Molly and Nate: A Magical Double Rainbow Llama Wedding at Skamania Lodge

Golf carts. Double rainbows (yes, really). Llamas (well, a llama and an alpaca). A Disney serenade. Choreographed parent dances. Wildflowers. Leather jackets.

These are just a few of the highlights from Molly and Nate's most magical wedding ever, and it was really one of those "you had to be there" weddings.

I first met these two when Molly responded to a model call for a couple session. I had recently moved to Oregon, and wanted to try out some new equipment. They had just started dating officially, even though they'd known each other for much longer than that. At that point, they had never been photographed together, but as soon as we started shooting it was SO obvious that they were absolutely perfect for one another. We stayed social media friends after that, and when Nate proposed to Molly at Disney, I could not have been more excited for them to continue their forever together! And I was absolutely honored to be asked to photograph the big day.

Their wedding was held at the breathtaking Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington. This was my first time at this venue, and while the lodge itself is great, the view outside is really what makes this place so special. It overlooks the Columbia River Gorge, which is one of my favorite places to photograph in the Pacific Northwest. Molly and Nate's ceremony was setup so that their backdrop was the gorge, and it was a really incredible weather day, with rain and clouds moving dramatically behind them. The sun came out halfway through their ceremony, and I don't think anyone there could believe the rainbows that appeared as they were saying their vows. Literal gasps from the crowd.

And that wasn't where the magic ended! They arranged for a surprise visit from the famous Rojo the llama and Napoleon the alpaca! Their guests were just delighted by the pair, dressed in their finest wedding attire, and happy to sneak a bite at Molly's bouquet (naughty llama). If you want to get genuine smiles from someone, have them feed a llama a carrot from their mouth. Seriously.

We bid the camelids goodbye, and wandered around the grounds for some photos of just the two of them. The wildflowers were in bloom, and Molly's Stella York gown from The White Dress Portland popped against the gold of the flowers and the green of the trees behind them. We snuck some photos at their geometric triangle altar, which had an incredible floral install by Stevenson florist Bloomsbury of Kanaka Creek Farm, and then headed to their reception to celebrate with their families and closest friends.

This was one of those wedding days which I will always look back on and smile, because it was honestly one of the best days of my career. I hope these photos make you smile, too! And a HUGE thanks to Molly and Nate for being the best clients ever, and amazing friends too. Thanks for letting me share your joy!

-Rebecca