Inspired Photo Blog

Quirky, eccentric, eclectic and fun are all words that come to mind when you step foot into any of the McMenamin’s in Oregon. They buy property and old buildings and turn them into family friendly pubs with their characteristic flair for original art and atmosphere. Andrea and Brett were married on September 24th at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, Oregon. The perfect setting for their wedding celebration.

Fifteen minutes after the wedding was supposed to start, Andrea, her sister and mother were trying to figure out how to get gardenias to stay in hair.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Brett was suffering in the name of beauty at the hands of his brother.

Andrea, having given up for the moment on the flower in her hair, turned her attention to other details.

Brett’s father was a character straight out of a spaghetti western. Quiet, no nonsense kind of guy hanging out with his sons. Everyone kept referencing my comment from Andrea and Brett’s engagement session where I said Brett’s voice reminded me of Nicolas Cage. Now that I have met his father, I understand.

After a late start, Andrea and Brett were married. I especially enjoyed the minister who stopped the ceremony and asked Andrea and Brett to look around at the faces in the crowd. To soak it all up and be in the moment as they stood there in that timeless moment forever.

This could easily be Kristen’s signature image of the summer. She does it so well and I always enjoy the freshness of her viewpoint.

“Let me see your ring”…Andrea was given a beautiful ring by her grandmother just before walking down the aisle to be married. Being the son of a jeweler, you would think that I could readily identify this gemstone, but I stand baffled. It was bluish and very pretty.

Yes, I can hear you laughing my faithful readers. But I kid you not when I talk of my “three degrees of separation” theme this summer. Andrea and Brett are dear friends of Stephanie and Damon who are getting married October 7th.

Simple, classic and elegant. Andrea’s off the shoulder dress was a welcome change, fitting her perfectly and Brett’s suit…classic.

Intimate and simple describe the day perfectly. It was sunny and warm and everyone broke a bead of sweat as they enjoyed the great food and beer that flowed from the tap. Brett’s perfectly shiny jeep was adorned with lovingly placed mud and toilet paper. Everyone enjoyed the ambiance of the unique location and shared laughs and love.

Congratulations to the friends and family of Andrea and Brett. It was nice meeting all of you and torturing you miserably with my camera. Thank you for putting up with my mildly amusing sense of humor and for allowing me to step into your lives and share in the day. Best wishes to the newly married couple as you start your lives together and most of all, thank you for allowing me to be there to capture your story.