Oregon Weddings

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blue, White, Gold, Hints of Blush[/field]
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A classic European fairytale but make it happen in Oregon! This Cinderella inspired celebration took place in one of the most luxurious new venues on the west coast, Château de Michellia. The couple traveled all the way from Seattle for this intimate celebration of a lifetime, and this upscale French-style castle venue ended up being the perfect backdrop for their romantic wedding vision. With a color palette boasting serene blues, delicate whites, and lavish golds, the entire wedding design radiated a sense of enchantment and grandeur. The day was sprinkled with royal fairytale-inspired elements that felt like a nod to our bride’s cherished childhood dream. From the grand chandeliers of the ballroom to the dreamy castle backdrop of the ceremony, every detail was meticulously curated to transport our guests into a world of enchantment, with the couple radiating the essence of a true prince and princess on their momentous day.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Our bride opted for 4 gorgeous couture gowns throughout the wedding day – First a white traditional Aodai as a nod to her Vietnamese heritage, then a stunning royal ballgown as her princess ceremony dress, to a timeless white pearl-adorned cocktail dress to greet her guests, and lastly a dreamy blue ruffled gown (as seen on Cinderella) for sunset photos to truly tie together this magical fairytale affair.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]All bridesmaids soft chiffon blue dresses echoed the “Cinderella Blue” theme that is seen throughout the wedding design, and made for a stunning contrast with the bride’s royal white gown.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen all wore navy vests and suits pants, which still complimented the “Cinderella blue” theme beautifully yet added depth and contrast to the soft pastel blue of the bridesmaids dresses.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]For the grand ballroom reception, our couple chose a combination of western and eastern options. Signature dishes included baked salmon, crispy Asian pork, grilled steak, stir-fried chow-mien amongst others. The diversity of dishes ensured that the guests were able to taste delicacies from both the western and eastern culture as embodied by our Asian American couple’s ethnic background.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Our couple chose the soft blue as their predominant floral color, complimented by other in-season white and blush floral accents. The bridal and bridesmaids bouquets were kept strictly white and blue, while the grand full floral arch included more blush accents and stood beautifully against the majestic backdrop of the fairytale Château. The reception florals also incorporated hints of blush pink into the white and blue palette to give the ballroom a greater sense of romance and dreaminess.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The couple opted for an all white wedding cake adorned with delicate all white butterflies, which echoed the butterfly detail on the tip of the glass slipper detail in the bridal flatlay pictures. A circle of white, blue, and blush floral meadow surrounds the cake and sprinkled a sense of magic to this ethereal celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The bridal entrance song to the ceremony was “Who is She?” By Patrick Doyel, which was played when Cinderella stepped into the ballroom and stunned everyone with her beauty in the original motion picture. The processional (La Valse De L’amoure by Patrick Doyel) and the recessional music (Cinderella chorus from Cinderella finale) were also both taken directly from the adapted movie version of this classic fairytale.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The blue ruffle dress worn by the bride during sunset photos is a direct nod to the dress worn by Cinderella at the royal ball.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]The bride included a miniature glass slipper with a blue bowtie in her bridal detail pictures, which featured a butterfly on the tip that was later seen in the wedding cake design. The blue bowtie on the glass slipper was also later seen as the bride’s hair accessory with her blue ruffle gown. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The stunning venue Château de Michellia features over 100 antique oil paintings, one of which happens to be a Cinderella-inspired “lady in blue” portrait and it was a dream-come-true when the bride took getting-ready pictures with the Cinderella oil painting.[/field]
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Photography: Michellia Fine Imagery | Videography: Stone Light Film | Coordination: Events by Genevieve | Coordination: Chelsea - Events by Genevienve | Cake: Sewell Sweets | Catering: Willabys | Hair & Makeup: Mai Prasertyoin | Venue: Château de Michellia | Wedding Venue: Château de Michellia | Florists: Noble Floral Co | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Papergoods: Adoration | Reception White Beaded Dress: Glam by Nanie | Rentals: Hosted Modern | Table & Chairs: Interstate Event Rentals

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Ladies, there’s not denying it. We all (and by all, I mean every. single. one. of us) need this dress pronto. Transforming a traditional engagement session into a beautifully blush beginning, Katlyn Marie PhotoArt captured it all to share. And lucky for you, we just so happen have got every bit of it waiting for you to fall madly in love with via The Vault!

