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.
Bradley & Max’s Black Butte Ranch wedding in Central Oregon was a full weekend celebration filled with joy, culture, and personality.
Black Butte Ranch is one of the most stunning wedding venues in Oregon, offering panoramic mountain views, tall pines, and the kind of setting that feels expansive yet intimate. It’s ideal for couples planning a destination-style wedding in Central Oregon where guests can stay, gather, and celebrate together.
The weekend began with a welcome dinner at a local brewery in Sisters, Oregon, setting the tone for connection before the wedding day.
Their Jewish wedding ceremony honored tradition while embracing individuality — including two impeccably dressed ring bearer corgis who absolutely stole the show.
The reception ended with an unforgettable drag performance by Fertile Liza, bringing the entire room to its feet and closing the night with energy and celebration.
If you’re thinking about planning a Black Butte Ranch wedding and looking for a setting that offers both natural beauty and space for a full wedding weekend, this venue delivers something truly special.
Vendor Team from this Wedding Venue: @blackbutteranch + @blackbutteranchweddings Planning & Design: @theindigobride Rentals: @heirloomsandco Catering & Bar: @blackbutteranch + @blackbutteranchweddings Hair + makeup: @the_garrison_collective + @kate_hana_artistry Photographer: @brianamorrison Videographer: @jkinphotos Florist: @posie_shoppe Band + MC: @bluewaveband Photo Bus: @bendvwphotobus Drag Queen: @thefertileliza
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.
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.
Miranda and Matt’s wedding day in the Columbia River Gorge was nothing short of enchanting. The setting, with its sweeping views and lush greenery, felt like a slice of the Italian countryside nestled just outside Portland, Oregon. Guests dressed in their finest mingled under the open sky, each reading a letter addressed to them from the bride and groom with tearfilled eyes and amused smiles. The atmosphere was joyous, filled with laughter and heartfelt toasts as the sun set over the river.
Suddenly, as the father of the groom was sharing the story of Matt’s childhood, the sky opened up with a massive clap of thunder. Within seconds, a downpour turned the serene celebration into a lively scramble for cover. Guests, drenched but laughing, dashed toward the nearby hotel, leaving behind overturned chairs and fluttering napkins. The unexpected chaos only added to the fun, and everyone’s spirits stayed high as they crowded into the dining room, dripping wet but still smiling.
Inside, the toasts continued with even more laughter, now including jokes about the sudden storm. Miranda and Matt, their hair a little damp but their smiles undimmed, cut their cake to cheers from their friends and family. When they took to the floor for their first dance, the room filled with warmth and joy, proving that no amount of rain could wash away the happiness of the day.
Vendors Venue: @columbiagorgehotelandspa Photography: @brianamorrison Day of Coordination: Alyria at @columbiagorgehotelandspa Videographer: @connorwtruax Florals: @heathersflowerfarm Catering: @columbiagorgehotelandspa Cake: @columbiagorgechocolates DJ: @dillonbartellmusic
