Portland Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

Preppy East Coast Inspired Garden Party in the PNW

From the fashion to the floral design… every inch of this preppy east coast-inspired PNW wedding is the definition of timeless. These are the bridesmaids dresses that will spark an uncontrollable slew of “omg WHERE are those dresses from” comments in our DM’s – and it’s no surprise why when you see them! BLC Events brought the bride’s classic garden party vision to life, while Haute Flowers kept the blooms elegant and understated. See all the pretty at the full gallery – captured perfectly by Sweetlife Photography!

From Sweetlife Photography… Harrison and Morgan met in seventh grade at Lake Oswego Jr. High. They were good friends in high school but became especially close during their senior year. They were freshman orientation leaders together and shared a similar class schedule. While Harrison still saw Morgan as one of his best friends, Morgan started realizing that there might be more to their friendship. She looked forward to their classes together and she started getting butterflies when he would run up to her in his baseball uniform and say hi while she was at tennis practice. She liked the way he was around her family and she loved how close he was to his own parents and siblings. They laugh about it now, but Morgan and Harrison’s sister were also friends, and Morgan would ask Madeline to do reconnaissance on whether or not Harrison might like her back. Something must have clicked because, finally, a few weeks before graduation, Harrison admitted that he had been holding back feelings. Morgan still remembers how amazing she felt in that moment!

What they thought would be a summer fling turned into four years of long distance while Harrison attended Oregon State and Morgan went off to the University of Colorado at Boulder. They stayed committed to one another all four years and supported each other through the highs and lows of college. Following graduation, they moved back to Portland where they were relieved to find that the distance had absolutely been worth it! Two years later, after six years of dating, Harrison got down on one knee at Alloro Vineyard in August of 2020. Harrison had laid out a beautiful picnic in a private location and popped the question over two of Morgan’s favorite things: wine and cheese. She was completely caught off guard but so incredibly excited! They ended the day celebrating with their closest family and friends. It was the perfect start to their 22 month long engagement!

Morgan couldn’t wait to start the wedding planning process! Even though they had picked a date that was 22 months away from their engagement, Morgan didn’t waste any time booking vendors. She started with their planner, BLC Events, and then immediately booked Waverley Country Club as their venue. Since Morgan loves photography and named that element as one of her non-negotiables, she reached out to Sweetlife Photography the same day she booked their venue. They ended up being one of the couple’s favorite vendors because they were extremely helpful, responsive and enthusiastic about their different creative ideas. They felt like a partner in the planning process and Morgan and Harrison appreciated how organized and thorough they were leading up to the big day.

Morgan and Harrison wanted their wedding to feel like an elegant garden party; sophisticated but casual. The bride drew inspiration from classic East Coast events, chic, preppy style boards and sleek black-tie parties. She also drew inspiration from a beautiful set of Richard Ginori dishes, which she incorporated into menus, bar signs and the mother-of-the-bride dress. Morgan thought up many different wedding looks over the course of their 22-month long engagement but settled on a simple black and white color palette. It’s timeless! For a small pop of color, she opted for light blue, tiered, lace bridesmaids dresses from Self-Portrait. The beautiful grounds of the Waverley Country Club provided the perfect setting to execute their vision. The club is very classic and the green space was the perfect backdrop for their cocktail lounge and sailcloth tent; two things that spoke to their vision of an East Coast garden party.

Their wedding design reflects the couple’s simple, timeless, and classic style. More significantly, Waverley Country Club backs up to the Willamette River. The bride’s childhood home also sits on the Willamette River so Morgan and Harrison have many memories boating with friends and passing the Waverley while wake surfing, wakeboarding or cocktail cruising. The groom is also a golf fanatic, so having their wedding on a golf course was extra fun and meaningful to him!

One small but meaningful detail is Morgan wore her mom’s wedding shoes down the aisle! Her mom had preserved them so well and they fit perfectly. It was a special moment when she helped Morgan put them while they were getting ready.

Harrison also had his grandfather’s wedding ring tied into his tuxedo jacket. It meant so much to Harrison, his grandmother, and his parents to have him incorporate it into the day. Harrison’s cufflinks were also meaningful as they had been gifted to him at birth by that same grandfather, who passed days later.

Morgan and Harrison flew a custom flag on the Waverley flag pole! The flag was printed with their wedding monogram and it tied into menus and signage used throughout the day. The flag pole on the property is iconic and they received so many compliments on that custom detail!

During the wedding planning process in 2021, Harrison and Morgan temporarily moved to Las Vegas for Harrison’s job. They had such a fun year and they knew they wanted to incorporate that memorable time into their special day. To add a touch of Vegas to their reception, they thought it would be cool to do casino tables and print play money with their wedding monogram. Guests who didn’t care to dance enjoyed sitting around the poker tables and guests who spent a lot of time on the dance floor appreciated a space to “take a breather” while still participating. They made the room feel like a high roller lounge and it was close enough to the dance floor that people could easily flow between dancing, taking photos at the photo booth and trying their luck at a casino table. It was a huge hit and a unique activity that added an extra fun element to the night.

Something Morgan learned during the planning process is “if you can’t buy it, print it!” She fell in love with plates from the Richard Ginori Catene Nero collection many years ago and she always knew she wanted them as part of her wedding tablescape. When she began the wedding planning process, she searched far and wide but couldn’t find the plates or chargers in any local inventory. She could have had them shipped from a rental company in California but that would have been half of her wedding budget. Hard no! She felt defeated but she couldn’t stop thinking about the design. After a number of table setting iterations, she decided to play around with the idea of printing a similar chain decoration on the menu cards and bar signs instead. In the end, it achieved the unique visual element that she was hoping to incorporate and she saved a lot of money by adding the design that way instead of renting or buying physical product!

Morgan also had a unique journey to find her wedding dress. She found her original wedding dress on a mother-daughter shopping trip in LA. It was such a fun and special weekend looking for the perfect dress! Over the next few months, Morgan went through many alterations and, 3 weeks before the wedding, she did a final fitting and the dress was too tight. Morgan made the heartbreaking decision to completely scrap the dress and she started looking online and visiting consignment stores a few days later. She found the dress she wore online and had it rush-shipped to her house. Morgan found a seamstress who was willing to work with her on such short notice and it all worked out with 5 days to spare. Everything happens for a reason and she ended up loving the dress she wore even more than the original!

It truly was the best day ever! The couple had put so much time and energy into planning and the day went off without a hitch. They’re so grateful to their vendors for such a seamless wedding weekend! Some of their fondest memories were taking bride and groom portraits during sunset. The nerves from the beginning of the day were gone and all that was left was pure joy. It definitely came through in those photos! Morgan & Harrison loved posing together, kissing, and feeling like we were the only two people there. It was a lot of fun and a special time to relax, focus on each other and capture some wonderful memories.

