This wedding at the Shakespeare Garden in Portland, Oregon was a great way to kick off a busy July wedding season!

Wedding at The Shakespeare Garden

The Shakespeare Garden is located at the International Test Rose Garden in Washington Park. It is such a pretty little corner of the garden and makes a great place for a ceremony. It has a very private feel, nestled in the dreamy garden.

I started the day in SE Portland photographing the getting ready festivities. The groom and his groomsmen spent the morning getting ready at his home. Meanwhile, the bride and bridesmaids got ready at the groom’s parent’s house just a few blocks away. That is also where the reception festivities were held, after the ceremony.

Once all the girls and guys were ready, everyone headed to the Rose Garden for the first look and portraits!

A Meaningful Ceremony Location

One of my favorite parts of the wedding story is how meaningful the ceremony location is to the two of them. A few years ago, the couple had a picnic in the Shakespeare Garden where they decided to start a family. Within a month, their daughter was conceived. And she was born… on Shakespeare’s birthday!!! How cool is that?!

After the ceremony, the bride and groom mingled with their guests for a while. Afterward, we walked through the garden for more portraits, before heading back to the house for the reception.

Backyard Reception

Who doesn’t love a Taco Truck? The couple hired Tight Tacos to cater the reception. They also hired Sloshy Pops, for boozy popsicles, which are always a hit for adults. There was dancing, toasts, and lots of fun! Another one of my favorite details? They also had a telephone guest book! Guests pick up the receiver of a vintage telephone and leave the couple a voice message. After the wedding, the couple plan to have the messages put onto a vinyl record.

The Vendors:

Venue – The Shakespeare Garden at International Test Rose Garden

Photography – Crystal Genes Photography

Florist – Solabee Flowers

Hair – The Hair Slayist

Makeup – The Bearded Lady PDX

Rentals – West Coast Event Productions

Popsicles – Sloshy Pops

Guest Book – FeteFone

Taco Truck – Tight Tacos