A Quiet, Intimate Elopement at the Foxtrot in Portland, Oregon
I have to be transparent about something upfront. I am not a neutral party when it comes to the Foxtrot. I have spent more evenings than I can count on that incredible patio on SE Belmont, espresso martini in hand, camera nearby, completely in my element. So when Ashley found me on Instagram, at least in part because she had seen my Foxtrot content and figured anyone who loved that place as much as she did was probably her kind of photographer, I knew immediately that we were going to get along.
I was right. Ashley and Andy are my people. We have been friends ever since.
The Foxtrot lives in a 130 year old pale green Queen Anne Victorian on SE Belmont, a space with cozy gothic vibes, an incredible menu, an exceptional cocktail program, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you stumbled into someone's very well curated living room.
Ashley and Andy had fallen in love with this place long before they decided to get married in it. It was their neighborhood spot, their third place, the kind of bar that gets quietly woven into the fabric of a relationship. Choosing it as their wedding venue was not a decision that required much deliberation. It was obvious.
They filled the restaurant with their closest friends, brought in a judge, and got married in front of a pink velvet couch. No ballroom, no banquet hall, no seating chart. Just a room full of people who were exactly where they wanted to be. After the ceremony we wandered the grounds and made use of every backdrop the Foxtrot has to offer, from the vintage parlor interior to the outdoor pergolas, and there was no shortage of either.
There is a particular kind of elopement that does not try to be anything other than exactly what it is. Ashley and Andy did that completely. They picked their place, their people, their vibe, and let the day be what it was. It was joyful, relaxed, and completely them.
Real Review: Working with Leah was such a wonderful experience! She manages to walk that line between laid back and completely professional so well that I was instantly comfortable working with her. She immediately understood our vision and delivered beautifully. She was communicative and on the ball with dates/times/contracts & very responsive to any questions. Day of she did a great job directing my husband and I, helping us feel comfortable in front of the camera even though that is very much not our comfort zone. The photos are gorgeous and I can’t get over how well they turned out. Thank you Leah!!
Intimate elopement photographed at the Foxtrot, SE Belmont, Portland, Oregon. Small wedding and elopement photography by Leah Flores of Rare Day Photo, based in Portland Oregon and available worldwide.
