If you’re looking to plan a wedding that has elegant charm and is surrounded by quiet, natural beauty, Navarra Gardens is an excellent venue to look at. This is the perfect place to put on a display of flowers to compliment the garden landscape. This property is very spacious and private, providing opportunities for many different places to get ready in the morning, have your ceremony, and take photos.

The garden is a stunning location for an outdoor ceremony on the lawn, surrounded by thoughtfully curated plants and trees. When it came to detail photos, I loved hanging the dress among the trees and setting the flat-lay details out on stone pavers.

Above: bride and groom portraits for a September wedding at Navarra Gardens, an Oregon wedding venue perfect for a floral theme.

There was a sense of calm and peace among the bride, groom, and their wedding party. In their respective bride’s suite and groom’s room, Lillie and Antonio spent the morning getting ready and enjoying their time surrounded by the most important people in their lives. Lillie’s dress was the stunning Pandora gown by Truvelle, from the cutest bridal shop in Portland, a&bé. The off-the-shoulder sleeves fit the garden theme so well, and the sleeves also helped transition this into fall as the wedding was in late September. Lillie’s hairstyle complimented the dress and I loved the high updo, something I don’t see too often. Her hair and makeup was done by Goddess Glamour.

Right outside the bridal suite is a small garden area, hidden away from the groom and groomsmen. We started out with some photos of the ladies in their matching pajamas, then got everyone in their dresses. The matching shade of green looked amazing among the rest of the venue. Lillie’s bridal portraits are some of my favorites!! Green bridesmaids dresses are a timeless option and the midi length was gorgeous. Antonio and his groomsmen enjoyed their morning in the groom’s room, which is great because not all venues accommodate both the bride and groom for getting ready spaces.

As ceremony time approached, guests arrived and mingled in the garden area before finding their seats on the terrace, overlooking the river. These two opted to wait until the ceremony to see each other, and it made for a special reveal in front of all the guests. Their vows were filling with loving words (for each other, and their favorite NBA teams) and everyone’s reactions were precious.

After the ceremony, we wrapped up the full wedding party and family photos, then snuck off for some couples portraits as the rain began to fall. We had the opportunity to frolic around with a white umbrella and take cover under the forested area Navarra Gardens has to offer. It’s always great when venues have tree coverage, both for shade in the heat and some protection from rain in this case.

The reception began outside, where the tables had been beautifully decorated. Antonio announced the wedding party as they entered the dance floor. Everyone enjoyed their dinner and soon it began to rain even harder. Eventually, thanks to the flexibility of Navarra Gardens, the decision was made to move the reception to the indoor space. It made the reception feel more intimate by moving everyone inside as the sun went down. We enjoyed dances, speeches, and cake cutting before the party started and everyone danced the night away.

This is a venue I would be honored to shoot at again. Get in contact to book photography for your Navarra Gardens wedding!