Meghan & Parker: A Journey Worth Capturing

I first met Parker in 2008 when I volunteered at a local fire department. He was just a teenager back then, but even at that age, he stood out—determined, curious, and eager to learn. When his dad left the department, I lost touch with Parker for a while. Years later, he reached out, asking for advice on joining the fire service and preparing for interviews. I was more than happy to help him on this journey, offering what knowledge I had. It’s always rewarding to see someone take the next steps in their career, especially someone with Parker’s passion and drive.

Fast forward a few more years, my wife and I were on a weekend adventure near Cottonwood Canyon, Oregon, stopping briefly in the small town of Grass Valley for supplies. On our way out, we came across a single-vehicle accident. The car had veered off the road and into a ditch, and while the driver was uninjured, he was visibly shaken. I pulled over to help when, out of nowhere, a Type 6 wildland fire engine pulled up. To my surprise, Parker was among the crew that had just returned from firefighting duty in Montana. What are the odds of running into him in such a remote area? It was one of those moments that remind you how small and interconnected the world can be.

Parker, Meghan and their fury kids at Cape Kiwanda in Oregon

Months later, Parker called me with an exciting request: he wanted me to photograph his proposal to Meghan, his longtime girlfriend. I didn’t hesitate for a second. We quickly made a plan: Parker would propose on Cape Kiwanda, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, one of the most stunning spots in Oregon. My wife and I arrived at the beach early to scout the area and get into position. Meghan had never met us, so blending into the background was easy. Armed with my Nikon D850 for photos and a small Sony camera for video, I was ready for the big moment.

When Parker and Meghan arrived at the cape, I casually offered to take their picture, pretending to be just another photographer enjoying the scenery. They got into position, and just as I snapped the shot, Parker dropped to one knee, pulled out the ring, and asked her to marry him. Meghan was completely surprised and, of course, said “Yes!” We celebrated with a champagne toast right there on the cliffs, the sound of waves crashing below. It was an unforgettable moment, full of love, joy, and a sense of new beginnings.

The Wedding Journey

After the engagement, I wasn’t sure if I’d get the call to photograph their wedding. Meghan mentioned a friend who was also a photographer, so I figured they might go in that direction. But a couple of months later, Parker reached out again. They wanted me to be their wedding photographer, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled.

I always ask my clients to look straight into the middle of the lens so it seems like they are starring right at you.

Their wedding was set in Summerville, a picturesque spot in eastern Oregon, at The Barn at Tamarack Springs, a rustic venue surrounded by stunning mountain views. My wife and I decided to make a road trip out of it. On our way, we stopped in Enterprise, home to Terminal Gravity Brewery, for some local craft beer. We also tried the Joseph Branch Railriders experience, pedaling through scenic landscapes on two-seater rail cars. It was a perfect way to relax before the big day.

For the wedding, we booked a room at the Sandman Inn in La Grande. It wasn’t fancy—no elevators and no working air conditioning in the middle of a scorching 95°F summer—but it got the job done. With gear to haul and long days ahead, I wasn’t there for the luxury.

Wedding Day Challenges and Triumphs

Wedding days are always a mix of excitement, emotion, and challenges. The biggest hurdles for any photographer are time and light. Schedules rarely go as planned, and with the sun casting harsh midday shadows, getting flattering shots can be tricky. But Meghan and Parker’s day had built-in flexibility, which helped everything flow smoothly.

The day began with me photographing the groomsmen. Meghan had a creative vision for “hype” shots, inspired by athletes stepping off buses with swagger. With Parker’s black Ram 2500 in the background and some beers in hand, the guys nailed the vibe. Each brought their own unique energy, creating some of the best groomsmen photos I’ve ever taken. Their confidence and camaraderie set the tone for the rest of the day.

Parker’s groomsmen against a black shed on the property at The Barn at Tamarack Springs

Next, I turned my attention to Meghan and her bridesmaids. They were outside in matching pajamas, popping champagne under the summer sun. This wasn’t my first champagne-shooting rodeo, so I was ready to capture the excitement, even if it took some effort to get the cork out. The resulting photos were full of joy and laughter—exactly the kind of moments that make weddings special.

Trying to make it look like a throwback western dated image.

The first look is always a pivotal moment. Meghan asked me to focus on Parker’s reaction, which made my job easier. As he turned around and saw her for the first time, his expression said it all. These raw, emotional moments are why I love what I do. Afterward, we spent an hour exploring the venue, capturing intimate portraits against the rustic backdrops and open fields. Meghan and Parker were great sports, willing to try different poses and locations. This gave me the creative freedom to get truly unique shots.

The ceremony took place in a field with a breathtaking mountain backdrop. While the bright sun posed a challenge, I trusted my gear and editing skills to handle it. The ceremony was beautiful, capped off with a dip kiss that I captured perfectly. It was one of those timeless moments you know will end up in a frame.

The Reception

As the sun set, Meghan brought out RGB light sticks for some creative light-trail photos. Timing was crucial—Mother Nature doesn’t wait—but once the sky darkened enough, the results were stunning. The reception was lively, with heartfelt toasts, dancing, cigars, and even some beer chugging. My Profoto A1X flash kept up with the action, allowing me to capture every spontaneous moment in vivid detail.

This was a perfect idea for dancing and glad it finally got dark enough to make it work.

One of the most emotional moments for me came during the reception. I saw Parker’s mom, who had been through so much over the years, radiating joy as she watched her son on his special day. It moved me to tears—the first time I’ve ever been emotional at a wedding I was photographing. It reminded me of the profound love and resilience that families bring to these occasions.

Parker’s mom after they shared a special moment before the wedding

When the night ended, I had taken over 5,000 photos. Each image was a piece of the story, a glimpse into the love, laughter, and connection that defined Meghan and Parker’s day. From their surprise proposal on Cape Kiwanda to their stunning wedding in Summerville, being part of their journey was an honor I’ll cherish forever.