I love the way this gorgeous bride describes finding the dress (you must to read it below), and I think her calm but firm attitude in dress shopping must have carried over into what was a seemingly perfect wedding day. It’s beautiful and put together in a way only someone with a clear vision can do. She brought in Yazy Jo to capture the day, yet another wonderful decision, and I have no doubt the images will be a family heirloom for generations to come.
From the Bride… After my mom meeting Jason in the Portland airport, things unfolded beautifully. We went to a vintage jewelry shop in Portland called Gilt, and picked out a 1929 diamond and gold ring for me. 3 months later he got down on one knee at one of our favorite restaurants called Noble Rot. We had one of our first dates there and felt it was a very special place to go for dinner on my birthday. I said yes immediately and we celebrated with our families on east coast time through tearful phone calls and excited texting.
The next day I flew to NYC for fashion week, and found my dress in a Martha Stewart Bridal Magazine that I read on the flight over. It caught my eye, as I had never thought about a wedding dress before. This was timeless, beautiful and sexy. Something I thought Jason would love to marry me in.
I googled the dress and found the style at a bridal shop in NYC that I was able to visit on my trip. It was an experience like any other; I put the dress on and said, “Yes this is the one, time for margaritas!” Just like Jason, the decision was quick and absolute, like adding cream to your coffee. Simple. But yet if you did anything else it would be extremely complex.
As we planned for the wedding, we wanted to bring in as many friends and family that could support in participating their craft while putting together a very special day. My brother in law owns a restaurant that we knew would be an amazing place to celebrate at, my sister is a floral designer, my good friend designs weddings and a mutual friend wanted to marry us. Jason designed and printed all of the stationery, a good friend made the desserts, and my sister and her husband paid for the pork that was served at the meal. It was an amazing collaboration that came together seamlessly at the end.
We also took the opportunity to send a care package to Jason’s Army unit that was deploying to Afghanistan in lieu of favors. We made cards for each guest that had pictures of the unit, and the address to where one could send a letter of thanks or a care package of cookies to the brave soldiers over seas. After we made the announcement of what we had done, Jason received a standing ovation of thanks from the 230 guests. It moved him to tears, as it was a memory I will never forget.
The wedding was so special for us all, and brought our family and friends together over our love. I would not have done it any other way.
