Why you should love your photographer...

On your wedding day you will be spending about 85-90% of your entire day with your photographer by your side. They will be guiding you through every step of the day! You want someone there you trust, who is organized, and who you can have fun with!

When you love your photographer and get along with them really well you can let your guard down around them. You can crack silly jokes and laugh and have fun! In doing so, you end up with not only amazing and genuine photos, but you'll have an even better experience!

When you've taken the time to get to know the person photographing you, they will know and understand your specific needs and wants. They will know the best way to capture you and bring out your best smiles, laughs, and natural emotions. Plus who doesn't love making new friends?!

Mackenzie + Andrew: A Floral Dream Wedding at Floralis Farms

August 14, 2024

My jaw has never dropped at a wedding venue as much as it did during this summer wedding at Floralis Farms! Not just for the gorgeous landscaping and flowers literally everywhere, but also the incredible story behind it. Mackenzie and Andrew’s wedding day was an absolute DREAM in this romantic fairytale setting!

I fell in love with Mackenzie and Andrew last year when I got to fly out to Arizona to meet them for their engagement session. Spending the weekend out in Phoenix was SO much fun! We roamed around with all the cactus, gorgeous open views, and one of the most killer sunsets! (Check out their engagement session blog post here: https://joniloraine.me/2023/12/06/a-fall-engagement-session-in-arizona/ ) Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled for their wedding day to arrive!

A Floral Dream Venue

The wedding was held at Floralis Farms in Salem, Oregon. Exactly one year prior, this beautiful private property was a simple field of dirt that belonged to the Hoke family, friends of Mackenzie and Andrew. In 2018 the Hoke family unfortunately lost one of the their beautiful daughters at the age of 18. Their dad had a dream to create a beautiful, unique, and peaceful space to grieve and spend time with their daughter. This living cathedral he constructed would also be the place their other daughter, Abbie, would have the wedding of her dreams. One month after Abbie’s wedding, we were here celebrating Mackenzie and Andrew! This touching story brought tears to my eyes and seeing the INCREDIBLE job Abbie’s dad did here blew my mind. It was so carefully thought out and so well executed. I know he has made his daughter so proud to have this in her memory.

Flowers lined the entire inside and edges of this living cathedral. They led all the way up to the hand made cross and flower bed it emerged from. With soft white draping fabric, it created the most romantic setting! Mackenzie and Andrew were SO stunning on their special day! And in this setting they legit looked like they belonged in a wedding magazine!

A Day of Favorites

I don’t know that I could even pick a favorite moment here at Floralis Farms. I had so many! From the sweet ceremony to the tear-filled father daughter first look. The gorgeous sunset portraits in front of a smoke-filled sky and hazy sun. The super cute painting set up that guests could add their own flair to as a gift to the bride and groom. Hearing Mackenzie speak to her dad in a voice-over song during their dance. To the arm wrestling table that Andrew’s buddies made and gifted him during the reception! Every moment, every contagious smile of theirs and the way they looked at each other all day. Every moment hit me in the heart and I will forever cherish this day with them! I am so blessed to say I’ve made friends for life and wish them nothing but the absolute best!


The amazing vendor team:

Venue: Floralis Farms https://sunflowerfarms.net/

Photographer: Me! Joni Loraine Photography http://www.joniloraine.me

Florals: J&J Flowers https://www.jandjflowerco.com/

Hair and makeup: Glam by Abigail Marie https://www.instagram.com/glambyabigailmarie/?__d=1%2F

Rentals: Danner and Soli https://dannerandsoli.com/

Donuts: Roth’s Fresh Markets https://www.roths.com/

Catering: That Food Guy https://www.thatfoodguycatering.com/

DJ: Only The Best Sound Mobile DJ and Photo Booth https://onlythebestsound.com/


Love summer weddings in the Pacific Northwest? You’ll love Samantha and Austin’s gorgeous backyard wedding in Corvallis! https://joniloraine.me/2024/08/03/a-summer-backyard-wedding-in-corvallis/

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