- 3 min read

Christmas Winter Wedding at Ainsworth House & Gardens | Oregon City, Oregon

Loren & Dan

A White Christmas Winter Wedding

I was tickled to be the Portland wedding photographer that Loren and Dan chose for their Christmas wedding at Ainsworth House and Gardens. I met the engaged couple by being a preferred Oregon City wedding photographer by their wedding venue.

Loren and Dan have been together for over a decade. They first met in college 11 years years ago while attending Lane Community College in Eugene, OR. They were both taking a class about renewable when they caught each others eye. Dan was and is a solar technician and she was taking credits because she had an interest in it.

Finally, as Loren put it, her and Dan were taking a little summer stay-cation at her sister’s house in Washington when he proposed. The ice cream truck came by shortly before they were to start their drive home, so they decided to have an impromptu ice cream social on the back porch. Loren was super pregnant with their Daughter Poppy at the time. Just as they were finishing, he came out, knelled down in front of her and popped the question. It was very unexpected, but wonderful that everyone was there and got to share in the surprise.

The day of the wedding Portland was hit with a snow storm. Beautiful for a Christmas winter wedding, but a little stressful for a bride and groom just wanting all of their friends and family to be present. But we lucked out, a rare thing happened in Portland, and we escaped from having the roads covered with ice, making the journey up the hills in Oregon City much easier then it would normally be.

Ainsworth House and Gardens made the perfect backdrop for a winter wedding. They had festive holiday wreathes hanging around the property, ornaments hanging from trees in the gardens and thoughtful strung lights. Once you entered the ballroom you were greeted by two immaculately decorated Christmas trees.

Their, now two month old, baby Poppy stole the show whether she was quietly sleeping in her carrier or giggling in someones arms. Dan's son, Dylan, was also close by as he was also serving as the best man. Loren's best friend, Camille, rounded out their intimate wedding party.

The bride's sister, Tracy, officiated the wedding ceremony. As a Captain in the Air Force she was licensed to officiate and had done so a number of times before. In fact, she also married Loren's mother, brother and a few other family members as well.

They even had an appearance by Santa Claus! Finally done with all of his hard work for the year, he made time to come be the sprinkles on this perfect Christmas wedding day.

After the wedding, Loren and Dan were thoughtful enough to leave a 5-star wedding photographer review on Google, this is what they said:

"Cambrae did an amazing job photographing our Christmas wedding at the Ainsworth House in Oregon City. They came prepared with a mask, cool photographer tool belt with everything they needed and boots. They helped me trek my dress into the snow for photos. Cambrae accommodated our large family and adjusted the photo plan when some essential guests couldn’t attend. They were more than willing to extend any time we needed and to take photos when requested. Cambrae is professional and friendly. Highly recommended."