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From Katlyn Marie PhotoArt…Colin and Austen have such a sweet and playful love, which shows up in every single frame of this romantic engagement session. And all of the blush details with a stunning Oregon sunset in the background make it that much more romantic! From Austen’s beautiful blush gown, to the stunning floral arrangement, to the sweet little garden roses adorning her hair, this engagement session was absolutely perfect!

From The Bride-to-be…Colin (a Boston native) and I (raised in ­PDX) met when we were both ski bums in As­pen, CO right after college. We were work­ing at the same resort at the base of Asp­en Mountain. Colin kept visiting me at my­ hostess stand, and finally worked up the­ courage to ask me out. Our first date wa­s a hike in 2012 to a 360 degree view poi­nt of the surrounding mountains. The hike­ turned into a full day adventure of gett­ing to know each other, and wanting to kn­ow more.

We spent the next year in Aspen together,­ then both left to figure out “the real w­orld.” I went to SF for a year while he w­as home in New England. After experiencin­g the stress and anxiety of a long distan­ce relationship, I moved to him, and a ye­ar later we moved to Portland to be near ­my family and put down roots. For our ann­iversary this past year, I booked 2 night­s at a B&B in Hood River to celebrate 3 y­ears together. We spent the day visiting ­vineyards, cider houses, and orchards. Wh­ile we were picking apples in the rain at­ Draper Girls Orchard, Colin directed me ­towards “a good bunch of apples” (that ne­ver existed) and I ended up finding a rin­g box on a branch! I turned around to fin­d him down on one knee with the only 4 wo­rds he could find. In my state of complet­e shock, I said yes!

We plan to return to Hood River to celebr­ate our wedding with our friends and fami­ly from all over the country. It will be ­at Gorge Crest Vineyards on the WA side o­f the Gorge in July 2017. We are excited ­for a casual backyard feel with live musi­c, craft beer, local wine, and lawn games­. Oh, and a superb view of Mt. Hood.

Photography: Katlyn Marie Photoart | Floral Design: Swoon Floral Design | Dress: ASOS | Invitations: Kelsey Malie Calligraphy | Hair + Makeup: Portland Makeup And Hair | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Location: Willamette State Mission Park

Oh how I wish I’d been one of these bridesmaids; from their boho chic hairstyles to the pretty in purple dresses that I would have then worn all summer long, they scored well with this role. But these lucky ladies were just one fabulous piece in a whole collection of wedding wonders, with Alexandra Grace capturing every single one. See it all in our VAULT and start pinning all these pics as inspiration for all your newly engaged girlfriends; this is how to make your maids happy.

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From Alexandra Grace Photography… Veronica and Eric celebrated their wedding with friends and family at Zenith Vineyard in Salem, Oregon after Eric served on deployment for a year. The strength and resilience of their relationship was evident amidst their ceremony, tears, jokes, and laughter – complete with personalized vows and a reading from The Velveteen Rabbit.

Their entire day was filled with unique details envisioned by Veronica, such as the bridesmaids’ tops and skirts made by one of the bridesmaids. Their hairstyles and florals were delicately bohemian, and Veronica shocked her bridesmaids when they saw her amazing dress for the first time that morning, looking stunning with a sparkly neckpiece by Miss Haley Paige. The delicate textures and pastel colors of the wedding party looked romantic against the green and blue hues of the Oregon wine country surrounding the vineyard. The flower girl looked graceful in her dress and mini flower crown, and the ring bearer was dapper in his tiny suspenders. The florals included lush green garlands and classic white and green arrangements.

Peruse more vineyard weddings here!

Photography: Alexandra Grace Photography | Cinematography: Jeff Kastner | Coordination: J29 Events | Floral Design: Distinctive Designs by Denice | Bridesmaids' Shoes: DM Custom Shoes | Bridesmaids' Dresses: DM Custom Bridal | Hair + Makeup: Jein King | Calligraphy: Studio Arrastia | DJ: Amanda Masson | Band: Switchgrass | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Venue: Zenith Vineyards | Bridal Boutique: Anna's Bridal | Graphic Design: Kevin McOmie | Maid of Honor Dress: Adrianna Papell | Mother of Bride Dress: Adrianna Papell | Neckpiece: Hayley Paige | Photography - Assistance: Lily Sparrow Photography | Rentals: Danner & Soli | Veil: Rent The Runway

When the wedding takes place at the Bride’s childhood home, you can expect it be full of personal touches. But this Oregon couple went above and beyond making sure their big day was a reflection of them with touches like the ceremony arch built by the Groom’s father and the beer brewed by the Bride’s brother. See all the beautiful details captured by Amanda K Photo Art in THE VAULT!

