This was my first time shooting a Wedding at the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa. I can not wait to go back. It has already become one of my favorite venues! The Columbia Gorge Hotel is perched above the Columbia River in Hood River, Oregon. It has some of the best views the gorge has to offer. Not to mention they even have their very own private waterfall! Additionally, this venue is a National Historic site. So if you are looking for a place that combines history with nature this is your space!
I got to work with one of my all time favorite planners on this wedding, Nicole Issler. A dream team of vendors like this one can make the day even more amazing!
I started the day exploring the grounds and photographing the gorgeous property before I headed inside for getting ready photos of the bride and then the groom. Once they were ready we headed back outside for a first look and portraits around the venue. After some wedding party photos it was time for the ceremony!
The couple chose to have their ceremony on the Point Lawn. This area is surrounded by beautiful pacific northwest trees. And like many spots at this venue it has an amazing backdrop of the Columbia river. The weather was amazing for this outdoor ceremony. Oregon in August can be HOT, but it was beautifully overcast and mild. I’m so glad it was perfect for this sweet couple!
Afterwards there was a cocktail hour on the back patio of the hotel. The space overlooked the river and the Wah Gwin Gwin Falls. The style of the hotel, and the layout of this space specifically was giving strong Lake Como Italy vibes, in my opinion.
The reception was outside on the West Lawn – this is the perfect space for an outdoor reception, with adorable cafe lights and plenty of room for a dance floor! This couple had some amazing friends and family that had a great time on the dance floor all night long. DJ Chaz kept the party vibes going strong all evening! And how fun is it that this DJ is a familiar face from my favorite record store in Portland, Too Many Records?!
The couple also had an adorable dessert table, complete with their own personal 12 pound disco ball, and so many custom dessert options.
Right around golden hour, we learned that we could climb the tower of the hotel for portraits on the roof, which was so fantastic! There were beautiful views, the sky was gorgeous, and it gave the couple a fun little private escape for a few minutes.
Venue – Columbia Gorge Hotel
Planner – Nicole Issler Events
Florist – Lucy’s Informal Flowers / Apple Core Farm & Cut Flowers
Hair and Make Up – Lash and Lox
DJ – Chaz Van Queen
Officiant – Melissa Coe Ceremonies
Bakery – VilleVelo Bake Shop
Printing – Minuteman Press
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, please 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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Absolutely stunning photos ❤️❤️
These are so beautiful! We are so happy you could capture these moments!
Beautiful photos. Love the black and whites. Also the sky photos are stunning! Mama with the red nose photo should be framed and cherished.
Absolutely gorgeous!
So dreamy. You caught some really special moments!