Towards the end of the evening, another highlight was their outfit change! It brought new energy into the reception space and they were both more comfortable for late night dancing. The poker tables were also a huge hit! Guests loved having another activity option in addition to dancing and a photo booth.

When they got into the limo at the end of the night, they were beyond happy. Everything had gone so well! They had just finished an epic dance party surrounded by their closest family and friends and the love and enthusiasm put them both on cloud nine. They’ll never forget that feeling driving away from the venue that night! Pure bliss.

Morgan & Harrison left for their honeymoon the day after the wedding and spent 14 beautiful days in Greece and Italy. They visited Santorini, Mykonos, Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice. Santorini was definitely a highlight! It was romantic and peaceful and the food and views were equally exquisite. They can’t wait to go back one day! Morgan studied abroad in Italy and had so much fun showing Harrison where she had lived and traveled. They ate their way through each city, explored little alleyways and toasted to the beginning of their marriage with house wines. It was so much fun and they were very much riding the wedding high throughout the entire trip!

A Summer Private Estate Wedding In Beautiful Blue And White

For Kate and Kyle, the fifth time is the charm. This resilient and gracious couple had to reschedule their wedding day five times due to the pandemic, but once the special day finally came to fruition with the help of the planning team Bridal Bliss it was one for the books. The wedding was styled in tones of medium to dark blue and crisp clean white with greens mixed into the artful floral designs by Blum Floral. The love of the day shines in the elegant imagery by Amanda K. Photography, you can see every special detail unfold in the full gallery.

From Amanda K. Photography… The ceremony was held on an expansive lawn of a private estate, with one of the longest aisles I have ever seen. It was truly out of a storybook as Kate walked down with her emotional father, Mark! The bride’s brother, John, officiated the ceremony and was as sweet as he was humorous.

Post-ceremony guests were greeted to yet another English garden on the property with cocktails, a seafood station, and delicious appetizers. On the way to the reception they received table assignments from an escort wall and were seated for dinner.

A leafy print inspired by the bride’s Mira Zwillinger gown was used to create a custom monogram, and it was found on the bar facade, all printed items, and even the cake which was sitting on a table filled with florals. Tables were filled with lush florals, elegant La Tavola linens, and even personal crystal salt cellars. No detail was overlooked from a floral-filled stage facade to personalized menus, to branded water bottles.

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How One Beautifully Diverse Group of Vendors Joined Forces to Create This Inspiring, Must-See Editorial!

When it comes to a vineyard wedding, Portland, OR isn’t the first place that comes to mind, but after seeing today’s editorial, Villa Catalana Cellars will be at the top of your list! A diverse group of vendors came together to bring this styled shoot to life, working together to represent the BIPOC community, and have all of their voices heard on each and every detail! Photographed by Carlos Hernandez and planned by Indigo Event Design, you just have to keep scrolling to see it all, from the beautiful blooms by Jodi Iverson Florals to the romantic table design! Take a peek below and thank you ALL for this stunning editorial!

From Indigo Event Design…This inspirational shoot was birthed from a cry for more couples and wedding vendors of color, to be seen in the wedding industry. A cry for equal representation and a chance to be seen. It took place just outside of Portland which is unfortunately the whitest big city in America. While spouting liberal concepts, Portland‘s racist roots bear down hard on its minorities particularly BIPOC. Fueled by the black lives matter movement and the death of George Floyd; this diverse group of mostly vendors of color, came together wanting to push for representation, learn from each other, and provide a space to create beauty within our diversity. We worked collaboratively in almost every aspect of this styled shoot wanting to make sure that all of our voices were heard.

Our inspiration for the design of this shoot came from our mutual love of this breathtaking Vineyard, with its timeless elegance and old world charm. We wanted every detail from invitations to the floral to mimic it’s romantic, even ethereal, surroundings. We took our color cues from the Vineyard’s estate and gardens, using rich merlot, dusty travertine, pale peach, and cornflower blue. The perfect bridge between summer and fall. While these hues are an uncommon combination of both rich and light, muted and bright, we found this variation created great depth and interest.

The bride was crowned in full the beauty of her natural hair, and ever so lightly kissed with a touch of smoky taupe eye shadow, mauve lips, and flushed cheeks to add romance and tie in the warm accents in her bridal bouquet. The groom, sported a custom tailored gray suit with a bowtie that perfectly matched the brides bouquet ribbon.

We staged this small ceremony in front of the picturesque waterlily pond with the epic winery estate in the background. As they exchanged their vows the couple was perfectly framed by a foam-free, floral masterpiece. During the ceremony, we wanted to showcase different traditions, particularly African wedding traditions, starting with the tasting of the four elements. For couples not familiar with this tradition, it is a Yorùbá ritual where the couple gets a literal taste of the flavors that represent different stages within a marriage. Lemon represents sour, Cayenne represents spicy, vinegar represents bitter, and honey represents sweet. By tasting each of these flavors, the couple symbolically show their friends and family they’ll be able to stay together through it all… better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. At the end of the ceremony, the couple engaged in the jumping the broom tradition, which many take to be a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new.

The reception took place in arched walkway at the winery, with beautiful travertine stone columns. Natural light seeped in through the abundant grapevine greenery hanging from the wood beams above. The tablescape was set with a velvet cornflower blue tablecloth and a sheer sustainably harvested silk table runner. On each place setting had three mixed-matching porcelain plates with their own unique gold patterned accents. Also in mismatched fashion were the vintage gold candleholders and elegant gold pedestal vases. The stiletto thin glassware and flatware added just a hint of modernity to this primarily old-world classic tablescape. Each of the centerpieces appeared to almost float on the tablescape with it’s paper-thin Italian poppies, delicate sweet peas, cloud like cotinus branches, elegant lisianthus, stately garden roses, ocean pearls, and digitalis. While the centerpiece floral definitely gave off strong European vibes, 90% of these beauties were locally grown.

To finish off the night, was a decadent five tiered wedding cake with elaborate cascading floral made entirely out of hand-crafted editable sugar flowers. While COVID might limit the number of guests you can have, that doesn’t mean you can’t go big when it comes to your cake. After all, that just means more cake left over for you.

