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Starting Monday, January 6, applications are available for weddings in Portland Public Parks locations and venues. | Photos By Marissa Solini Photography , Mackenzie Ford , The Ashers , Angelina Lusetti | Starting Monday, January 6, Portland Parks & Recreation will be opening reservations for 2025 weddings at their more than 200 beautiful parks, gardens, and picnic areas across the area. So many of our couples have loved the natural beauty of these venues, including Cathedral Park and Hoyt Arboretum, and we know you will too! Here's what will be helpful to know if you're hoping to snag a spot at your favorite location: In-person applications will begin at 8am at the Portland Building Customer Service Center located at 1120 SW 5th Ave on the ground floor. Lines are expected to accumulate outside prior to doors opening, so couples should plan to arrive early to secure their desired date. Portland Parks & Recreation will also be hosting local wedding vendors to showcase their services at the Portland Building between 8am-12pm. If you can't make it in person, phone and online reservations will be available starting at 1pm on January 6. Permits are required for these sites and are issued by the Portland Public Parks & Recreation Customer Service Center. Keep in mind, some locations allow only ceremonies, and receptions will need to be held elsewhere. If you're only looking to have a reception and not a ceremony, your event is considered a "picnic" and reservations are handled differently. For more information regarding restrictions, locations, fees, and more, visit the Portland Parks & Recreation Wedding Reservations website or check out these great articles from Portland Parks & Recreation and The Oregonian . Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

Jun e | Ciara and Alex had a gorgeous spring wedding, full of vibrant florals and gold accents. | Photos By Kelly Robbins Photo & Film | Ciara and Alex got married on a rainy spring day at the stunning Twin Willow Gardens , a perfect venue for any day but especially a drizzly one! The ceremony space is nestled in the woods under a canopy of trees. They have their own tent which is a huge bonus - no need to rent one! Then there's a covered "barn" that's perfect for cocktail hour and dancing in any weather! We're also obsessed with the colorful, full flowers throughout Ciara and Alex's wedding day. The bride and bridesmaids even had a bouquet-making station in one of the venue's tiny homes which is a great activity idea for bridal parties! Behind every beautiful wedding is a talented team of people - see The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. Ceremony at Twin Willow Gardens Reception at Twin Willow Gardens The Vendor Team Coordination : Your Perfect Bridesmaid  (Lead: Nicolle) Venue : Twin Willow Gardens Photographer : Kelly Robbins Photo & Film Videographer : Ridgewood Films Florist : Snohomish Gardens Catering/Bar Service : ACT 3 Catering DJ/Photo Booth : waSOUND Rentals : CORT Party Rental Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

November | Jessica and Salvatore's wedding was modern and moody, a perfect fit for Fremont Foundry. | Photos By Clancey | Jessica and Salvatore's wedding was modern and moody with black and white decor with pops of heavy greenery and lots of candlelight. Fremont Foundry was the perfect venue for their wedding of about 60 guests. Their ceremony and reception were held downstairs over the iconic glass floor, and they used the upstairs space for cocktail hour to allow their vendor team time to flip the room which also made for a great reveal for their guests as they came back down for dinner. This venue has plenty of separate areas to bring variety to your wedding day timeline, it's like multiple venues in one! Behind every beautiful wedding is a talented team of people - see The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. Ceremony at Fremont Foundry Reception at Fremont Foundry The Vendor Team Coordination : Your Perfect Bridesmaid  (Lead: Samantha) Venue : Fremont Foundry Catering : Fremont Foundry Photographer : Clancey Florist : Nadira Design Dessert : Cannolo   DJ : Silvicious Productions Rentals : CORT Party Rentals Makeup : OffBlack Arts Hair : Hair By Alise Favors : Forever Fiances Place Cards : Songbird Paperie Dress : Grace Loves Lace Suit : StudioSuits Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

"For Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others." -Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute The 2025 Pantone Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse and we're obsessed! Here are some ways you can integrate this gorgeous color into your wedding day design: Tablescapes Linens, plates, glassware. Mixing contrasting colors and using negative space will give a “less is more” feeling of luxury. Attire Arguably the easiest way to incorporate the Color of the Year. Think brown suits, ties, shoes, bridesmaid dresses, etc.! Mixing texture into this, such as velvet, corduroy, and satin give these warm earthy tones even more dimension. Paper goods Brown will be the new black. Brown signage, text, envelopes, leather, wood - the materials and possibilities are endless and can break up classic whites. Desserts Our favorite way! We can't wait to see more chocolate cakes, espresso martinis, and candy favors! Embrace the indulgence and beauty of mocha mousse LITERALLY and serve chocolate. Feeling inspired? We can design your day in any style or budget - and we’d love to dream with you!

