Elisa and Jeff tied the knot in a small, simple and charming Black Walnut Inn wedding down in the Willamette Valley. When I, Lindsay, arrived to photograph their big day, Jeff was getting ready with his two children and Elisa with her sister and best friends. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was photographing something special. There was intimate guest list with friends and family who had flown in from all parts of the world just to witness this incredible union of two very deserving people. During these small weddings, you feel as though you received a unique invitation to photography a family gathering, and two people just happen to be getting married too. Everyone knows each other, many long hugs are held as people reunite and catch up, and with only 50-60 guests, there is so much more time to be able to capture all these moments. If Daniel and I are being honest, small weddings are our absolute favorite. A big bash is fun too but a small wedding just speaks to the heart of what a wedding truly is. A moment to gather, celebrate, toast, dance, laugh and enjoy quality time with your nearest and dearest.
Jeff and Elisa did have plenty of traditional elements to their wine country wedding though. Each had a set of attendants (all family and close friends of course), and guests were treated to all the elements of a big wedding. From the ceremony overlooking the never-not-stunning Willamette Valley wine country to a quaint cocktail hour in the Black Walnut Inn’s tuscan courtyard with flower petals floating in the fountain. From a delicious plated dinner and heartfelt speeches to a classic cake cutting and adorable first dance. We were all treated to many moments where you could appreciate the bond that this couple has and the love they want to share with the world.
A particular touching moment was when Elisa gave a speech thanking Jeff for his steadfast partnership and mentioning his mom who had raised him so well and the kids he had brought into her life who were just two of the sweetest teenagers I’ve ever met. The tears were flowing, let me tell you! Jeff and Elisa’s wedding concluded with a sunset over the Black Walnut Inn’s vines below with everyone dancing, hugging and continuing to clink glasses throughout the night in happy celebration.
You’ll notice every gallery image as the same caption: Photo by Lindsay Stark. Daniel was off shooting a different event he had been previously booked for and I gotta say…I won the jackpot getting this wedding all to myself! I was so incredibly honored to be trusted with documenting Jeff and Elisa’s wedding day. Enjoy a selection of my favorites and real quick, shout out to Elisa’s wedding coordinator Lura of Extraordinary Events based in California. Elisa poured her heart into planning every detail of this wedding and Lura kept the ship sailing smooth. It was a dream team, and I hope we have the chance to work together again one day, whether back for an Oregon wedding or a California wedding!
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