Well, maybe not the top, but at a really gorgeous spot with the view of Mount Hoods Peak. Mount Hood Ski Bowl offers an amazing small ceremony site with a view of the mountain, and a fun way to get back down.
Tim grew up in Oregon, and Rachel, she grew up in Oregon as well, but it was Oregon, Illinois.
So many it was just fate that brought them together. Now with both of them living in Texas, they wanted to come back up and celebrate their wedding in thee Pacific Northwest with a small group of their friends and family, because, you know, COVID.
Disclaimer to this wedding as well, this was planned and executed under all guidelines for COVID at the time in Oregon. They followed all protocols as well did all the vendors.
We took a van up to the top as not all of the lifts were running in August and started to setup the site. Also at the site is a warming hut that works perfectly as an area for a bride and her bridesmaids getting ready.
While that was happening inside, the florist was setting up the alter and I got to sneak the dress out before anyone else arrived.
All morning, the peak had been shrouded with clouds. But just as we were starting to setup, the clouds were breaking and giving us a gorgeous backdrop.
The boys got mostly ready back down at the main ski area and then came back up to help get everything else setup. But I did stop the groom and the bride’s father to get their boutonnières on.
Back inside, Rachel had a special ask for someone. Rachel’s mother passed away, but she had someone else in mind to step in for the day. I think she accepted.
With everything setup outside, guests starting to arrive, and the bride and groom ready, it was time to get the party started.
It wasn’t totally planned, but we decided to do a first look with Dad.
And now, the walk down the aisle.
The ceremony was short and VERY sweet.
With a very happy couple at the end.
We did a few friends and family images before we headed back into the van.
But we weren’t riding all the way down to the bottom this time, it’s just the gravel road is a little tricky to manuever in heads and gear bags. I left my gear, other than my camera, in the van to be driven down and prepared for some fun. A little adjustment to my camera harness, and I was on the alpine sleds. I rode mostly down the track and jumped off right before the end. There is a bridge that people can watch others come down. The coordinator was right behind me, so she pushed my sled the rest of the way down.
On the bridge, I waited for them to come down.
There was a little bit of delay as the bride actually decided to go so fast, that she went off the track. But, she was back on and having some fun.
After a quick visit to the first aid tent, and a change into her reception dress, we were off to Ratskeller for some pizza and brews.
Nothing like some good, local beer, pizza, and good friends to celebrate everything! A sweet card and speech by Dad is also a good way to get some people tearing up.
Rachel and Tim are definitely my type of people, just look at the custom wedding favors they had waiting for everyone.
AND, they catered to those that are not big cake people (like me). They even had a marionberry pie, which is very Oregon. I am not complaining that Tim made me sit down with a beer and have a slice of it.
In a very different year, I am so happy that these two got to celebrate like this with their close friends and family.
And also have a little fun with the cake.
Thanks to these two, I think I have a new favorite venue to capture weddings. It may be the view, but it’s also the amazing people I work with along the way.
Congrats you two, I hope life gives you everything you want. You deserve it.