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From The Bride…Annie and Mike Ekstrom were married July 11, 2015 at Annie’s childhood home in Salem, Oregon. Both the bride and groom are native Oregonians and both families have deep roots in the area; Mike grew up on a 4th generation tree farm and Annie’s family came out to the Northwest on the Oregon Trail. Avid travelers and adventurers, Annie and Mike hoped to bring both their love of travel and their deep Oregon roots into their wedding.

Annie and Mike met in 2011 and their first date was rock climbing – followed soon after by dates skiing, hiking and eventually traveling by car through Iceland in the winter. Their love of adventure, sports and travel solidified an inseparable friendship quickly grew into a deep love for each other. They dated for 3.5 years before they were married, spending much of that time apart as Mike was a professional baseball player in the MLB and MiLB and Annie worked for Nike back in Portland.

The wedding was held at the Bride’s childhood home outside of Salem, Oregon at 4:30 PM on Saturday, July 11th 2015. The home is a dutch-colonial house on 16 acres with a large greenhouse, vineyard, barn and views of the entire Willamette Valley.

The Bride’s family has lived in that home for her whole life and the house is very special to everyone in the family and friends that know them well. The wedding had 200 guests and all events took place on the Bride’s family property. The Bride planned the whole wedding and made many of the details.

Annie prepped for the wedding in her childhood bedroom with 5 of her closest friends by her side – three of whom grew up in the area and spent many a day playing barbies or lamenting over boys in that very room.

Annie’s dress was made by local Portland designer Claire La Faye. Annie has a business creating custom bridal veils and so purchased extra lace from her dress bodice to create her veil with gold rose applique and a gold scalloped lace trim.

Mike got ready in the basement of the house in Annie’s brother’s bedroom with his 5 groomsmen.

Mike and Annie had their first look in front of what the family has always called “Annie’s Oak Tree,” a big old oak that sits right below the Annie’s childhood bedroom window surrounded by rhododendron from the Annie’s grandmother’s garden.

Annie and Mike spent much of their year-long engagement apart because Mike was playing baseball in Australia and Italy. To make their time apart easier, Annie kept a journal and every day she wrote down something he did that made her love him – most days it was the simplest thing. She presented Mike with the book during their first look.

The ceremony was held on the back lawn behind the Hay home overlooking the Willamette Valley and the foothills outside of Eugene, Oregon.

Mike’s father built them an arch out of Oregon birch from the family tree farm and they stood on a rug they picked up on their travels to symbolize their union and the union of all the things they love.

The bride’s entrance was one she had envisioned since she was a little girl, she had always told her dad he’s better practice walking on those steep stairs because one day he’d have to walk her down them in heels and a long dress. Annie walked down the aisle to Recuerdos De La Alhambra – a classical guitar piece her grandmother walked down the aisle to and one Annie learned to play on her guitar for her grandparents anniversary one year.

The Groom’s life-long friend officiated their wedding (his wife was also their day-of coordinator) The couple also asked a few close friends and family members to come up and share their thoughts on love, marriage, and the path ahead of them.

The bride and groom each exchanged their own handwritten vows, the bride’s began with a little memory from growing up: “When I was a little girl, I often sat up there in that window right above us now and wondered about the man I would stand here with today….”

Annie and Mike got engaged in Italy while Mike was there playing baseball. It was early summer and the start of Aperol Spritz season, so the couple had Aperol Spritzes as their signature cocktail.

Instead of a Groom’s cake, there were two slurpee machines during happy hour to celebrate 7-11-15 and the groom’s childhood tradition of getting a slurpee with his dad on that day every year.

Wood Round Pathway – The Bride and her mom created the wood round pathway using tree branches they cleared from the dinner area during a big storm a few months before the wedding.

Guests were served a full-course, family-style dinner.. The dinner was served on what used to be the family tennis court. Seating was at square, 10-person tables all made by the groom from wood palettes used on his family’s tree farm.

Annie made coasters with maps of Oregon on them for guests’ drinks because the palette tables had gaps between the wood. These coasters also served as the guest favors and table numbers – each coaster had a guest name and the table they were assigned to. It was a way to nod to travel but also send everyone home with a piece of Oregon. Annie even matched the map to a special place she had been to with each guest if she could!!

Annie’s mom and brothers sprinkled wildflowers all around the dinner area in the spring before the wedding – they bloomed just in time and were at their peak the day of the wedding!

The Bride made all of the table linens, napkin rings and napkins herself. She owns a bridal boutique that makes custom linens and veils.

