search far for the after-party location! It can accommodate anywhere from 25-350 guests. There are even built-in hang points for hanging anything your heart desires (up to 250 lbs)... flowers, a hanging cake, or circus acts anyone?
Click here to learn more about a wedding at The Evergreen
No. 2
ainsworth house & gardens
No. 2 - Ainsworth House & Gardens
Ainsworth House & Gardens is located in Oregon City. This historic house boasts a lovely facade, but it's real gem is a giant heritage pine tree. The tree is over 150 years old and protected by the state. Most people choose to get married under the tree, and for good reason! It is gorgeous. The property is pretty large and has the most beautiful landscaping, giving tons of options for a variety of backdrops. The venue includes nearly everything you could need for your wedding day, allows outside catering, and even provides a wedding coordinator.
Click here to learn more about an Ainsworth House & Gardens wedding
No. 3
Abigail's Hideaway
No. 3 - Abigail's Hideaway
Abigail's Hideaway at The Duniway Hotel is a rooftop lounge nestled in the middle of Downtown Portland. It is perfect for an intimate wedding or elopement! If you choose to use the rooftop space for both your ceremony and reception, your cocktail hour can be hosted in the gorgeous hotel bar connected with Jackrabbit restaurant. Or, you could rent space in Jackrabbit for the reception. At any rate, if you want a location in the city that is a little bit edgy and a little bit lush and outdoors, this is a venue worth checking out!
Click here to learn more about a wedding at Abigail's Hideaway at The Duniway Hotel
No. 4
Victorian Belle Mansion
No. 4 - Victorian Belle Mansion
Victorian Belle Mansion is located in the Kenton neighborhood of North Portland. The mansion is beautiful and has a bit of quirky charm, which is just my jam. The gardens surrounding the mansion is what makes me fall in love with this venue every time. It's quaint and lush, and they have thousands of twinkle lights illuminating everything. It's so magical! I could seriously go hang out in the yard all day and be happy. Plus, there's a giant gazebo as well which is perfect for your dance floor, and provides a lovely plan B in case of rain.
Click here to learn more about a Victorian Belle Mansion wedding
No. 5
bridal veil lakes
No. 5 - Bridal Veil Lakes
Bridal Veil Lakes is a magical wonderland. Tucked in the forest, just outside of Portland, if I was putting this list in order (which I'm not), this would be #1. Each part of the wedding day is set up in a different area on the grounds, all around the lake, so you really get to enjoy the space from all angles! I love how the guests get to meander from location to location and really soak up the day and the beauty of the property. There's even an area that looks out over the gorge and provides a breathtaking sunset viewpoint.
Click here to learn more about a Bridal Veil Lakes wedding
No. 6
polaris hall
No. 6 - Polaris Hall
Polaris Hall is located just behind Killingsworth St, and just off Mississppi Ave, in NE Portland. Built in 1930 by Odd Fellows, it is now a music hall and event space. I have seen many concerts here, and love its quirky old charm! The venue has a great getting ready suite for the bride, a downstairs area that could be used for a number of wedding activities or events, and a main level ball room with a bar. There is lots of natural light, and plenty of fun spots for portraits both indoors as well as around the outside of the building and surrounding streets!
Click here to learn more about a Polaris Hall wedding
No. 7
Coopers Hall
No. 7 - Coopers Hall
Coopers Hall is an urban winery located in central SE Portland and is dedicated to wine on tap. It's an industrial space that still manages to have a lot of warmth. It has very tall ceilings and a ton of natural light. Their main large room can accommodate up to 225 guests, a smaller barrel room that can accommodate up to 70, and there's also a mezzanine which can be used for a variety of activities. The barrels provide a really unique backdrop for the day. They also have a gorgeous huge bar!
Click here to learn more about a Coopers Hall wedding
No. 8
Castaway pdx
No. 8 - Castaway pdx
Castaway is a warehouse that was built in 1929, featuring high ceilings and large wrap around windows. They can accommodate up to 1000 people! It's located at the edge of the Pearl District in NW Portland, has a view of the Fremont Bridge, and is surrounded by colorful industrial buildings. The back patio and garden can be used for an outdoor event, and backs up to Pomarius Nursery, which is an adorable plant shop. Castaway also owns Blockhouse, a chef inspired event space on the other side of the Nursery, which is a bit more intimate.
