One of the things I love about McMenamins is that each unique location is an open palette when it comes to events. You can have everything from a rustic wedding to a very elegant wedding, depending on the location and what you add to it. Regardless of what type of event you are having, McMenamins is always a great host.

Last fall I had the opportunity to work with Wes and Francesca’s beautiful wedding. While I think every wedding is amazing, Wes and Francesca’s elegant wedding affair was over the top spectacular. It was so visually amazing that I was literally breathless when I entered the reception.

The couple’s day started with a ceremony at their small church in Wilsonville. It was a lovely little church and the ceremony was a wonderful mix of love, laughter and emotion. Watching Wes see Francesca for the first time had me in tears. He was so strong and yet so emotional that it was touching.

After their ceremony, everyone went down the street to McMenamins Old Church and this is where I was blown away.  I have shot weddings at a LOT of McMenamins locations, but this was a new one for me. It is a beautiful, quaint little old converted church. It boasts a wonderful courtyard for cocktail hour. But it is what the family did inside that left me speechless.

Francesca’s parents (and a team of dedicated helpers) transformed this cute little building into one of the most elegant wedding receptions I have ever been to. It was so luxe, and the attention to detail was amazing. I swore I had walked into a celebrity wedding straight out of a magazine! The room featured a U-shaped dining table filled with flowers, candles, twinkle lights and over-the-top decadence.

I was walking in with the bride when she saw it for the first time and there were no words. It was such an emotional moment watching her vision come to life, and even exceed her expectations. From the silly dinosaur cake toppers (for Wes) to the delicious homemade cannoli that celebrated the bride’s Italian heritage, it was amazing.

Guests enjoyed plenty of good food and wine. And watched the couple glow throughout their entire day.

Here is a look into this special day. It was an amazing one for everyone present…