I’m so stoked to finally get to share this Hoyt Arboretum, Redwood deck wedding with all of you! The Redwood Deck is what dream wedding locations are made of. Tucked away in Hoyt Arboretum, it feels like your own little treehouse, surrounded by trees just minutes from downtown Portland. Truly a magical place to have a wedding ceremony.

Danielle & Saleh flew into Portland to elope from Phoenix, Arizona. Avid lovers of nature, they fell head over heels for Oregon after a visit up here. They knew they wanted to tie the knot amongst the luscious greenery we all know and love. The Redwood deck at Hoyt Arboretum was the perfect fit for their intimate wedding.

I met Danielle at a cute airbnb in the city where her and her mom were getting ready and anticipating the day ahead. We then drove over to Hoyt Arboretum to meet Saleh and the rest of their small wedding party at the Redwood Deck. Danielle was absolutely glowing and the moment Saleh saw her round that corner he did not take his eyes off of her. It was so sweet, and their love is absolutely radiant. After their ceremony, we walked around the paths for some jaw dropping portraits among the trees before heading to the Nightwood for their intimate reception dinner.

Reception: The Nightwood

Not only was it my first time shooting a ceremony at the Redwood deck. It was also my first time at the Nightwood in Portland and I can’t get over how sweet of a venue it is for a wedding. The mood and atmosphere is romantic, the food is SO freakin’ good and the staff was great. Danielle and Saleh shared a first dance, delicious food and drinks with their family before calling it a night.

I absolutely loved this small wedding and I’m so thankfully they had me along for the ride. The day unfolded exactly how they wanted. An intimate, laid back, fun celebration of their love. Surrounded by nature and their favorite people.

10/10 recommend doing exactly what you want for your wedding, you wont regret it!

Wedding Vendors:

• Wedding Outfit Designers
  Dress: Morilee
  Suit: Custom made by Magro Clothing
• Bakery: Sugar Street Bakery
• Florist: Bramble Floral Design
• Caterer: The Nightwood || Coopers Hall PDX
• Hair/Makeup Artist: Catelyn at Blossom and Beauty
• Invitation/paper goods designer: Redbatpress
• Officiant: Emily Sterling

And now, here is what Danielle & Saleh had to say about their Redwood Deck Wedding:

What is your favorite memory or moment from your wedding day at Hoyt Arboretum?

Saleh’s favorite moment was when Danielle appeared from around the bend along the path to the Redwood Deck for the first look. Definitely advise doing a first look! Danielle’s favorite moment was the time we took alone after the vows and before we signed the certificate. We walked off the deck to just soak in the moment with each other. It’s so important to take those moments to be present.

Was there a certain moment during the ceremony or reception you want to keep close with you forever?

Danielle’s moment to keep close: At the beginning of the ceremony when the officiant was speaking, before our vows where I just closed my eyes and felt the warmth of the sun and just felt so happy to be where I was, with the people I was with. I wanted for nothing as they say. Saleh’s moment to keep close was before the official ceremony began he saw some people telling the bridal party they couldn’t drive in that section of the park and that they couldn’t be there. Little did they know he was holding a key to the park and had permits. They backed off when they saw the bride get out of the vehicle but he was on stand by to save the day. It’s a moment we look back on and laugh.

If you are willing to share, what was your favorite line from your vows to each other?

Danielles favorite part of Saleh’s vows was when he talked about how in the beginning it was scary and how on that day, our wedding day, it was all so easy. I couldn’t agree more. There are few instances in life, where in the moment, you are sure it’s a big moment, life changing. Meeting Saleh was one of those moments and his vows took me right back to that day. Salehs favorite line was “I promise to love you deeply and always be there for you.” He said it doesn’t get any better than that.

What do you love most about your photos?

Of course we love having the memories. But really we love the captured light. The photos are as true to the real thing as possible. The natural light filled every space between the branches and needles of the gigantic red woods and illuminated the spot where we said our vows. Now we have that memory preserved forever.


What is one piece of advice you would give to future couples planning their wedding?

To be water over rock! To go with the flow and forget external pressures of friends and family. The day goes by so fast so the more focused you are on your partner and your upcoming marriage, the more you’ll be in the moment and be able to vividly remember the small, sweet moments.



Are you getting hitched? See more of my work here or get in touch!