THE COUPLE’S INTIMATE FIRST LOOK

The morning began with Shannon and her bridal party getting ready at a historic house at Cascade Locks. After finishing up hair and makeup with the extremely talented Marina Haynes, Shannon stepped into her dress, an elegant gown paired with a long, flowing cape., and headed outside for her first look with Ryan.

The couple shared a quiet moment together on Thunder Island, with the Bridge of the Gods towering behind them before the rest of their family and wedding party joined for portraits.

SHANNON AND RYAN’S PEACEFUL FALL WEDDING CEREMONY AT CASCADE LOCKS

Their ceremony was set up overlooking the beautiful Columbia river with mountains towering behind it. As a lone guitarist played, Shannon and Ryan’s best friends headed down the aisle. As a friend of Shannon and Ryan led the ceremony, the intimate group of friends and family they’d gathered cried laughed and cheered. The bridesmaids in their gorgeous green dresses left the ceremony in style: an overflowing golf cart. The laughing groomsmen followed in their black suits with patterned ties.

A FUN-FILLED FALL WEDDING RECEPTION WITH UNIQUE, PERSONALIZED TOUCHES

After the ceremony, we all went right to enjoy the cocktail hour! Outside in the breezy autumn air, Ryan and Shannon savored their special moments together with their family. For the reception, we went to the Gorge Pavilion, where the bridal party had an epic entrance full of great dance moves.

I also loved that Shannon and Ryan had tons of sweet touches that were uniquely “them” sprinkled throughout their reception, like an audio guest book that guests would record on an old rotary phone! They also decorated the venue with printed pictures of various adventures they’d shared with their friends.

Then, the dance floor opened to the beats of DJ John Ross, and it was full until the party shut down! But in keeping with the personal nature of the celebration, this wasn’t just your average dance party. Even some of the dance moves had special significance! There was one moment when all the groomsmen fell to the ground, laid on their back, and wiggled their arms and legs in the air like a dead bug—a hallmark wedding reception dance move Shannon’s late grandpa will always be remembered for. At that moment, as everyone laughed and danced along, it truly felt like he was there with them to celebrate their special day.