July | Radu and Payton incorporated traditions from each of their cultures to make their wedding truly unique. | Photos By J and L Photography | So much of Radu and Payton's wedding day was unique to them: from traditional songs, to a canoe launch, to the Romanian tradition of "kidnapping" the bride, the couple incorporated their cultures throughout their wedding. With so many special elements, a thoughtfully constructed timeline was crucial to ensure their wedding day flowed. In addition to the unique schedule of their wedding, Radu and Payton had unique decor that made their wedding even more special. Their florist, Iris & Fig , used plenty of fruits and vegetables as part of their tablescapes! Behind every beautiful wedding is a talented team of people - see The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. Ceremony at Alderbrook Resort Reception at Alderbrook Resort The Vendor Team Coordination: Your Perfect Bridesmaid (Lead: Laura) Venue: Alderbrook Resort Photographer: J and L Photography Florist: Iris & Fig Catering/Bar Service/Rentals: Alderbrook Resort DJ: Headsmile Productions Specialty Rentals: CORT Party Rentals Hair & Makeup: I.M Artistry Dessert: Lady Grey Cake Design Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

August | A classic, timeless, and romantic wedding incorporating the natural beauty of Olympic Sculpture park. | Photos By Brittney Hyatt Photography | Amanda and John wanted a romantic wedding, utilizing greenery and the natural aesthetic of Olympic Sculpture park. Their color palette focused on neutrals, champagne, solf cream and oat tones, with hints of soft green, and pops of blue. Their florals and decor made for stunning tablescapes. Behind every beautiful wedding is a talented team of people - see The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. Ceremony at Olympic Sculpture Park Reception at Olympic Sculpture Park The Vendor Team Coordination & Design: Your Perfect Bridesmaid (Lead: Kara) Venue: Olympic Sculpture Park Photographer: Brittney Hyatt Photography Florist: Flora Pacifica Catering/Bar Service: Shooby Doo Catering Dessert: Lady Gray Cake Design DJ/Band: Blue Wave Band Rentals: Pedersens Rentals Hair & Makeup: K. Marina Beauty Save the Dates/Invitations: Minted Getting Ready Location: The Edgewater Hotel Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

Laura + Kurtis - August 2022 | Photo By Bear Beau Photography | Laura and Kurtis's wedding was a gorgeous day in the Pacific Northwest. Their special moment highlighted the two things they love the most, each other and the mountains! From the ceremony backdrop to the table table signs, this wedding was truly a mountain lover's dream. Notice how the green, terracotta, and brown hues of the day complimented the earthy theme of the event perfectly. See The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. The Vendor Team Coordinator - Your Perfect Bridesmaid Venue - North Fork Farm Catering - Green Apple Catering Dessert - A-la Mode Pies Photographer - Bear Beau Photography Videographer - Toast Wedding Films Florist - The Petal and the Stem DJ/Band - Injoy Entertainment Hair & Makeup - Angie Evans Makeup Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