Beer was provided by the Bride’s brother, a brewer, who made 5 different types of beer from local Oregon hops served out of a custom-made Ekstrom Wedding kegerator.

The Bride’s family has close ties to India – The Bride lived there for awhile and her mom was born there, so they provided guests with pashmina’s her mom brought back from India to stay warm during dinner and to add even more color to the day.

The Groom’s mom creates signs that she sells out of her own shop. She created all the signs for the wedding; including the ‘Getting Hitched’ sign that Annie’s dad hung on his tractor and flipped over to say ‘Just Hitched’ after the ceremony.

Annie’s dad had her grandpa’s 1969 VW Bug, Heb, restored to use as the ‘Love Bug’ getaway car

The couple honeymooned in Norway and Iceland where they hiked, biked and went cold-water diving.

Photography: Amanda K Photography | Coordination: Amanda Masson | Floral Design: Solabee Flowers & Botanicals - Alea | Wedding Dress: Claire La Faye | Cake: Country Cake Shop | Bride's Shoes: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Nordstrom | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Catering: Simpatica | Makeup: Shannon Bolt | Groom's Attire: Nordstrom | Groomsmen Attire: Nordstrom | Venue: At Home | Bridal Boutique: The English Dept. | Earrings: BHLDN | Event Planning And Event Rentals: Susan Rusconi | Veil: Annie Ekstrom Bridal

My go-to for a quick pick-me-up? Treating myself to a big bunch of blooms—particularly during the winter when I’m feeling a bit drab. But today pretties, drab is OUT because we’re cozying up with Ponderosa & Thyme and Alexandra Grace Photography for winter inspo at it’s finest. You can almost smell the bloom goodness jumping off the page. Get the recipe for this luscious ivory bouquet below!

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From Alexandra Grace Photography…This inspiration shoot was created to capitalize on the neutral colors and cozy feeling of winter. Our bride was styled with a cute short dress, a big sweater, tall socks & boots, and wavy hair for a warm & romantic mood. Ponderosa & Thyme created a lovely neutral bouquet with pale grey ribbon for a classy and lush look, and Deepwood Estate in Salem, Oregon provided gorgeous indoor and outdoor spaces. The greens and browns of winter combined with our light and romantic bridal styling created a very clean, classic inspiration images for winter brides who want a little something different. Find the recipe below—super simple ingredients & it smells SO good!

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BOUQUET RECIPE:

Ivory Garden roses
White Hellebore
White Ginestra
Pussy Willow Branches
White narcissus
Grey ribbon streamers

Photography: Alexandra Grace Photography | Floral Design: Ponderosa & Thyme | Historic Estate: Historic Deepwood Estate

Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday and it has been, even long before I was engaged or dating. I adore the idea of spreading love, romantic and platonic, to everyone. This shoot, styled by Ponderosa & Thyme, inspired by the love between sisters, comes at the perfect time, and as we dive into the sweet weekend ahead, these gorgeous photos by The Soft Season are putting me in the loveliest of moods.

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FromThe Soft Season… With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, my sweet friends and I decided to put together a vintage inspired bridal shoot. We drew our inspiration from an image of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. We used that inspiration to create a story of two sisters helping their oldest sister prepare for her wedding day.

From Katie Davis, Owner of Ponderosa & Thyme… I love the idea of mixing traditional flowers with my own style so I decided to try to re-think the classic red rose by mixing them with blue hyacinth, navy anemones, pink garden roses and silvery blue greenery. This created a simple, nostalgic, and gorgeously scented bridal bouquet to be adored by a vintage loving bride.

From Rodellee Bas, Owner of Adored Vintage… The wardrobe from Adored Vintage was inspired by the age old English rhyme for brides: “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, a Sixpence in Her Shoe.”

In keeping with the theme and sentiment of this charming wedding poem, we’ve opted for delicate petticoats, lace and crochet detailed antique tops, and wispy soft peignoirs. A touch of French blue ribbon accents an antique camisole from the 1920s and a bridesmaid wears an embroidered tiered 1950s dress of pale lake blue, perhaps borrowed from an aunt.

We hope to inspire the modern bride to consider a vintage or antique piece for her wedding trousseau, perhaps a silken cape from the 1930s or a demure slip with lace panels and accordion pleats. This garment could become her heirloom piece, a treasure to pass down to her daughter, her “something old” and perhaps “something blue.”