An Empowering Editorial at Easton Broad Inspired by Butterflies

The gorgeous gallery of images is almost as beautiful as the meaning and inspiration behind today’s shoot, dreamed up and captured by RTFaith Photography, with planning assistance from Shantilly Gatherings. This talented duo decided to create a shoot reflective of the transformation and growth our industry and our world is going through right now, elegantly embracing positive and necessary change. Please read the beautiful words from Shantel and Rithy to learn more about the creative process behind this empowering shoot – we couldn’t be more in love.

Vision Behind the Shoot

From the planner, Shantel Dix, and photographer, Rithy Tamba… “Change does Not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.” -MLK
The inspiration behind the Empowerment Bridal shoot came to us in three stages and the shoot itself went through a transformation while it was in the developmental phase. As artists, we observe what is going on in the world around us and use art to reflect the change that we wish to see.

METAMORPHOSIS “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” -Maya Angelou
Shantel: I originally created the idea of a butterfly shoot as a fantasy shoot in a desire to reflect my own individual growth as an artist and a lover. Butterflies are gorgeous fragile creatures who undergo a full body transformation that requires strength in both body and mind. This is something people also endure in a metaphorical sense while journeying down the path of love with their spouse.

Adapting to change is necessary if you really want to be able to merge as a couple. Often your relationship will be put to the test many times causing your love to continuously transform. At the heart of my inspiration, my own relationship had endured many changes over the last year and our growth was truly worth representation, little did I know that the world around us was about to experience change as well.

PANDEMIC “Change is never easy, but always possible.” -Barack Obama Just as we had begun to cultivate this gorgeous vision, the world was hit with an unforeseen force that rocked the status quo. During this time of pandemic, many have been and continue to contemplate the state of normal we once accepted. I witnessed couples planning their weddings struggle with the pressure to postpone their weddings. As people have adjusted to our new normal, they began to embrace smaller ceremonies, micro weddings and elopements. It has been truly beautiful watching love continue to transform to conquer all adversities.

BLACK LIVES MATTER “I am No Longer accepting the things I cannot change. I Am changing the things I cannot accept.” -Angela Davis At this point I was beginning to call into question whether a butterfly shoot was the way to go, as we didn’t even know if we would be able to do a shoot at all. But this was my form of self expression where I could show the world the change that I wanted to see come about. Growing up I’d been to countless romance filled BIPOC weddings and as an adult I’ve helped beautify many brides and yet I still see very few represented in magazines and blogs. As much as I have always desired to see a face that reflects mine on the cover, I also wanted to see fellow vendors owned by individuals of color cited in these very same publications. I knew that this had to be where I began.

The Inspiration

What can I do to start the change I want to see? Change that is needed now. I realized that this shoot needed to become about more than just me as a Black woman, a Black mother, and a Black bride. This project reflects what I’ve always felt was missing from the wedding advertising industry: representation for the love and beauty of all Black brides. Now more than ever is the time to embrace positive change. Old ideas of what is considered desirable have often not embraced the beauty that is the Black woman. Just like the huge variety of butterflies, diversity is also a display of breathtaking beauty that should be shared with the word. I hope that you will assist us in our endeavor to show the diversity that true love encourages.

Vision in the Details

Butterfly veil It is said that when a butterfly flies in front of you that it symbolizes a change is coming and that you need to leave your past behind to embrace it. We chose four Black models to show the beauty, strength and diversity of the Black bride. There is not a huge diversity amongst wedding vendors in Oregon but this is changing rapidly and I am happy to say we had a group of very talented individuals. I suggest to not feel any qualms about reaching out and asking companies if they are BIPOC owned.

Rithy (Photographer)- styled the tablescape and the cake bar. The shoot reminded me of a modern romance, which we don’t often see featuring brides or people of color. So I wanted to keep the aesthetic modern, but have flowy drapes to create a romantic feel. The vision I had was a strong, but delicate table where the brides can sit and converse about all things near and dear to their hearts.

Advice for those planning:

Spring/summer wedding This is definitely a spring and/or summer wedding as butterflies respond much better to warm weather, also be sure to order butterflies native to where you’re getting married. We used fake butterflies ordered from a small company on Etsy that were made from recycled materials. I highly recommend this unless you can get butterflies locally so as to avoid any cruel treatment towards the butterfly in cross country shipping. Thrift give We thrifted a few background pieces where we could like pillows, throws and shoes adding into the sustainability of the shoot. I highly recommend thrifting for little decor and accent pieces not only is it good for the environment but it can cut down on costs and help you get unique pieces. Of course this is easier to do if you give yourself plenty of time leading up to your special day. Hiring an event planner can help you organize all of this and help you get your vision nailed down from day one.

All of our vendors were absolutely amazing and contributed so much. RTFaith Photography is POC owned and her beautiful photography lended to the soft and romantic feel while capturing the models strength. She also handled all of the details with perfect precision, from dress details, to table and cake setup. Her vision behind her film camera brought the shoot to life. Her cues and precision with the models brought chills to the room and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

Easton Broad was the venue we chose, this female owned venue has urban appeal that gave us a modern twist that helped emphasize the strength behind the shoot. Finding a venue that fits your vision and will work with you towards your wedding is so important. Stephanie Mai is a POC Bridal designer which as it stands is hard to find and her work is absolutely ethereal. She helped us choose the dresses that would help bring both a modern and romantic feel on our Brides. Our florist was Knot and Fern, she pulled together a strong arch of feminine florals that perfectly framed our Brides.

Our models Shantel, Decontee, Mikaela and Karrin were all chosen for their strength during these trying times and their own unique beauty as Black women. Decontee told me that despite being a successful model even having walked in NY Fashion week she had never been asked to model as a bride and never expected to have this opportunity again because of the color of her skin. Our models had their natural beauty accentuated by Shantilly Artistry overseen by Shantel Dix with Hair and Makeup by Marissa Nwerem who is a multitalented Black Cosmetologist. They went for a rosey look to compliment the setting and bring out that Bridal flush. Vintage Meets Modern was kind enough to add in her sophisticated rental pieces that helped complete the overall aesthetic. This is a BIPOC owned company. Fat Cupcake created a sleek and modern all white cake with a white chocolate drip, white roses and white pearls. Those pearls matched the gorgeous gold earring accented with freshwater pearls from Amaree and Reese Jewelry a WOC owned jeweler. Adding into our sustainability we also enlisted Emma Brooke Jewelry who creates beautiful, modern pieces including the rings and necklaces from vintage or damaged pieces. Our crown and hair pieces were from Stem and Stone and Taimani Emerald Creative. Coordination by WOC owned Shantilly Gatherings.

