Portland Golf Club Wedding – Kelsey & Ryan

I’m so excited to share this blog post with you today. What a beautiful October day we got for this wedding at the Portland Golf Club! First thing I have to say is that I wouldn’t have this content without my talented friend, Erika Ellis! I second shot this wedding with her and ended up with so much amazing content that I wanted to share with you all.

Kelsey and Ryan. A few years and many adventures in the making. Their family and friends all came together for a sweet church ceremony a big bash back at the venue. Of course, it’s always a blessing to have such amazing couples, but when their family members and friends match up and show up with such joy and energy it makes the day incredible!

This was my first time shooting at Portland Golf Club! I’d been a couple times before for various events working on the planning side but never as the photographer. I left feeling so full and I can’t wait to get back there someday to hopefully shoot another (maybe it’ll be you!). The truth is this day reminded me a lot of my own. I was on the verge of tears at least 5 times at this wedding – don’t judge me I’m an emotional being. From the backdrop of a golf course to the mens blue suits, to the overall feeling of love I was taken back to my big day just over two years ago.

We started with the guys getting into their suits in a surprisingly bright and spacious prep area. Little known fact is that generally the groom either does not get a space to get ready at all or if they do its in a space that resembles a dark and dingy basement. The guys took Fireball shots and were watching live football on their iphones – classic.

Then we moved down into the girls locker room where Kelsey, her bridesmaids, and moms were getting all “glammed” up. As a photographer, this space pretty much resembled the most ideal spot for getting ready photos. TONS of light and no weird colors. Big fat YAS!

From there we went out onto the course for the first look. We waiting between tee offs, as the golf course still runs even with a bride coming through. Have I mentioned the weather was beyond perfect?! Overcast and mid 60’s, literally could not have been better. I’ll let these photos up next speak for themselves. There’s so many reasons to do a first look but the emotion alone that can come from them is enough reason for me.

After a few portraits, we loaded into some party buses and road over to St. Pius X Church. Side note: I have to give props to the pastor because I’m not religious at all but he made every single person in that building feel so welcomed and loved in the way he delivered the ceremony. Post first kiss and ring exchanges the whole wedding party took shots outside the church. Such a fun idea! Then back to the Portland Golf Club we went.

Some highlights of the reception:

• Some really heartfelt speeches. Specifically the MOH’s made me cry.

• Mother/son (aka groom) dance – she sobbed and it was so pure. At the end the bride joined in and they boogied down.

• Every couple of the wedding party had a whole routine for their grand entrance. Yes.
• Delicious food in buffet style. I’m telling you by the time dinner comes around at a reception I am so prepared to stuff my face and carb load for the rest of the night. Also I just happen to love food.
• Sunset portraits. Feast your eyes.

I’ll always remember one of her bridesmaids saying in the bus, “Kelsey will have a baby for sure in 2020.” For me I was doing the math and was thinking – well dang girl its October 2019 now! Later that night Kels confirmed that statement pretty mater of factly. Not surprisingly, the pastor made several sly comments about the many children they’ll have too. No matter what the future that lies ahead for these two (and their apparent growing family) is bright.

Finishing off with one last photo of the groom dancing with some little girls who I’m sure were in heaven. If you’re still here – heck yeah.

xo,

Kels