Emily & Matt
A Pandemic Wedding Day Story
I remember Emily telling me after an experience of a friends, she knew wedding photography was worth and important to save budget for. Knowing that, I was super honored when she choose to use that to hire me as her Troutdale wedding photographer for their park wedding at Glenn Otto Community Park........or so they thought it would be.
Emily and Matt, like many couples who started planning their 2020 wedding in 2019 or sooner, found themselves making big changes when COVID-19 turned into a pandemic effecting the world. Their wedding was originally planned to happen at Glenn Otto Community Park in Troutdale, OR. This bride and groom had to change their plans, reduce their guest list, and I was amazed at how positive they still stayed about everything.
Emily’s parents came to the rescue and opened their home to host the now intimate elopement style wedding in their backyard. Backyard weddings are always fun and the easy silver lining here, of course, is the Bride having their wedding day at her childhood home in Gresham, OR. Not fair from where they originally planned to get married.
Emily and Matt were high school sweethearts, they met when they were just 16 years old. When they said I do in June, they had been together for almost 8 years. Having a shared history through your youth is a special thing for a newly married couple to be able to share.
Matt is really close with Emily’s family so it’s no surprise he wanted them to be part of the proposal. Emily was shocked they could keep the secret since they knew months before. According to Emily, on Christmas morning, Matt got showered dressed and looking nice, her Dad was ready with the camera and there she was, morning hair and PJ’s, when he proposed. Of course, she said YES!
These two actually go back to the 1st grade, but they weren’t friends then. In middle school she knew him as the class clown, and when high school came around, they were both in the same Japanese class but never really connected. Over one summer in a ceramics class the two really started their story. Then at the end of their Sophomore year he confused he liked her. Not long after like turned to love.
Emily got ready with two of her close friends, they call themselves "The Wives". They all met while doing medical transcription together, but a trip they all took really sealed their friendship. You could tell the three of them had a close bond.
Shortly before the wedding it began to rain, luckily the family had planned ahead and the couple was under cover. I think I told Emily "Don't worry if it rains on your wedding day, it's good luck" and I think she replied with a big smile something like, "I think that's what they tell brides so they don't freak out".
So it got me thinking, why do we say that? Well I did a little research and I learned that rain i seen as a positive sign in many cultures. It symbolizes new beginnings, renewal, fertility and change. I also found one note about rain symbolizing unity that I really liked on The Gardens of Cranesbury View's website, stating: Rain on your wedding day is good luck because it signifies that your marriage will last. As you know, a knot that becomes wet is extremely hard to untie – therefore, when you “tie the knot” on a rainy day, your marriage is supposedly just as hard to unravel! We can thank Hindu traditions for this belief.
Not long after the ceremony, the rain lifted and guests were able to enjoy a little outdoor time together. They also shared in a potluck dinner and watching the couple cut their beautiful honeybee wedding cake. As the day wound down, the couple and the bridesmaids shared a final toast on the back patio. And excitement for their mini honeymoon in Newport, OR could begin.
Many couples use online platforms, like WeddingWire or The Knot, to check reviews of Oregon wedding professionals. That's why I REALLY appreciate it when my married couples take the time to leave reviews. Emily and Matt were kind enough to leave a few reviews (THANK YOU) this is what they had to say:
"Cambrae was an amazing, professional photographer that really listened to my desires and delivered stunning photos of my wedding. Cambrae is exactly what I needed during a pandemic wedding. She was on time, attentive, and willing to be flexible during this uncertain time. I appreciate all the work she was able to do with my Plan B wedding. She was able to capture the love me and my no husband share despite the conditions not being perfect (it rained!). I was so grateful to be able to have memories of my wedding taken so well and professionally! I can't imagine having any other photographer. I 100% recommend her to anyone looking for a photographer that really cares about her clients. Thank you Cambrae!"
After Emily and Matt's wedding image review, they received their digital images included in their wedding package, as well as a 11x14 premium print. Premium prints come ready to frame, complete with lustre protective coating and 2mm Styrene. Or you can save the time and let me frame for you.
Vendors
Bride's Rings - Raven Hill Art
Groom's Rings - Stonebrook Jewelry
Bride's Dress - Adorned in Grace
Bridal Hair Piece - Sweet Valentina
Wedding Shoes - David's Bridal (Lace Crochet Sneakers)
Bridesmaids Dresses - Lulus / Fred Meyer
Groom and Groomsmen's Attire - Mr. Formal Tuxedos
Bridesmaid's Earrings - Made by the Bride!
Stationery/Invitation - Walgreens
Wedding Party Gifts - Robes for the bridesmaids from Walk in on Air
Florist - The bride's Aunt Ronnie!
Officiant - Groom's Sister
Caterer - Potluck
Cake/Dessert Baker - Tiffany
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Love that they rolled with the punches of 2020 and still had an incredible wedding. Their wedding colors are the 2021 Pantone colors of the year :)
What a beautiful backyard wedding! I love the shots with the masks, it will be a 2020 time capsule!