Eola Hills Winery Wedding
This Eola Hills Winery Wedding was one for the books. Nick + Kelly’s day was so joyful, connection filled and genuinely celebratory. I am so grateful to have been able to document such a cool season of life for these two.
Eola Hills Legacy Estates Vineyard
Kelly + Nick found themselves in a place where they had to find a last minute new venue for their day. Honestly, I don’t think they could have found a better spot! Eola Hills Legacy Estates Vineyard is located a short 10 minutes outside Salem, Oregon. It is surrounded by my two favorite things- rolling hills and good wine. As a photographer, I got to see how accommodating and great the Eola Hills Winery staff were and truly how amazing this Salem, Oregon venue was. This venue also had countless locations to take photos, amazing getting ready spots, a shade option for bridesmaid/ groomsman photos, a small lake, rolling hills for days and so much open space (as we all know, open space is a plus in pandemic times).
Photography that tells a story
I love that this Eola Hills Winery Wedding truly tells the story of their day. It’s easy to say you only want a few hours of coverage- and I get it. Wedding photography isn’t just a couple dollars and sometimes it can be hard to see why a full day of coverage is needed. This wedding is a true example of what 8 hours looks like and the difference this added time can make. Being there for 8 hours allowed us to be there for most of the day. It allowed for us to better connect with the couple on their wedding day AND their family/ guests (so important). We were able to follow them around for the smaller, more “forgettable” moments. These “forgettable” moments often times end up being the most meaningful and significant moments of the day. Friends being there for them, sweet small moments with family, the first moment the bride and groom see each other, little moments in the reception… this “extra” time tells the story, which makes it invaluable and so meaningful.
Planning an Eola Hills Winery Wedding?
That feels like a great choice! Here are some recommendations I have for planning your vineyard wedding outside of Salem, Oregon!
- WHERE TO STAY: The Grand Hotel. It’s a really fun hotel and has that special luxury feeling for a wedding day.
- A GREAT REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION: Bently’s Grill! Conveniently attached to the hotel, good for big groups and a highly rated bar/ restaurant!
- WHERE TO GET COFFEE THE MORNING OF THE WEDDING: Archive Coffee. Always Archive Coffee.
- WEDDING DAYS CALL FOR DONUTS ALL DAY: Bigwig Donuts. They are so good and so fun! Remember, even if you don’t think so, there should always be extra food at your getting ready spot. Also, it’s your wedding day so it should be the good stuff!
- BRUNCH BEFORE YOU START GETTING READY: Ritters. Their brunch is a late morning thing but worth it. Killer breakfast and bloody marys, if thats your thing! On the plus side, I always recommend evening ceremonies in the summer, so brunch will work in your favor!
Wedding Florals
This is something I feel passionate about! Hire a florist! Kelly + Nick chose Garden Inspirations as their florist for their wedding day and they created the most beautiful soft and romantic bouquets and boutonnières. When it comes to wedding days and wedding photography, I believe that real and well done florals make a big difference in how your wedding looks. Plus, it’s fun and a really special thing to do.
Fun floral preservation tip:
You can preserve your florals in the prettiest way! Check out this timeless way you can preserve you wedding florals!
Planning an Eola Hills Winery Wedding?
If so, you can’t go wrong. This day was so fun and such a relaxed celebration. Proof that bigger weddings can be so amazing when connection and the celebration of love is truly at the forefront. Nick + Kelly were two that truly prioritized a laid back and special day and it truly was exactly that. This day was so fun, it made me wish I would have opted for an Eola Hills Winery wedding when I got married! So if you are looking for a venue with rolling vineyard hills, good wine, a great staff and lots of open space to celebrate near Salem, Oregon- the Eola Hills Legacy Estate Vineyards is the place for you!
Want to learn more about our wedding photography? We have a full page devoted to it here! My husband Justin + I are a wedding photography team specializing in small. weddings. We define small weddings as 2-100 guests in attendance. We feel these weddings are more connection centered experiences for our clients. Nick + Kelly’s wedding fell right at the 100 mark and was so joy filled we still think about it often. We are so grateful these two trusted us to photograph their day!
Want to see another wedding? This one was in the Columbia River Gorge! Ready to chat with us on the phone about your wedding day? To see if we’re a good fit? Contact us here! We can’t wait to get to know you!
Chat soon!
Warmly,
Kenzi
