Woodland Whispers and Lakeside Vows: Mary & Kyle’s Dreamy Adirondack Wedding
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE WEDDING: THIS REAL BRIDE SHARES HER STORY
Dreaming of a Columbia River Gorge Wedding? You’re in the Right Spot.
This breathtaking celebration took place at Bridal Veil Lakes, a hidden gem that offers panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge. Below, the bride shares her story—complete with heartfelt moments, joyful chaos, and a few surprises. Stick around ‘til the end for our top tips on planning your own unforgettable wedding overlooking the Columbia River Gorge….
Karen & Joel’s wedding was a platform to share what they loved, including their cat, color, polka dots, and their history through pictures.
“Our cat, George, was present in spirit; he was on the invitations, the program, his face on a custom pocket square for Joel, and in our vows. We’d been to some stuffy weddings, so we decided to bring some laughter and fun by writing our vows which included being a good parent to George and making coffee for each other in the morning, we had a sing-along during the ceremony to “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles, my mom’s favorite band.”
“Before the wedding I bought loads of giant balloons, 2 of them were giant white hearts and I loved them! For months, I envisioned them being on either side of us during the ceremony so in the lead up to the wedding, I kept commenting to Joel that I hoped nothing would happen to those 2 giant white heart balloons, otherwise we might as well not even have had the wedding.”
“On the day of the ceremony, the florist informed me that something had happened to one of those giant heart balloons. As I looked around the venue at the amazing work of the florist and the wedding coordinator, I shrugged and said, “Whatever, have you seen this place?!”
“While it is so important to have a vision of what every detail will look like on your wedding day, it is equally as important not to get blindsided by some of those details not working out. For the most part, you’ll be the only one to notice something isn’t how you previously envisioned. I had a year and a half to plan the wedding, and I used it to make a lot of the details, which really made our wedding true to Joel and me. The details are things that people still recall to this day- they really set our wedding apart from other weddings (hand-dyed table linens and napkins, gold glitter vases, paper garland strung everywhere, gold animals as place cards, berries on the tables, local kombucha and cold brew in ice before ceremony location, lounge areas, fun programs, snack boxes with our wedding stamp, etc). I also had this time to build relationships with my vendors, and particularly, my wedding coordinator team. I placed so much trust in them to execute on my vision (all laid out in a 5-page set-up document).”
“If I could offer any advice to brides- it is to hire all the best people that you feel can see your vision, and to put trust in them to execute. On the day of, go get coffee in the morning with your partner before you get ready, look at all your details set up, and take time to thank everyone (your florist and their partners, bartenders, the coordinator team, your photographers, caterers and their team, your musicians, etc) because you’ve hired the right people. This is the mindset I had that allowed for me to feel like I could be super chill and be the bride that day, and be present to actually see and be part of everything.”
It worked out well for us in the end, only having one heart balloon – two hearts become one and all that.”
Super Suppliers – Venue: Bridal Veil Lakes // Photography: Willhouse// Coordinator: Luxe Event Productions// Florals: Bramble Floral// Rentals: Something Borrowed PDX // Hair: Marisa Perrault, New Vintage Beauty Lounge// Make-up: Rose Marshall, New Vintage Beauty Lounge// Catering: To Dine For// Cocktails & Bar: My Bartender// Dessert Table: Voo Doo Doughnuts// Cake: Petunia’s Pies and Pastries// Grooms Suit: Saks Fifth Avenue// Tie: Topman// Shirt: Reiss// Custom Pocket Square: Knotty Tie Co.// Stag Lapel Pin: Grand Frank// Groomsmen Shirt: ASOS// Tie: Topman// Socks: Express// Brides Dress: Cleo and Clementine// Belt: Lady Evelyn, Etsy// Shoes: ModCloth// Bridesmaids Dresses: ASOS & ModCloth// Invites/table card animals: Willow & Sass, Etsy// Program: B if for Brown, Etsy// Polka dot overlays: Linen Effects// Cocktail napkins: Kate Spade//
Tip For Planning a Columbia River Gorge Wedding: Saying “I Do” Where Water Roars and Views Inspire
Thirteen years at Bespoke Bride, and let me tell you, darlings, I’ve seen it all. From the disastrous “dove release” that turned into a pigeon posse invasion (still have nightmares) to the surprisingly chic llama ring bearer (yes, really!), weddings are never dull. But there’s one type of celebration that consistently steals my breath away: the Columbia River Gorge Wedding.
