Best of Oregon Bride Magazine Real Weddings: Christa-Taylor

I was so delighted (and surprised!) to see 2 out of 10 of the "Best Real Weddings" were shot by our studio. You've seen these lovely weddings on our blog before, but to know that other audiences were inspired by them as well is very satisfying. Solo Deo Gloria. 

Here's a link to the Feature- and a few highlights from each of the two weddings :D 

Happy New Year 2016! 

Zenith Vineyard Wedding - Featured on Oregon Bride Magazine

Mt Hood Bed and Breakfast Wedding - Featured on Oregon Bride Magazine

Best Real weddings, Oregon Bride Magazine and Christa Taylor Photography. 

Angels Rest Engagement Session: Dan + Kristen

Angels Rest Engagement Shoot by Christa-Taylor, Portland wedding photographer

Marriage will change you. If approached correctly, you will become the best version of yourself through the "iron sharpening iron" effect of living with your closest friend. Yes, they are your friend but they are also your lover, your counselor, your confident, your sounding board, the voice of reason, the anchor within the storm, and often - the truth you need to hear. 

 Together you have committed to walk through life hand in hand through every obstacle, even the ones our own hearts and selfishness create. 

 But that is part of the beauty of it. The places of decay in our hearts must be taught to blossom, and it usually requires pruning. If done right, Marriage is the best, most painful, most romantic "pruning" you can imagine. 

  So here's to another marriage soon to be-  

  My younger brother Dan (one of my 4 amazing brothers) is now engaged and his fiance' Kristen, from Alaska, agreed to hike to the top of Angels Rest for this stunning shoot. 

  Yes, it was freezing. Yes, I am pregnant. Yes, I couldn't breathe. 

It was worth it. 

Angels Rest Engagement Shoot by Portland wedding photographer Christa-Taylor. 

Door of Hope Church Wedding: Greg + Anna Christie

Some weddings you see God's goodness displayed in such a tangible way. This wedding was a tapestry of beauty and love from the very start and you could feel it in every detail. Greg and Anna Christie just wanted their guests to see and savor how good God was and to share in a marriage feast together. 

  And what a feast it was! Lamb's catering outdid themselves with an array of local fall eatables that were mouthwatering to look at and just as delectable to eat. It was the perfect rustic fair for this backyard soiree, celebrating under the golden Autumn sun. 

  The celebration began that morning as Anna Christie (fondly called "Ancy" by this photographer) slipped into her gown while her beloved bridesmaids gathered round. It was such a joy for me to watch as I've known the bride and a few of her bridesmaids (and photographed their weddings) throughout the years. Anna Christie is the epitome of regal grace and femininity. Never ruffled, used to working under pressure, she is as lovely inside as out. And yes, she's GORGEOUS. Greg is one very lucky man ;) 

   Because Greg wanted to see Anna Christie for the first time coming down the aisle, we opted to shoot separately throughout the day. As the ladies relaxed upstairs, Greg finished his final prep and handing out the bowties to his men. I think we all cried as Greg honored his mother, who recently passed, and spoke of how proud she'd be and how much he missed her. 

  With tears now past, and photos done- it was time to be wed. I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking... 

Thank you to Oregon Bride Magazine for featuring this lovely backyard wedding