Ruins At The Astor Wedding | Amy and Shea

As I drove to Astoria, Oregon from Portland on the morning of Amy and Shea’s wedding, sunshine poked through heavy clouds, and as I made my way through the coastal forest, rain fell steadily. Amy was prepared for this, and we had talked about the chances of a rainy wedding during their engagement shoot. We all agreed: it’s a truly authentic PNW experience when you get a rainy wedding day, especially in Astoria!

Astoria is the oldest town in Oregon, and when walking down the streets, you’re surrounded by old-timey shops and the smell of fresh seafood. Buoy Brewery, one of my favorite brewpubs, sits right on the water and treats people to delicious, light beer and fantastic views of the the barges and waves on the Columbia River. You can stroll and bike on the riverwalk, but make sure to bundle up as the strong breeze off of that mighty river can be COLD!

Downtown Astoria is absolutely charming, and I would recommend checking out the Flavel House Museum for a step back into the 19th century, The Sunday Market for handmade, local goods (May-October), and Astoria Coffeehouse & Bistro for espresso and pastries..
..and, if you’re a 80s/90s child, THE GOONIES HOUSE!

Ok, back to the wedding! :) Amy and Shea exchanged vows at The Ruins At The Astor, right in the heart of town. This indoor Astoria wedding venue is not only amazing for its architecture and history, but it’s also within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. It’s perfect for guests coming from out of town, and guests are treated to a true Oregon Coastal adventure. The Ruins is is rooted in lots of history, including a major fire, The Great Depression, and the Second World War. It’s gone through restorations while still keeping history intact. Standing inside this space provides an inner sense of awe that transports you into a time and place in which we can all relate in some way. Before the ceremony began, many guests turned to me and commented on the beauty of the space. You cannot stop looking at the walls, columns, and floors.

I couldn’t have imagined a better day for Amy and Shea. They kept things fun, and they focused on their family and guests more than anything. Rather than sticking with a traditional timeline, they made sure to have an extended cocktail hour in which everyone was able to catch up after years of not seeing one another.

Amy and Shea welcomed my “fly on the wall” photography approach so that I could capture special moments and interactions between them and their guests. I got to know their family members and friends, and I was able to step into their space and capture real wedding moments rooted in love. Amy and Shea find humor in everything, and in the best way possible. They keep each other laughing, and really, what is life without joy and laughter? I have so much adoration for them as a couple.

Ok, last thing I need to put in writing is that Amy’s dad is from Fort Dodge, Iowa, which is the same town I grew up in over 20 years ago! WILD! It was so fun to chat with him and banter a bit about our rival high schools, and truly, being surrounded by some Iowa midwesterners made that day that much more special.

CONGRATULATIONS, AMY AND SHEA!

And thank you SO much to the vendor team that made this day come together:

planning Bixby and Pine
venue Ruins At The Astor
photography Here Today Photography
videography C and B Photo
florals Noble Floral Co
catering Fulios Italian Mediterranean
hair & makeup Dani Stevens
rentals Lily and Cane
stationary The Lettering Bee Co
cake Sift and Gather
dj Stumptown DJS
cocktail hour venue Liberty Theatre
dress Dress Theory
suit J Hilburn