Whether you're planning a simple backyard wedding on a budget or want to host an elevated wedding on at private property, here's are invaluable tips from a team of PNW wedding planners to ensure a seamless and stress-free day, and a few weddings to take inspiration from. What's more memorable and sentimental than hosting a backyard wedding? As planners, we like to call them "private residence" weddings, which could be in the backyard of your parents' home, the barn on your grandparents property, or maybe it's an undeveloped area of family farm. No matter the scale, if you want a seamless and stress free wedding, there are quite a few logistics and challenges involved. One myth we'll dispel is that the cost of backyard weddings are not always cheaper than renting a venue. But, one thing we do know is that a venue will never replace the sentimental aspect of a private property or family home. As planners, our goal is to not only show you how to plan a seamless backyard wedding, but how to keep a realistic budget throughout the planning process. This blog is for all the engaged couples hoping to host their wedding in a sentimental place in Oregon or Washington, but want it to feel seamless, thought out, and disaster-free. We've compiled a list of invaluable tips to consider as you're planning your backyard wedding. Tips and Tricks For Planning Your Backyard Wedding 1. Plan your home improvement project early, and give extra time. One of the perks of having a private residence wedding at your property is that it gives you an excuse to tackle those improvement projects that have been piling up on your to do list. Clean out the garage, plant some flowers, clear the alleyway, repave the driveway, finish the barn, etc. We have seen time and time again that these projects take more time than most people plan on and so often families are still working on things the week of the wedding. No one needs that much stress in your life. If you decide to tackle a few things, make a list, allot extra times, and don't forget to factor in the weather. Alex and Melissa mowed and leveled a part of their family's field to allow for chairs to sit evenly on the ground. They also moved and lined the path to the field with wildflowers. Projects like this take time - they started months in advance! 2. Secure the Necessary Permits and Permissions Before you dive into the planning process, check local regulations and obtain any required permits or permissions and make friends with your neighbors. Each county and city in the Pacific Northwest may have specific rules regarding noise, parking, and the number of guests allowed, so it's essential to stay compliant to avoid any unexpected surprises on your big day. Have no fear, having planned 100+ private residence weddings over the past 15 years, we will walk you through all the legalities and take the guess work out of keeping things compliant. 4. Have a trash plan. You would not believe how much trash a wedding generates, and your backyard wedding will trash will definitely overtake a normal residential trash can. I always recommend bringing in a dumpster service for the weekend - they are honestly super affordable and they will ensure the property isn't littered with trashbags afterwards. There are also wonderful people like The Waitstaff Team who help with food service if you don't have a full service caterer, and have options to add on trash removal services. 5. Consider the Weather The Pacific Northwest is known for its unpredictable weather. When planning your wedding at a private residence, have a contingency plan in case of rain or other adverse weather conditions such as rain, extreme heat or wildfire smoke (yes, sadly this is our new reality). Guest comfort is key to a fun event. While we can hope and pray for the best weather, we create plan A's, plan B's, and plan C's and D's for all of our couples, which range from renting a tent, umbrellas, misters, patio heaters, or even an having an alternative venue in mind. Whitney and Justin had a simple tent for their guests, but stood outside in the drizzle for their ceremony to embrace the PNW rain. 6. Rent Adequate Facilities Private residences may not have the facilities needed to accommodate a large wedding party. Renting portable restrooms is often necessary. Additionally, the need for generators to ensure a consistent power supply, especially if you're hosting an outdoor event is a key component of any private residence. Did you know there are math calculations we can help you navigate to ensure the lighting plan, the bathrooms, the dj, the band, the catering tent all have enough power? If you are using generators, we will help you calculate how much fuel you will need and if we are using the electricity of the home, we will help you split the power across the various circuits so that every is smooth sailing. 7. Map Out Parking and Transportation Parking can be a significant challenge at private residences. Some properties can provide ample parking space, and other times we recommend considering offering shuttle services from nearby hotels, schools or churches to ease the transportation burden for your guests. We help our couples map out the little details like calculating parking spaces, ensuring proper traffic flow so headlights aren't streaming into your party tent, mapping out turnaround spaces, hiring parking attendants or valet services, or even planning lighting for the walk out to the parking lot at the end of the night are all details we help couples with. Melissa and Alex's family had an ATV onsite, which help for helping to transport guests like Melissa's father who had trouble walking. 8. Create a Well-Defined Layout Design a layout that maximizes the space available onsite and ensures smooth transitions throughout your wedding. A well-organized seating plan, clear signage, and designated areas for different activities, such as the ceremony, reception, and dance floor is key. When we are planning weddings at private residences, we have found multiple walk throughs are crucial to creating a seamless plan and elevated design. 9. Plan For Renting Tables, Chairs, and More When planning a wedding at a private residence, you'll need to rent tables, chairs, linens, and other essential items. Coordinate with rental companies well in advance to ensure you have everything you need. Do you know we start your rental order, hold your delivery date the same day you sign our contract - that is how essential it is to quick secure the services of a rental company. All of our packages include rental coordination for a reason. There are so many details to consider and we love taking couples to the showrooms to build the perfect tablescape. We will ensure nothing is missed, that you have the correct quantities, that your catering team is looped in and taken care of, and oh...we also get a discount which we pass along to you. Win, win, win! 10. Hire Catering and Food Service Hiring a professional catering service is crucial to ensure your guests are well-fed and satisfied. Ensure the catering team has access to a functional kitchen or catering tent and that they are familiar with the logistics of your location. Not only will we help find an incredible partner but we will make sure to work with them to ensure they have the equipment necessary to prepare your meal and serve your guests including working out plans for water, ice, a bussing station and ensuring the bar and catering tent is lighted (and that light is accounted for in all electrical calculations) to ensure they can continue to serve well into the evening. 11. Hire Someone to Handle Sound and Entertainment Nobody wants the party to be interrupted by sound equipment failure or rough transitions. Hire a professional sound and entertainment company that can handle the unique challenges of an outdoor or private residence wedding. They should have experience with setting up sound systems in different environments and be prepared for any technical issues. We will ensure they have enough gear (for the multiple setups), are prepared to handle the wind (so your mics aren't all full of wind static) and we will of course ensure their gear is safe regardless of whether. DJ Hunter Quinn kept the party going for Riley and Brian so no one had to worry about changing the song or keeping to the right mood, and everyone got to dance their hearts out. 12. Safety First Have a plan in place for emergencies, including a first aid kit and fire extinguishers is key. As your planner, we are first and foremost your advocate. As such, we love creating self care stations with bug spray, sun screen, shoe wipes, and cool towelettes. We will also work with you and the property owners to get the insurance necessary to protect you from any accidents that could happen. We have your back from day 1. 13. Designate a "venue manager" When we do private residence weddings, we always designate one of our team members or have our couples designate a either family member to act as venue manager. As vendors arrive on the day of, people will have questions, look for places to set up, and guests will no doubt have questions about access to the house. The property owner (your mom, dad, aunt, grandparents, etc.) shouldn't have to play host and miss out on the fun. If you aren't working with us, I highly recommend you designate someone to play this role or allow one of our teammembers to take this off your hands. 14. Communication with Vendors and Guests Effective communication is key to a successful private residence wedding. Keep your vendors informed about the location's specific requirements (up hills, exposed sun, etc.) and ensure your guests receive clear directions and any pertinent information about the event. We have been known to send emails about bees, the need for heel protectors or wedges, or reminders about the PNW cool ocean evening breezes. 15. Call on Your Perfect Bridesmaid Our goal is to make your backyard wedding dreams come true and help you navigate all the logistics, ask the right questions, and find you the most fitting vendors. Whether that's an elevated wedding, or simple backyard wedding on a budget, everyone deserves to have peace of mind during the process and on their wedding day. We are there to help make that happen. Hosting your wedding at a private residence in the Pacific Northwest can be a dream come true, offering a unique and personal touch to your special day. By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the challenges and create beautiful memories that you, your partner, and your guests will cherish forever. Embrace the natural beauty of the region and enjoy your wedding day in this enchanting corner of the world. We would love to be by your side, making this the best day possible! View More Private Residence Weddings on Our Blog

