Floral Wrap Dress at the Portland Japanese Garden

Botanical gardens are one of the highlights of spring. I love seeing all of the plants and trees in bloom, and wandering around the forests and gardens that envelop you. The Portland Japanese Garden was such a lovely experience. The ambiance of the entire garden was so peaceful and calming. Surrounded by trees that are native to the PNW; landscapers, designers and architects designed this beautiful garden with traditional Japanese structures to go along with it. At some points I forgot what country I was in, as this experience is fully immersive!

Dress: Nasty Gal (similar here, here), Flats: Aldo, Jewelry: Aldo

I loved learning about the different structures I was seeing such as the Tōrō and Shōji. One of my favorite pictures from this shoot was taken outside in front of a shōji, which is a door, window or room divider made of translucent paper over a frame of wood. The beautiful Tōrō are the stone lanterns scattered across the garden. I really love how ominous they look. Imagine a path lit up with them at night. I would be over the moon to attend a black tie event at the Portland Japanese Garden. Both the modern and traditional buildings are stunning, and the garden itself is a masterpiece.

I wore this floral wrap dress and a pair of simple, brown slides to keep my look comfortable. I knew I would be doing a lot of walking, and while we were shooting it was extremely hot out side – my skin looks so dewy! I wanted to style my outfit with this basket bag, but it’s completely back ordered and doesn’t ship until June 20th (ugh). How did I not notice that when I was buying it? Oh well. I liked the simple white pattern on this dress, and I thought it would match the atmosphere of the garden. While a lot of the Portland Japanese Garden is shady, these photos were taken right at sunset so that amazing amber glow is peaking through the trees.

I am considering becoming a member of this garden. Let me know in the comments: Have you ever  signed up to be a member of any museums, aquariums, societies or gardens? Did you get the most out of it?

Dress: Nasty Gal (similar here, here, here, here), Flats: Aldo