Nicole and Alex’s Hoyt Arboretum wedding in Portland was the stuff dreams are made of. Their relationship has been lively and adventurous since day one, and I cannot stress enough how important it is that your wedding match your style as a couple. Doing things your own way is key, and this wedding was a beautiful example of what it looks like to celebrate love authentically. Nicole and Alex are one of the coolest couples I’ve ever had the privilege of capturing. They were such a blast, and their wedding day reflected that energy in the best way. All of the details encompassed their personalities well and honored who they are as a couple.
Getting Ready at The Sentinel
They kicked off their day getting ready at the historic Sentinel Hotel—which, by the way, was a vibe in and of itself. Nicole and her bridesmaids enjoyed every moment leading up to leaving for the ceremony. There was laughter, excitement, and a true sense of celebration in the air with her best friends. Once she was ready, Nicole shared a sweet first look with both her dad and her brother, which set the tone for the day in the most heartfelt way. Afterwards, a limo picked them up right out front and whisked them off to Hoyt Arboretum, an incredible forest location tucked right into the city.
Planning a Hoyt Arboretum Portland Wedding
Hoyt Arboretum offers four stunning ceremony sites, with the Redwood Deck being the most iconic. This Portland venue is accessible, easy to get to and great for family members of all ages. Something to note if you are also planning an enchanted forest wedding at Hoyt: weddings are reserved on a first come first serve basis. Reservations are held at the beginning of each year with in-person requests being prioritized. I highly recommend the Stevens Pavilion for larger weddings with older guests as its easy to get to with limited walking required.
Nicole & Alex’s Hoyt Arboretum Wedding Ceremony
This was such a fitting choice for Nicole and Alex. Their beautiful ceremony was held surrounded by trees and loved ones. It had an elevated, luxury feel without sacrificing the natural landscape. The ceremony itself was emotional and unforgettable, perfectly capturing their deep connection and fun-loving spirit. Afterward, the bridal party hiked down to the Redwood Deck for additional portraits before heading back to meet their party bus. From there, they celebrated in true Nicole and Alex fashion on the way to their reception at Cooper’s Hall.
Coopers Hall Wedding Reception
Nicole & Alex’s wedding day was an actual party, the reception at Coopers Hall, especially. Once they arrived, Nicole let her hair down (literally) and they celebrated even more with their guests. Down to the decor, everything was completely and unique to them and their story. From meaningful (and edgy) personal details to a fully stocked dessert table, their reception was one of a kind. When I look back at their gallery, joy is radiating from every face, guests included. They nailed it.
If I were ever to give an example of a couple who fully embraced making their day their own and breaking the mold, it would be Alex and Nicole. Their wedding was elegant, beautiful, and still incorporated traditional elements—but with their own unique twist. I can confidently say they won’t look back in 10 years wishing they had done a single thing differently. And that is something I hope for and encourage with every client.
Portland Wedding Vendors
Dress: A&be portland
Tux: Generation Tux
Videographer: Brandon Pusateri
Florals: Songbird Floristry
Planner / day of coordinator: Sarah of Iconic Bond Events
Dessert: Michelle of Tres Belle
Rentals: Rentals: Lily & Cane – Sherine
Wedding Photography Oregon
I’m Tessa, a wedding and elopement photographer based in the PNW. I’m passionate about capturing wedding photos that reflect who my couples are at their core. Those little memories of your big day that you never want to forget? My approach is to capture those with intention, love, and creativity. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement in the wild or a traditional ceremony in the Oregon forest like Alex & Nicole, I’d be honored to help document every moment. Ready to start planning out the wedding photos of your dreams? Reach out here to begin your journey!
