Once every four years we are lucky enough to have an extra day to showcase what we love most – pretty weddings. And today we are leaping for joy over this adorable Oregon soiree, captured by Lauren Brooks Photography. It was a true family affair – with loved ones stepping in to help anywhere possible – and we LOVE that. Spend your extra time today wisely – in the full image gallery!
After getting engaged, my fiancé, Stephen, and I decided that although we wanted to get married, we didn’t necessarily want a wedding. In fact, we seriously entertained the idea of eloping or getting married at the local courthouse. What changed this plan was my stumbling upon blogs like Style Me Pretty and feeling weak at the knees as soon as I saw the gorgeous weddings and appreciating all the different ways in which people got married. With that, Stephen and I decided to go for it! And I’m so glad we did.
We wanted a wedding that was simple, intimate, and full of love and celebration. Immediately, we chose to get married in Oregon where most of my husband’s family lives, including his grandmothers who would not have been able to travel if we had married anywhere else. Mt. Hood Bed and Breakfast was the perfect, stunning backdrop for our special day that truly showcased Oregon’s natural beauty (think Douglas firs, a tall Mountain, wildflowers, blue sky, and clean, crisp air). We really wanted this setting to take center stage, so we made sure to include details that would compliment, but not detract from the natural beauty.
The best part about planning the wedding was how willing family members were to help and we gratefully accepted it. Stephen’s mom provided flowers from her garden for the wedding, including those seen in the table arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres. His mom also provided homemade pickles and jam using various fruits and vegetables (also all from her garden). Stephen’s dad, a farmer, provided organic potatoes for our dinner and wheat for the flower arrangements. His brother provided the sound system that hooked up to my laptop for music. His cousin, who was also my maid of honor, helped design and print our wedding invitations. My mom and a family friend styled my hair as well as the bridesmaids’ hair. My dad helped me create the menus, table numbers, and ceremony programs. On the day of our wedding, a family friend stepped in as our coordinator. We have never felt so loved in our lives as we did that day.
Photographer: Lauren Brooks Photography / Venue: Mt. Hood Bed & Breakfast / Caterer: Blossoms Catering / Ceremony music: Jeff Cochell / Bride’s dress: Watters / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Hair Accessory: Etsy / Bridesmaids’ dresses: Bill Levkoff / Groom’s suit: Peter Millar of Nordstrom / Invitations: Groom’s cousin / Flowers: Mother of the groom / Cupcakes: Saint Cupcake / Make-up: Nicole Wagner / Hair: Mother of the bride