Click here to learn more about a Castaway pdx wedding
No. 9
Redwood Deck | Hoyt Arboretum
No. 9 - The Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum
I have been a huge fan of the Hoyt Arboretum since I moved to Portland back in 2012. It is so lush and has a great variety of trees and foliage. No matter how often I photograph couples and families there, I never get bored with it. Tucked away on one of the many trails is a gorgeous redwood deck, nestled underneath massive redwood trees. A truly magical place perfect for an intimate wedding or elopement.
Click here to learn more about a Redwood Deck at Hoyt Arboretum wedding
No. 10
Mcmenamin's edgefield
No. 10 - Mcmenamins Edgefield
I love the Mcmenamins properties, and have photographed many many weddings at a variety of them. Edgefield is one of my favorites. There are numerous locations on the property that you can use for your ceremony and reception, depending on the size and style of your wedding. It's always a great location for out of town guests, as they can enjoy walking the grounds before and after the event, or even in place of a cocktail hour.
Click here to learn more about a Mcmenamins Edgefield wedding
No. 11
Leach botanical garden
No. 11 - Leach Botanical Garden
This garden venue is a hidden gem in outer SE Portland. A beautiful large outdoor patio that can host both your ceremony and reception, a smaller outdoor patio for the cocktail hour, lovely indoor rooms, and a great bridal suite... everything you could need! BUT it also comes with breathtaking gardens and trails through the woods and along a stream. It's definitely a magical place.
Click here to learn more about a Leach Botanical Garden wedding
No. 12
Cathedral Park
No. 12 - Cathedral Park
You got married under a bridge?! Only the prettiest bridge in the prettiest park in all the land. If you've never been to the park underneath St. Johns Bridge, take a quick detour next time you're driving by, and at least look at the cool view created by the arches (you can see it without even getting out of your car). It's really beautiful. Although Cathedral Park is a public space, a wedding here can still feel really private and intimate. Definitely worth checking out!
Click here to learn more about a Cathedral Park wedding
No. 13
Mcmenamins kennedy school
No. 13 - Mcmenamin's Kennedy School
Another great Mcmenamins venue, the Kennedy School is located in NE Portland, just off Killingsworth & 33rd. I absolutely adore quirky old buildings like this one... and I love all the weird colorful art Mcmenamins incorporates into their properties. At the Kennedy School, you can get married in an outdoor courtyard, or in the old school gymnasium... or use a combination of both!
Click here to learn more about a Mcmenamins Kennedy School wedding
No. 14
Tanner Springs Park
No. 14 - Tanner Springs Park
Another great city park option for hosting an intimate wedding or elopement. A cute little park tucked in the middle of the Pearl District in NW Portland. It's a little below street level, which I always love, so that the surrounding cars and people are a little less visible. It's got overgrown foliage, a Koi pond, and modern urban elements such as a sculpture wall. And, it's only a block from The Fields Park, which provides a few more options for photos!
Click here to learn more about a Tanner Springs Park wedding
No. 15
Caswell Sculpture garden
No. 15 - Caswell Sculpture Garden
This is such an awesome venue, just outside of Portland in Troutdale. It is set on 3 acres that includes not only a ton of neat bronze and stone sculptures, but also a pond with a rowboat, lots of pretty flowers and other greenery, and even a little cabin that has separate suites for both the bride and groom. It's also walking distance to the Sandy River.
Click here to learn more about a Caswell Sculpture Garden wedding
No. 16
scholls valley lodge
No. 16 - Scholls Valley Lodge
This beautiful property overlooks the Scholls Valley, in Hillsboro. The lodge started out as a barn in the 1960s and was remodeled into a home in the 80s by the Vial family. The property is still used as a working farm to this day, although the home is now used exclusively as a lodge rental. There are many areas around the property where you could set up your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, including multiple lawn areas, a lower patio, or even an open barn.
Click here to learn more about a Scholls Valley Lodge wedding
No. 19
Jupiter | next Hotel
No. 19 - Jupiter | NEXT Hotel
The Jupiter hotel is connected to Doug Fir Lounge, which many are familiar with because of all the concerts hosted there. It's a hip colorful boutique hotel right off E Burnside. I love the bright colorful rooms for getting ready, and the ceremony/reception area has great natural light. They have recently built another property next door called NEXT Hotel. Both are amazing in design!
