Oregon Farm Wedding By Olivia Ashton

Magical, joyous, perfect is how Lily & AJ described their wedding day and I think these images from Olivia Ashton Photography convey that perfectly! The couple wanted to get married somewhere unique so they held both the ceremony and reception at AJ’s parents farm which meant they could keep it all pretty simple and let the great outdoors provide all the decor!

How and/or where did you meet? AJ and I met in the San Diego airport returning from Spring Break. I knew one of the guys he was with from a class at Oregon State University, where we were all attending at the time. We were all on the same flight and since it was Southwest airline we got to choose where we sat, so we all sat together. After chatting for the flight, we discovered our houses (fraternity and sorority) were neighbors! We continued talking when we got home and were Facebook official by May!

Tell us about your proposal: I had planned a party up at Detroit lake for my birthday and AJ requested we have some ééòusééò time before the party goers arrived. We went on a hike overlooking the lake and AJ packed a picnic. He handed me my birthday card once we got to the top and before I was done reading he was down on one knee proposing.

Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I found my wedding dress online (pinterest)! Turned out it was from one of my favorite stores, J. Crew and there was a J. Crew wedding suite in Seattle just 4 hours north. I packed the car with my sister and two bridesmaids and we went to try it on! I ended up liking another a little more once we got there so purchased that one instead. It was perfect and simple for my farm wedding.

Any DIY/Budget elements? Our wedding was almost entirely DIY and budget friendly (with exception to drinks and catering)! My sisters boyfriend Tyler, created all printed materials such as invitations, seating chart and table numbers. I purchased large gold frames at a garage sale to hold the seating chart and had them printed locally at the print shop. My dance floor was entirely hand crafted by my dad, AJ, my sister and her boyfriend. My sisters friend handmade lace embroidery hoops which we placed on the side, and inside the garden shed where drinks were being served.

Describe your wedding flowers: My wedding flowers were dried wheat, dried lavender and fresh Queen Anne’s lace. I hand picked lavender with my sister at a local farm on Sauvie’s island, and picked wheat with my groom on his neighbors farm the month prior to the wedding. I dried them in my apartment for about a month before assembling. The morning of the wedding AJ’s Aunts picked the Queen Anne’s from around the property. The wheat and lavender were a great DIY project because I was able to assemble them the week prior to the wedding, cutting down on ééòday-ofééò activities.

Favourite detail of the day: We installed a Mirror Ball and Christmas lights in the oak tree above the dance floor which was a beautiful focal point. I also really loved the robes I purchased for all the bridesmaids to get ready in (from Etsy). They made the morning so fun, and I love all the pictures of us matching.

Most memorable moment? Seeing AJ for the first time. I’m so glad we were able to spend time together before all the festivities began because it was a special time to spend just the two of us.

Any other details that help tell the story of your day: For our ééòunity ceremonyééò we purchased a potted apple tree and each poured in a bag of compost! AJ is the General Manager for a soil company located on the farm where we got married, so we used that soil. I might be the only Bride who was ééògardeningééò on her wedding day but it’s a gift that keeps on giving. As we approach our first spring in our new house, we are watching our little apple tree we planted start to bloom!