From the florist… In a quest to expand my community I have been involving myself + my business in various collaborations with other wedding industry vendors. I met Rithy of RT Faith Photography while working on a styled shoot last year. We instantly connected and kept each other in mind for future projects, so I was delighted that she reached out to me to about working on a collaborative shoot based on a vision of make-up artist Shantel of Shantilly Make Up Artistry. I had not yet met Shantel but was excited to bring flowers to a photoshoot with butterflies as the main inspiration. So dreamy! During planning the photoshoot direction went through its own metamorphosis as the world around us was changing daily. This sweet and feminine photoshoot that would include a veil of butterflies became something much more profound, and Empowerment Bridal shoot. An opportunity to highlight some amazing Portland local BIPOC owned businesses while showing Portland a more diverse bride.

The day of the shoot was similar to the set-up of many other shoots I’ve been to. Everyone set up their hair and make-up tools, we began to set the scene by setting the table with gorgeous flatware and glassware, fun music played in the background and I started to build the floral installation that would be the backdrop. Golden hour was approaching and there was a clear moment that, in my opinion, set this shoot apart from others I have participated in. The energy pivoted, and everyone’s chemistry aligned. As we were finding perfect lighting and Rithy began to position the models she asked them to close their eyes, directing each model to embody a different vibe. She counted to three and these beautiful women opened their eyes with the some truly fierce looks. We all stopped and commented on how bold + beautiful it was. We all got the feels, jaws dropping, looking at one another and truly feeling the MAGIC. Shantel, Decontee, Mikaela and Karrin all posed with such confidence and poise. Their bold looks were just as beautiful as their smiles.

I am truly grateful that I was invited to collaborate with these women and proud of the images that came from this day. The message comes across so authentically in Rithy’s images, not only because of her talent but because the women shown in the images are truly beautiful Black empowered individuals.

Classic & Clean Indoor Spring Wedding Inspiration at Portland’s Sentinel Hotel

We feature a fair share of al fresco fetes, but that doesn’t mean that indoor soirees aren’t the cat’s meow. According to this slice of inspiration from Carlos Hernandez, Vanity Affair Events and Kaleb Norman James Design, they are. Natural light covers the stunningly set scene at Portland’s Sentinel Hotel for indoor intrigue. Layer on the candlelight and you won’t think twice if it happens to rain on your wedding day.

From Carlos Hernandez… Spring in Portland is all too often overlooked as an ideal wedding season, as showers force couples indoors. We desperately wanted to showcase a classic, clean, yet glamorous wedding with spring blooms and the seasons most coveted color: pink! Our focus for this shoot was transforming the iconic Sentinel Hotel into a warm, inviting and floral forward setting for guests to feel glamorous in even the years most rainy months.

In order to lighten the grand ballroom, we kept our tablescape monochromatic pink on pink velvet by La Tavola. We wanted to design a table that was both luxurious, traditional and showcased the use of color, especially with Pantone releasing Living Coral as 2019’s color of the year. We captured this intention with Kaleb Norman James’ off-centered abstract floral arrangement and acrylic menu cards, paired with traditional elements of a silver napkin ring, blush wine glasses, and hand calligraphy name cards.

The 3 tier white Italian buttercream cake perfectly fit our juxtaposition, with an abundance of white beading and a right aligned structure. However, the Galia LaHav gown from Dress Theory Seattle stole the show, with an oversized skirt, plunging neckline and glittered stars throughout. This inspirational shoot proves that April showers may bring your guests inside, but your day certainly won’t suffer because of it.

Expert Decorating Tips for Your Lunar New Year Dinner Party

It’s the beginning of a new year on the Chinese calendar and we’re celebrating with our friends Joy Proctor, Carlos Hernandez and Heather from Myrtle et Olive! If you’re getting together with your loved ones tonight to celebrate the holiday, read on to find out a few tips from the expert herself, Joy Proctor Design, on decorating your table with meaningful decor moments that are perfect for Lunar New Year – from citrus fruits to bright hues that symbolize luck and happiness. Last but not least, don’t miss her recipe for Longevity Noodles that you have to try out!

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From Joy Proctor Design… 2019. Year of the pig. I invited some close friends to my home in Portland in celebration the lunar new year; a time to sweep away the difficulties of the past and make way for luck, happiness and longevity. I set the table with China and crystal from my cabinet, citrus to symbolize luck and beautiful menus and place cards by Steady Hands Creative. My good friend Heather of Myrtle et Olive arranged beautiful flowers for the table in colors corresponding to luck and happiness. My sister Elise assisted her boyfriend Andy, an incredible chef, in preparation of a lucky menu for our guests, each dish symbolizing a wish for the new year. Dumplings for wealth. Noodles for long life. Fish for a surplus of food, and sweet sticky rice balls to symbolize the togetherness of family. I invite you to celebrate life, luck and happiness in a celebration of your own using my recipes and tips for decor. From my home to yours, Happy New Year!

Decor tips from Joy Proctor Design:

1. For the table, choose a neutral linen so that the bright lucky colors pop. In Chinese culture candles are used for the dead, so don’t use any candles on the table as it will not bring good luck. Add fruit and citrus to the flowers and decor. Overflowing bowls of citrus symbolize luck. Break out your best crystal and neutral China to set place seatings. Rest wooden chopsticks on citrus fruits for added detail.

2. Remember that colors symbolize many things and shades of red, pink, purple and orange are more lucky. Avoid white, black and dark colors as dark colors are associated with death.

3. Don’t forget envelopes of money for good luck. These envelopes are often red or gold and traditionally list the families name on the outside. Heathers maiden name was on our envelopes which we used as beautiful favors.

4. Invite guests to get into the spirit by offering them hand embroidered fans to accessorize. The fans by Luneville were exquisite and added a conversation topic the history of embroidery which began in China and made its way to Europe much later.

5. Offer guests delicate sweets to take home like the gorgeous year of the pig and florals cookies made by Cake by Nicole.

6. Choose and use China that have patterns with meaning. The pieces we chose had the following meaning: Bird Crane present in Fans & Vases – Longevity. The pattern on gourd bottle – blessings & longevity. Floral & Bird Plate – Full Harvest.

