This was my first time photographing a wedding at Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg, Oregon, and I loved it! This adorable couple first dated when they were younger. For a while they went on their separate journeys, but then reconnected again later in life. The day of their wedding was the 27th anniversary of their first kiss. How special is that!?
Nestled in the heart of wine country, this unique venue offers a stunning backdrop for weddings. It is the perfect combination of elegance with an artistic vibe. Located just off Newberg’s charming main street, this venue is known for its versatile spaces and artful ambiance. The main event area is a large, open hall with high ceilings, exposed beams, and an industrial-chic aesthetic that blends perfectly with its surroundings. Natural light floods the space during the day. There’s even a gallery of rotating art exhibits in the venue, which is fun for guests to browse.
One of the highlights of this venue is its proximity to other convenient spots, like cozy rental homes and downtown Newberg, which offers additional charm. The Chehalem Cultural Center’s layout allows couples to customize their event, from ceremony to reception, all in one location—a significant advantage for creating a seamless wedding day.
The day began with the bride getting ready in one of the prep rooms at the Cultural Center. It was a joy to capture the bride’s transformation, surrounded by her closest family members, all buzzing with excitement. Some of my favorite photos of the day are of the bride’s niece coloring her a picture as she got ready.
Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen prepared across the street in an adorable rental house. This charming home offered a cozy and intimate setting. After a few quick photos of the guys wrapping up in the house, everyone headed to the venue to start the group photos. After family and wedding party portraits the ceremony began in the main hall. Guests got cozy at their assigned tables for the ceremony, and the couple were married in the center of the space, underneath twinkle lights. The bride’s brother was the officiant and he had the crowd engaged the whole time.
As guests mingled during cocktail hour in the main hall, the couple had a surprise up their sleeve that would make this wedding truly unforgettable. Bolivia Carmichaels, a fabulous drag performer, took the room in a burst of energy, sequins, and glamour. The performance was an instant hit, with guests cheering, and pulling out their phones to capture the moment. Photographing this surprise was a thrill—the combination of candid reactions and Bolivia’s vibrant presence created a dynamic energy that translated beautifully into the photos.
But Bolivia’s role didn’t end there. After her electrifying performance, she transitioned seamlessly into her next role: announcing the couple’s grand entrance to the reception. As the doors opened and the newlyweds stepped onto the dance floor, the room erupted in applause. Without missing a beat, they launched straight into their first dance that had everyone mesmerized.
The rest of the evening unfolded in laughter, heartfelt speeches, and lively dancing. The Chehalem Cultural Center’s versatile spaces allowed for a smooth transition between the different parts of the day—from the ceremony to cocktail hour, and finally to the reception. The venue’s artful touches, like gallery walls and curated decor, added layers of visual interest to the photos, making every shot feel fresh and inspired.
The Chehalem Cultural Center provided a stunning canvas for the couple’s vision, while their unique touches—like the drag show and the choreographed first dance—added personality and flair. As a photographer, it’s always rewarding to document not just the big moments but also the smaller, quieter ones that tell the full story of a couple’s special day.
Venue – Chehalem Cultural Center
Planner – Radiance Weddings & Events
Rentals – For The Love of Pete Rentals
Drag Performer – Bolivia Carmichaels
DJ – Paradox Productions
Catering – Rathanas Catering
Photographer – Crystal Genes Photography
Scroll down to see more photos from this wedding. Also, check out this link to see the full wedding day gallery. And, please leave a comment for the couple down below to help them earn some free prints!
Don’t forget to check out this link to see the full wedding day gallery. And, leave a comment for the couple down below to help them earn some free prints!
Crystal Genes is a fun and colorful wedding and elopement photographer based in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in vibrant and natural photography for happy people in love. Always available for travel. LGBTQ+ friendly. Love is Love - Inclusive to all. Est. 2005 | ©2021
Contact
info@crystalgenes.net
704.280.4242
studio : 215 SE Morrison St. Portland, OR 97214
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Beautiful work for a beautiful day!!! Congrats to the bride and groom. Thank you for capturing their magic!!!
Congratulations Shannon and John!!! Such a fun day!
Captures the magic so well!!
What an amazing day!!!! Beautiful pics! Congrats Shannon and John!
Beautiful photos! Congratulations to you both. ♥️
These turned out amazing! Such a fun night!!!
Such a beautiful evening! Congrats, Shannon, John, and Joni! 🩷
Such beautiful photos that capture a beautiful couple!
Such fantastic photos for the bride and groom to remember their special day!
I am obsessed!!
“Thank you so much for capturing our day.
Wow! These photos captured the moment essence of the couple! Beautiful!
Beautiful pictures from a beautiful day! Everyone and everything is glowing. Wonderful set up and photography to document!
AMAZING photos! and what an incredible dress, Shannon!
What a beautiful wedding! Congratulations to the newly wedded couple!
Great photos at a fantastic event! Thank you for having us, and congratulations again