Empress Estate Woodland Washington Wedding

Jeremy and I recently had the chance to photograph the beautiful destination wedding of our dear friends, Ethan and Amanda. They tied the knot just north of Portland, Oregon, at The Empress Estate. This intimate celebration was a perfect blend of elegance and heartfelt moments, surrounded by close friends and family.

Their love story is one for the books. Ethan and Amanda met in the unlikeliest of places: an online prayer group. What began as casual chats soon blossomed into a deep friendship, and before they knew it, they were spending countless hours sharing dreams, fears, and everything in between. Despite the distance between them—Amanda in Oregon with her two boys and Ethan in Colorado with his three daughters—their bond grew stronger by the day. Talk about dedication! Their love story is a testament to faith, friendship, and a connection that transcends miles. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the universe (or a higher power) has a plan for us that we just need to trust.

Arriving in Portland a couple of days early, we soaked in the local vibes and scouted locations for some epic offsite portraits and first looks. There’s something magical about experiencing new places, and this was no exception. Portland’s natural beauty is a dream for a documentary-style photography team like ours. We love capturing those genuine, unscripted moments that tell a couple’s unique story.

On the wedding morning, we were privileged to witness the blending of two families firsthand. Amanda and Ethan’s home in Portland was filled with laughter and anticipation. Watching Ethan help his stepsons get ready in their sharp black suits was a special moment. As a girl dad, Ethan embraced this new role with a grin. Meanwhile, Amanda was busy tying pearl bows around her stepdaughters’ waists. This blending of families is always special, and it was heartwarming to see the love and care they have for each other’s kids.

The wedding style was stunning: a classic black-and-white theme with natural tones and satin bridesmaid dresses in muted pastels. The tall trees and gorgeous florals at The Empress Estate provided the perfect backdrop, allowing nature to speak for itself. Amanda looked absolutely gorgeous in her classic gown, complete with a daring slit that added a touch of drama. We may have done some last-minute dress adjustments in the parking lot, but hey, sometimes you’ve got to roll with it to keep the day moving smoothly!

Amanda shared a touching first look with her two boys in the tranquil setting of Forest Park. The defused light filtering through the trees was the stuff of dreams—ideal for capturing those precious moments. And just when you thought it couldn’t get more emotional, the boys turned Amanda around for her first look with Ethan. Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces was priceless.

Fast forward to the ceremony in Woodland, Washington—about an hour’s drive north. The bridal suite at The Empress Estate, overlooking everything from its cozy balcony, was the perfect spot for the final getting-ready moments. After some celebratory champagne toasts, we headed into the gardens for wedding party portraits. The lush greenery and towering trees made for an enchanting backdrop as Amanda and Ethan prepared to say their vows.

Post-ceremony, Amanda and Ethan took the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. Then, in a sweet twist, they each danced with their children to a mashup of meaningful songs. Ethan swayed with his three daughters while Amanda shared a dance with her two sons. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, including mine!

As photographers, golden hour is our holy grail, and this one was exceptional. The warm light bathed the gardens longer than we’ve ever experienced, allowing us to capture breathtaking portraits against the estate’s elegant white columns and ornate shrubs. Seriously, it was like something out of a fairy tale.

The night ended with a sparkler send-off, leading straight into an afterparty at the Iliani Resort just up the road. This couple sure knows how to throw a party!

Being both photographers and guests at Ethan and Amanda’s wedding was an honor. Watching their love and intentionality is something all couples can aspire to. As destination wedding photographers, moments like these are why we do what we do. Ethan and Amanda, thank you for letting us be part of your journey. Here’s to many more adventures and love-filled days! Cheers! 🥂