Click here to learn more about a Jupiter | NEXT Hotel wedding
No. 20
Hornings hideout
No. 20 - Hornings Hideout
Horning's Hideout is probably the most rustic location on my list, but I love it all the same! It's a huge property tucked away in North Plains, just outside of Portland. There's a small lake, room for camping for all your guests, and 3 different areas you could utilize for your wedding activities. There's a creekside area, a lakeside area, or a stage area. Depending on which area you choose, it can accommodate 300-700 guests. While there's not a getting ready suite on site, this is the kind of location that would be perfect for renting a mobile bridal suite!
Click here to learn more about a Hornings Hideout wedding
No. 1
Lost Lake Resort & campground
No. 1 - Lost Lake Resort & Campground
Oh how I love Lost Lake. I've photographed a small elopement here as well as a huge wedding celebration. They have cabins, yurts, a lodge, and plenty of space for camping, so you can make a whole week or weekend out of your wedding! There are numerous places where you could have your ceremony and reception. The lake overlooks Mt. Hood, and there are even paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, and fishing poles available for rent by the hour or day.
Click here to learn more about a Lost Lake Resort & Campground wedding
No. 2
Wind mountain ranch
No. 2 - Wind Mountain Ranch
Wind Mountain Ranch is located in Stevenson, WA along the Columbia River Gorge. It offers breathtaking views, and has a few guesthouses as well as several small cabins on the property that you can rent for your wedding party and/or family & friends. There are a number of spots you could choose from for your wedding ceremony, and they have a year round tent for the reception that offers great protection from wind and rain.
Click here to learn more about a Wind Mountain Ranch wedding
No. 3
latourell falls
No. 3 - Latourell Falls
I've photographed quite a few waterfall elopements around Portland, and I must say that Latourell Falls is my personal favorite thus far (I still have yet to visit a few popular ones, so this could change!). This is one powerful waterfall, so misty air and lots of wind are likely! I love how those aspects add to the photos and makes everything seem more wild and free. You can walk down and along the hillside right next to the falls if you're brave enough (and don't mind getting soaked) for even more epic photos!
Click here to learn more about a Latourell Falls wedding
No. 4
Timberline lodge
No. 4 - Timberline Lodge
What's not to love about Timberline Lodge? It's history is inspiring, the fact that the exterior was used in one of my favorite horror movies (The Shining), and the landscape never seems to look the same in any two months, makes it a fun place to photograph again and again. You can get married indoors or outdoors, and utilize a combination of both.
Click here to learn more about a Timberline Lodge wedding
No. 5
loloma lodge
No. 5 - Loloma Lodge
This place is fantastic! Located in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, along the McKenzie River, there are cabins and a lodge for you and your guests as well as camping options. The cabins are all super cute with hip decor, and the property is huge so you can spread out your wedding activities in different areas to allow your guests to mingle and flow. It's such a unique place!
Click here to learn more about a Loloma Lodge wedding
No. 6
domaine de broglie vineyard
No. 6 - Domaine de Broglie Vineyard
Previously called Vista Hills, this property was recently acquired by the Francis Coppola family. This venue is located atop the Dundee Hills in Dundee, Oregon. Surrounded by the vineyard, there are beautiful views in all directions. The outdoor ceremony spot is nestled underneath a grove of old oak trees which provides nice cover from the sunshine. Definitely one of my top favorite wine country wedding locations!
Click here to learn more about a Domaine de Broglie wedding
No. 7
Youngberg Hill
No. 7 - Youngberg Hill
This vineyard is located atop a hill in McMinnville, Oregon. It is also surrounded by vineyards, and has beautiful views for as far as you can see. They have both indoor and outdoor areas that accommodate anywhere from 200-350 guests, and there are a couple of rooms that you can rent for yourself and your wedding party in the Inn. One of my favorite features of the property is a gorgeous old oak tree with a swing that overlooks the vineyard.
Click here to learn more about a Youngberg Hill wedding
No. 8
Crag Rat Hut
No. 8 - Crag Rat Hut
The Hood River Crag Rats is America’s oldest Search and Rescue organization. They have a cool lodge with a patio overlooking Mt Hood that is available for weddings and events, with proceeds going to fund the organization's mission. There are two indoor spaces with large windows overlooking the mountain, as well as a wraparound deck on the upper level.
