I don’t know about you, but when I hear “Portland wedding” I think of the words “urban” and “chic”. That is exactly what my bride had in mind for her wedding last June when she chose the Exchange Ballroom in Portland, Oregon. Brittany also wanted a romantic vibe to go along with the “city chic” theme she had picked. With the gorgeous color palette of blush, gold, white and grey, and some of the most gorgeous floral arrangements I have ever seen, she got just that! The Heady wedding was such a special, emotional, beautifully romantic and chic day complete with an incredible view of the city!
| the couple |
Brittany and Matthew met all the way back in 2008 while he was playing college football in Southern California. They happened to both be at his apartment together one evening thanks to some mutual friends and ended up getting along. They immediately clicked as friends and eventually started began dating. Going to new restaurants, breweries and wineries in the PNW are some of their favorite things to do over the last decade together. On July 30th they got engaged at Council Crest Park and set their wedding date for the weekend of their ninth anniversary. I love to see such a special couple with years of history and love shared between them come together with their loved ones for their big day.
| the big day |
Speaking of their family, it was so incredible to see so many of them travel all the way from California to experience this day with them! Most of her family came all rented an AirBnB together. Which is also where the bride got ready that morning! It was a busy house full of smiles, excitement, laughs, lots of kiddos and a beautiful bridal party. One of my favorite moments that morning was the “bridesman” who wanted to fit in but didn’t have a matching robe so we threw a robe sash around his neck and it made for some really fun photos!
The photos I was able to capture of the bridal party and family were just breathtaking with the Portland skyline in the background. The gentle pop of color of the bridesmaid’s blush pink dresses against the urban setting was such a wonderful contrast. There were so many beautiful faces with genuine smiles lighting up that outdoor area. They were a joy to work with. However, I think their many adorable nephews and nieces, the sweet little flower girls in flower crowns, were the ones that stole the show. Just look how adorable they all are!
| the ceremony |
The wedding itself was simply stunning! Waiting inside the Exchange Ballroom were the people that Brittany and Matthew hold most dear. Every detail was so well thought out. From the cafe lights and fabric that draped from the ceiling that created a soft, cozy feel, to the greenery and flowers that lined the aisle. I think the detail that stood out the most and was one that the bride was most excited about seeing come to life, was the floral arch where they stood to be married. It was honestly one of the most gorgeous floral arches I have ever seen! Actually, all of the flowers were a definite highlight of the wedding decor itself.
| the ballroom reception |
The reception was filled with even more beyond gorgeous floral arrangements on each table. Along with simple yet classic table settings finished with gold chargers and a sprig of greenery tied to the menu. Every detail of this wedding was just so wonderfully and thoughtfully put together. It was very clear that the bride with her coordinator put a lot of time into planning and executing it all.
I was so thankful to be able to get Brittany and Matthew outside onto the terrace to get some gorgeous shots of the two of them with the sunset. They looked so amazing against the classic Portland skyline with the iconic Portland, Oregon sign. They are just such a gorgeous couple!
More fun, champagne toasts, and dancing was had inside the ballroom the rest of the evening. Each toast had such heartfelt emotion and, as you can see by the photos, the guests felt it as well. This couple with their two families had been in each other’s lives for nearly a decade. They were already basically in each other’s families. So I think making it official made it all the more special and that much more emotional.
Some delicious cake and a super fun dance party capped off one incredible day! I felt so lucky to be able to share this incredible day with such an amazing couple and their loved ones! It was so great to be able to work alongside such talented vendors as well! You’ll be able to see a lot more of them and the Exchange Ballroom in the Oregon Bride magazine! This wedding will be featured this Spring! So keep an eye out! www.orbridemag.com
Thank you, Brittany and Matthew, for letting me play such a special role in your big day!
xo,
Amanda
Venue: www.exchangeballroom.com
Second Shooter: Maggie Murray Creative www.maggiemurraycreative.com
Dress: www.sincerelythebride.com
Suit: www.jcrew.com
Coordinator: www.bonsoiree.com
Videographer: www.nwfilmco.com
Hair: Jessica Benson (503) 709-8270
Make-up: www.eyeshinebeauty.com
Flowers: www.blumfloraldesign.com
Catering: www.vibranttable.com
Cake: www.papahaydn.com
Invitations: www.beautifulweddingannouncements.com
DJ / Band: www.djclintkuper.com
