A "Marry the Terrys" Wedding at Scholl's Valley Lodge
Some weddings stay with you long after the last dance. Max and Kelsey's celebration at Scholl's Valley Lodge was exactly that kind of day and for me, it was personal from the very beginning.
I first crossed paths with Max at his sister's wedding, long before he and Kelsey had even met. So when this now-engaged couple reached out to have me document their big day, I was absolutely thrilled.
Following their wedding journey has been one of the great joys of my work as a Portland, Oregon wedding photographer.
An Impressive Couple, a Perfect Setting
Max and Kelsey are genuinely remarkable people. Max recently passed the bar exam, and planning a full wedding while managing busy careers (and from out of state, no less!) is a testament to how capable and determined they both are. They chose Scholl's Valley Lodge in the Tualatin Valley as their venue, a stunning property that allowed the entire wedding party and both families to stay on-site for a full weekend of connection and celebration. It's one of those rare Oregon wedding venues that transforms a single event into an unforgettable experience.
Oregon Weather Delivered (For Once!)
After a historically cold and rainy Oregon spring, April surprised everyone with sunshine and temperatures in the 70s. It was the kind of golden Pacific Northwest wedding day you dream about and these two had earned every ray of it.
Getting Ready at Scholl's Valley Lodge
When I arrived, Max's mom and sister were busy transforming the reception space with one of the sweetest personal touches I've seen: childhood photos of Max and Kelsey alongside a show-stopping banner Max's mom had made herself, emblazoned with their wedding tagline: "Marry the Terrys!"
Upstairs, Kelsey was in expert hands. Makeup artist Kelli Thomsen and hair stylist Shana of Wedding Hair and Makeup by Shana created a bridal look that was absolutely breathtaking. Kelsey's flower girls were naturals in front of the camera, and her bridesmaids gathered for champagne and the emotional moment everyone had been waiting for the reveal of the dress.
Kelsey's gown was purchased from Brides for a Cause, a Portland bridal boutique that accepts new and gently used dress donations, resells them at accessible prices, and donates proceeds to women-focused nonprofits. The vintage-inspired silhouette was romantic and elegant and when Kelsey stepped into it, her bridesmaids needed every tissue in the room.
While I was upstairs with the bridal party, my KHP associate photographer Noah was with Max and the groomsmen, whose laughter echoed through the lodge windows all morning.
Heartfelt Moments Before the Ceremony
Kelsey shared a private first look with her dad and brothers against the sweeping backdrop of the valley a moment of quiet intimacy before the celebration began.
Meanwhile, Max shared an emotional moment of his own: his mom gifted him a pin honoring their late brother, along with photos to tuck into his tie, a way to keep his memory close on one of the most important days of his life.
The Ceremony
Guests arrived and took their seats for the ceremony, held between two majestic oak trees with the aisle lined in lush, gorgeous florals provided by Glass Haus Gardens. Max stood at the altar, watching the long walkway from the lodge and when Kelsey appeared, he simply couldn't hold back his tears.
After vows were exchanged and that first kiss sealed it all, it was Kelsey's turn to feel the full weight of the moment. The two held each other through tears of pure joy. It was the kind of ceremony that reminds you why you do this work.
Reception, Dancing & Golden Hour
After portraits and the official paperwork (signed on a picturesque lodge balcony) Max and Kelsey even made it to the tail end of cocktail hour to mingle with their guests. Dinner was catered by Bellyful Catering, and compliments about the food were audible throughout the entire reception hall.
Toasts were emotional, hilarious, and deeply heartfelt. The first dance was nothing short of epic. And just before the sun dipped below the valley horizon, we slipped away for golden hour portraits bathed in that warm, luminous Oregon light, the kind of light that makes every image feel cinematic.
The dance floor stayed packed all evening, and guests played rounds of "high-low" using cards the couple had gifted as wedding favors, a personal touch that kept the energy joyful and connected all night long.
Until Next Time
As the evening wound down, Max and Kelsey boarded a flight to Croatia for their honeymoon. It was hugs and happy tears all around, for the couple, their families, and yes, for me too.
This was a day that had everything: beauty, laughter, love, legacy, and light. I am so grateful to have been trusted to document it.
Are you planning a wedding at Scholl's Valley Lodge or another Portland-area venue? I'd love to connect.
💍 Vendor List
Venue: Scholls Valley Lodge
Photography: Kate and Noah of Kate Holt Photography
Floral: Glass Haus Gardens
Skin + Makeup: Kelli Thomsen
Hair Styling: Shana
Catering: Bellyful Catering
Dress: Bride’s for A Cause
Looking for a wedding photographer?
Please do reach out if you are! We would love to hear about your wedding day vision and see if we are a good fit for your day, click the link below to fill out our contact form.
