Mia and Kaleb’s Elegant Summer Wedding at Bridal Veil Lakes

Mia and Kaleb’s late June wedding at Bridal Veil Lakes was everything you’d hope for in a Pacific Northwest celebration—lush forest, wildflowers blooming in every direction, and so much heart. The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most breathtaking backdrops in Oregon, and these two embraced it fully, leaning into the natural beauty and quiet magic of the venue.

Their day was filled with tender, emotional moments from start to finish. Mia shared tearful first looks with both her dad and her brother—two of the most moving parts of the morning. Instead of a traditional first look together, she and Kaleb chose to do a back-to-back first touch. They held hands, shared their vows privately, and let the anticipation build before walking down the aisle. It was such an intimate way to honor the significance of their day.

The ceremony was heartfelt and personal, surrounded by towering trees and the sound of the lake. Afterwards, they kept their reception design simple and elegant with black, white, and mocha brown details that let the beauty of the setting shine. Guests laughed and cried during deeply emotional speeches that celebrated their love story and the connections they’ve built with family and friends.

To tell the story of their day, I photographed in a mix of digital and film—35mm, 120mm medium format, and even a few Polaroids to capture fleeting, nostalgic moments. My husband filmed their day on Super 8, adding that dreamy, cinematic quality that feels straight out of another era. Together, these formats gave their gallery the perfect blend of polished, timeless portraits and raw, documentary emotion.

Some of my favorite film frames from this wedding:

And then—it was time to party. The dance floor was absolutely packed, full of energy and joy, leading into a bubble send-off that perfectly captured the lighthearted, celebratory spirit of the evening. It was the sweetest ending to such a moving and memorable day.

Mia and Kaleb’s wedding was a reminder of what matters most: love, family, and moments that will be cherished for a lifetime.