It wasn’t so much that he was handsome, even though his glances made her heart flutter, it was more that he was a nice guy. The kind of guy that you could trust, and get close to. From the moment they met, Mandi knew that she had someone special in Darren, she had a friend. The way their relationship began started just as that, good friends. In high school she pined for details about him through their mutual friends. Finally the day came when she had built enough courage to ask him if he wanted to hang out.
He couldn’t…. he had to wax his car.
Now… only because I know how badly high school boys take pride in their vehicles, can I understand what on GOD’S GREAT EARTH would compel a guy to turn down a hang out date with this gorgeous girl. Apparently he came to light with what he had done, and the rest is history. They remained the best of friends throughout the years, and in 2008 their friendship blossomed into love.
Mandi is a girl who knows what she wants, and when she can identify the value in something she goes after it with all of her heart. It’s no surprise to me that her commitment to Darren was something she knew she wanted from the beginning. They pledged their love for each other on Saturday and in front of hundreds of family and friends, vowed to honor and cherish each other for all of their lives.
Mandi is an one of my favorite wedding professionals based in Portland, and her business Champagne Wedding and Event Coordination did a spectacular job assisting in the execution of her day. All of her wedding dreams were translated into this gorgeous November event held at Pure Space in the Pearl District of Portland. I am honored to have been one of her photographers for her wedding day, working alongside Yasmin Khajavi, and Bryan from Focal Point Media. This was an amazingly fun day! So much love in the air!
Holy details Batman! I could NOT narrow this post down, so be prepared for many images ;-)
Mandi’s dress is a Jim Hjelm… to die for! I got a sneak peek of it when I was shopping for my own dress in Portland at Ania Collection.


Stunning hair and makeup artistry by Nicole Wagner.



















I love when couples opt for a first look because it gives us plenty of time for all of those gorgeous natural light portraits. It also provides a very intimate moment between the bride and groom before the ceremony. I just love the look on Darren’s face here as he takes the sight of his bride in. Priceless.








Darren and Mandi chose to do a candlelit ceremony, and put an emphasis on the lighting of their event. Lighting is everything people. How beautiful is this!!!





Can’t say enough about how gorgeous her florals were, designed by Blum!









How adorable are her parents?

Congratulations Darren and Mandi,
Thank you so much for including me in your day. I wish you all the love in the world and a lifetime of prosperity with each other.
xoxo,
Laura
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2 people have commented
Adore the truly rustic feel of this wedding. Stunning work!
Love, love, love their portraits! Such a beautiful wedding