Columbia River Gorge Wedding | Veronica & David
Veronica and David's Columbia River Gorge wedding was one of the most stunning events I have ever had the honor to witness and photograph. It was beautiful all the way from the moment I arrived while Veronica and her bridesmaids were getting ready, to the moment I left as guests danced and sang karaoke on the dark dance floor lit only by a glowing disco ball. When Veronica first contacted me about their wedding, I immediately loved their story. She and David had known each other for many years and got reacquainted later in life. When she went to visit him earlier this year in Florida, they took off and eloped at the court house. They wanted to have a wedding ceremony in Oregon to celebrate with their family and friends who traveled from near and far, and what a celebration it was. Poor Veronica wasn't feeling well at all which isn't fair on your wedding day, but you would have never known it. The happiness she felt marrying David was the only thing that showed.I arrived at The Griffin House, a gorgeous location overlooking the Columbia River in Hood River, and the ladies were getting hair and makeup done. The talented combo of Carrie Strahle Makeup Artistry doing makeup and Shauna Nelson doing hair put the finishing touches on Veronica and her bridesmaids. Lisa Marie of Events by Lisa Marie and her team were busy setting up the ceremony, dance floor, and reception area. The chefs from Lavender & Thyme were busy getting delicious food ready, including the most beautiful dessert table I have ever seen. A family friend put together stunning floral bouquets and centerpieces. It was a joy getting to work alongside all of these talented vendors to make sure Veronica and David's wedding was perfect.
Veronica and David chose to do a first look before the ceremony. The forecast on this August day said 102 degrees but the gorge provided shade and a nice breeze for the day.
Shade arrived at The Griffin House ceremony location just in time for the wedding to start. Veronica and David wrote their own vows and read the vows that the other had written. The vows were heartfelt and full of love for one another. They spoke about being reunited in life and how it lead them to this exact place in their lives. It was a story of a couple that was meant to be.
The outdoor reception was absolutely gorgeous. The flowers, the food, the toasts, the champagne that flowed, and the dancing all made it perfect. Up on a hill away from the main event, there was archery set up. The guests got lessons and then took turns aiming for a bullseye. Word has it that the groom was the winner hitting the bullseye on his first attempt. 
Their first dance to a favorite Pearl Jam song was perhaps the most romantic first dance ever and they were lost in their own world as the sun began to set. 
Guests joined in after the first dances and little girls kept the dancers cool with spray bottles. 
There were wedding party shenanigans, karaoke contests, and more late night dancing. 
As the sun was setting for the evening, the bride and groom snuck away for some photos with the beautiful views in the background.
Veronica and David, thank you both for letting me be a part of your Oregon wedding. It was absolutely perfect and I loved getting to be there to capture the moments. You two were certainly meant to be and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together.
Heidi Heaphy Photography is a wedding and portrait photographer in the greater Portland area, the Oregon coast, and the Pacific Northwest. I am currently booking 2017 weddings, elopements, and other portrait sessions. I would love to work with you on your upcoming wedding or family gathering!