If you’re dreaming of a garden wedding tucked into nature, Leach Botanical Garden might be your perfect place. Nestled in southeast Portland, this peaceful space feels like a hidden world all its own. It’s lush, serene, and full of quiet magic—just right for couples who want their day to feel intimate, grounded, and full of natural beauty.
A Garden with a Story
Long before it became a public sanctuary, this land was the heart of Sleepy Hollow—the cherished home of Lilla and John Leach.
In the early 1930s, the couple purchased just over four acres along Johnson Creek and built a quaint stone cabin on the south side of the property. This storybook cottage, with its terrazzo floor gifted by John to Lilla on their 50th anniversary, served as their peaceful retreat from city life. Even the slate roof carries a tale, crafted from leftover pieces from the Reed College library.
Lilla was a remarkable botanist. She and John spent many summers exploring remote mountain regions with their pack donkeys, Pansy and Violet. Their favorite place to botanize was the Curry County wilderness in southwest Oregon, where Lilla discovered five plant species previously unknown to western science. Her contributions earned national recognition, including the prestigious Eloise Payne Luquer bronze medal from the Garden Clubs of America.
John, a civic-minded pharmacist, shared her love for nature and beauty. The two of them worked closely with landscape designer Wilbert Davies to bring their vision of the garden to life. John and Wilbert’s original stonework still lines the paths and terraces of the historic grounds.
In 1936, Lilla and John built their home on the north side of the creek and began shaping the garden in earnest. Their love for native plants, thoughtful design, and each other continues to bloom in every corner of this place.
“Briana photographed our wedding, and we had a wonderful experience working with her from start to finish. She’s kind, professional, and organized. You can tell from her portfolio and the other reviews that she takes lovely portraits and candids, [but she also took some really] beautiful detail photos at our wedding.”
A Review by Madi & James
A Hidden Gem in Southeast Portland
Leach Botanical Garden borders the Lents neighborhood, about 20 minutes from downtown Portland. It’s easily accessible but feels worlds away. The property spans 17.35 acres, with winding paths, old-growth trees, and curated gardens around every turn. There’s a sense of stillness and wonder here that sets the tone for a thoughtful and romantic celebration.
Perfect for Intimate Weddings
This venue works beautifully for both ceremonies and receptions, weddings and elopements. It’s best suited for small to mid-sized weddings with a maximum guest count of 80 people. The garden terrace is especially lovely for couples planning an outdoor ceremony with a deeper connection to the earth and seasons.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces
There are a few different spots to host your ceremony or reception within the garden. The East Terrace is a clean, whimsical space nestled at the forest’s edge—great for receptions or dancing under the stars. The South Side offers a more woodland feel, perfect for vows surrounded by trees and a stone cottage. The historic Manor House has timeless charm and can be used as a backdrop for portraits or smaller gatherings.
Getting Ready for the Day
While there isn’t a traditional large getting-ready suite onsite, many couples rent a nearby Airbnb or hotel to prep with their people, then arrive ready to slip into the quiet joy of the garden.
However, if you’re renting the Manor House and East Terrace for your full ceremony and reception, a private getting ready room is included inside the house. It’s a charming space with natural light—perfect for final touches and a quiet moment before stepping out into the celebration.
What Makes It Special
What makes Leach Botanical Garden truly special is how connected it feels. You’re not just renting a venue—you’re stepping into a place that’s alive and changing with the seasons. It invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and soak in the meaning of your day.
There’s a deep sense of love woven into the roots of this space. It was shaped with passion, care, and a reverence for beauty—and you can feel that in every quiet corner. The garden holds a calm, joyful energy. It’s peaceful, grounding, and full of heart.
Let’s Photograph Your Day with Intention
If you’re considering Leach Botanical Garden for your wedding, I’d love to photograph it for you. I know this space well and approach it with the care and reverence it deserves. Reach out to inquire—I’d be honored to help you preserve this beautiful part of your love story.
Taylor and Drew were married in an intimate ceremony at the Salmonberry Inn in Lincoln City, Oregon—surrounded by their closest loved ones and the quiet rhythm of the coast.
Everything about their day felt calm, meaningful, and true to who they are. A little barefoot beach time, a sweet exchange of vows under the trees, a cozy indoor lounge moment—it was all so effortlessly beautiful.
The Salmonberry Inn made the perfect backdrop for a day full of love and simplicity. Taylor and Drew, thank you for inviting me into your story. I’m honored to have witnessed it.
From behind the lens to inside the gallery—what an honor to document Mandy Arroyo and her latest show, Tender, now on view at Elle Gallery in Portland through August 24th.
This is our third time working together, and it’s been such a joy to witness her evolution—from designer to full-time painter, and now to exhibiting artist. Mandy paints vibrant local landscapes using acrylics and oil pastels—her work is joyful, vibrant, and full of wonder.
If you’re local, go see it in person. You’ll leave inspired.
