Classic & Contemporary Wedding in the Pacific Northwest
It was a beautiful morning in the Columbia Gorge, and we were in the middle of a double-header wedding weekend in Hood River. It was September, which for us, is one of the busiest months of the year.
While eating breakfast the morning before our Sunday event, we decided to check the weather again for the upcoming weekend. We were scheduled to be back in the Gorge on Saturday for Ali and Wyatt’s big day at a local private residence. Much to our surprise, the weather report had taken a drastic turn – what was supposed to be a lovely 75 and sunny afternoon in Oregon, was now forecasted to be stormy with sideways rain. We immediately reached out to our couple, Ali and Wyatt, whose wedding was just 6 days away.
Ali and Wyatt had booked us for Day of Coordination, so once we were aware of the situation, we asked if they wanted us to step in and come up with a solution. With only six days until their wedding and no rain plan on the books, they gave us the green light and we got cracking.
Their wedding was held at a bed and breakfast turned private residence, Husum Highlands. This venue had hosted a handful of other events on the property before, but none with this many guests and this much rain. This property featured a charming 1890s Victorian home, with vast, sweeping views of Mt. Hood and the White Salmon River. While the weather was shaping up to be less than ideal, it was important to maintain the sentiment behind having an outdoor wedding in September in the Columbia Gorge. We didn’t want to take away from the property, so we worked to establish a rain plan that allowed the PNW to shine.
We hustled day and night to source a 70-foot tent that would span the length of the reception space, as well as a smaller tent to cover the cocktail area and dance floor. PDX Jumpers, a Portland-based rental company, made themselves available in the midst of a crazy busy season, and saved the day. Layout designs became fluid conversations, and we had plans A-F sitting in the wings. We had Ali and Wyatt on speed dial all week, and became very well acquainted with the owner of the venue. One thing to know about our team - it truly doesn’t matter to us what package you book. If you need us in a pinch, we’ll get it done.
Guests stayed at The Society Hotel in Bingen, WA, which is quickly becoming one of our most beloved hotels for a wedding weekend in the Gorge. The contemporary architecture and mid-century modern wood paneling provided the perfect setting for Ali and Wyatt’s bridal party photos and detail shots.
The design of this wedding was a beautiful blend of classic and contemporary. Ali’s long-sleeve lace gown next to her wavy, flowing auburn hair was sensational. Wyatt and his groomsmen donned crisp, midnight blue suits from The Black Tux, paired with sharp, black bow ties. The ladies wore cinnamon satin slip dresses from BLHDN. Notes of terracotta and dusty rose, paired with flat gold, ivory and stone, created the perfect color palette for this September soirée.
On the day of the wedding, there were pockets of sunshine and rain, which presented us with a handful of weather challenges as we set up. This vendor team was spectacular. We worked together harmoniously and seamlessly – roles and titles felt fluid, and everyone pitched in to bring it all to life. A special shout out to Chas with Wildflower Portland and Carlos of Carlos Hernandez Photography. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts – it truly does take a village.
The tablescape was simple and elegant. Crisp Havana Ivory linens, matte white plates, vintage brass taper candle holders and rich terracotta dripless candles all came together beautifully in this classic, modern design.
Tables were set, candles were lit, and guests were about to arrive. About 45 minutes before the ceremony began, the rain came. Hard. Out came the umbrellas, the towels, the raincoats. Guests came prepared, and we moved along without a hitch. As guests filtered in, we had them follow us down each row of seats, drying off each chair as they sat down.
A few minutes after the ceremony began, it was like someone was looking down on us. The skies cleared and the rain stopped, just long enough for Ali and Wyatt to say their “I dos.”
After the ceremony, everyone was ready to celebrate. Willaby’s Catering served up delicious apps during cocktail hour and family-style pizza for dinner, and DJ Zimmie of Modern Event Solutions kept the party going all night.
This was one of those weddings that could have gone so many different ways. The attitude and demeanor of not only the bride and groom but also the entire vendor team was critical. There wasn’t a single frown or negative attitude to be had. It was an all hands on deck endeavor, where no effort went unnoticed or unappreciated.
Ali and Wyatt, you both have the loveliest disposition. We truly enjoyed planning your wedding alongside you – in all honesty, you both were just a whole lotta fun. Thank you for letting us be a small part of your big day, and Wyatt, we’ll be calling you sometime this summer to teach us how to Dougie.
Vendor Team
Venue: Husum Highlands
Photographer: Carlos Hernandez Photography
Florist: Wildflower Portland
Catering: Willaby’s Catering
Mensware: The Black Tux
Dress Designer: Anais Anette
Rentals: The Party Place + Great Jones NW
Transportation: EcoShuttle
Entertainment: Modern Event Solutions