A Rogue River Wedding

NaJe and I met at a wine event several years ago, and it turned out that not only was she in the wine industry, but she’s also a jazz singer who was in need of a photographer. I love music and working with musicians so when she asked me to come out to shoot her and the band at Yoshi’s I knew I had to say yes! It turned into a semi regular gig and she quickly became one of my favorite clients, and over wine at Yoshi’s and in the studio (shooting the cover art for her CD) we also became friends.

So, I was thrilled when over the summer she asked us to make the trip up to Oregon to photograph her wedding. I knew she was going to be a stunning bride, and I knew it would be a really great party. (it was!)

The wedding took place in Grant’s Pass at the beautiful and historic Weasku Inn.

They really wanted a wedding where everyone had time to spend time with each other and really be connected to the moment so this was not just one day, but a whole weekend of celebration! The festivities kicked off Friday night with a cocktail hour followed by dinner featuring an amazing salmon that her Uncle Mike had caught. This was the most delicious fish I have ever eaten. Seriously.

And we got to see the t-shirts they’d had made. The groom James works for NASA and she’s a singer so the design really was perfect for them. The graphic was incorporated throughout the wedding on the seating chart, and signature cocktail menu.

Did you notice how even the names of the cocktails bring together jazz and space? It’s always really special when couples share a piece of themselves and make the wedding very uniquely them. These two really pulled that off with lots of little details – like James constructing the wedding arch out of driftwood…

…and her friends decorating it with lavender they had picked and dried.

Meanwhile…

Since I have known NaJe for a long time, and she is one of my very favorite people to photograph I was secretly happy when she was ready for the couples shots before James was because it gave us a chance to spend time together and get some beautiful bridal portraits.

The ceremony was touching, and romantic, and the lawn of the inn was a beautiful setting.

After her train was bustled the party really got going!

Her band made the trip up from San Francisco, and she joined them on stage to serenade James for a few songs.

The party went well into the night and was a lot of fun! Many congratulations to the happy couple, and thanks for including us in your special weekend!