A Riverbell Farm Wedding - Joni Loraine Photography

September 27, 2020

Some of my favorite love stories are ones where the couple has known each other since they were kids. They go through some of life’s ups and downs and then realize they were meant for each other! This Riverbell Farm wedding was an incredibly special day for Bryan and Jessica, who have been waiting for just the right timing to make it official! Even though this year of Covid (and then recently the wildfires in our area) has been challenging to say the least, Bryan and Jessica did not let that stop them from becoming man and wife and having one incredible day!

How We Met

One thing I loved about this wedding was that I felt like I had already met so much of the family! I met Jessica at her cousin, Wesley’s wedding that I photographed last year in Gates. Jessica contacted me shortly after to let me know that she was now engaged and loved the work I did for Wesley and Kayla! I just love their family and was thrilled to work with her! I even got to photograph Jessica and Bryan’s engagement session right where Welsey and Kayla had their wedding – on their grandma’s property! Boy was I praying for them during the wildfires as they were in the direct path. I am happy to say that their home survived!!

Riverbell Farm

Riverbell Farm is an amazing rustic, country venue in Jefferson, Oregon and has a 360 degree view of Oregon beauty! From the string lights everywhere to the barn with a breathtaking chandelier, this place just fit Jessica and Bryan so well! Despite the rain that came and went during the day, this wedding was filled with so much love! Nothing was going to stop these two from tying the knot!

Sentimental Moments

I am so in love with first looks and this beautiful wedding had two! I’ve done father/daughter first looks before, but this one was something special and completely different. Bryan had an impromptu first look with all three of his ADORABLE soon-to-be daughters in their flower girl dresses! Jessica had kept everything about their attire secret so he had no idea what they were going to look like. His reaction just melted my heart!

That was just one of many sentimental moments of this day. The moment Jessica pulled out her necklace she was going to wear that included a photo of her grandparents. Jessica had lost her grandpa a couple years ago and carried him close to her heart all day. The moment Jessica’s mom brought a huge box into the dressing room for Jessica to open. She found that inside was her mother’s wedding dress she wore on her wedding day. The box hadn’t been opened since, waiting for Jessica’s special day to pull it out once more.

I was so honored to be a part of this day. Walking alongside Bryan and Jessica and helping them feel relaxed and at ease was such a blessing! To watch the way Bryan looked at her. To see the way Jessica smiled at him. Witnessing their friends and family surround them with so much love, prayers, and support. My heart was so full leaving this place. I am so blessed to now call these sweet people friends. I wish them a lifetime of love and adventure together!