Mr. + Mrs. Hope | Ashford Lodge Campground Wedding
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where the evergreens stretch towards the sky and the air is thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, Jackie + James embarked on a new chapter of their lives together. Their campground wedding on August 17th at Ashford Lodge was nothing short of magical—a true testament to the love they share and the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Enchanting Campground Wedding Plans
From the moment we met Jackie at the wedding show, it was clear that this wedding was going to be something special. As she described their wedding day, I knew this was going to be right up our alley. Three days at a campground, with an epic party in the middle sounds like my kinda weekend. They offered a unique opportunity to get to know everyone by bringing our trailer to stay on site with the crew.
Ashford Lodge proved to be a gorgeous setting for Jackie + James’ wedding weekend. The dense forestry that enveloped the lodge, creating an intimate, almost mystical atmosphere. Their florist carefully chose local flowers to complement the natural setting, and combined a stunning mix of deep greens, vibrant wildflowers, and soft, romantic blooms.
The day began early at Ashford Lodge, where Jackie and James, along with their closest family and friends, set about transforming the campground into a magical ceremony and reception space. There was a palpable sense of excitement in the air as everyone pitched in—setting tables, arranging flowers, and putting the final touches on the decorations.
The bride and groom, while focused on the task at hand, took time to savor these precious moments. Jackie’s dress, a delicate lace creation that seemed to be made for her, hung in the closet of the lodge, waiting for the moment she would step into it. James, ever the calm and collected groom, spent the morning joking with his groomsmen, their laughter a constant presence in the background.
As the finishing touches were applied, the transformation was nothing short of breathtaking. What had started as a simple campground had been turned into a dreamlike wedding venue, complete with twinkling lights, rustic wooden accents, and floral arrangements that seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest.
The sounds of laughter echoed through the trees as guests gathered, their voices mingling with the soft rustle of leaves brought life into the day. The ceremony was particularly memorable for the creative wording crafted by the officiant, Evan, who added a playful touch by incorporating words and phrases provided by the couple’s friends and family in a mad libs style. It was an unexpected delight that had everyone, including the bride and groom, in fits of laughter.
I love the attention to detail that Jackie put forth for their wedding day. She spent hours researching compostable dinnerware and ensuring the plates would be sturdy enough for their dinner hour but eco-friendly enough to compost! I’m glad she spent the time too, because the mouthwatering smells wafting from the cocktail area were enough to make everyone hungry. An incredible spread of hummus, smoked salmon, and fresh fruits were both delicious and a perfect tribute to their beautiful wedding day.
Love, Laughter + Happily Ever After
Evan, the officiant, brought a personal touch to the ceremony that made it truly memorable. Prior to the wedding, he had gathered words and phrases from the couple’s friends and family, which he then incorporated into his reading in a mad libs style. The result was a ceremony that was both heartfelt and humorous, perfectly capturing the spirit of Jackie and James’ relationship. Their vows, spoken in voices choked with emotion, were met with cheers and applause as they sealed their promises with a kiss.
As the evening unfolded at Ashford Lodge, the celebration took on a life of its own. The forest fairytale style of the wedding was brought to life through beautiful floral crown accents, the soft glow of string lights, and the overall vibe of the campground, which felt more like a scene from a storybook than a wedding venue.
But as the band prepared to play, something unexpected happened—a sudden power outage. For a moment, there was silence as the lights flickered out and the music came to a halt. But rather than dampening the mood, this surprise only added to the evening’s charm. Guests quickly sprang into action, moving tables, and pulling out portable speakers, making quick decisions that saved the life of the party. The night became a celebration of not just Jackie and James, but of the community that had come together to make this day so special.
Jackie and James’ wedding at Ashford Lodge was a true reflection of who they are as a couple—adventurous, resilient, and deeply connected to the natural world. It was an honor to be a part of their special day, capturing the moments that made it so unforgettable. As a Pacific Northwest wedding photographer, there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to tell the story of a couple’s love in a setting as beautiful as this.
Follow along on Instagram (@markiejonesphotographyllc) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/mjpllc) for more stunning visuals and stories from the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re planning a campsite wedding or simply love the idea of tying the knot surrounded by nature, I’m here to help capture your story in the most authentic and beautiful way possible.
