Oregon Coast Wedding

We have photographed many an Oregon Coast Wedding but a lot of times it’s a destination wedding for the bride, groom and everyone invited. With Patrick and Amy’s Gearhart wedding, Amy didn’t choose Gearhart as a destination, she chose it because it’s home. This little Oregon Coast town has a population of 1,506, a number that drops to only the true locals during the winter months. Which would include Amy’s family.

Lindsay took the getting ready photos in Amy’s childhood home, which was small, endearing, and sweet. It truly felt like an honor to be in their home, documenting her alongside her parents, sister and best friends. Patrick was in an nearby airbnb with Daniel and the guys. His family, having traveled in from North Carolina, were enjoying the cool Oregon Coast temperatures and tenderly watching their son button his suit for the big day. The entire first part of the day felt so intimate and special. Which we completely understood why once the ceremony arrived. Their vows spoke of the relief of finally finding each other. Of finally finding “the one” that they each were long searching for. Tears were shed and belly laughs were felt, particularly when Amy’s sister read a funny yet endearing speech mid-ceremony and Patrick’s brother took a swig of whiskey before Amy walked down the aisle.

We can’t talk about this wedding with mentioning…the dress! Amy is an athlete, who runs ultra marathons, cycles cross country and simply put, kicks ass. Her elegant draping gown was stunning enough from the front but once she turned around, we were revealed the most gorgeous and artful bow we’ve ever seen. It just took your breath away. Coupled with a veil, you can bet we had some fun photographing her and Patrick with the Oregon coast as our backdrop. The GoPro made an appearance (opening shot in the blog) and we were so happy the clouds lifted for the evening sun which gave us some beautiful post-ceremony portraits.

The reception was held at an Oregon institution, the McMenamin’s Gearhart Hotel and Sandtrap Pub, which was close enough for Amy and Patrick to walk to their reception. It was where we witnessed relaxation and good times kick in. Old friends and new friends connecting, delicious ales shared, loving and tender parent dances performed and a perfect sunset to wrap up a perfect day. Amy recently wrote us recently, and mentioned she felt her wedding was simple and pretty DIY. To us, these are the best kinds of weddings. While a grand luxury event may be a fit for some, there’s really nothing quite like getting married in your hometown, down the street from where you grew up, to the one you love and with the ones you love you most. That’s what it’s all about and we’re so happy we could document it for Amy and Patrick.