Longevity Noodles Recipe

What you’ll need:

12 oz fresh thin, long noodles (chow mein or low mein. Tagliarini works really well too, but way less traditional)
3-4 T sesame oil (to coat cooked noodles)
1/4 c sesame oil (for cooking)
6 oz dried mushrooms (shitake, maitake, or whatever sounds good)
4 c water
1/2 c cornstarch
1/2 c fresh ginger, small dice
1/4 c garlic, chopped fine
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced on a bias, keep the whites and greens seperate
1 1/2 t white pepper, ground fine
1 T mushroom powder
3/4 c shaoxing cooking wine
1 c carrots, peeled and cut matchstick style
2 c snap peas, cleaned and de-stringed
4 c chicken and/or seafood stock
3 T soy sauce
Black+White sesame seeds and Togarashi to garnish

To Cook The Noodles:

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
2. Add fresh noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes (5-6 minutes if dried)
3. Strain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Put them in a bowl, toss them with the 3-4 T sesame oil. Set aside

Mushrooms:

1. Put dried mushrooms in a small pot with the water. Bring them to a boil, then turn off the heat and let them steep until they’re tender.
2. Strain the mushrooms. Save the water! Put aside 2 c of that mushroom water in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch to make a loose paste. Set aside.
3. Slice the mushrooms. Set aside.

To Finish:

1. In a large saute pan or wok, heat up the 1/4 c sesame oil on high heat.
2. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 min. Remove them and set aside.
3. Add the carrots and ginger to the shrimp oil and cook for 4-5 min, constantly stirring.
4. Add the whites of the scallion and cook for another 2 min. Then add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Add the snap peas and sliced mushrooms, cook for 3 minutes.
6. Season with white pepper and mushroom powder.
7. Add cooking wine and cook just until the smell of alcohol is gone from the pan
8. Add stock and soy sauce, and bring to a simmer.
9. Once its at a simmer, stir in a small amount of the mushroom broth/cornstarch mixture ****If it sits, the cornstarch settles at the bottom, so it needs to be mixed up again before adding it.**
10. Adding that mixture will thicken up the sauce more, so depending on the consistency you’re going for, you may want to use more or less.
11. Add your noodles, make sure they’re hot, toss them with everything else and ready to serve.
12. Garnish with sesame seed, togarashi and the green tops of the scallions

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Dare to Go Bare With This Modern + Neutral Inspiration

Working with classic wedding blooms like stephanotis and gardenias, Hart Floral Design transformed traditional bridal inspiration into all out modern romance. A neutral color palette infused with the palest pastels is paired with layers upon layers of gorgeous texture and modern details like lucite chairs. From the linens, to the invitations by Jenny Sanders, to that stunning gown by Claire La Faye, not a surface is left un-embroidered or adorned. Get inspired to put a modern romantic spin on your wedding day with all the pretty imagery captured by Maria Lamb.

From Hart Floral… After digging deep into an old Martha Stewart Weddings book from the 90’s I fell in love with her use of a classic bridal flowers stephanotis and gardenias. I wanted to combine old school floristry techniques of hand wiring with a more modern approach. This shoot is really about redefining what modern can look like and combing luxurious elements like Vietri Plates, La Tavola embroidered linens and full elegant flowers. We focused mostly on layering textures together of white, creams and beiges to really over emphasize and exaggerate the bridal moment.

30 Years From Now, You’ll Still Love This Wedding

Be it 10, 20, or even 30 years from now, Sam and Alexis’s wedding day captured by Sposto Photography and filmed by Moving Pictures will never go out of style. And while I love a good wedding trend, BLC Events planned this one to be traditional elegance at its finest – from the all white florals designed by Blum against the verdant, green grounds of the Waverly Country Club to the bride’s simply gorgeous gown.

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Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Country Club

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Classic Weddings

From Sposto Photography… There’s nothing quite like a classic black and white wedding. Weddings like these stand the test of time and are gorgeous through the ages. Alexis and Sam’s special day was no exception. Their romantic day revolved around the very country club the bride grew up near. With family roots that run deep in Portland Oregon’s community, this wedding offered nothing but class and elegance for the happy couple and their guests. Alexis walked down the aisle to the melodious sounds of a live string quartet while Sam anxiously waited to see her face for the first time. It was truly magical.

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This Portland Bridal Editorial Captures the Effortless Style of Paris

There’s something especially Parisian about this Portland bridal inspiration session, dreamed up and photographed by Silvius James. Perhaps its Tendue’s walls which boast picture frame molding, the large windows that let in the most gorgeous natural lighting, the bride;s effortlessly chic bridal jumpsuit by Lena Medoyeff, or the purple hued palette (hello, Pantone color of the year!). Whatever it is, it strikes that balance between modern and romantic the French have absolutely mastered.

From Silvius James… Editorial, modern, fresh – all words that describe this inspiration shoot. A new venue opened up in Portland, Oregon, and when I saw the simplicity of the white walls detailed with trim, I knew it was an opportunity to do something different and new. I pulled together an A-list of wedding vendors in the area and styled what I can only describe as a modern day victorian style.

Selva Floral created some unique, new-age florals in muted pastel tones and accented with lavender spray paint. She foraged the flowers and botanicals and created something truly unique and beautiful. My model, Kim, wore a stunning bridal jumpsuit from Lena Medoyeff Bridal, which was the perfect modern look for our bride. We also photographed a velvet gown from her new collection as well for the more traditional bride. Kelsey Malie Calligraphy created a custom suite with a mix of lavender and cream cotton papers and lavender ink. My favorite part was introducing some charcuterie boards by Lena Gladstone of Lena’s Kitchen. Her styling is amazing, and I had to have her be part of the shoot. I think it added another dimension to the shoot.

This Minimalist Wedding Proves Less Is more

A great wedding doesn’t have to be overly complicated. This intimate, Portland wedding crafted by Vanity Affair Event Planning & Design is chock full of two of my favorite things – good food and understated beauty. The couple kept the decor minimal and romantic, letting the unique indoor outdoor space of Han Oak be the focal point. Dig into the beautiful gallery by Jenny Losee Photography and get inspired for a simple and sweet wedding of your own.

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From Jenny Losee Photography… Jisu and Sal are world travelers, and it is amazing they crossed paths one fine day to find each other. Jisu grew up in South Korea, and Sal grew up in New York. They met during graduate school in Los Angeles in 2010. Jisu moved to New Jersey for a year and a half, but they stayed together and did the long distance thing. Now they reside in a happy little cottage home in Portland both creating and designing for their careers. It is obvious they are creatives – just look at the style and elegance of this wedding! PS. Yes, the food was amazing.

All Our Secret Garden Dreams Are Coming True

When this Bride chose Leach Botanical Garden for her Portland wedding, she knew she wanted to enhance the natural beauty of the venue. With the help of her team of amazing vendors, the organic florals, the romantic calligraphy, and the pretty reception look like they belong. Peruse the gallery of photos by Jenny Losee and be transported to this secret garden worthy wedding.

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From Jenny Losee Photography… Sara, being the artist she is, put so much detail into her wedding. The small touches added beauty to an already beautiful day. Visiting Leach Botanical Garden is like being transported into the middle of a green, Hawaiian island or Jurassic Park! It was truly an honor to work beside so many creative talented people.