From Katie Stewart, Owner of Peregrine Press… The author for the hand-written letter is Pablo Neruda, one of my most cherished poets. I helped style some still life scenes with collected vintage pieces of clothing, florals, and random old things that I collect too much of. I was especially happy with the old photo album we were able to use!

Photography: The Soft Season | Venue: Private Residence | Calligraphy and Styling: Peregrine Press | Floral Design and Styling: Ponderosa & Thyme | Model: Sam Rosen | Vintage Wardrobe: Adored Vintage | Wedding Veil: Love Sparkle Pretty

I seriously started salivating making this post. There are a lot of cakes, and yes, all cakes look delicious. But this is sugar-confected art here, folks. The people at Country Cake Shop in Salem, Oregon are masters of all trades too. Not only did they bake the cakes you see here, but they produced this whole shoot as well. So keep scrolling or head on over to the gallery for more fine-looking, fondant-focused inspiration.

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Photography: Country Cake Shop | Cake: Country Cake Shop

When you peel back the layers of each and every gorgeous wedding we feature here on SMP, one common denominator streams through every beautiful moment.  Love.  That true, unabashed, soul-consuming love that fills your hearts with sooo much happy and sooo much joy.  It’s a love that is literally bursting from this adorable duo, two people who will bring a smile to your face like never before.  Press play to take in all of the magic from Evan Roth & David Iliyn… it’s awesome.

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From Evan Roth & David Iliyn… The excitement made the air electric. Their vows were heartfelt and true. Words cannot describe the rush of emotion that took place on this day, watch the film to share in their experience of being wed.

Black Walnut Films: Evan Roth & David Iliyn | Location: Private Residence

There is nothing quite like an al fresco wedding at a vineyard. They are in a league of their own, and I haven’t met one yet that I haven’t loved. Oh to be able to rely on the predictably perfect West Coast weather. This particular wedding, though, is beyond words. The perfection that is ever-present, elevated by their love, and all captured by Turn Loose The Art.

From the photographer… When Maurice was a teenager, he dreaded the days his father made him mow the lawns surrounding the budding vineyards near their home. Little did he know he’d come back to Oregon many years later to marry his bride on the same property. Cubanisimo Vineyards is in his blood, and he and his now wife Casey agreed it was the ideal place to get married!

They hired a good team of vendors, most on referral from the coordinator helping them plan their Oregon wedding from afar while they worked in NYC. Nadia of Creations by Ly led the way to a perfect summer wedding in Oregon wine country’s Willamette Valley. Colors of orange and blue made for a springboard of late summer inspiration. Casey also hired a stylist to add quite a few custom accents and details, something that really added to the rustic vineyard atmosphere. All these things together made a for a perfect wedding at a vineyard without relying on the often used wine cork theme!

Photography: Turn Loose The Art | Coordinator: Creations by Ly | Floral Design: Ponderosa & Thyme | Cake: Myriad Cake Design | Catering: Wild Pear Catering | Makeup: Kymm Ernst | Hair: Mada Beauty/Mark Putnam | Band: Swingline Cubs | Cinema: Atelier Pictures | Dessert Bar Pies: Pie Spot | Stylist: Nicole Chapman Wilson (nicoleachapman@gmail.com) | Vineyard: Cubanisimo Vineyards

Wow. Get ready to be in utter awe over this be-YOND gorgeous soiree captured by Ryan Flynn Photography – where woodsy undertones dance with romantic details and shades of pink under the beautiful surroundings of the great Northwest. It sounds and looks like something out of a story book, and it all makes for what appears to be the most perfect day for this gorgeous and incredibly in love pair. So be ready to fall head over heels for every moment of this love-laden fête, and don’t forget – there is even more in the full gallery of images!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… Most girls dream about what their wedding will be like. Who they will marry, what kind of dress they will wear. Well, all of those dreams and prayers truly came true on my wedding day. I think what made this one of the best days of my life was I got to marry my best friend and have all of my dear friends and family from all over the country part of it.

From the day I got engaged, my mom and I bought a wedding planning book and started the adventure. My first priority was to find the right venue. The venue we chose has special meaning as both of my brothers attend seminary there and my dad is on the board of trustees. Not only is it one of the most beautiful places in the northwest, it is place that proclaims the glory of God (one of the most important things for us). One of the most memorable moments of the wedding came during the ceremony when both of our parents gathered around us and prayed with us before we entered into the biggest covenant of our lives: the covenant of marriage.

A lot of my inspiration came from wedding blogs, including SMP. With the help of many friends and family, we created the menu board, seating chart, coffee favors and most of the centerpieces. A special thanks to our rental company who helped make my ideas a reality.