There’s just something about the sheer drama of it all. Picture this: you, hand-in-hand with your beloved, exchanging vows with the wind whispering through ancient pines and the mighty Columbia River thundering its approval below. It’s like Mother Nature herself is your officiant. Romantic, right? Absolutely. But let’s not get swept away by the pretty pictures just yet. Planning a Columbia River Gorge Wedding in this majestic locale requires a little more savvy than just picking a pretty vista.
One of the first things couples swoon over is the sheer variety of venues. You’ve got everything from rustic lodges with crackling fireplaces (perfect for a cozy fall affair) to elegant vineyards clinging to the hillsides, offering panoramic views that stretch for miles. I remember one couple, Sarah and Ben, who were torn between a charming orchard and a modern event space with floor-to-ceiling windows. The orchard felt intimate and down-to-earth, a bit like their own relationship. But those windows! They offered an unobstructed view of Multnomah Falls, practically a guaranteed “wow” factor for their guests.
Here’s where the debate begins, loves. Do you prioritize that intimate, personal feel, or the grand, unforgettable backdrop? There’s no right or wrong answer, of course. Sarah and Ben ultimately chose the orchard, and their photos, bathed in the golden light filtering through the apple trees, were pure magic. But I’ve also attended weddings where the stunning scenery was the décor, and it worked beautifully. Consider what truly reflects your personalities as a couple. Are you more bonfire and s’mores, or champagne and canapés? Let that guide your venue search. You can explore some fantastic options and get a feel for different styles at websites like The Knot and WeddingWire.
Now, let’s talk about the weather. The Gorge is notorious for its… unpredictability. One minute, sunshine and blue skies; the next, a sudden downpour that could rival Noah’s Ark. I once witnessed a ceremony scheduled for a scenic overlook get completely drenched just ten minutes before it was set to begin. The resourceful couple, bless their hearts, moved the whole shebang under a tent they had (thankfully!) rented as a backup. Lesson learned, my dears: a Plan B for inclement weather is not just a good idea, it’s practically a requirement. Think about renting a tent, even if the forecast looks promising. It’s like having an umbrella – you might not need it, but you’ll be eternally grateful if you do.
Speaking of practicalities, accessibility is another important point to consider when planning your Columbia River Gorge Wedding. Many of the Gorge’s most breathtaking spots involve winding roads and potentially steep paths. Think about your guest list. Will Aunt Mildred, with her knee issues be able to navigate that rocky trail to your dream ceremony site? Perhaps a venue with easier access but equally stunning views would be a more considerate choice. This isn’t the most glamorous part of wedding planning, I know, but ensuring your loved ones can comfortably celebrate with you is paramount.
But let’s get back to the fun stuff, shall we? The Gorge offers a wealth of opportunities to infuse your wedding with local flavor. Consider incorporating local wines from the Hood River Valley into your reception. Trust me, your guests will thank you. Or how about favors featuring locally sourced honey or artisan chocolates? These small touches not only support the local community but also give your guests a little taste of the Gorge to take home with them.
And for the adventurous souls among you, think about incorporating the natural beauty into your wedding activities. Imagine a pre-wedding hike with your bridal party to a stunning waterfall, or a post-wedding brunch with breathtaking river views. These experiences will create lasting memories that go beyond the wedding day itself. I remember one couple who even incorporated a short white-water rafting trip into their bachelor’s and bachelorette parties! Talk about an unforgettable way to celebrate.
Planning a Columbia River Gorge wedding is an adventure in itself. There will be moments of stress, moments of laughter, and hopefully, a whole lot of “pinch-me” moments when you realize just how lucky you are to be celebrating your love in such a spectacular place. Embrace the beauty, prepare for the unexpected, and most importantly, enjoy every single moment of your gorge-ous beginning.
Loving this intimate forest wedding!
Whoa, totally gorgeous! Love those dresses!!