From the Bride… We planned to spend the weekend camping on the beach in Pacific City, Oregon with my siblings. We hiked up a bluff to get a view of the sunset on the ocean. Once we reached the top, Justin asked if my brother would take a picture of the two of us. Then Justin reached in his sandy shoe to grab the ring and popped the question! We are very thankful to my photographer brother who captured it all!

My mom and I were bridal dress shopping, and before we even spoke to an associate, we saw a gorgeous dress that stood out amongst a sea of white and ivory. We both walked over to it and admired it. Before I knew it, I was trying it on and fell in love. I am, perhaps, the most indecisive person I know, so I did a bit more shopping around but couldn’t get the first dress out of my head; I just kept picturing myself in it. The dress was feminine and easy to wear – exactly what I was looking for!

My wedding flowers were incredible! I chose a very trusty florist with incredible talent. I gave up my control to let her design arrangements that had berries on the vine, herbs, mauve and blush touches, and greenery. The arrangements were whimsical, organic, lush, and sweet as could be. I wanted them to mimic a true garden, fruit and herbs and all!

I’m sure every Bride and Groom gets this feeling at some point in the day, but as we all sat down and began eating, I looked up and noticed all of our guests. I got choked up to the point of tears, as I couldn’t fathom that all of our favorite people were in the same spot. It was humbling and wonderful, and I thanked God. I also shared a special moment with my mom away from everyone as we exchanged our notes to each other – that moment still touches me. It was emotional and heartfelt; it calmed me and gave me comfort in a bittersweet way.

Remember that it’s your and your spouse’s day, but don’t forget that this is for your family and friends, too. Make yourself happy, but do keep in mind your spouse, parents, and everyone else who has done a lot to pitch in. On the day of your wedding, be in the moment always. Don’t overthink the next step or how it will all turn out. The Bride and Groom are ultimately the ones who set the mood, so be attentive and live out the best day of your life. From the minute you wake up on your wedding day, soak it all in. Be attentive to what’s going on around you, remember any last minute advice given to you, and receive all the kind compliments people pay you.

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Wedding Dresses

Watters

Willowby Fall 2014

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C20 Mothers 2012 Part I

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Watters Brides Fall 2014

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Watters Brides Spring 2016

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You’ll Fall for This Colorful Autumn Wedding Inspiration

What’s your favorite season? Mine just so happens to be fall and this inspiration highlights exactly why. From the colorful bouquet saturated with rich red hues, to the gilded cake accented with leaves (how creative is that?!), we’ve got it all captured from the talented Jamie Rae Photo in The Vault!

From Jamie Rae Photo…“Every leaf speaks bliss to me when fluttering from the autumn tree…”-Emily Bronte. One step outside on a crisp Northwest autumn morning always stirs the romantic within. The promise of change…vibrant golds and fading reds…the burst of holiday cheer that surprises everyone with sudden arrival…all of these things create a cacophony of colorful inspiration. This romantic shoot was inspired by the crisp air and that feeling of change that magically stirs the soul in Autumn. And while it wasn’t hard to find inspiration this time of year, we wanted to put together a team of the absolute best vendors to showcase how wonderful a fall-fading to winter holiday wedding can look like. Swoon Floral Design created a palette of roses, oak leaves, astilbe, lisianthus, mums, and nandina for the bouquet and floral center pieces. We accented these colors with hints of the holiday season for table decor…persimmons, pears, hazelnuts and chestnuts remind us of the celebratory season that fall ushers in. These tones and textures can be incorporated into a fall or winter, seasonal or religious wedding or event. A bountiful holiday spread of cheese, almonds, bread and jam illustrate how easy it is to entertain artistically (and deliciously!) this time of year. Claire La Feye provided a dramatic chantilly lace, two piece gown, which we accented with hand made gold jewelry from Jes Design Studio.

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Wedding Dresses

Claire La Faye

Castles Made of Sand S/S 2015

A Love Less Ordinary S/S 2014

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Why They Exchanged Vows BEFORE the Ceremony

To be honest, I’m not one who loves crowds. I much prefer quiet, more personal moments and that’s exactly why I love this couple’s idea of exchanging vows privately before the actual ceremony. Benjamin Clifford Photography documented their intimate vow exchange and there’s so much more to see and love from their day inside The Vault!

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From The Bride…Waking up with butterflies in my stomach and so much excitement, I could hardly eat my breakfast. So my sweet mama packed me a little to go bag for the road just in case I work up an appetite. I got to my Aunt’s house early that morning with my older sister, we were meeting the rest of bridesmaids there and getting our hair and makeup done. It was pretty fun with the music playing and the girls dancing around eased my nerves a bit, and of course I worked up that appetite and had my breakfast and coffee (thanks, mom).

Once it was time to put on the dress I started to get nervous again since we were running a little behind schedule. Even if you plan the extra 30 min into your timeline sometimes it’s still not enough. We all drove to the Canemah Park in Oregon City for first look (l recommend every couple does the First Look photos”) I was so excited to see my future husband Ben and for him to see me in my dress for the first time, I could hardly contain myself. It was a very special moment for the both of us, so much emotion pours out in that moment. He was perfect and I could not wait to marry that man. We got lots of pictures with the two of us and with our bridal party. We stopped at a couple more locations on the way to our venue for some more photos (you can never have too many pictures) It had started to rain off and on and I was trying to do my best and not panic with it being an outdoor venue. The umbrellas however made for some really fun pictures.

Since Ben and I were sticking to our budget we had our amazing family and friends decorate and do a huge chunk of the work setting up the venue. They put together all the floral arrangements, the decorations and all the finishing touches that made the venue come to life.

Ben and I had an intimate vow exchange that was only attended by our photographers prior to the actual ceremony where exchanged traditional vows, and had the honor of having Ben’s step brother pronounce us husband and wife. As we walked out the ceremony our guests cheered and tossed pink rose petals our way.

The reception was very easy-going, dancing mingling and good food. Ben is a little bit of a Star Wars nerd, so I surprised him with custom-made Princess Leah and Han Solo cake toppers that resembled him and I.

We had so much fun I forgot all about the rain, the torn dress and all the other minor things that go wrong at weddings. We just danced the night away and enjoyed our magical day! Our wedding was unforgettable, by far the best day of my life. After all, at the end of the day the only thing that matters is your love and commitment to one another. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

One Pearl Necklace. Three Generations. The Perfect Bridal Accessory.