Photography: Ryan Flynn Photography / Cinematography: Couple’s Friend / Flowers: Metropolitan Market / Event Design, Rentals + Food: Inspire Events, An Affiliate of Blue Ribbon Cooking / Event Planning: Annette Daniels, Family Friend / Venue: Corban Seminary at The Weyerhaueser Estate in Tacoma, Washington / Invitations: Jayme Jenkins, Maid of Honor / Wedding Dress: Enzoani “Finnia” / Shoes: Enzo Angiolini / Menu Board, Seating Chart, Coffee Favors + Centerpieces: DIY / Desserts: Cake Sisters

Up next is this pretty purple and blue fete with some of the most amazing floral displays by Petalos Floral Design. The bride was inspired by all things vintage chic and infused her day with super cute DIY ideas like the banners and shutters bursting with blooms. (Can you tell that I can’t get enough of those fantastic florals?) Erich McVey Photography was on hand to capture all the special moments and there’s so much more in the full gallery!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride…Inspiration for our big day came from Style Me Pretty and Etsy. Our overall theme was vintage chic. I loved the idea of incorporating furniture. I searched Goodwill and The Fussy Duck for weeks looking for the perfect pieces. When I found the window shutters, the idea of clothes pinning our parents wedding photos popped into my head. Then I searched other ideas for using window shutters and found a picture of shutters covered in flowers. That’s when I knew I wanted to add flowers to the dresser drawers and birdcages. So I emailed our florist the dimensions and she did an incredible job of, going above and beyond, the visions I had in my head. The tissue poms that we hung from the trees were a DIY project. The idea came from a birthday party. I thought they looked whimsical and found the directions online by Martha Stewart. The confetti cones were another DIY, I just used old hymnal pages and made them into cones and added my favorite ribbon. My favorite DIY project were the banners. I found the inspiration on Etsy and knew I could make them myself. I bought all the supplies at Craft Warehouse. The inspiration for our cake came from the wedding dress. The top tier was covered in fondant rosebuds and the bottom tier was more simple with a pewter colored ribbon. My all time favorite, sentimental detail was the keychain picture of my dad that was wrapped around my bouquet. My mother spray painted a keychain picture frame and strung ribbon through it, the idea came from my dads sister who used this detail in her wedding the month before.

Sean surprised me with a bridesmaid! My roommate from college moved to Germany in June and told me she wouldn’t even be able to make it to the wedding. Meanwhile, Sean was planning to fly her out the entire time, without me knowing. Everyone else in the family knew but me. He had everything planned from having Sandy ordering another bridesmaid dress and shoes. To having an extra pedicure chair at the salon and even adding in another bouquet. He ignored me all day the day before our wedding. Finally, when he showed up at the rehearsal, he brought my surprise with him. Best surprise ever!

Wedding Photography: Erich McVey Photography / Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm via Ania Bridal Boutique / Floral Design: Petalos Floral Design / Venue: Barrett Hill Vineyard / Planner: The Bride / Music: Spencer Crum / Suits: Shyrocks / Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom / Bridesmaid Shoes: Payless / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Stationery: ABC Printers / Wedding Cake: Babycakes Bakehouse / Rings: A Girl’s Best Friend / Catering: Wild Pear / Photobooth: Paparazzi Tonight Photobooth / Hair + Make-up: Powder Inc. (Nicole Wagner, Chrystal, Beth Level)

This west coast wedding is one part vintage, one part whimsical and a whole lotta gorgeousness wrapped into one adorable outdoor fete. Erich McVey Photography captured the day to absolute perfection and I’m still trying to figure out what my favorite details are…but rounding out the top three are definitely the blush colored bridesmaids dresses (can we ever get enough of that gorgeous hue?), the adorable DIY backdrop for the dessert table, and those pretty-pretty invites. Find your favorite detail here in the full gallery!

