Everything about yesterday’s wedding at The Oregon Garden was heartfelt fun! Almost 200 guests watched as the bride descended the grand staircase and strolled down the grassy green aisle to her beaming groom. Other than a few sprinkles, the rain graciously subsided for the ceremony which included a rose presentation to both sets of moms and grandmothers; and a tree planting unity ritual. Dinner and dancing followed in the Grand Hall which was decked out in shades of blue and a thousand twinkle lights. Lawn games were provided by the groom’s dad who crafted wooden bean toss sets in green and yellow (bride and groom are both U of O grads). Sets were also gifted to the groomsmen in their team colors. The newlyweds are planning a honeymoon to the tropics in the Fall and meanwhile are enjoying being new homeowners in Tualatin. First on the “to do” list: plant their ceremony pine tree. Congratulations, Jessica and Nathan! May the smiles from your wedding day warm your hearts and bless your home for years and years.
Category: Green Weddings
Intimate Wedding by the Sea
Sunny skies and balmy ocean breezes provided the perfect backdrop for Saturday’s Solstice wedding at The Stephanie Inn in Cannon Beach. The bride was barefoot and beaming as were her attendants: daughters Elena and Sophia and best friend, Nadine (who flew in from Chicago for the weekend). Two unexpected guests arrived just before the ceremony began – a pair of seagulls who perched on the rooftop of the Inn and remained until the vows had been exchanged. Champagne and chocolate mousse cake awaited guests in the library following the seashore nuptials. (An extra treat was provided when the groom and best man brought out their guitars for a family sing along.) Next on the agenda: a gourmet dinner in the Stephanie Inn Dining Room featuring wild caught Oregon salmon and Alaskan halibut. The festive day was crowned by a bonfire on the beach complete with guitar music, a blanket of stars and s’mores. A delicious brunch on Sunday allowed for more laughter and hugs before checkout time. The newlyweds will host a reception in Portland and honeymoon in Peru before returning to their home in Phoenix. Congratulations, Dianna and Peter. May the light and joy of your wedding day remain in your hearts always!
Barn Wedding is a Family Affair
Transforming a barn into a wedding wonderland is no small task. But Scott and Valerie pulled it off with flying colors thanks to family members rolling up their creative sleeves. Every inch of space was utilized with no detail unattended. Twinkle light rafters, ceremony riser, hanging flowers, DJ station, photo booth corner and even a golf cart shuttle service. After the ceremony, refreshments were served in the “saloon” while the tables were set up for dining. Heaters and porch seating kept guests dry and cozy while allowing for sweeping views of the Premore family farm in Eagle Creek. Jars of homemade preserves were provided as the “thank you” to attendees who also enjoyed music and dancing into the night. After a honeymoon in the tropics, the newlyweds return to their PDX home to continue growing their business in aquaphonics. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Wright – may the love that swelled our hearts yesterday be with you always. Fun: I was listed in the program as the “Premore Family Officiant” – I married the bride’s twin sister, Kim, last summer; and her brother, Owen, in 2010. No siblings left … maybe a cousin or two?
Always and Forever Tea Wedding Favors
Talk about a match made in heaven. Twin infuser pouches by Tea Forte in a customizable gift box for your guests. Always is a green tea blend with citrus tones and Forever combines white tea with ginger and pear. Both packaged side-by-side in an elegant ribbon box. You customize the label online. Even better? The wedding favors are ON SALE! Click here for details. Here’s to sipping happily ever after.
Wedding in the Woods
Surrounded by warm hearts and rich woods, Rachael and Zack exchanged vows this morning at the World Forestry Center in Southwest PDX. The intimate ceremony included acoustic guitar, a reading selection from Winnie the Pooh and a glass breaking ritual with a twist. Glass ornaments were enclosed in silk bags and stomped on by both the bride and groom as well as their young children, Rohan and Roxanna. Friends and family applauded throughout the service – so much love and enthusiasm. With a bow to the past, the bride wore a vintage gown and jewelry and sapphire blue satin pumps. Immediately following the ceremony, guests enjoyed refreshments catered by Elephants and were free to explore the wonderful exhibits at the center. Dinner was held in the evening at Andina’s in NW Portland. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Radick, and may the joy of today’s celebration fill your hearts always.
