If you’re dreaming of a Camp Colton wedding, Emilia and Nate’s Memorial Day weekend celebration is the perfect example of how meaningful, relaxed, and experience-driven a forest wedding in the Pacific Northwest can feel. Tucked into the trees of Colton, Oregon, their day was filled with intentional moments, genuine connection, and the kind of quiet beauty that makes this region so special.

From the way they met on Bumble to the life they’ve built together traveling, cooking, and exploring the outdoors, every part of their wedding reflected who they are. With a laid-back vision, a love for candid moments, and a deep appreciation for nature, their celebration unfolded in a way that felt effortless, personal, and completely their own.

About the Venue

Tucked into the lush forests of Colton, Oregon, Camp Colton is one of those venues that feels like a true escape into the Pacific Northwest. Surrounded by towering evergreens, winding trails, and the quiet hum of nature, it offers a setting that is both peaceful and deeply immersive. Originally a youth camp, the space has been thoughtfully adapted for weddings while still holding onto its rustic charm and sense of nostalgia.

What makes Camp Colton so special is its versatility and experience-driven layout. From open fields perfect for ceremonies beneath the trees to cozy gathering spaces that invite connection, it naturally encourages a wedding day that feels relaxed, intentional, and fully present. It’s the kind of place where guests unplug, conversations linger, and the entire celebration feels more like a shared weekend experience than a single-day event.

Camp Wed

Wedding Plans

Over Memorial Day weekend 2025, Emilia and Nate gathered their closest people at Camp Colton for a wedding weekend that felt deeply personal, relaxed, and entirely true to them. With around 60 guests, their day struck that perfect balance—intimate enough to feel connected, yet full of energy, laughter, and shared experience.

After six years together—first meeting on Bumble and building a life rooted in cooking, camping, and road-tripping everywhere from the Oregon coast to San Francisco and the Utah desert—their wedding felt like a natural extension of how they already move through the world: together, intentionally, and with a sense of adventure.

From the beginning, they envisioned a day that felt laid back and joyful, with space to actually be present. They were drawn to a candid, honest photography style with just enough classic portraiture woven in while being surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. And Camp Colton’s forest setting delivered exactly what they were looking for—lush greens, towering trees, and that unmistakable Pacific Northwest stillness.

Their Wedding Day

The day unfolded with ease, including a first look where Nate & Emilia exchanged private vows. Their 4:30 ceremony took place among the trees and featured their dog Charlie. Cocktail hour then invited guests to linger and connect, before a dinner that carried the celebration into the evening. The dance floor was lit up by marquee letters, included a fun photo booth and so much good energy led by their DJ.

As golden hour approached, Emilia had a dress change before a sweet moment for the newlyweds and re-joining the dance floor with a brand new look. It was the kind of moment that felt both elevated and effortless, blending their love for fun, with the natural beauty surrounding them.

They closed out the night with a sparkler send-off, surrounded by the people who know and love them best. And the best news – their night would be continuing onsite for their small after party with everyone who was lodging onsite for their wedding weekend. This meant doing their private cake cutting at the very end of the night was a true treat since they had been too full after dinner to enjoy it earlier. More for the after party! 😉

The entire day carried a sense of calm intention—nothing rushed, nothing overdone—just meaningful moments, beautiful light, and a celebration that felt unmistakably like them. Nate & Emilia had truly planned a camping wedding weekend of their dreams and while I was only there for the wedding day itself, it is clear this weekend will go down as one of those once in a lifetime experiences for them, and all their loved ones. Congratulations again Nate & Emilia!!

The Vendor Team

Venue: @camp.colton
Photographer: @myrtlecreativeco
Florist: @kvetka_flower
Caterer: @ripcitygrill
Desserts: @tresbelledesserts
DJ/Photo Booth: @themoderncapture
Marquee Letters: @alphalitportland
Bridal HMUA: @powderincbeauty
Dress: @aniabridal
Groom Hair: @cloakanddaggerbarberco
Suit: @indochinoweddings

Review from the Newlyweds

“Thank you Ann Marie for all your hard work. We hired Ann Marie for engagement and wedding photos. She is very attentive to details and does all the hard work of planning and timelines for you. She has a great attitude and the photos are amazing. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a photographer that makes it easy for you. She really made our special day even better. 5 stars, we appreciate you so much!!!” – Emilia & Nate

From Myrtle Creative Co.

As a wedding photographer, days like this are exactly why I do what I do. Camp Colton holds such a special place within the Pacific Northwest—where towering evergreens, soft light, and a sense of stillness create the perfect backdrop for honest, meaningful moments. My approach is always centered on telling the complete story of your day—capturing not just how it looked, but how it felt. From the quiet in-between moments to the energy of the celebration, it’s about preserving an experience you can return to again and again.

If you’re planning your own Camp Colton wedding or dreaming up a celebration surrounded by the beauty of the PNW, I would love to connect. You can reach out through my contact page to start the conversation—I can’t wait to hear what you’re envisioning.

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