July | A vibrant color palette with a mix of champagne linens and raw wood tables in an urban wedding venue. | Photo By Jordan Voth Photography | This wedding will be featured in Washington Wedding Day! Shazia and Theron’s wedding was designed to feel like an elevated family gathering, with three long family tables and casual food from local Indian and Caribbean restaurants. Floral was the largest priority in their design, and Diadem Flower Co dreamt up the most beautiful, tropical-inspired floral design to honor their Pakistani and Trinidadian cultures. We helped them with our Premiere Package to design their tablescape to match and hone in all the details of the layout and flow of the day. We loved the variety of tables that Diadem Flower Co executed ! One style featured a champagne, shimmery linen with wooden cross-back chairs and wide floral centerpieces, as well as a dreamy floral installation floating above the table. The other style featured elevated arrangement with luscious ferns and other tropical flowers on a wooden table and wooden benches. The mixed styles really helped the dinner feel less uniform and formal, and more like the family gathering they wanted. We loved seeing this urban venue transformed, and can't wait to be back! See The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. The Vendor Team Coordination & Design: Your Perfect Bridesmaid (Lead: Laura ) Venue / Bar Service: Within Sodo Photographer: Jordan Voth Photography Florist: Diadem Flower Co Catering: Restaurants: Jerk Shack & Clay Pit Serving Staff: Gilly Wagon Dessert: Krispy Kreme Rentals: CORT Party Rentals Hair & Makeup: Beauty Bridal agency Invitations: Minted Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

