Dawson and Courtney


A Medieval Elegance Wedding in Astoria, Oregon

On our consultation call when Courtney said she was going to be wearing a black dress, I knew her and Dawson's wedding was going to be unique. I simply couldn't have imagined just how incredible it would be! Their theme was "Til Death." It included medieval, Lord of the Rings, and Tarot elements.


Courtney and Dawson's wedding was set against the backdrop of the misty Oregon Coast, specifically Astoria, Oregon (yes, where Sean Astin and his crew adventured underground in the film The Goonies). Views included the hip, yet vintage small town vibe of downtown Astoria. One could see glimpses of the Astoria-Megler Bridge stretching across the Columbia, uniting Oregon with Washington.


At the Lovell Taproom at the Fort George Brewery, their wedding atmosphere was carefully being set with auburn goblets, tarot cards, and crystals for the guests. Dawson awaited Courtney at the alter wearing an Indochino suit, floral printed shoes, and his Lord of Rings wedding band (another Sean Astin connection - he plays Samwise Gamgee in the LOTR trilogy) . Their guests welcomed Courtney as she made her way down a white and flower petal aisle to Enya's "Only Time." Courtney wore an incredible black gown from Cocomelody. Details of her gown included delicate beadwork, lace, and puff sleeves. Upon her head was a sunburst halo crown. She was a vision of an ethereal medieval goddess.


We slipped out to take portraits only to be welcomed by a double rainbow. The rain gave us a break and provide us with some golden sunlight. I led them around the block to the Fort George garden. A delicious vegetarian formal dinner was served by the caterer, It's All Greek to Me. Three beautiful vegan cakes from Shoofly Vegan Bakery. We ended the night with dancing to some funky tunes and a bit of dancing.


"I would rather spend one lifetime with you, than face all the ages of this world alone."

—J. R. R. Tolkien

Elegant table setting with amber glass goblets, white plates and floral centerpieces at a formal event.
Gothic-themed place setting with white plates, navy napkin, and amber glassware on wooden table.
White ceremony aisle lined with wooden wine barrels and delicate floral decorations.
Formal dining table set with white candles, amber glassware, and place settings.
Long dining table decorated with white candles, amber glasses and floral centerpieces.
Elegant floral arrangement with coral roses, navy blue flowers, and delicate foliage in a gold metallic vase.
Formal table setting with gold goblets, white plates, and metallic floral centerpieces.
Moody black and white portrait of someone in a formal suit looking to the side.
Three elegant wedding cakes displayed on ornate stands with burgundy cloth accents.
Wedding cakes on ornate gold stands with crystal details and burgundy tablecloth.