Portland

If I could live anywhere in the United States it would probably be somewhere in Oregon. It's true: I've only been there a couple of times, but that's all it took to make me a lifelong fan. It's simply wonderful. There are mountains and beaches and forests galore – beauty everywhere you turn. So when my friends Shelby and Russ decided to get married at Ski Bowl (which is adjacent to Mt. Hood) I agreed to photograph their wedding. Yes, I retired from wedding photography, but Shelby and Russ are awesome and my husband and I wanted to get back up to Oregon. So off we went. 

We started off in Portland, but it was a quick jaunt downtown so I didn't take many photos.

We arrived early to Government Camp so we drove up to Timberline Lodge, which is a ski resort located on the south side of Mt. Hood. 

Though I don't shoot weddings anymore, I had to post some of my favorites from the wedding to show the absolutely glorious place Russ and Shelby got married. This is on the way to the ceremony -- we hiked in from the ski lift. Hands down the prettiest wedding venue I've ever seen.

The next day we headed to Multnomah Falls.

 Last official sightseeing stop of the day was Crown Point. Truly breathtaking.

Wild berries on the side of the road are a common sight in Oregon.

We finally landed at McMenamins Edgefield after sightseeing all day. They had a lovely garden. Edgefield is a big place – lots to do and see; just ask my husband. He won't let me forget that Steely Dan played there two nights before and we didn't go. 

The next day as we were headed out to a few wineries, we came across a field of hops. 

August Cellars has a huge grove behind it. No, these are not limes. They're English walnuts.

After visiting the first winery our friend Suzie turned us on to Burgerville, which had gluten free buns. Buns always make me happy (read that however you want to.)

Next was Domaine Serene. It's a sweeping, 140 acre Tuscan-style estate, and their wines have reportedly been served at the White House during U.S. State dinners.

Our last wine stop was the Carlton Winemaker's Studio. Got to chat with one of the winemakers and sampled some lovely wines.