Mark and Katie’s wedding offered a glimpse into the best of the Art Deco period. An elegant summer party, seamlessly flowing between the luxuriant gardens and historic ballroom of The Columbia Gorge Hotel dramatically perched on the very edge of the grand Columbia River gorge.

A quartet greeted guests with jazzy tunes as they entered the ceremony area, passing through freestanding doors lavishly embellished with a vibrant, lush flower garland in hues of magenta, carmine, vermillion, peach, and aubergine contrasted against bright greenery. Large tillandsia airplants kept the florals quirky and added fascinating texture. A whimsical curtain of flowers dangling from the arching branch of a tree added a splash of bright color to the focal point of the altar area, with views of the great river beyond. It was a truly spectacular setting for their intimate and deeply moving ceremony.

At the reception, guests were treated with sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and a mouth-watering formal dinner culminating in a classic European style wedding cake. After the heartwarming speeches, everyone’s silly side was encouraged with a fun photo booth, set with the backdrop of a boxwood hedge trimmed with an ombré cascading floral design. A specialty espresso bar kept the energy high and the dance floor packed, and no detail was missed – from extravagant foam art to personalized cups stamped with Mark and Katie’s wedding logo, designed by Katie herself. However, perhaps the most fun detail was the fifties style reception dress that Katie designed and had sewn up with the help of her mother and a dear friend, all in secret to surprise Mark!

It was a night to remember. I can’t imagine any way that it could have been more fun to help Mark and Katie and their families plan such a marvelously fun wedding! Congratulations again, Mark and Katie!

Music licensed via TripleScoopMusic.com and Soundstripe.com, used with permission.

Katie + Mark