JOURNAL

Guest User 1/21/22 Guest User 1/21/22

Tradition Meets Modern | Catholic Castaway Wedding

We received the kindest words from the bride:

I absolutely loved everything about our wedding, but it was pretty standard haha! Since I have zero craft skills, one of my sisters designed made the stationary, another sister made our seating chart and everything else was collaborated by the amazing vendors. I feel very fortunate that all of the vendors I chose were so flexible, great communicators, and easy to work with.

Read below to hear more about their courtship and engagement!

Where did you two meet?

We met in 2007 at a college party. His roommate and my roommate are cousins, so we hung out a lot in similar circles. We were both dating other people and were just friends until 2009 when we officially started dating.

Tell us your engagement story!

Matt proposed on a summer trip to Skamania Lodge. I had secretly always wanted a photoshoot for our dog Judith (so embarrassing that everyone knows this now!) so he hired one for an evening. After a day of massages and wine tasting the pet photographer came and took the cutest photos of our dog. She asked us to be in some and told us that one of us should be up with the dog in the foreground and the other should be in the background - which sounded weird but she assured us "it really makes for a great shot, trust me". I was in front with my dog and the photographer told me to turn around and Matt was on one knee proposing! Judith could not care less and was focused on sitting to get a treat, but I loved every second of it and have the photos to capture it!

Tell us about your first date.

Dinner and a movie (I Love You Man - we keep things real serious haha).

Vendors:

Photographer: Anna Jaye Photography
Venue: Castaway
Flowers: Bloomsberry Floral
Hair/Make up: Blossom and Beauty
Bride’s Dress: Charlottes Weddings
Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell
Groom’s Tux: J Crew
Band: Blue Wave Band
Food: Chef Du Jour
Videographer: Moving Pictures
Equipment rentals/Decor: IS Events
Decor accents: Something Borrowed
transportation: First Student and Shanghai Party buses

Guest User 8/7/20 Guest User 8/7/20

Top 5 Best Portland Wedding Venues

Portland is such a rich and diverse city that I am lucky to be able to work in. When helping my clients choose their wedding venue, I’m able to offer them choices from urban to rural, with vibes that are industrial, rustic, or chic to suit their personality and style.

Today I’m sharing 5 of my favorite Portland wedding venues!

Castaway

Located at the edge of the Pearl District nestled near the Willamette River, this 1929 warehouse was home to the makers of yellow strand rope used in the original Portland Street Car. In 2007, it was painstakingly restored to its original glory and today serves as one of Portland's most awarded venue spaces.

This space is ideal for large gatherings year round. It can accommodate a wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception dinner all in one large space. Some couples opt to rent their private parking lot to host their outdoor cocktail hour.

Blockhouse

Adjacent to Castaway, Blockhouse is an intimate gathering locale where meals are shared, connections are made and life is celebrated. This quaint and private venue is tucked away inside of Pomarius Nursery. Built around a chef-inspired open kitchen, you can host an intimate gathering, lavish party and everything in-between thanks to their extended patio space that can be covered with a tent or left open air. We LOVE all of the plants and nature that surrounds this urban space.

Coopers Hall

Weddings at this urban winery, whether intimate or boisterous, understated or elaborate, are always beautiful celebrations to remember. Their team of highly skilled service industry professionals will ensure that the venue lives up to the occasion and exceeds your expectations. Conveniently located in Portland’s central eastside, Coopers Hall is only a short drive from many of the city’s most popular hotels. We love the proximity to downtown, the versatile space, and their excellent food!

Barn Kestrel

This historic property with a working barn, built in 1900, is one of the best-preserved barns in Clackamas County and one of America's finest. It is a ramp style barn featured on county historical tours and a tribute to Oregon's old-growth fir trees of the late 1800s. We love that Barn Kestrel has a space for everyone - the wide open field and large oak tree, the intimate lawn that can serve as your reception space, or their large barn.

Exchange Ballroom

An Urban Event Space with Stunning Rooftop Views. The Exchange Ballroom and Cascade Rooftop is located in on the east bank of the Willamette River within the historic Eastside Exchange Building. Our Ballroom boasts dramatic views of the downtown Portland skyline. We absolutely LOVE their rooftop with stunning views of Portland’s west side and the west hills. The ballroom is open and spacious, allowing for any vision to come to life. The Vibrant Table team operates an exquisite venue and delivers exceptional service.