When this bride’s Nana surprised her with a pre-wedding gift that included a pearl necklace and blue garter, she was overjoyed. But when the bride learned these two pieces were worn by both her Nana and mother on their wedding days, it made them all the more special. Thanks to Sweetlife Photography for a peek inside this classic Portland “I do” chock-full of beautiful moments.

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From The Bride…Garrett and I are originally both from Corvallis, OR. Funny enough, we attended the same high school but our paths never really crossed. We knew of each other but didn’t have any interaction since our groups of friends were different. I ended up going to Oregon State University and studied Industrial Engineering, and Garrett attended the United States Air Force Academy where he is currently training to become a pilot. We ended up meeting in college when my roommate at the time had her older sister and some of her friends over to our house. Garrett was there and I thought he was so cute! He ended up asking me out and from that point on, we dated long distance. We were actually long distance our entire relationship until we got married.

When planning our wedding, we knew Garrett would have a narrow window of availability because leave is hard to get approved once pilot training starts. This led us to pick a winter date—we knew he would have the most time off then. We really wanted our wedding to have a sophisticated winter feel while staying away from the classic red and green Christmas theme. We had the guys wear black tuxedos and chose bridesmaids dresses that were a soft color next to mine so they would stand out without having a stark contrast. One of my ultimate favorite floral elements is dusty miller so I knew I wanted to incorporate that into the arrangements (this is also the color I picked for my bridesmaids’ dresses). To compliment the dusty miller, we added white hydrangeas, blush garden roses, and dark purple calla lilies to keep things wintery. In addition to this, some of my favorite decorations were the white birch trees lit with twinkle lights that we scattered around the art gallery where we had our reception, which gave a warm winter feel.

To me, some of the most beautiful aspects of our wedding were the personal touches that we were able to incorporate. In particular, the day after Garrett and I got engaged, my grandma (who I call “Nana”) gave me a present—a garter and a pearl necklace. I was overjoyed by the gift but did not understand the true significance of it at first. Nana went on to explain that she and my mother both wore these items on their wedding days. It is honestly amazing that she was able to save these things for me and bless me with the honor of wearing them at my own wedding! My family is very small and we are all very close, and the fact that she wanted me to wear these accessories meant so much to me.

We tried to tie aspects of both our families into the wedding. Although Garrett is in the military, we didn’t want a strictly military wedding. However, we did want to include aspects of this part of our life so we had a saber arch at our wedding ceremony and cut the wedding cake with an Air Force saber (Garrett loved that part!). Another aspect of our wedding that had great meaning for us both was lighting candles during our ceremony in memory of Garrett’s dad. He was unexpectedly diagnosed with lung cancer in April and passed away soon after, just months before our wedding. This impacted Garrett and I greatly and was something we definitely wanted to acknowledge during the ceremony. The memory of Garrett’s dad was also honored throughout the toasts at our reception. So many heartfelt words were spoken that moved the whole room to tears.

Our reception was held in an art gallery, and they were amazing because they allowed us to pick which art pieces we would like displayed. Garrett and I had our first dance to Make You Feel My Love by Adele, which was simply perfect for us. We also had a photo booth to keep our guests entertained, ice cream sandwiches from Ruby Jewel (our favorite ice cream place in Portland), and a late night taco bar which all made for a very special night full of fun and dancing. Overall, our day was filled with endless laughter, love, and wonderful family which we are so grateful for.

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Hayley Paige

Spring 2014

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Spring 2018

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A Hipster Chic Wedding With Major Floral Moments

Warning: this wedding will make your heart flutter. A celebration complete with a moss dance floor, a misty ceremony, and a petal station, this couple celebrated in true PNW style. With the ever-so-talented Maria Lamb Photography behind the lens snapping it all to share, we’ve got it waiting for you in The Vault!

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From The Bride…Malachi and I love nature and when we started planning the wedding we pictured a space that had the essence of a enchanted secret garden with a hint of Lord of the Rings. Roses, dahlias, lavender, rosemary and lots of green moss were essential to the vision and our floral designer/decorator Andrew fit it all in to the decor. My luscious and slightly heavy bouquet was layered with lavender, greens, roses and dahlias. The colors we chose were all different shades of greens, pinks and blues. We added a personal touch by creating all of the wooden props in Malachi’s wood shop Against the Grain Studio, which is now transitioning into a family business Milbourn Woodwork! The backdrops, wooden table rounds, sweetheart table, and various stumps were all created in his shop just two weeks before the wedding! He started his own furniture company 7 years ago and is an amazing woodworker but deadlines can be a little rough for him! (sorry honey!)

The Grotto was a perfect location for our ceremony because of its immense natural outdoor beauty and it did not need a ounce of added decor! We made it to Ceremony without a drop of rain until halfway through it started to mist. That is when Maria Lamb took one of my favorite photos, the mist added a dreamy pacific northwest touch to the wedding.

The sun broke out just as the ceremony was ending and it turned out to be a lovely day as we headed to the World Forestry Center for the reception. When we arrived we were amazed at how Andrew had decorated the tent to fit our vision. He added a fountain surrounded by the moss, dreamy flower covered gate and a petal station. Our guests loved showering us with petals while we danced the first dance. We feel very blessed to have been able to celebrate with all our family and friends and very thankful to everyone that helped along the way.

Chic + Modern Portland Wedding

Hip weddings and the city of Portland go hand-in-hand. And the fact that this Bride and Groom chose to exchange their vows on a Middle School rooftop with killer city views is the coolest thing ever. The whole affair is a modern couple’s dream come to life, and Birds Of A Feather didn’t miss a beat. Psst: right this way for so much more.

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From Birds Of A Feather…New Yorkers Josh & Liz curated a casual, fun-filled day that reflected their love of minimalist design and fashion. Liz, who works for the shoe designer Matt Bernson, and Josh, a product designer, both have family roots in Portland so a destination wedding over the summer seemed a perfect fit.

Their ceremony on the roof of Washington Middle School showed off 360 degree views of the city on a perfectly sunny day, and they surprised their guests with a New Orleans style 2nd line processional to the reception venue, Cooper’s Hall. All 100 guests dancing down the streets of Portland was a sight to behold! Great food and tons of dancing filled the rest of the fun-filled evening.

Design-wise, Josh designed all the paper goods, and a family florist friend created the candleholders offset by simple succulent arrangements. Liz and her bridesmaids and flower girls all wore Matt Bernson shoes, naturally!

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Vera Wang

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

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Intimate + Organic Sauvie Island Engagement Session in Oregon

Love is a remarkable thing, for even in the event of natural disaster it remains un-shook and stronger than ever. Take this pair whose friendship evolved into undeniable love and after an international reunion, a proposal. It’s a story that proves there is always a silver lining when it comes to the power of love. See their beautiful beginning captured by Jamie Rae Photo in THE VAULT!

