Hoyt Arboretum Engagement Photos

I took these Hoyt Arboretum engagement photos back in August when Portland was still floating in a sea of smoke. The orange light had a peculiar, otherworldly quality. While it bugged me, it also inspired me. I loved the way the light washed over Natasha’s golden hair, bringing out the rich beauty of it. I loved the warm pockets it created in the forest. I despise the destruction the fires cause and the pain they bring to my lungs, but there is still beauty in all of it. And these Hoyt Arboretum engagement photos show it off perfectly. Something I love about Hoyt is how it can photograph either light and airy, or very dark and moody. It depends entirely on where you take the photos and how you use light. I love that there are so many beautiful options in one place. Natasha and Preston told me that when they first met, they actually disliked each other. It was one of those relationships that began with strong emotions, and those strong emotions went from negative to positive. Now they have a beautiful, confident love and I am stoked to photograph their Oregon wedding reception in a few months