Makenna and Derek’s Tender and Timeless Wedding at Amaterra Winery
Makenna and Derek’s wedding day unfolded slowly and intentionally at Amaterra Winery just outside of Portland, Oregon, surrounded by rolling vineyards and the quiet beauty of the Pacific Northwest. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere felt calm, grounded, and welcoming—an experience shaped just as much by thoughtful design as by the accessibility of the space itself.
As a bride who uses a wheelchair, Makenna was intentional about choosing an accessible wedding venue that allowed her to move through the day with ease and confidence. Amaterra Winery’s open layout, smooth pathways, and seamless flow made it a truly wheelchair-accessible venue—one where accessibility was fully integrated into the experience, not something to work around. That ease allowed Makenna to be fully present, focused on the moments unfolding rather than the logistics behind them, and created an environment where everyone could comfortably gather, celebrate, and connect.
The ceremony took place with sweeping vineyard views, setting the tone for a design inspired directly by the surrounding landscape. Soft greens and muted blues echoed the colors of the vines and sky, carried beautifully through the bridesmaids’ perfectly mismatched dresses. The palette felt serene and natural—elevated, but never overdone.
Some of my favorite film scans from their wedding:
(More of their film scans are included in the post, these are just some of my favorites!)
Florals by Scarlet Blooms brought the vision to life with lush, sculptural arrangements that added texture and movement throughout the day. The designs felt organic and abundant, with playful details like grapes and limes woven into the tablescapes—a subtle nod to the winery setting that felt both artful and joyful.
Your Perfect Bridesmaid led the planning and design with a calm, steady presence, creating a wedding day that flowed effortlessly from ceremony to reception. Every transition felt thoughtful and unrushed, allowing space for genuine moments to unfold naturally—something that felt especially meaningful on a day centered around ease and inclusivity.
As the celebration moved into the reception, one of the most personal moments came when Makenna changed into her second look: a short, tailored dress made from her mom’s original wedding dress. It was a beautiful blend of sentiment and modern style, honoring family history
Dinner was served family-style, instantly setting a warm, communal tone for the evening. Guests lingered at the table, passing plates and sharing conversation over incredible food and wine—something Amaterra Winery is especially known for. It was relaxed, intimate, and unhurried, the kind of reception that feels more like a gathering than an event.
Throughout the day, Makenna and Derek’s wedding was captured on a mix of digital and film, allowing both the softness of the design and the emotional depth of the moments to shine. As the night wound down, they saved one final moment they were most excited for—sitting together at the bar, soaking it all in. If you know me, you know late-night flash portraits are my favorite, especially on film. Those end-of-the-night moments—unpolished, joyful, and real—often end up being the most meaningful.
Makenna and Derek’s Amaterra Winery wedding in Portland, Oregon was tender, timeless, and deeply intentional. A celebration that honored love, accessibility, and beauty in equal measure—and a reminder of how powerful it is when wedding spaces are designed so everyone can fully show up and be seen.
