Located in beautiful Washougal, just a short drive from Portland, The Black Pearl on the Columbia is a stunning waterfront venue that feels modern, open, and full of natural beauty. One of the first things we notice when we arrive is the breathtaking view of the Columbia River, visible through large glass windows that stretch across the space. The sleek ceiling design and spacious floor plan give couples the freedom to truly transform the venue into their dream wedding setting. Our Portland wedding photographer captures every tiny detail here. At Original Weddings, we love venues like this because they offer both elegance and flexibility for creative photography.
What makes The Black Pearl so special is how easily it can be customized to match any wedding style. Whether couples are going for rustic, modern, or romantic, the venue adapts beautifully. As Portland wedding photographers, we take time to explore every angle; from the waterfront views to the soft indoor lighting, to create meaningful and artistic images. The natural light pouring in through the windows, combined with the peaceful water backdrop, allows us to capture emotional moments in a way that feels both cinematic and real. It’s truly a photographer’s dream, especially for couples who want a mix of indoor comfort and outdoor beauty.
The Black Pearl Wedding Day
Grace and Wade’s wedding day was the perfect blend of rustic charm and fall-inspired elegance. Their vision came to life through a warm and inviting color palette of burnt orange, browns, and champagne tones, with touches of greenery woven throughout the decor. The tables were beautifully styled with pinecones and fairy lights, while soft lighting on the ceiling created a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The bridesmaids wore different gown colors that matched the wedding palette, adding variety and personality to the look, while Wade and his groomsmen kept things classic in black suits.
Their love story began during their undergrad at Oregon State University, where Wade played baseball and Grace competed in track and field. Although they met at a party back then, their relationship didn’t begin until four years later. What makes their connection special is the shared passion they have for their sports, as both are professional athletes. Even when distance keeps them apart, they stay connected through long FaceTime conversations. When they are together, they enjoy simple, meaningful moments; cuddling on the couch, watching movies, making crepes, playing games, and going on hikes (even if Wade might not always admit how much he enjoys them).
The wedding day began with a joyful and relaxed getting-ready experience. These moments are always filled with excitement, and we love capturing them as they unfold naturally. As the ceremony approached, the couple stepped into a truly breathtaking setting. With the Columbia River visible through the large glass windows, Grace and Wade said their vows surrounded by soft natural light and stunning waterfront views. The atmosphere felt calm, romantic, and deeply emotional.
One of our favorite parts of the day was capturing portraits in the Bay Area. The water added so much depth and emotion to the images, creating a peaceful and cinematic feel. We also photographed Grace and Wade with their bridal party along the waterfront, as well as with their family and guests. These moments felt full of joy, laughter, and genuine connection, which is exactly what we aim to preserve in every wedding we document.
After the ceremony, the space was quickly transformed into a reception setting with elegant round table arrangements. The change in atmosphere was exciting, as the celebration continued seamlessly. The dance floor soon came alive as Grace and Wade shared their first dance, followed by an evening full of energy, laughter, and unforgettable moments with their guests.
At Original Weddings, we love turning venues like The Black Pearl on the Columbia into a photographer’s dream while capturing every real emotion along the way. If you are planning your wedding near Portland or anywhere across Washington and Oregon, we would love to be part of your day. Visit our blog to see more beautiful weddings we’ve had the joy to photograph, explore our photography and videography packages, and to be sure about us, you could read honest reviews from couples who trusted us to capture their most meaningful moments.
Original Weddings is a team of Portland wedding photographers and videographers. Please click here to learn more about our Portland photography and videography services. This wedding was edited in our Rustic editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Airy and Rustic. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos.
Wedding Photos | Portland Wedding Photography
Portland Wedding Photographers at The Black Pearl
As Portland wedding photographers at Original Weddings, we love capturing weddings in a way that feels natural, emotional, and full of life. Weddings in Portland are surrounded by incredible scenery, from waterfront views to lush greenery, giving us endless inspiration for stunning photos. We approach every wedding with fresh creativity, making sure each couple’s story is told in a way that feels personal and meaningful. The Black Pearl is a short drive from Portland, Oregon so many times our Portland wedding photography team captures weddings at this venue and close-by venues.
One of the things that sets us apart is how we explore every venue to find the best photo opportunities. Whether we are capturing a waterfront ceremony at The Black Pearl on the Columbia or photographing romantic portraits at The Evergreen, we focus on lighting, composition, and real emotions. We blend candid storytelling with guided portraits so your photos feel both natural and refined. Across Portland and throughout Oregon, we turn every venue into a photographer’s dream, creating images that preserve not just how your wedding looked, but how it truly felt from beginning to end.
Portland Wedding Videographers at The Black Pearl
At Original Weddings, we are passionate Portland wedding videographers who turn your special day into a film you can relive forever. Across Portland and throughout Oregon, we explore each venue to capture every meaningful moment in motion. From elegant waterfront celebrations at The Black Pearl on the Columbia to modern spaces like The Evergreen, The Cypress House, Bluestone Estate, Melhorn Manor, we focus on real emotions and natural storytelling. Our films are cinematic, timeless, and full of life, preserving every detail, laugh, and moment of your wedding day beautifully. With us, expect more than just a wedding recording, expect a wedding film.