Mandy, thank you for trusting me to help share your story. It’s always a gift.
Tippy & Nate’s Timberline Lodge wedding was the kind of day that leaves a lasting imprint.
The weather? Absolute perfection. The timeline? Ahead of schedule all day. The energy? Calm, grounded, and full of love.
These two are kind, generous souls—and that energy radiated through every moment and every guest. Their family portraits were smooth, the ceremony heartfelt, and the toasts… so full of laughter and love, you couldn’t help but tear up.
One of the most unforgettable parts of the day? Nate joined the jazz band on the drums during dinner and absolutely crushed it. The whole room lit up.
As the sun dipped low, we snuck away for sunset portraits on the mountain. The wildflowers were in bloom, the sky turned cotton candy pink, and the whole world felt soft and golden.
And to top it all off, Tippy and Nate personally thanked every single vendor by name during dinner—something so rare and deeply meaningful. It reminded us why we do this work.
Congratulations, Tippy & Nate. Thank you for including us in such a heartfelt, magical day.
Vendor Team Venue, Catering, Bar: @timberlinelodge Event Planner: weddingplannermorgan Band: @crosstalk.music Photographer: @brianamorrisonphoto Florist: @songbirdfloristry Makeup: @coreenecollinshair Cake:@luxesucredesserts
When I travel, I’m drawn to light, texture, and emotion. I chase quiet beauty over trends—moments that feel timeless.
The first time I visited Rome, I went alone. I had been living in Berlin during a cold, gray spring and needed warmth—sun on my skin and the hum of ancient history beneath my feet. I found all of it here.
What struck me most was the way this city holds contradiction so gracefully: man-made wonders beside the soft persistence of nature, crumbling marble next to fresh blooms, solitude held by golden light. I felt both lonely and not at all. The beauty of the place kept me company, my camera always in hand.
If I could do it all over again, I might have chosen Rome for my wedding. A place full of life, soul, and romance—perfect for celebrating love surrounded by your favorite people and stories etched in stone.
Yesterday felt like a dream. Tippy and Nate’s wedding at Timberline Lodge was one of the most peaceful, joy-filled, and magically timed days I’ve ever had the honor of documenting.
The moment we walked into the getting-ready suite, there were friends napping, someone softly strumming an acoustic guitar, and steamy excerpts being read from a romance novel—pure calm and intention.
The day flowed effortlessly. Family portraits were ahead of schedule, the light was stunning, and every moment felt filled with warmth.
During dinner, Nate casually joined the jazz band on drums (as one does), and then we wandered onto the mountain for the most incredible golden hour portraits. It was slow, cinematic, and absolutely perfect.
Tippy & Nate, thank you for including us in your beautiful wedding at Timberline Lodge. 💕
Vendor Team Venue, Catering, Bar: @timberlinelodge Event Planner: @weddingplannermorgan Band: @crosstalk.music Photographer: @brianamorrisonphoto Florist: @songbirdfloristry Makeup: @coreenecollinshair Cake:@luxesucredesserts
A few early favorites from Erica & Brian’s wedding day — a celebration full of color, connection, and so much joy.
They got ready at The Jupiter NEXT (that lobby light is a dream), said their vows in front of the wine barrels at Coopers Hall, and hosted the most heartfelt dinner surrounded by flowers, candlelight, and all their favorite people.
One of the most meaningful touches? Each place setting included a handwritten letter to that guest — a tear-filled and unforgettable way to make everyone feel seen and celebrated.
As the day softened into golden hour, the two of them snuck away for a moment alone — just enough time to soak it all in and make a few dreamy portraits in the glow of the late afternoon light.
I’ve been slowly making my way through the archives and feeling deep gratitude for all the places photography has taken me. These images were created in 2013 on Polaroid peel-apart film while I was on set with The Film Show. I still remember the light, the quiet, the way it felt to create something just for the sake of art. The brilliant styling here is by Tia Reagan.
Film photography has been woven into my life and work since the very beginning. It’s not a trend or a phase—it’s part of my creative foundation. Whether I’m shooting weddings, portraits, or fashion, film keeps me grounded in intention and process.
The first time I visited the Pantheon in Rome it was on accident. I stumbled across a colossal building while wandering the alleys and piazzas and figured I should check it out.
There was no line, no tickets, no crowd. The entire experience felt a little surreal.
Ten years later I visit again and now you need tickets to get inside. The sea of people out front is dense with tour guides and panhandling. A little of that magic stolen away.
So the trick is, for the exterior anyway, to visit at dawn. Catch this beauty before the crowds wake up, while the sun stretches over the rooftops to light up the solid marble pillars in golden light.
If you’re planning an elopement, wedding, or honeymoon in Rome, Italy I’d be honored to be your guide and photographer. I can bring you to all the best views and historic locations and know of an excellent private tour guide who can share the history of these beautiful places.
Rome, Italy wedding and portrait photography by Briana Morrison.
