Emilie & JT: a Helvetia Winery WEDDING TO REMEMBER

How A Bus Ride and a Blueberry Changed Everything


Emilie and JT got married at Helvetia Winery in Hillsboro, Oregon—a beautiful spot surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful vineyards. Their story started years ago at OHSU, where they worked together in the cardiology department. JT was already there, busy with clinical trials, and Emilie had just returned from Israel, looking for work. They ended up on the same team and quickly became known as “Team EJ.” They rode the bus together every day and spent their Fridays walking off the hill for dinner instead of taking the bus home. On one hike to Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain—while picking blueberries—JT finally told Emilie how he felt. With a blueberry halfway to her mouth, she admitted she felt the same.

Close-up view of a white dahlia flower with soft peach roses and green foliage in an elegant floral arrangement.
A silver heart-shaped locket with letter 'J' monogram hangs on a delicate chain against a dark stone wall.
Delicate white floral lace pattern on beige background showcasing intricate vintage-style textile design.
White lace wedding dress with sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps hangs on black hanger against dark brick wall.
A white wedding dress hangs elegantly against a dark brick wall between two windows in a bright room.
Black and white wedding photo showing a joyful first look moment between couple in archway with guests watching.

BACK TO THE MOUNTAIN WHERE IT ALL BEGAN:


A few years later, JT proposed on that same trail with the help of their friends. He had Emilie thinking it was just another hike, but waiting at the top were two friends in disguise to photograph the moment. That evening, their families and close friends were waiting at Trillium Lake for a surprise BBQ to celebrate.

A gravel path winds through tall evergreen trees with dappled sunlight creating shadows on the ground.
A sunlit path between two towering trees with lush green canopies creates a natural archway in a peaceful forest setting.
A person holds an open book with handwritten text while reading outdoors in warm lighting.
A group of friends lifting and posing for a fun photo together outdoors in a wooded setting.
A black and white candid photograph of a happy group of friends embracing and smiling together outdoors.
A group of wedding guests walking together through a wooded area during an outdoor forest celebration.

TRUE TO THE COUPLE - THOUGHTFUL & FULL OF HEART:


Their wedding day felt just as thoughtful. Emilie got ready at her parents’ house and looked beautiful in a dress from Adorned in Grace Bridal. JT wore a simple, meaningful ring from Jared The Galleria of Jewelry and smiled the whole time he waited to see her.


The weather was perfect—clear skies and no wind—as about 100 guests gathered for their relaxed Jewish ceremony in the vineyard. The food, from Reedville Catering, was delicious. Their cake from Sarah Bellum’s Bakery was both beautiful and tasty. And the flowers, arranged by Quinn In The City Flowers, tied everything together. It was the kind of day that felt calm, full of joy, and completely true to them.

White flowers arranged in a glass vase sitting atop a rustic wooden barrel in an outdoor setting.
Rustic wooden wedding arch with floral decorations and wine barrel stands in outdoor ceremony setup with white chairs.
Beautiful white and coral rose floral arrangement adorning a wooden wedding arch against a bright blue sky.
A tricolor Australian Shepherd dog on a leash stands attentively in a grassy outdoor setting.
Someone wearing an emerald green velvet dress and necklace poses against a dark background outdoors.
An outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by loved ones with a beautiful white floral bouquet.
Dramatic black and white wedding photo showing a long flowing veil and wooden arch decorated with floral arrangements.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup in a rustic field surrounded by evergreen trees with sunlight peeking through branches.
A joyful outdoor wedding ceremony in a scenic meadow surrounded by evergreen forest as guests celebrate the happy occasion.
Person in white shirt shows mobile device to others while standing in doorway during daytime discussion.
Wedding guests raise their glasses in a toast under a white tent during an outdoor celebration gathering.
Person in emerald green dress giving speech at sunny outdoor event with guests seated in background.
A couple sits at a beautifully decorated wedding reception table under a tent with white floral arrangements.
Three people sharing joyful moment together at outdoor celebration with greenery in background.
Rustic wedding centerpiece with baby's breath flowers in mason jar on vintage book with white tablecloth.
Rows of chocolate cupcakes topped with swirled orange-colored buttercream frosting on a white serving tray.
Wooden wine rack with diagonal compartments displaying bottles organized by color with white, red and dark varieties.
Wine bottles displayed on a gray tablecloth against a rustic red barn wall with a decorative stone sculpture mounted above.

A Perfect Place for a Peaceful Wedding


Helvetia Winery gave Emilie and JT the peaceful, personal wedding they had dreamed of. It was a day built on friendship, shared adventures, and a love that’s only grown stronger with time.

A couple walks away from a red farmhouse during golden hour, with guests following behind on a dirt path.
A couple in wedding attire walks away from camera through a sunlit meadow with tall golden grass and trees.
Newlyweds share intimate kiss outdoors with soft golden sunlight and flowing white veil creating romantic atmosphere.
A groom wearing glasses and a navy suit smiles warmly during a wedding ceremony.
A rustic farm landscape with dirt pathways and lush vegetation set against a golden hour sunset sky.
Joyful couple shares a candid moment together during an outdoor wedding reception under a white tent.
A loving couple sharing a romantic dance moment outdoors with bokeh lights in the background.
Wedding guests lift and celebrate with the bride during an outdoor evening reception with glowing bokeh lights in the background.
A large crowd of people dancing outdoors under a white tent at a summer music festival.

 

Vendor Links


VENUE

Helvetia Winery

Website: www.helvetiawinery.com

Instagram: @Helvetiawinery


BRIDAL SHOP

Adorned in Grace Bridal

Website: https://www.adornedingrace.org/

Instagram: @adornedingracebridal


RINGS

Hers: Jared The Galleria of Jewelry

Instagram: @jaredthegalleriaofjewelry

His: Kay Jewelers

Instagram: @kayjewelers


BAKER

Sarah Bellum's Bakery

Website: https://www.sarahbellumsbakery.org/

Instagram: @sarahbellumsbakery


CATERING

Reedville Catering

Website: https://www.reedvillecatering.com/

Instagram: @reedvillecatering


FLOWERS

Quinn In The City Flowers