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: Wedding Reception
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?
Music at the Heart of PDX Wedding
Piano, organ and vocals from Liszt, Blake and Saint-Saens provided heavenly music for yesterday’s wedding at The Historic Old Church in downtown Portland. Giant tissue blossoms (made by the bride) decorated the aisle and the altar. After exchanging vows, Jennifer and Tom sang If I Had Words to each other and then invited the audience join in. At the reception, guests were treated to a delicious farm fresh menu prepared by the groom. The choices ranged from chicken tea sandwiches and mini-baked potatoes w/crème fraiche to maple syrup bacon crackers w/candied walnuts. Also served were yummy gluten-free cheese puffs baked by the bride’s mom. The couple met in the PSU Music Department and have been together for 12 years. They reside in Beaverton where Jennifer teaches music and Tom is exploring a catering business. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Colett. May the sweet music of your wedding day echo in your hearts forever.
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.
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.
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.
Weddings on the Water Showcase
Come experience a wedding on the water. Actually, make that FOUR weddings. During the floating bridal showcase being held on November 9th you can tour the Portland Spirit, the Willamette Star, the Sternwheeler and the Crystal Dolphin to see all the possibilities. Each boat will feature a different themed wedding reception complete with bride and groom, flowers, caterers, decor and more. I’ll be aboard the Portland Spirit representing Adorned in Grace, the nonprofit bridal shop that is dressing all four brides for the event. Hope to see you there! Click here for details and registration.
Peach of a Pair Wed on Sunday
Peach was the color of choice for Santina and Nate as they exchanged vows last Sunday in Camas, WA. From the bridesmaids dresses to the abundance of roses … everything was peachy perfection. A unity sand ritual was included in the ceremony and guests kept cool with the thoughtful hand fans which included the wording “My heart is yours forever.” A lavish appetizer buffet reception showcased more peach with the peach themed candy bar and the lovely wedding cake. Turquoise was the accent color and displayed in the ladies jewelry and the bride’s shoes. After a honeymoon in Florence, Italy; the couple return to their careers in physical therapy. Congratulations, Mrs. & Mrs. Pileggi! May your journey through life together be filled with much joy and laughter.
Council Crest Wedding
Five majestic mountains provided the backdrop as Jeff and Jaimee exchanged vows yesterday afternoon. Sunny skies afforded distant views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainer, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Jefferson. The wedding was held at historic Council Crest Park, said to be the highest elevation point in Portland. Jaimee’s 6-yr old daughter, Isabella, was all smiles as she escorted her Mom down the rose petal aisle. Jeff’s buddies wore their Timber fan scarves and both the bride and groom referenced their devotion to the team in their vows. A picnic in the park followed the ceremony. After a honeymoon in California, the couple will return to their Tigard home. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Johnson! May you continue to view each other as “infinimates” and create a lasting marriage of joy.
Wedding Thunder on Mt. Hood
Storm clouds gathered and thunder rolled during yesterday’s ceremony on the grounds of the Mt. Hood Bed & Breakfast in Parkdale. Talk about electric energy. It was a race against the rain which held off until just moments after pronouncing Eric and Arianna husband and wife. Guests who had traveled from PA, CA, NJ, SD and even Australia, retreated to the banquet barn for a joyful celebration featuring live music and Lebanese cuisine. After a honeymoon on the Amalfi coast, the newlyweds return to their home in Southeast PDX and their careers in nursing and mental health. And they’ll plant the hemlock tree used for their unity ritual during the ceremony. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. DiIlio. May your hearts forever hold the love you so beautifully reflected on your wedding day.
A FESTIVE HEART 