UPDATED 2/11/22
Columbia River Gorge Engagements
Portland + Cascade Locks Engagement Session
This Columbia River Gorge engagement was taken at Government Cove right outside of one of my favorite little towns, Cascade Locks. These two are getting married back home in Buffalo(where I’m from). So I was really happy to be able to capture some Oregon magic for them to share with everyone back home. The wanted to get the feel of Portland and the nature that is so accessible out here. We honestly lucked out with the weather on the first day of shooting(this was a 2 day shoot). Sun came out, had an amazing sunset. Outside of it being freezing cold and windy it was perfect. You gotta take what you can get in the winter out here. Usually it’s raining.
Go Buffalo
When Emma and her fiance showed up they immediately broke out a bottle of tequila. Of course I was invited to partake and did so. Would be rude not to, no? We talked about all things back home…Buffalo Bills, weather, food we missed from the area…the cheap cost of homes…etc. Was really fun to be able to connect with them on that level. The shoot itself was easy enough minus the 20 mile and hour winds. But we had sun so I was gracious for that.
The next morning we woke up at 6am to be able to capture sunrise with downtown in the background. Unfortunately it was incredibly foggy so we could barely see the skyline. We could still see the bridge though so we rolled with the punches and did the early morning session down on the river. We had to shoot around some homeless camps and a random guy swinging a machete at 6:30am…but hey, that’s Portland for you. These two were awesome. Go Bills!
If you’re wanting to elope at a waterfall or have an engagement in the Columbia River Gorge please get in touch.
Columbia River Gorge Engagements
Government Cove Engagement
This Columbia River Gorge engagement was taken at Government Cove which is one of my favorite locations to photograph in the gorge. Amelia and Griffin are getting married at Skamania Lodge next year so it was only fitting we did their engagement session in the Columbia River Gorge. Amelia wanted some waterfalls too so we stopped at Latourell Falls on the way for a few minutes to capture some waterfalls before heading off to do the bulk of the session at Government Cove which is an island that sits in the middle of the Columbia River and is a prime spot for sunsets.
River and Romance
I stopped off at Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks on the way to grab some beers for them which we drank before we started shooting. That’s just the way I like to roll. Keeps people loose and relaxed and who doesn’t like a cold beer? Since it was the first time meeting Amelia and Griffin it was nice to take a few minutes to just relax and not rush right into shooting. I like to make my couples as relaxed and at ease as possible.
Government Cove has the most bang for your buck in terms of location in the gorge. It’s easy to get to, tons of different looks at one location and has a 360 view of the gorge. When couples are unsure but want to shoot in the gorge this is usually the first location I recommend. It’s also a great spot for elopements or intimate weddings with family members who have limited mobility.
If you’re wanting to elope at a waterfall or have an engagement in the Columbia River Gorge please get in touch.
