Dorian and Angela's Wedding at Oaks Pioneer Church

If you live in the Portland Metro Area and you have children, there is a good chance you’ve driven by the Oaks Pioneer Church a gazillion times. This adorable little chapel sits just outside the entrance to Oaks Park, steps from the Willamette River. I have driven by this sweet church for YEARS, and this summer I FINALLY got a chance to photograph a wedding at Oaks Pioneer Church.

The church served as the perfect backdrop to Dorian and Angela’s intimate wedding. Wood paneled walls, stained glass windows and a gorgeous garden overlooking the Willamette River made for a picture-perfect day that complimented the couple’s heart-felt ceremony.

I loved that the officiant took time to share Dorian and Angela’s story. How they met. Their friendship. Their courtship. Basically everything that brought them to that moment in time. I also love when couples find a way to include their children in a ceremony. The bride and her new step-daughter were able to exchange their own set of vows, which was emotional and lovely. No dry eyes in that room!

After the ceremony and a few photos, the couple took the party to Aquariva in the River’s Edge Hotel. Talk about another fantastic, picture perfect venue! The banquet room at the restaurant sits upstairs from the main dining room and boasts 180 degree views of the Willamette River. Even better, the room had it’s own balcony area where guests could step outside and enjoy the evening and cocktail hour.

Dorian and Angela did an amazing job planning their day. While the wedding and reception were 100% American, there were little nods to Dorian’s Eastern European heritage. I loved that!

What made Dorian and Angela’s celebration even more special for me personally was the fact that I photographed the rehearsal dinner and celebration the night before. Having this few extra hours with the couple, prior to the big day, really let me get to know them and their guests. This really makes a difference in the photos!

By the way, speaking of photos. I LOVE the one of the bride’s parents watching the couple’s first dance.

Here is a little look into the couple’s amazing day.