Alison & Cole, Abiqua Country Estate Oregon Forest Wedding, Oregon Wedding Photographer

Alison & Cole had an enchanting forest wedding, at the Abiqua Country Estate in Silverton Oregon, and I couldn't have been more thrilled to share their day with them!

If photographing weddings is my most favorite thing, then photographing out-of-state weddings is definitely my second favorite thing. But photographing a friend’s out-of-state wedding, um, absolute dream come true!

Alison and Cole were married outdoors on a toasty July summer day in Silverton, Oregon. The moment I stepped onto the Abiqua Country Estate, it was like stepping into an enchanted forest. With a beautiful and lush lawn, trees towering overhead like protective giants, blankets of moss everywhere, and an amber light peeking between the branches, it was an absolute fairytale. I kid you not, my camera lens wasn’t wide enough to capture the magnitude of this spectacular forest.

Alison worked at Mulberry’s Cakeshop in Colorado before moving to Oregon, and all of her cake ladies (actually all of her guests) traveled out to Oregon for her wedding and to help put everything together—decorations, bouquets, hugs and smiles aplenty. Let me tell you, having a house full of bakers sure comes in handy when it's party time! Alison and Cole’s family and friends know how to bake some sweet desserts (pun intended? Yes? Anybody?). For those craving a little natural sugar, Alison and Cole’s party favors consisted of fresh Oregon fruit…as in they had their own fruit stand! WHAT!? Let me tell you, Oregon’s summer fruit is otherworldly. The colors, the flavor…maybe the forest fairies had something to do with it?

We may have been in this magical forest in Oregon, but Cole’s friends made sure to bring that Celtic touch beneath the trees with a friend playing the bagpipes as Cole and Alison entered their reception.

Their reception consisted of mouthwatering smoked meat and delicious drinks provided by Silver Falls Brewery. Cole and Alison enjoy brewing their own beers, so any beer with their stamp of approval you know it's going to be good.

Amidst the plates of tasty food and vibrant flower arrangements you could find toy trucks scattered around, compliments of Alison and Cole’s son, Rowan. He had to have a little say in the decorations (I mean, obviously). He also stole a little of the limelight with his furry brother, Oliver. And to be quite honest, how could they not with Rowan's smile and Oliver's ears!

I cannot get over how wonderful this family is. They’re crafty (as evidenced by their beautiful day), adventurous (they moved from Colorado specifically for that reason), and just down to earth, good people. Did I mention they are also Parrot Heads? No? Well, let’s just say more than a few Jimmy Buffet songs made an appearance at their reception.

I’m so happy that these two found their perfect mate in each other. Alison, I’m so grateful to call you a friend. Who knew back in high school band that someday I would be photographing your wedding!?

Congratulations to the both of you and thank you for letting me be a part of your enchanted forest wedding! If you or a loved one are planning a wedding and looking for a fun (and slightly goofy) photographer, please comment on this post! Or even better, hit the contact button and reach me directly. I'm always willing to talk weddings :) Happy planning!