Jamie + Jared | The Ruins | Hood River, OR

Amongst The Ruins: Jamie and Jared's

Beautiful Hood River Wedding

On July 1st, 2023, amidst the stunning landscape of Hood River, Oregon, Jamie and Jared celebrated their love in a wedding that perfectly encapsulated their adventurous spirits and zest for life. The venue? The Ruins – a gem of a wedding venue boasting a unique decaying concrete atmosphere nestled up against the hillside that provided the perfect backdrop for their special day. With warm, clear skies blessing the occasion, it was destined to be a day to remember.

Jamie and Jared are a couple who thrive in the great outdoors, sharing a love for adventure, rock climbing, live music, their furry companions, and of course, each other. I relished in the opportunity to capture their unwavering devotion to each other that truly shined all day and night. I can clearly see it forms the cornerstone of their relationship and infuses every moment with warmth and affection.

VENUE - THE RUINS:

The Ruins is tucked right into downtown Hood River, inside the old Cannery Building on Railroad Ave. It’s just across from the train depot and walking distance from the heart of town. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s a flexible venue that hosts everything from weddings and rehearsal dinners to concerts and community events.

What makes The Ruins really stand out is the feel of the place—it’s rugged, beautiful, and full of character. The property has old concrete walls that look weathered and worn in the best way, like they’ve been standing there forever. They give off this cool, “bombed out” vibe that somehow feels both raw and romantic. Around the edges of the venue, bushes and trees spill over the hillside, softening the space and giving it a mix of wild nature and urban texture. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but slow down and take it all in.

Inside, the space is just as thoughtful. A full renovation last year added new lighting, a refreshed main bar, café tables and chairs, and a modern sound system that makes it easy to play music or even show a slideshow. It’s warm, inviting, and a great space to gather, especially when guests want a break from the action outside.

One last detail worth mentioning: the Grotto Bar. It’s tucked behind the main stage area and offers a quieter, more private space for cocktails, conversation, or smaller gatherings. It’s one of those hidden gems that adds something special to the overall experience at The Ruins.

THE OUTFITS:

Jamie's journey to find the perfect wedding dress led her to a&bé bridal shop in Portland, Oregon, where she discovered the gown of her dreams. Designed by Alena Leena, the dress embodied elegance and grace, accentuating Jamie's natural beauty.

Meanwhile, Jared found his perfect suit at Mario's in Portland, adding a touch of sophistication to their wedding ensemble. A special detail that stole hearts was the embroidered section on Jared's suit, adorned with their initials and wedding date, adding a personal and sentimental touch to their attire.

THE RINGS:

Jamie found her wedding ring at Apland Jewelers in Hood River, a small, local shop with a great story. The owner, Ken, is a second-generation jeweler who started the store to offer people custom pieces that were both beautiful and affordable. He’s known for putting real care into every design, and that’s exactly what Jamie was looking for. Her ring felt classic and meaningful—simple in the best way, and full of heart.

Jared’s ring came from Manly Bands and was totally his style. It had inlays of wood and stone, which made it feel rugged and unique. Both rings fit them perfectly and will always be a reminder of their story—one built on love, adventure, and the place where it all came together.

Flat lay of wedding details including blush shoes, invitation, photos, lace veil, and peach and white roses on dark background.

THE CEREMONY:

The ceremony at The Ruins was something special. Jamie and Jared stood together surrounded by old concrete walls, vines, and greenery that gave the space a really cool mix of rustic and natural. The setting felt relaxed, a little edgy, and totally them. It was a beautiful place to say “I do,” and everything just felt right.

Their vows were emotional and heartfelt—you could tell how much love they had for each other. There were tears, smiles, and a lot of joy. Their flower girl, Jullabye, stole the show for a moment as she made her way down the aisle. She was so sweet, and everyone loved her.

MUSIC - CEREMONY / FIRST DANCE: GABRIEL HESS

Gabe Hess played acoustic guitar during the ceremony and their first dance. His music was calm and easygoing, adding a warm, summer-like vibe to the whole experience. When Jamie and Jared danced together for the first time as a married couple, his soft tunes made the moment feel even more meaningful.

RECEPTION

After the ceremony, guests headed inside The Ruins to enjoy the newly updated indoor space. The room had a cozy feel, with soft lighting and plenty of places to relax and grab a drink. While everyone mingled, the outdoor area was transformed for dinner. Long tables stretched across the courtyard, decorated with beautiful flowers and thoughtful details that really showed how much care Jamie and Jared put into making the evening feel special.

Once dinner was ready, the outside bar opened up, and guests started making their way back out to enjoy the fresh air, take their seats, or hit the dance floor. The whole setup was relaxed and welcoming—a perfect mix of fun and meaningful.

One great thing about The Ruins is how easy it is for guests to walk to hotels or nearby bars after the reception. Its downtown location makes it a safe and smart spot for anyone celebrating in the Columbia River Gorge.

MUSIC – RECEPTION: ROCK N ROLL COWBOYS

The Rock N Roll Cowboys brought the energy and then some. They played a mix of classic and modern hits that had everyone up dancing, laughing, and having a blast. Their performance gave the whole night a fun, laid-back vibe that matched Jamie and Jared’s style perfectly. It was one of those nights where no one wanted the music—or the memories—to end.

CATERING - PELINTI PIZZA:

Pelinti Pizza's catering at Jamie and Jared's wedding was an absolute delight, serving up delicious and satisfying fare that left guests raving. They served a myriad of mouthwatering pizzas topped with fresh, flavorful ingredients; every bite was a culinary delight.

DESSERTS - TRULIES DIVINE DESSERTS:

One of the most talked-about features of the wedding was the enchanting "cookie wall" – a dessert stand adorned with a myriad of delectable treats, offering a sweet ending to an already magical day. Trulies Divine Desserts brought a touch of sweetness to Jamie and Jared's wedding with their delightful creations. Founded by two sisters with a passion for baking and creativity, Trulies Divine Desserts began as a labor of love and has since blossomed into a beloved dessert destination in the Gorge. From the wedding cake to the cookies, each treat was lovingly crafted to perfection, reflecting the sisters' dedication to quality and flavor. Their desserts not only satisfied the guests' sweet tooth but also added a sprinkle of joy and happiness to the celebration, making every bite a moment to cherish.

GOLDEN HOUR ON THE TRACKS:

After the ceremony, Jamie and Jared took a break from the crowd and stepped away for some time alone. We walked down to the nearby railroad tracks, where a few old rail cars sat quietly in the background. The sun was starting to set, and everything was glowing in that warm, golden light that makes everything feel extra special. It was peaceful out there—no rush—just the two of them taking it all in. They laughed, held each other close, and shared the kind of quiet moments that say everything without words. It was one of those times in a wedding day that really sticks with you. Honest, beautiful, and full of heart.