Click here to learn more about a Crag Rat Hut Wedding
No. 9
Cooper Spur Mountain Resort
No. 9 - Cooper Spur Mountain Resort
I've photographed many weddings at Cooper Spur and never get tired of all it has to offer! You can rent not only the main lodge house which is across the street from the resort, but you can also rent out the entire resort so that your entire guest list can hang out with you the whole wedding weekend! You can have your ceremony behind the lodge house, with views of Mt. Hood's peak, or in the large yard behind the resort. There's also an indoor space perfect for winter weddings in the snow.
Click here to learn more about a Cooper Spur Mountain Resort Wedding
No. 10
deepwood estate & museum
No. 10 - Deepwood Estate & Museum
This gorgeous property is located in the middle of Salem, Oregon. It has a really interesting history as well. Many of the gardens were designed by the first female owned landscape architecture firm in the Northwest. They designed the gardens to feel like separate "rooms", so each one boasts a unique feel. All equally gorgeous, you can design your wedding day to incorporate all of them into your activities!
Click here to learn more about a Deepwood Estate & Museum Wedding
No. 11
Laurel Ridge Winery
No. 11 - Laurel Ridge Winery
This winery is located in Carlton, Oregon and has great indoor and outdoor options. There is a large garden overlooking the farm, an indoor furnished tasting room, as well as a covered outdoor patio that can accommodate up to 75 for an outdoor dinner.
Click here to learn more about a Laurel Ridge Winery Wedding
No. 12
Tipi Village Retreat
No. 12 - Tipi Village Retreat
This fun venue is located in the Mohawk Valley just outside of Eugene Oregon. There are a number of tipis on the property that you and your guests can rent, as well as room for camping. There is also a private suite in the main house in addition to a separate cabin which make great getting ready spots for the couple. It is situated along a lovely creek that you can wade in during summer, and there is even a hot tub that is perfect for the after party. All activities and meals are outdoors, which I love.
Click here to learn more about a Tipi Village Retreat wedding
No. 13
Willamette Valley Vineyards
No. 13 - Willamette Valley Vineyards
This vineyard is just south of Portland off of I-5. Perched on a hill, it overlooks the vineyards as well as the valley. There are several options for the ceremony and reception location, both indoors and out. They also offer accommodations in a great suite for both the bride and groom.
Click here to learn more about a Willamette Valley Vineyards wedding
No. 14
Tin Roof Barn
No. 14 - Tin Roof Barn
The Tin Roof Barn is located in White Salmon, Oregon. From their website, "Tin Roof Barn is nestled within the rolling hills, apple orchards, and green pastures of the Columbia River Gorge in the Pacific Northwest. At over 100 years old, the barn has maintained its turn of the century authenticity and charm."
Click here to learn more about a Tin Roof Barn Wedding
No. 15
haystack gardens
No. 15 - Haystack Gardens
If you are dreaming of a wedding at Cannon Beach, this is a great venue to check out. Part of the Surfsand Weddings Team, this cute retreat center is located a block from the beachfront. You can either get married on the beach overlooking Haystack Rock, and walk to the retreat center for your reception festivities, or you can have both your ceremony and reception at the retreat center. They have a lovely indoor space as well as a large enclosed garden area.
Click here to learn more about a Haystack Gardens wedding
No. 16
Ecola State Park
No. 16 - Ecola State Park
If you're planning an intimate wedding of 50 people or less, or an elopement, and you want stunning ocean views, Ecola State Park may be for you! Several lookout points are options for your ceremony backdrop, and there is a reservable picnic shelter available. Or you can head down the hill into Cannon Beach for a reception or intimate dinner.
Click here to learn more about a Ecola State Park wedding
No. 17
oceanside community club
No. 17 - Oceanside Community Club
Oceanside is one of my favorite towns on the Oregon Coast. It has small town charm and seems to be tucked away from the beaten path. Oceanside Community Club is a great venue for a smaller beachfront wedding. You can either get married on the beach itself, or on the club's patio that overlooks some of the natural rock formations. The reception can be held indoors and/or outdoors.
Click here to learn more about an Oceanside Community Club wedding
