Real Wedding: Kathryn & Mark

I'm so excited to share this real wedding today, especially since I've been m.i.a. for a little while now. Last summer I participated in a mentor program with Dream a Little Dream Events where I got to attend the wedding and reception of a great couple, Kathryn and Mark. This month that wedding is featured in The Knot Northern California.

Kathryn and Mark wanted a simple and intimate wedding, in a woodsy and natural surrounding. The wedding and reception were held at The Tavern at Lark Creek in Larkspur, with the ceremony taking place outside among the redwoods by the creek, while the reception was held in the tavern's main dining room under a giant rooftop skylight. The couple share a mutual love for travel that was present throughout the day, from luggage tags in an antique suitcase for the reception place cards, to international airport codes as table names.

The next images weren't in the magazine, but they're beautiful so I thought I'd share!

The moss aisle was lined with bouquets of wildflowers and thistle.

The couple used eco-friendly centerpieces of hollowed logs filled with mums, herbs and various vegetables. The earthy tones were offset by the restaurant's brilliant blue glasses.

Isn't this such a beautiful setting?

Photos by Adi Nevo.

Wedding Spotlight: Portland

I'm a big fan of the Green Wedding Shoes blog, and I really like the wedding spotlight they do each month. I just got back home to California (!!!) yesterday, and as a last homage to the last four years in Oregon I thought I'd share this month's GWS wedding spotlight: Portland.

The Sarah Seven store showcases the designer's entire collection, but If you're looking for a little more variety, you may be interested in The English Department. The English Department carries a select few designers, including the owner Elizabeth Dye's collection, and Twigs & Honey, where you can find elegant hairpieces. For the groom, check out Duchess Clothier.

GWS recommends the creative team at Punch Floral Design for amazing arrangements.

Portland has some amazing photographers to choose from, including Blue Window Creative, Brandon Witzel and Kelty of Steep Street. Steep Street also provides invitation design.

Hotel Deluxe is a glam downtown hotel close to the Pearl District and Nob Hill. This gorgeous venue is a contemporary tribute to the Golden Era of Hollywood, with a rooftop location and amazing city views. If you are looking for a more rustic and outdoorsy venue, Camp Lane Park, located just outside of Portland, is a unique and pretty option.

Portland has an endless supply of catering possibilities, as it is home to some of the culinary greats. GWS recommends Vibrant Table, or mixing it up with of of the Portland Food Carts, like Koi Fusion, to cater your wedding.

I hope this is a good start for anyone planning a wedding in Portland. If you have any other great PDX venues or vendors, send them my way! Happy planning!

Manic Monday

Today is graduation today! SCARY! Everything has been crazy with packing and my ceremony site getting changed last minute. In true Oregon fashion we go from having a gorgeous couple of days to torrential downpour. There is one good thing about graduating though: I finally learned how to create a formal invitation. I'm not going to lie it took me a few tries to get it right, but all of my invitations were sent!

Formal wedding invitations are also pretty specific, but I found a great drawing that explains it simply.

For everyone graduating today, congratulations! For everyone else, happy Monday!

Real Wedding: Sade & Brent

I've got a cute one for you today!

Sade and Brent are both in the military and have been deployed multiple times throughout their relationship. To celebrate their service to their country and each other, Sade wrapped Brent's dog tags around her bouquet and Brent wore her's under his shirt. The couple also incorporated their favorite colors, yellow and blue, throughout the ceremony. Yellow is particularly special because it represents those who are serving our country abroad, and it represents the hope that they come back safe. This might be one of the cutest wedding stories I've ever heard, so I hope you enjoy this relaxed, romantic day!

Sade's Monique Lhuillier lace gown is stunning!

I love the yellow door!

The couple wanted to honor their diverse cultures, Sade is Nigerian/ West Indian and Brent is Mexican, so they incorporated Mexican and West Indian appetizers like empanadas and jerk chicken into the cocktail hour.

Photos by Punam Bean.

What I Love Wednesday!

This week has been crazy busy what with trying to wrap up my classes, starting to pack and getting ready to graduate. So I'm going to link up with Olivia and turn today's "what I love" into a "wish I was here."

I'm ready to put my feet up and relax at any of these beautiful places!

I hope everyone is having a good week!

Just for Fun!

I'm absolutely in love with this picture.

They've been married 64 years and they look as happy now as they did back then.

Alternative Bouquets

While most brides opt for the traditional floral bouquet, there has been a rising trend of using alternative materials to make gorgeous arrangements. This option is also great for anyone who has allergies or needs to save costs!

This bouquet made of vintage broaches is both colorful and sweet.

The elaborate beading and jewel tones create an elegant bouquet.

The bride created this giant paper flower as an alternative to the real thing.

These felt blossoms are fun and easy to make.

Parasols are another alternative for a non-floral option.

This bride used vintage butterfly clips to create this whimsy arrangement.

Don't forget about the guys! Here are some crepe and origami paper blossoms for the boutonnieres.