Destination Wedding Photographer
I often mention how great it is to meet so many wonderful couples as they embark on a life of marriage. But, when it’s someone you know, or should I say, practically related to, then it becomes so much more special to me. With 2020 being such a crazy year personally, as well as for my business, it was a true blessing to witness and photograph the wedding of my “little sister.” Rachel and Eric recently got married this past summer at a pretty cool mountainous area known as Horning’s Hideout in Oregon.
I met Rachel around 2010 when she was in high school playing softball for a travel club team. Every now and then they would play here in Orange County. Back in the day, my now former roommate Tony was a college roommate of Rachel’s dad, Mark, and they have remained close ever since. Whenever Rachel and her mom, Irene, would make the trip down from Oregon, they always stayed at Tony’s house. And thus, how we met and became family. Rachel would always call me her “big brother” and therefore, she became my little sister. To give you a better idea how close we’ve all become, Irene filled in for my mom for the Mother-Son Dance at my own wedding earlier this year.
Horning’s Hideout is located in North Plains, Oregon, which is about 25 miles northwest of the city of Portland. It’s a campground that that has spots for either RV hookups or tent camping, plus a fishing lake, amphitheater & disc-golf course. The green trees and lake are absolutely beautiful and there is so much fresh air to breathe in. This state has some real beautiful country to it. In addition to Horning’s Hideout, North Plains is home to several other wedding venue locations such as Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club, The Melody Meeting and Event Center, Moonlight Event Space, The Artillery Barracks, and Rock Creek Country Club, just to name a few. As you can imagine, there are quite a few options in Portland as well.
Rachel met Eric back in high school, but like so many others before them, they went onto different paths in life, only to reconnect, fall in love and then become one. The service was beautiful. Rachel’s dad, being that he works in ministry, officiated their wedding and Tony, my old roommate, escorted Rachel down the aisle. Rachel looked stunning in her white gown and her perfectly applied makeup from Brow Bliss, while Eric was decked out in a navy-blue Michael Kors suit from Mr. Formal. After the ceremony, DJ Steve kept the party hopping, while guests were fed terrific barbecue by the catering team at Mission Bar-B-Que, as for the beautiful wedding cake, it was prepared by Dessert Tray. Along with the bouquets and boutonnieres, the floral arraignments for both the ceremony and reception were gorgeously decorated by Cheryl Thiessen Designs, while Kay coordinated the event and did an amazing job.
I would really like to thank Rachel and Eric for allowing me to be part of their special day, as it was a real joy to have the opportunity to photograph their wedding. I’ve got to tell you, it has been a real blessing to watch Rachel grow over the years into the young woman that she has become.
To learn more about this amazing couple, please check out their love story. We hope you enjoy it, and their photos, as much as we do.
Rachel and Eric’s Love Story
How did you both meet and tell us, who liked who first?
We met in 2012 at church, Eric was the new worship guy. I was the pastor’s daughter and we both liked each other pretty much instantly. Also, my dad was Eric’s boss at the time.
Tell us about your first date. Who was more nervous and what did you guys do?
Our first date was getting froyo (frozen yogurt) and walking around at a park. I think Eric was more nervous because he was out with his boss’ daughter. We just got to know each other and talked till about 4am that night about everything.
What’s the proposal story? Give us all the details and who cried first?
Eric planned a surprise trip to the beach for me. He packed for me and everything. One of the days we were there we went on a walk and he proposed, and Eric cried first. Then I said, “YES!”
As you approach the wedding day, what have you both enjoyed most about the wedding planning process?
Being able to spend time with my mom and Eric’s mom, Chick.
What has been the hardest part about planning your wedding?
COVID!
Why did you choose your particular wedding and reception venue?
We wanted a large venue that has lots of trees in August and Horning’s Hideout had exactly that.
Where did you draw some of your inspiration from for your wedding day?
Mostly Pinterest.
Where are you going for the honeymoon and why did you choose that destination?
COVID sucks! We are doing a mini moon to Bend, Oregon for a couple of days then going to Hawaii once we can and things are open.
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About the Author:
Jerrick O’Connor is the owner of Three16 Photography and has 15 years of experience in the world of photography. He specializes in Weddings, Engagements, Family and Corporate photography and loves connecting small business owners with other small business owners in hopes they can benefit each other’s production. When he’s not working, you can find him spending time with his wife Josie, playing board games or just spending time with his many friends.
