I think it’s always special when a couple’s wedding day takes on meaning beyond just themselves. For Michael and Eric, that meant incorporating personal cultural traditions throughout their forest wedding in Oregon, highlighted by a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. From portraits at Hoyt Arboretum to their ceremony at Pomarius Orangerie, their celebration felt deeply authentic the entire day. Keep reading to see more from their day and what a romantic nighttime wedding in Portland can look like.
How Eric + Michael Made Their Forest Wedding in Oregon Their Own
Ever since their engagement session at the Columbia River Gorge, which was also where they had their first date, I could tell that Michael and Eric are a thoughtful, deeply intentional couple. So when it came time for their forest wedding in Oregon, their day was filled with little moments that made it feel entirely their own.
First Look at Hoyt Arboretum
One of Michael and Eric’s hopes for their wedding portraits was to capture the warm, woodsy feel of the PNW in autumn. After getting ready in separate hotel rooms, we headed to Hoyt Arboretum’s Redwood Deck for their first look.
The location was a perfect fit for their vision, with towering evergreen trees and lush greenery all around. After the first look, we explored the property, documenting couples and wedding party portraits. Its location within the city limits also made it convenient to move from one destination to the next, including a studio for their Chinese tea ceremony and their wedding venue at Pomarius Orangerie at night.
Chinese Tea Ceremony During Their Forest Wedding in Oregon
Having prioritized their couple portraits at the arboretum, it was time to move into one of the most meaningful parts of their forest wedding in Oregon. We headed to Daylight Creative Space for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. This was one of my favorite parts of their day because they were able to honor a meaningful cultural tradition and fold it seamlessly into their wedding. It not only added a unique touch to their celebration, but it also connected their day to a story that extended beyond just the two of them.
Reception at Pomarius Orangerie (with a Focus on Food)
Both Michael and Eric are big foodies, and Michael even runs a popular Portland food Instagram account. Food was an important part of their day, and Pomarius Orangerie (inside Blockhouse PDX, one of my favorite wedding venues in Portland) made it easy to bring in outside catering. They served fun, Asian-inspired dishes like Korean-style fried chicken and Chinese bao buns. It was special to see them bring that passion into their wedding day for their guests to enjoy.
Documenting a Nighttime Ceremony at Pomarius Orangerie
One of Michael and Eric’s biggest concerns for their forest wedding in Oregon was timing and lighting. Since their wedding took place in November, the sun set early, which meant their ceremony would be at night. Luckily, I have plenty of experience at their venue, the greenhouse Pomarius Orangerie, and was able to reassure them that everything would turn out beautifully.
When it came time to document the ceremony, I loved all the greenery and florals in the nursery, along with the candlelit tables and the warm bistro lights above. The nighttime setting gave their day a moody, intimate feel, which was a fun contrast to their daytime portraits. It was a unique spin to document their emotions and atmosphere in a lighting setting I don’t usually work with, and I’m so grateful they trusted me to capture every moment.
If you’re interested in Pomarius Orangerie, check out my Blockhouse PDX venue spotlight.
I’m so thankful I got to preserve all the personal and meaningful moments from Michael and Eric’s forest wedding in Oregon. The cultural traditions and their unique nighttime ceremony made the day truly memorable to document.
Vendors from this Forest Wedding in Oregon
Photographer: Taylor Denton Photography
Second Photographer: Mandie Rae Photography
Venue: Blockhouse PDX + Pomarius Orangerie
Wedding Coordinator: Jaime Ta Creative + Autumn Alvarez
Florist: Jodi Iverson Florals + Arden Event Collective
Catering: Devil’s Food Catering
Cake + Desserts: Dream Cakes PNW + Sugar Blooms Bakery
Content Creator: Roaming Social
For more Pomarius Orangerie weddings, check out my blogs on an Intimate Pomarius Nursery Wedding and a Blockhouse Portland Wedding Filled with Greenery. When you’re ready to start planning your own wedding, reach out. I’d love to help bring your dream day to life!