From The Bride…Sometimes things in life are meant to be. In Late April of this year, I had said goodbye to Andrew for 4 weeks as he traveled to Nepal for a world conference about public health. It is always hard knowing you won’t see someone for a little while, but this was a great opportunity for him. Two days after that, a massive, deadly earthquake shook Nepal. I hadn’t heard from Andrew for days, I wasn’t sure if he was able to make it to safety and I was trying to keep my mind from going to the worst case scenario. Would I ever be able to see him again?

I finally heard that he was safe but forced to stay in the streets as almost every building had collapsed, no running water, no food. I immediately booked Andrew a flight out of Kathmandu to Thailand (one of the only airlines flying out). The flight was delayed for days but he finally made it and I heard that he was safe. We were able to actually talk. Because he still had nearly 3 weeks left in his travel plan, he wanted to make the most of it and explore Thailand. He asked me the next day if I would be able to join him overseas to travel with him. Thanks to my wonderful manager and coworkers, I was able to get last minute time off work. I joined him in Thailand.

After experiencing a natural disaster and tragedy, suddenly you gain clarity in life. You can easily discern what you can and can’t live without. For Andrew and I, we knew we couldn’t be without each other. One week into our international reunion Andrew proposed to me, on a picturesque white sandy beach surrounded by turquoise waters and stunning cliffs in the middle of the Andaman Sea. He fashioned me a ring out of a vine, plucked from the island that I still have. It reminds us of the special memories we made in spite of a terrible situation and the promise we will keep to stand by one another through all of life’s wonderful and challenging times.

From Jamie Rae Photo…By nature, Lauren and Andrew are helpers. Lauren spends her day as a nurse assisting and caring for women with cancer, and Andrew is a medical professor who studies epidemiology- specifically, how to care for and prevent childhood obesity. These two first met in an anatomy and physiology class that Andrew taught, and a professional level friendship was formed. Years later they reconnected with a group of colleagues, and it was then that these two realized they had more in common then medical study. In addition to their compassionate nature, this warm couple is funny, approachable, and intelligent- and full of romance and affection for each other.

I photographed Lauren and Andrew on a warm September evening on Sauvie Island. Our time was filled with laughter, interesting conversation, and a romance that is evidence in the photos.

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Photography: Jamie Rae Photo | Hair And Makeup: Cassandra Kennedy Beauty | Venue: Sauvie Island | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints

Romantic + Intimate Wedding in Portland

It’s weddings like this intimate affair that speak directly to my wedding-loving-heart. Because not only did this pair master the ultimate Oregonian getaway, but they vowed their forever in a serene lakeside ceremony complete with awe-inspiring details. It’s the sweetest celebration captured by Marina Koslow Photography that’ll have you perusing The Vault for more!

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From Marina Koslow Photography… Jenna and Carson had a lovely intimate wedding in Oregon – starting with a beautiful ceremony at a private residence in Lake Oswego Oregon this event was very intimate yet stylish and classy. Bride and groom, currently residing in Arizona, wanted a getaway wedding and Portland Oregon was just the right place for their vision. After a serene lake front ceremony their guests were whisked away to a downtown restaurant for a fun night of celebration and festivities.

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Jewelry

Henri Daussi

Signature Engagement Collection 2014

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Jewel Tone Wedding Inspiration at The Old Schoolhouse

A restored schoolhouse in Newberg, Oregon served as the inspiration for this shoot styled by J29 Events and photographed by Gabriela Ines, and we’re completely obsessed. You’ll find romance and drama in the vibrant colors of crimson and cobalt (getting us in the right mood for our weekend festivities!), blooms from Ponderosa and Thyme, and a to-die-for canopy of peacock feathers! There’s much more to see in the full gallery right here!

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From Gabriela Ines Photography… The inspiration for this shoot came from the venue itself. The Old Schoolhouse is a gorgeous and unique new venue in the Portland, OR area. I was inspired by its dramatic and enchanting look and wanted to style a shoot that showcased the venue’s original features. Nicole from J29 events ran with the idea of jewel tones and created a beautiful scene that included a tablescape full of color and lush foliage from Ponderosa and Thyme. The dramatic and elegant look of this shoot highlighted the authenticity of this repurposed Oregon venue.

Glamorous 1920s Portland Wedding

When it comes to a themed wedding, you’re either IN or your OUT. And this couple – photographed to utter perfection by Yasmin Khajavi Photography – is so in that it makes me a little teary eyed. The elegance, the execution, the details…all so entirely lovely, both on theme and in a totally timeless way. While we’ve pulled some of our favorite images here, take some time to enjoy the gallery where 20’s glam reigns Queen.

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From Yasmin Khajavi Photography… Kelly and Tony married at LeftBank Annex, a perfect urban venue with large windows, brick, and industrial style. They transformed it into their awesome 20’s style, with old black and white movies playing on the big screen, with cafe lights strung all around. The table signs, guest seating arrangements, drink signs had the perfect font that matched their theme! Their guest sign in book had a polaroid camera for their guests to snap a photo of themselves and sign next to their photo. And also a cute sign that said “Don a Headband and Join Us for a Night of 1920’s Glamour.” Throughout the evening, guests wore the 20’s style sequined headbands, it was adorable! So many guests also dressed to the theme and wore sequins. Kelly’s cake table had a beautiful sequined tablecloth that also tied in perfectly. Kelly’s diamond headpiece was stunning and looked so good on her! It paired perfectly with their faux-fur shawls that both Kelly and her bridesmaids wore. Kelly and Tony got ready at a hotel downtown, the Sentinel, then the whole bridal party along with Kelly and Tony took the street car through the city to their wedding venue! Kelly had beautiful blush umbrellas as back up plan in case of the northwest rain. They had a personalized marquee displayed with their new last name “Forsyth.” Soft candlelights, cafe lights along with the flower displays tied in perfectly! Their caterer bbq’ed their meal right on-site! They took advantage of the flat screen’s that lined the stairs and had “Welcome to the Wedding of Anthony & Kelly” display.

From the Bride… It was really important to me that our wedding be a reflection of both Tony and I. This was not just my wedding, it was OUR wedding, Tony is a film producer and I have a very vintage esthetic so a 1920s Hollywood theme was the perfect fit for our big day! A day that could not have gone any better. It was a beautiful, calm March day, and we were surrounded by so much love. I felt like the most beautiful woman in the world and I married the man of my dreams and had a blast doing it!

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Adrianna Papell

Spring 2015

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