Note to Brides: Consider venues like this if you have little ones in your wedding party or attending with guests. It’s a great way to keep them entertained.
Bridal Show Warms Hearts
Heartfelt thanks to all the lovely brides who modeled at the wedding showcase last Saturday at The Historic Old Church. Wonderful feedback from the folks in the audience who were blown away by the gorgeous gowns and bargain prices. And the surprise renewal of vows that closed the fashion show made the day all the more special. It was an honor to emcee this event and help raise awareness and support for the prevention of human trafficking in Portland. Missed the show? You can still get the formal or bridal dress of your dreams for a dreamy price. Click here for store hours and location: Adorned in Grace.
Japanese Songstress Weds Sweetheart
The temperature was frosty but the fog lifted and the sun shone for today’s intimate wedding along the Willamette. Chie (chee-a), lead singer with Japanese pop band, CICCAROLL, wore a crown of red roses to match her dress (brides wear red at traditional Japanese weddings). Bridegroom, Casey, arranged for family and friends to gather at the Oaks Park dog park for the ceremony which was followed by toasts to the newlyweds at The Lucky Lab Brew Pub. Raised in Japan, Casey, who is in the insurance business, speaks the language fluently. The couple is looking forward to making their permanent home in Japan. Their English Bulldog, Matilda Mae, will be making the journey, too. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Shelton. May happiness be with you and love surround you here and in the land of the rising sun. Yoi ryokō o!
Connecting Brides to a Mission
A Festive Heart is proud to partner with Adorned in Grace and their new Grace Note$ program. Every bride that makes a wedding purchase at the shop receives a Grace Note$ card with exclusive discounts from select wedding vendors. There are 16 categories offering a wide range of services from beauty products to venues. Best of all, Grace Note$ supports the efforts to promote prevention and raise awareness of human trafficking in Portland and beyond. Did you know that human sex trafficking is the largest growing organized crime on the planet? And it’s happening in our neighborhoods. Adorned in Grace provides a simple yet powerful way to help the cause. The store is staffed and managed by volunteers. The lease is provided for by Fred Meyer. All the gowns are donated. (And we’re talking exquisite designs, sizes 2 to 22, starting at $100). All donations are accepted with gratitude and what can’t be sold goes to their Design Studio where at-risk teens are taught valuable repurposing skills. Gowns worn with love … donated with love … supporting a mission of love. Make it your first place to shop and make a difference! Click here for store information.
Call for Brides
Still have your wedding gown? How’d you like to walk down the aisle one more time in a beautiful setting … and then donate your gown to a great cause? I’m looking for brides size 2 to 22 and ages 18 to 80 to participate in a unique bridal fashion show at The Historic Old Church next February. I’ll be emceeing the show on behalf of Adorned in Grace, the nonprofit bridal shop dedicated to eliminating human trafficking. Interested? Contact me via email or call 503-263-5229 for details. Help keep the love flowing … I promise you a fun experience and warm thanks from a great group of caring hearts.
Home Sweet Home Wedding
At the heart of every wedding is the love between the bride and groom. When Danny and Sara exchanged vows on Sunday, that love was reflected in the eyes of everyone who had gathered at the home of the bride’s father. Love … and gratitude that Sara’s dad was making a successful recovery following his heart surgery (necessitating a change in wedding date and location) and was able to be present for the celebration. The intimate setting truly demonstrated the words from their first reading, “Marriage … is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.” Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a luncheon buffet including apple pie cookies-on-a-stick that Sara’s grandmother made for the first time ever just for the occasion. After a honeymoon in the San Juan Islands, the newlyweds return to their home in Oregon City. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. White! May your life together continue to be as sweet and special as your love.
A FESTIVE HEART 