Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington is the definition of timeless Pacific Northwest elegance. With sweeping river views, towering evergreens, and refined lodge architecture, it offers couples a setting that feels both elevated and deeply connected to nature. This wedding day was the perfect blend of classic beauty, thoughtful design, and heartfelt moments—an unforgettable celebration in one of the Gorge’s most iconic venues.

The day unfolded effortlessly, surrounded by soft mountain light and the peaceful stillness the Gorge is known for. Every detail was intentional, from the elegant attire to the carefully curated décor that complemented the natural surroundings rather than competing with them. Skamania Lodge has a way of making celebrations feel intimate yet grand, and this wedding embodied that balance beautifully.

One of the most important elements of this day—and any wedding day—was the incredible team of vendors behind the scenes. The truth is, your vendors don’t just show up and do a job; they shape the entire experience. A strong, experienced vendor team creates a calm, seamless environment that allows couples to be fully present and truly enjoy their day.

From timeline management to design execution, your vendors can truly make or break your wedding day. When everyone is aligned, communicating well, and invested in your vision, the result is a wedding day that feels effortless and joyful. This is especially important at destination-style venues like Skamania Lodge, where experience and professionalism ensure that no detail is overlooked.

As a photographer, I see firsthand how the right vendor team impacts not only the flow of the day but also the final images. When couples feel relaxed and supported, their photos naturally reflect that ease, elegance, and genuine emotion.

As a fine art wedding and portrait photographer, my approach is rooted in capturing beauty with intention—preserving moments in a way that feels refined, timeless, and true to your story. Venues like Skamania Lodge provide the perfect canvas for fine art imagery, where light, landscape, and design come together effortlessly.

My goal is always to document your day in a way that feels elevated yet authentic, focusing on both the quiet in-between moments and the grand, emotional highlights. The Columbia River Gorge continues to inspire me with its natural beauty, and photographing weddings here is always an honor.

If you’re planning a wedding at Skamania Lodge or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest and value a thoughtful, artful approach to photography, I would love to connect with you. I am now accepting inquiries for 2026/2027 weddings and would be honored to tell your story with care and intention.

Reach out through my contact page to inquire about availability, collections, and what it looks like to work together. Your wedding deserves to be documented beautifully, by a team you trust, in a way that stands the test of time.

With love always,

Crystal Chavez 🙂

Vendors:

Venue – Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington https://www.skamania.com/weddings/

Wedding Planner – Planning to a T by Tatum https://www.planningtoatbytatum.com/

Hair Dresser – Oksana https://www.instagram.com/oksanavansisseren.hair?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Makeup Artist – Audra https://www.instagram.com/adosiermakeup?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

DJ and Live Music – Ryan from Gorge Music https://www.gorgeweddingmusic.com/

Wedding Cake – Amy at Blossom Baking https://blossombaking.com/