We are pretty sure the Groom from our next feature gets Super Duper Groom of the Year. Not only did he roll his sleeves up and help design ties, invitations, a guest book and other papergoods for the wedding BUT (and this is the kicker) he completely refinished an adorable tandem bike and presented it to his bride at a surprise picnic right before the wedding. How awesome is that? Head over to the gallery for more of this Pine-filled wedding captured by JOS Photographers.
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From JOS Photographers… Matt and Jess are the type of people you quickly fall in love with. Their style and detailed thoughts translate into everything and everyone they touch. They were married on September 5th, 2010 in Sisters, Oregon surrounded by enormous Ponderosa Pines (their favorite tree), vibrant wild flowers, a small creek, beautiful cabins, and a crafty mix of urban style and DIY elements. Their focus was nature based, spiritual, and family centered. The design touches were a blend of creative Portland style and natural pines high in Eastern Oregon. The day was filled with beautiful blue skies and scattered stark white clouds and a gentle cool breeze.
Jess has a lovely presence and immediately calms those around her with grace. Matt is endearing and was the super talented groom who works as a brand designer for Nike and poured his heart into designing an elaborate collection of details for the wedding. Matt’s hand-crafted touches included hand silk screened patterns and graphics on ties, invitations, wine labels, children’s activity books and a framed drawing of a tree guests stamped with their thumbprints to create leaves. When they saw each other for the first time, Matt had a surprise picnic for Jess with fruit, cheese, champagne, chocolate, flowers, a wrapped present and a refinished tandem bike with custom embellishments. (A suprise picnic was also how he proposed, in a rose garden close to their home in NE Portland.)
Matt and Jess themed their wedding with shades of aqua and green and used locally grown white flowers with accents of greenery and feathers. 172 people surrounded them under massive pines for a heartfelt ceremony. A reading from “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Matt’s sister was one of Jess’ favorite parts of the day. Matt and Jess spoke custom vows to one another making it feel as if time stopped. When Matt and Jess walked out, everyone burst into singing “All You need is Love,” bringing a heightened sense of joy.
Immediately following the ceremony they took their FIRST ride on the tandem bike that Matt had refinished, layering in details about their story by laser-etching designs into the leather seats and custom embellishments that created a narrative throughout the bike. They loved it when Jessica’s 67 year-old father gave them an extra push on their tandem towards the reception area.
Although they took weeks of lessons for a choreographed “first” dance, they opted at the last second to just wing it while their friend, Nancy, belted out “Fever” by Peggy Lee. Heartfelt speeches, toasts, and hugs filled the evening with tears of joy and laughter. Live music performed by friends filled the evening. One of my favorite shots was a back-lit image of the groomsmen bursting into laughter while lighting cigars. The evening was sublime.
Photographer: JOS Photographers / Wedding Consultant: Jennifer Thornton of Style 8. / Flowers: Judy Peterson, Family Member of the Bride & Groom / Wedding Ceremony & Reception Location: Five Pine Lodge / Catering: Chloe Catering / Bride’s Ring: Family Heirloom / Groom’s Ring: Shane Co. / Wedding Gown: Alvina Valenta / Veil & Accessories: The Bridal Loft + Lia Sophia + Family Heirlooms / Groom’s Attire: Custom by Duchess, Clothier / Wedding Cake: Brecke English, Friend of the Bride / Entertainment: Bryan Arakelian + Euphoria + Nancy Failla / Makeup: Friend of the Bride / Cinematography: Starlight Films / Officiant: Andy Thornton, Brother-in-Law of the Bride / Wedding Invitations & Paper Goods: The Groom + Laura Trimmell of Curious Doodles + Donathan Crew of The Pull & Diskgrunt / Coloring Book: Donathan Crew of The Pull & Diskgrunt / Tie Design: The Groom