Kellie + Joe

A Slow Morning at the Airbnb

About twenty-five minutes from Bridal Veil Lakes, Kellie and Joe spent the morning in a cozy Gresham Airbnb surrounded by there friends and family. Morning light filtered through the windows as friends helped with finishing touches and music drifted from room to room. The house buzzed with easy laughter and quiet anticipation – everyone knowing the next time Kellie and Joe would see each other would be at the altar.

The Airbnb had perfect lighting and plenty of space for everyone to get ready.

Arriving at Bridal Veil Lakes

When it was time to head to the venue, the drive itself felt like part of the story – winding through the Columbia River Gorge with views of waterfalls and mossy cliffs. Tucked just thirty minutes from Portland and close to Hood River’s wine country, Bridal Veil Lakes feels secluded yet easy to reach.

The property centers around a three-acre, spring-fed lake framed by old-growth evergreens and seasonal flowers. There’s a covered patio for receptions, a forested network of trails, and endless natural backdrops for photos. The air is calm here, protected from the stronger Gorge winds – you can hear the soft sound of water long before you reach the lakeshore.

Vows Beside the Lake

As the afternoon light hit, guests gathered on the lakeside lawn. When Kellie stepped onto the aisle, the world seemed to pause. Joe’s first look at her was in that exact moment – pure joy and emotion. Their vows and laughter floated across the quiet water, and when they were pronounced married a gentle breeze swept over the lake as if on cue.

Family + Wedding Party Photos at Bridal Veil Lake

One of the best parts about Bridal Veil Lake is how easy it is to transition right into family and wedding party photos after the ceremony. The venue’s layout is incredibly photographer-friendly – the ceremony area opens up to wide, shaded spaces surrounded by tall evergreens and soft lake light. That means we don’t have to move everyone far (or rush!), and there’s plenty of room for large groupings without harsh lighting or cluttered backgrounds.

I usually recommend using this time for immediate family, extended family, and full wedding party portraits while guests head toward happy hour. It keeps the timeline smooth and allows you to stay close to your loved ones while still taking advantage of that beautiful post-ceremony glow reflecting off the water.

For couples who value natural, candid-feeling portraits, Bridal Veil Lake offers the perfect mix – structured enough for traditional family groupings but relaxed enough for genuine laughter and connection. You’ll end up with a mix of classic, frame-worthy shots and the in-between moments that make them feel alive.

The Walk to the Reception

One of my favorite moments at Bridal Veil Lake is the short walk from the ceremony area to the reception space. The path winds through trees and opens up to soft light over the water – it’s incredibly peaceful and makes for some of the most genuine, just-married portraits of the day.

I love to use this walk for a few relaxed couple photos – nothing too posed, just the two of you talking, laughing, and soaking in everything that just happened. The light filtering through the evergreens and the reflection on the lake give the photos that dreamy, cinematic glow that Bridal Veil Lake is known for.

It’s also a nice pause before stepping into the reception celebration – a small, natural transition that feels true to the flow of the day.

Sunset on the Hill

As dinner approached, we slipped away for sunset portraits. The Gorge light turned golden and then pink, reflecting perfectly on the lake. Kellie and Joe wandered the mossy trails letting the evening settle around them. A scene that felt effortlessly magical.

Dinner, Dancing & A Lake-Splash Finale

Back at the open-air patio, guests shared heartfelt toasts and filled the dance floor beneath twinkle lights and stars. Laughter echoed across the water late into the night.

And just when everyone thought the celebration was winding down, Kellie and Joe surprised everyone with the perfect ending: they ran hand-in-hand and jumped straight into the lake. Cheers erupted as they splashed under the night sky – an unforgettable finale that fit them perfectly.

Why Bridal Veil Lakes Was Perfect

Bridal Veil Lakes offers the best of both worlds:

• Natural beauty – a pristine lake, towering evergreens, and wildflowers that need little added décor.
• Flexibility and comfort – vendor freedom, covered reception spaces, and a single-event-per-day policy that lets couples move at their own pace.

For Kellie and Joe, it meant a wedding that felt relaxed, welcoming, and deeply them – ending with a splash they’ll never forget.

Vendor Team

Venue https://www.bridalveillakes.com/

Coordinator: Robin Chase

Photo & Video Klouphotography.com

Florist – Wild Child Flower Co

DJ – The Fire DJs

Cello – Makenna Bach

Catering – Kim Showalter

Makeup – Rare Hearts Artistry

Hair – Sarah Rose

Bartender – Mix & Mingle Event Bartending

Ice Cream – ChillyBean Espresso & Ice Cream Co.

Kellie and Joe’s wedding day was everything that makes the Pacific Northwest feel magical – towering evergreens, still water, and a celebration filled with love and laughter. From a quiet morning at their Airbnb to sunset portraits on the mountain and a spontaneous late-night swim, every part of their day reflected what matters most: time together and a celebration that felt completely their own.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by natural beauty and a venue that gives you space to slow down and celebrate, Bridal Veil Lakes is a truly special place to begin your next chapter.

If this sounds like the kind of day you’re dreaming of, I’d love to help you capture it.
Reach out here to start planning your Bridal Veil Lake wedding experience – or just say hi and tell me what you’re envisioning.