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From the Bride…Chris and I worked at the same high School. We both had just gotten out of long relationships (he was married, I was engaged). At the time I worked in the attendance office and Chris was (and still is) a teacher. Chris isn’t really someone that stands out in a crowd, he’s pretty quiet and when he does talk it’s very thought out and important so when I started seeing him appear in the office I definitely noticed him, it was kind of out of character for Chris to be in the office so much. He started randomly popping his head into my office to say “good morning Kristy” or “hello.” I was thinking to myself “who is this guy and how does he know my name?” It started to happen more and more frequently but I started to like it and one day while I was at work I emailed a co-worker and expressed my interest in him and told her what he had been doing.  A couple days later Chris and I both were in the main office at the same time, we were talking with a few other ladies and Chris touched my hand, as soon as he left my co-worker turned to me and said, “he is going to ask you out!” I asked why she thought that and she said it was because he touched me. I was thinking you’re crazy! Later that day I went over to another office to cover someone’s lunch. Chris stopped by while I was there and asked for a piece of paper, I said “sure” and went about my way with answering the phone. As soon as I got off the phone he handed the piece of paper back to me. I unfolded the paper while he was standing there watching me. The note said….”Will you go to ice cream or coffee with me sometime? Circle Yes or No.” Just like the notes you pass when you’re in middle school or something. I circled yes (of course!) and handed it back to him with a big grin on my face. And that’s how our love story started. To this day, I carry the note in my wallet with me every day. Little did I know that one day that note would be the start of our happy life together.

The day started off to a very calm relaxing start. I stayed the night along with my three bridesmaids at The Grand Hotel Salem, Oregon. My matron of honor Alisha Burgett was the hair stylist and make–up artist for the day (her salon: Haute Society Salem, Oregon). We spent the morning getting ready, drinking our Starbucks, and appreciating the beautiful blue sky and sunshine that was upon us. At about 1:00pm we headed out to the venue still very calm and relaxed. I was just happy the day was finally here! When we arrived to The Log House Garden, Mindy was getting the tables set up- laying out the crushed gold linens, Rebecca was setting up the beautiful floral centerpieces, and things were in full swing. Before I knew it I was in my wedding dress, the bridesmaids were looking gorgeous in their soft pink chiffon dresses and we were toasting in our room just minutes before it was time for the “first look.”

Chris and I were able to share a very special moment alone in a shaded area that was surrounded by beautiful scenery. For a moment it felt like there was no one else around but just the two of us. Within a blink of an eye (or at least it seemed that way) we were walking back and forth on a gravel road to get the perfect shots with the wedding party and family- in front of  a red barn, metal shed, and a beautiful bright green yard surrounded by dozens and dozens of flowers with an orchard behind us. From there it all seems like a blur. I remember standing at the end of the altar with my father, looking down the aisle covered in beautiful white and pale pink rose petals, and the entire wedding party standing under the large gazebo. Chris had a huge smile on his face and I felt like I was glowing! In front our closest friends and family Chris and I said our “I do’s” in a beautiful garden ceremony, set in Keizer, Oregon on July 9, 2011 at 4 O’clock in the afternoon.

The reception started with guests being escorted to their table with a custom bottle of wine that matched all of the stationery leading up to the wedding. As you walked into the open air reception site you heard either Tom Petty or Country music playing in the background and saw hanging candles, flowing ribbon, gold crushed linens, and beautiful soft blush toned flowers on each table. I wanted the wedding reception to be calm and relaxing, not over done so people could take in the beautiful scenery around them. My wedding was a complete success.

My theme was very whimsical, soft, with elements of vintage. I got a lot of my inspiration from wedding websites (June bug weddings and Style me Pretty) and really went running with my theme when I came across a picture of a bouquet I loved on one of the websites. My one DIY was the back drop for the cake/sweets table. I wallpapered a large piece of wood and my matron of honor helped by spray painting the items we glued to it. We were literally finalizing this piece up until the day before the wedding. At one point I almost bagged the idea but I had already come so far that we weren’t turning back and I’m so happy we didn’t. It was one of my favorite pieces of the wedding. I loved that I was able to create a theme with the save-the-dates to the invitations, and then it carried into the wedding. It was very important to me that people could pick up the theme of the wedding when they received their invitations and everything just flowed so well. The flowers were phenomenal. I ended up spending more than I had wanted but it was worth it in the end. I was pleased with the outcome and they really made the reception site look stunning.

Wedding Photography: Erich McVey Photography / Wedding Dress: Marisa Bridals / Floral Design: Rebecca Butler of Belle Fleur Floral Designs / Venue: The Log House Garden / Wedding Planner: Mindy Woodard of Class Act Event Coordinators, Inc. / DJ: Northwest Mobile DJ Service / Ceremony Music: Brandon Correa (string quartet) + Madison Hall / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Groom’s Shoes: ECCO / Bridesmaid Shoes: Dolce Vita / Bridesmaid Dresses: Donna Morgan / Stationery: Megan Ward of Red Pearl Designs / Wedding Cake: Kalie Cannon of The Cake Shoppe / Necklace: Mother of the Bride / Headband: Friends / Belt: Marisa Bridals

Thank you so very much to Allie and Josh for letting us share in their celebration. I am hoping that Allie will stop by next week with a DIY project inspired from her many wedding crafts. She has such a lovely aesthetic, such a thoughtfully beautiful approach to design and we’d love to have her share some of that with us!

