dreamy pnw-inspired wedding editorial at government cove lookout in the columbia gorge

When I messaged Emily Grant with Emily Grant Photography to see if she’d be on board for a styled shoot and she responded with a resounding, “YES!” I knew I was in for a treat. The concept for this came together last September, so to see everything come to fruition in the form of amazing vendors, talented and beautiful models, and an “OMG I’m swooning” gallery, has been a real treat. I hope you enjoy scrolling through these photos. Thanks for stopping by!

Chelsea and Mitchell Jones arrived bundled up and we set off on the trek from our parked cars to scout locations to shoot at. We found this magical nook about 1/4 of the way to our final destination and all agreed that it was perfect for the first look. We left Mitchell with his tux to get ready down at this location, while Chelsea, Emily and I walked a little farther up to get her changed.

It was cold that day! The temperature hovered around 40 degrees during the shoot, but our beautiful models took it all in stride. Since their wedding anniversary was coming up, they asked if they could read vows to each other as a mini vow renewal. As a result of this super romantic gesture, we wanted to keep the authenticity of a wedding day, which included re-creating their first look.

After we wrapped at our first location we (very carefully) hiked up to our second spot to snap some more breathtaking photos. Some of the most beautiful pictures came at this next location. Everything is just softer up on a mountain. The air was a little misty, and we got to experience a seriously amazing sunset while capturing Chelsea and Mitch’s vows.

Stunning shot by Emily Grant Photography

Styled shoots aren’t something that just “happen”. Just like a wedding, a lot of careful planning and details go into bringing each vendor on board for a vision, and then executing that vision day-of. I was so lucky to once again work with Anna’s Bridal out of Lake Oswego, OR to select the Casablanca Bridal Tori Gown for Chelsea to wear. Jess Chiou with The Black Tux worked with me to secure Mitchell’s attire. Pollen Floral Works out of Castle Rock, WA worked with me to create a dramatic neutral bouquet with lots of texture, a matching boutonniere, AND a floral headpiece. Everglow Handmade out of Portland OR sent us a beautiful invite suite to utilize and photograph for our detail shots.

They aren’t kidding when they say, “It takes a village!”

“Our anniversary is less than a month away and this day was like re-living our wedding over...but better. This dress, the suit, the planner, the photographer...we even read vows to each other. Someone pinch me.”

— Chelsea Jones, model