October | Dina and John had a small, elegant wedding with a unique, artistic feel. | Photos By Joanna Monger Photography | Dina and John had a small, elegant wedding with a unique artistic feel due to their bird motif. Their cake, done by The SweetSide , was a stunning centerpiece of their wedding decorated with lilies and Albatrosses. The reception space was decorated with warm accents like the wood chairs and yellow florals that made the space feel intimate and cozy. Behind every beautiful wedding is a talented team of people - see The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. Ceremony at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park Reception at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park The Vendor Team Coordination :  Your Perfect Bridesmaid  (Lead: Natalie) Venue :  Lodge at St. Edward State Park Catering & Bar:   The Lodge at St. Edward State Park Photographer : Joanna Monger Photography Florist : Fena Flowers Dessert : The SweetSide DJ : Adam’s DJ Service Rentals : CORT Party Rental Hair & Makeup:   Glam and Tonics (Juliet Graves) Partner 1 Attire : Cicada Bridal Partner 2 Attire :  Men’s Warehouse Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

July | Madi and Connor wanted a colorful, fun, and elegant wedding with a garden chic aesthetic. | Photos By Brie Film and Photo | Madi and Connor wanted a colorful, fun, and elegant wedding that focused on a garden chic aesthetic and natural tones with minimalistic decor. It was important to incorporate the natural beauty of the residence and Bainbridge Island. Their bold wildflowers perfectly complemented the modern decor, making for a stunning wedding. Behind every beautiful wedding is a talented team of people - see The Vendor Team who made this day a reality at the end of the gallery. Ceremony at Private Residence Reception at Private Residence The Vendor Team Coordination & Design : Your Perfect Bridesmaid  (Kara) Venue : Private Residence Photographer/Videographer: Brie Film and Photo Florist : Garden Party Flowers Catering/Bar Service: Wanderlust NW Catering Co Band : Band of Eden Ceremony Music: Jenny Harris Rentals : CORT Party Rental Hair & Makeup : Anne Timss Makeup & Hair Love what you see? We would love to help you achieve your unique wedding vision. Let us provide tailored vendor recommendations and create a unique design that fits your style and your budget. Don't have a venue yet? No problem. Having a planner as the first step in the process can save you time, energy and money.

Renee and Peter - May 2021 Genuine, sweet and REAL. It may have rained on this spring day, but Renee and Peter danced in the rain at Peter's family property. Instead of transforming the space, we only added functionality and enhanced the property's beautiful features. In May, the natural wildflowers flourish, so it seemed fitting to have Small Yard Flowers ' climbing florals on the ceremony tree. This day was all about family, so we created a tented reception space for open seating and enjoying the delicious Filipino cuisine by Magna PDX , but made other spaces for guests to gather and mingle. Private Property weddings are extremely special to us - there's something about creating a wedding venue out of a sentimental place that will never compare to any other venue. There are a lot of logistics involved, but that is what we do best! Thank you to the Vendor Team that helped make this dream a reality! The Vendor Team Ceremony Venue: Private residence - Lyle, WA Planning and Design : Your Perfect Bridesmaid Catering & Dessert: Magna PDX Photographer : Sweetlife Photography Florist: Small Yard Flowers Sound Equipment Rental : Pro Sound and Lighting Rentals : Party Place Restrooms: Royal Restrooms Signage : Custom - Etsy Hair & Makeup : NW Makeup and Hair Planning a private residence wedding? You don't have to do it alone. Let's talk about logistics and how we can transform your property into your dream wedding: