journal — Angelina Lusetti Wedding & Elopement Photography

Amanda and Sam have a special chemistry and ease about them, and immediately welcome you in with their warmth and fun spirits. I loved getting to know them as they finalized their plans for an intimate spring wedding at Hoyt Arboretum in Portland, Oregon. It felt like catching up with old friends whenever we connected. And when their wedding day arrived, I had one of the best times with their amazing, supportive and hilarious community. I remember driving away at the end of the night reflecting on what a beautiful gift it is that photography allows me to connect with such wonderful people I may not get to know otherwise.

After cancelling their wedding plans twice in 2020, Amanda and Sam opted for a small and intimate elopement-style wedding in Portland, Oregon, where they first met in 2013. Close friends and family travelled into Portland to celebrate with them throughout the week, and the day was filled with so much love and laughter.

The day began with getting ready at the elegant Sentinel Hotel in downtown Portland, Oregon. It’s such a lovely spot with epic city views and a really artsy vibe. We made our way to the majestic Hoyt Arboretum for a sweet First Look. One of their close friends officiated the ceremony while the couple shared heartfelt vows with each other on the picturesque Redwood Deck. We spent some time exploring around the awe-inspiring Redwoods of Hoyt Arboretum for their couple portraits, and then stopped at The Pope House bourbon lounge so Amanda and Sam could “sneak a scotch” before the reception. They have a love for scotch and would visit The Pope House often while they lived in Portland. I absolutely love incorporating these types of meaningful moments into a wedding day. It gave them a break alone together to soak it all in, and it’s an activity that has special significance for their relationship.

This intimate Portland, Oregon wedding wrapped up with a festive reception at POA Cafe in North Portland, with catering from one of my favorites, ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria. POA Cafe has a lovely outdoor patio that’s perfect for intimate celebrations and was just the right scene for dinner, dancing, toasts and plenty of laughs. Amanda and Sam hadn’t planned to do a First Dance, but when one of their friends pulled up their song on a playlist (Eric Clapton’s “If I Could Change the World”), these two shared such sweet, special and truly candid moment together. And they are some of my favorite images from the day.