5th St. Market Wedding in Eugene, Oregon

"Always be yourself, unless you can be a unicorn...then always be a unicorn."

I've always said I know right away when a wedding couple is a good fit for me and my style of photography. I can feel a connection almost immediately. I always hope that the couple feels the same way too and luckily, Adria & Charles did. Hooray!

We met on a rainy afternoon here in Eugene at Excelsior Inn near the University of Oregon campus where both Adria and Charles work. I knew I liked them when I saw that Adria and I had similar scarves on and updo hairstyles on that rainy day. Charles was simply dashing in his sport coat and pocket square. Something about their interaction with each other reminded me of myself with my own husband. I liked them a lot and luckily, they liked me too. We shared many laughs and a few sweet moments together as they chatted about their relationship and engagement. I found myself fighting back a few tears at one point. Yes, I liked this couple very much.

Fast forward to June and polar opposite weather as we gathered at 5th St. Market in Eugene. It was hot. Very hot! I want to say it was about 97 degrees and humid too. Luckily, their beautiful Oregon wedding was being held in the evening, in the shade of the 5th St. Market's courtyard. Hooray for shade!

I met Adria at Inn at the 5th next door as she got ready with her family and friends. I love capturing these intimate moments before the wedding because the energy is always a mix of nervousness and pure excitement. My favorite moment was watching Adria open her gift from Charles; two tiny animal figurines that were so delicate inside a beautiful wood box. It was an honor watching Adria get dressed with the help of of mother and friends. I love watching brides transform from regular clothes into their wedding gown. That moment when they see themselves in the mirror...it's magical. Meanwhile, Charles was in the comfort of air conditioning just a few floors below, inside 5th Street where the wedding reception would be held. Again, he was simply dashing in his blue coat and dazzling tie. Perfection!

The wedding ceremony was simply perfect.. I loved all of the color & happy energy all around. Adria and Charles both cried while reciting their vows and of course we all cried right along with them. You could truly feel the love these two have for one another. The ceremony was complete with a beautiful Celtic knot tying ceremony that their friends and family participated in. At the very end of the ceremony, friends and family gathered around the courtyard railing and tossed pennies into the fountain below & wished the newlyweds happiness and joy.

Okay. Now the best part...rainbow sparkle cupcakes and a unicorn cake! Yes! I'll let the photos speak for themselves for the reception. Such a fun party filled with laughter and emotional speeches from their guests. I was able to sneak Adria and Charles away for a bit to take photos under the bistro lights in the courtyard before I said goodbye. Oh! They also went for a ride in the glass elevator and waved to their friends & family...while stealing a couple kisses from each other along the way. As I hugged the newlyweds goodbye, I left with sore feet (as always) and a huge smile on my face from this gorgeous event.

Thank you for letting me capture your wedding day, Adria and Charles. Always keep the sparkle, color and laughter in your marriage, as I know you certainly will.

Lynn Marie