I hope that everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend! Here are a few more pictures from today’s affair to see you into the weekend…

photography by Jessica Hill

From Allie…

More than anything, though, I was overwhelmed by the joy of spending so much time with our family and friends. We are blessed with very close families, and we were able to plan some events for the week of the wedding to spend more time with them. Most of Josh’s family lives in California and we were so thankful that they came up to Oregon to celebrate with us. We are simply unbelievably lucky to have these people in our lives. And they’re ridiculously fun too, as is evident from the photos from the dance floor…

photography by Jessica Hill

Finally, the details!! This bride ROCKED OUT the details for her wedding. Every table was perfect, every centerpiece lovely. She put so much care into designing a wedding that reflected their lives, that was both approachable and forever elegant. I am madly in love with this day.  To say the least!

Oh and I have to say, there are a lot of good things about having a wedding in Oregon. But hands down the best reason ever is Cupcake Mama. See for yourself!

photography by Jessica Hill

From the lovely bride, Allie…

We incorporated a lot of vintage and antique pieces into our wedidng. Josh and I had many adventures in antiquing during the months before the wedding to procure the 70 or so glass bottles and dozen cake stands that we used for the reception. Along the way, I found some unexpected little bits — like a blue creamer and lovely green tin trays — that were begging to be incorporated into the decor.

photography by Jessica Hill

I’m fortunate enough to come from a crafty family, so my mom was a huge help with the multitude of DIY projects I tackled — cake topper birds, escort card board and easel, coat check tags, music CDs with hand-sewn fabric sleeves, welcome bags, designer shoe semi-recreations, flower petal cones, wedding website, etc. I also worked with a number of super-talented artisans (from Etsy and elsewhere) who rocked my clutch, hair flower and jewelry; a letterpress printer who printed our invitations; and the always-amazing Jenna Hein, who did our calligraphy. A few other things were deeply personal gifts from family — like the antique sewing scissors that we used to separate photo booth pictures; my Melissa Sweet wedding gown, a gift from my grandmother; and the card trunk that my grandfather made for me when I was a little girl.

I’m really making you hold out for the details behind today’s gorgeous affair! But, all of the pictures were so lovely that I had a hard time narrowing them down. Here are a few pics of the oh-so-pretty bride, her handsome groom and the gorgeous flowers that she carried!

photography by Jessica Hill

There were sweet, little vintage touches gracing every corner of this wedding…from the antique sewing scissors to a card trunk that the bride’s grandfather made for her when she was a little girl (shown in the last set of pictures). The bride brought her history into the day and it couldn’t have been prettier.

photography by Jessica Hill

The flowers were all crafted by Geranium Lake and had this perfect, fresh from the garden feel while still being elegant and refined. We’ll be back in just a sec with even more prettiness!

There is just something about a DIY inspired wedding. Knowing that the bride, the groom, the friends, the family members all took time to craft a wedding with their own hands is well, lovely. I know that might sound cheesy, but to me, it’s the handmade touches that really make a wedding special. No matter what your budget, no matter how large your vendor list…it’s always nice to have a little bit of handmade charm.

Allie and Josh’s wedding was all about the DIY. And it was beyond perfect…

photography by Jessica Hill

The wedding took place at Zenith Vineyard in Salem, Oregon. The ceremony itself was GORGEOUS, with the fabric draped along the ceiling and twinkle lights tucked inside. The girls all wore Jenny Yoo dresses in various hues. So, so cute.

But, if you can believe it, the reception was even cuter! We have tons of details coming up, plus…Allie is stopping by to share a little behind the scenes sneek peak!

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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I got this wedding just last night…but it was SO pretty, I couldn’t wait to share it with you guys! The bride and her family basically did everything themselves and with a hint of vintage charm, this wedding is all about the lovely. You just might say that I saved the best for last this week!

First up, the insanely gorgeous bride, Allie…

photography by Jessica Hill

Allie’s gown was designed by Melissa Sweet and her adorable hairpiece by Twigs + Honey. Her gorgeous jewelry was by Tigerlilly.

We have a TON of details coming up from this beautiful affair and even though it’s Friday right before a long weekend, I hope you’ll come back for more!