The Water Oasis Wedding | Dana + Ryan

Dana & Ryan’s beautiful summer wedding was held at The Water Oasis in Newberg, Oregon. There are so many wonderful wedding venues in Portland and this is a new favorite. The grounds of The Water Oasis are stunning, with several water features, lovely landscaping and great ceremony and reception areas. In June this wonderful couple said “I do” surrounded by friends and family. The sun was shining and it was a very hot day. I first met Dana & Ryan last fall for their Engagement Session. We instantly clicked and had a wonderful evening getting to know each other. I am so excited to share some favorite images and moments from this gorgeous wedding.

GETTING READY

How gorgeous are these ladies! Dana was surrounded by the most beautiful women on her wedding day. I love their floral robes. Everyone was laughing and giggling and telling funny stories. It was so relaxing and everyone was so nice. Ryan had a special present for Dana sent over, a very special bottle of brandy from Chile and the sweetest note. Dana was glowing with excitement. She looked incredible! Her wedding dress was perfect for her. It was so lovely! Watching her mom help her into her dress was so special and I think made everyone tear up. This is always one of my favorite wedding moments.

The guys were in the room next door getting ready. Dana put together the cutest box of gifts for Ryan, all with special meaning. The flamingo socks were the best! Ryan was so calm on his wedding day. He was so excited to see Dana in her dress and marry the girl of his dreams.

FIRST LOOK

Once Dana and Ryan were ready, it was time to see each other. Both of them were giddy with excitement. It was so cute. Ryan looked very handsome in his navy blue suit and gray tie. When Ryan turned around to see Dana, he had the biggest smile on his face. They are the sweetest couple. Dana and Ryan are huge Oregon Duck fans, so of course a photo of them throwing up their “O’s” was necessary.

What was your first thought seeing him? “My first thought was oh shit this is real! And damn he looks good! I was very excited to see him because I knew he would calm my nerves” – Dana

WEDDING DETAILS

There were so many beautiful details that came together perfectly. One of the most creative and fun details was the mini Nike shoebox. It was painted silver and was the perfect ring box. Ryan in particular loved this little detail. The flowers were absolutely gorgeous. The pop of blue was wonderful and all the peonies were to die for. The bouquets, table pieces and the ceremony arch flowers were spectacular. Dinner was a delicious mexican fiesta and every table had chips and salsa.

WEDDING PARTY + FAMILY PHOTOS

Dana & Ryan’s wedding party was so much fun to work with. I loved the navy blue dresses the bridesmaids wore. The bouquets looked so beautiful against the blue. The guys all looked so handsome. Everyone looked amazing and were so excited to celebrate Dana & Ryan, especially their family. Both Dana and Ryan have incredible families. It felt like I had known them for years.

THE CEREMONY

Dana & Ryan’s ceremony was so lovely. It was filled with loving words and beautiful moments. The family pray was a very touching moment. They exchanged rings and vows and just like that, they were married!

THE RECEPTION

Now, it was time to celebrate, have fun and dance! Dana and Ryan made it a point to go from table to table to say hi to their guests. I thought that was such a sweet idea. Guests were enjoying the food and everyone was laughing and having a great time. My favorite part of receptions are the speeches. There were some great moments during this time that were very special and some that were hilarious. Dana & Ryan played the shoe game which is always a fun thing to do at your reception. The #fullmerfiesta was so much fun!

What was your most memorable moment? “Playing the shoe game and our first dance! I wish I remembered more of the ceremony, but nerves were coursing through me. Ryan retrieving the garter with his teeth! It was so hot that he said it was like a furnace under the dress!” – Dana

What was your First Dance song and why? “At Last by Etta James. We chose this song because Crooner music is my personal favorite, but also because we were FINALLY getting married after 7.5 years of being together! – Dana

SUNSET COUPLES PHOTO AROUND THE WATER OASIS

Just before sunset we snuck out of the reception for a few more couples portraits. It was a beautiful evening! The Water Oasis is an amazing venue because of all the different settings within one wedding venue. It’s so pretty and photographs perfectly!

What will you always remember about your wedding day? “How much I loved Ryan (and it continues daily!) and was so excited to be married to him and join our lives together” – Dana

Congratulations Dana & Ryan!!

Location: The Water Oasis

Suit: Men’s Warehouse

Catering: Reedville Cafe

Flowers: Family Friend