It’s not every day that a wedding goes off without a hitch—but for Erin and Thomas, we came pretty close! I first met Erin and her family when I had the honor of planning her sister Kate's wedding. That wedding was a true test of resilience, having been rescheduled and planned five times due to the challenges of the pandemic. The experience taught us so much about flexibility, but most importantly, it taught me just how incredible Erin, her family, and her team of loved ones were to work with. So, when Erin and Thomas reached out when they were engaged, I knew we were in for something special—and I was right.

Working with Erin, Thomas, and her mom, Debbie, was an absolute dream. It’s incredibly rare for a planner to present a design deck and hear, "We love it, no changes!" But that’s exactly what happened here. Their vision was clear, and the whole process was filled with trust, excitement, and a shared passion for creating something unforgettable. The family entrusted me with curating a dream team of vendors and they certainly delivered! Erin’s desire for a celebration that was both elegant and deeply personal, with elements that highlighted the beauty of nature, came to life in a way I will always cherish.

This wedding wasn’t just a one-day event—it was a weekend-long celebration that left no detail overlooked. From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in Erin and Thomas’s love story, surrounded by intimate gatherings and grand moments alike. The festivities began on Thursday evening with a Catholic ceremony followed by an intimate dinner party at the Madden family’s home. It was a gathering of their closest family and friends, an opportunity to start the weekend off with love and laughter. Erin’s home and family are the heart and soul of everything, and this was the perfect way to set the tone for the weekend ahead. Friday was filled with a bridal brunch, rehearsal dinner, and a welcome party.

Saturday was the main event! Erin began the day with her girls upstairs at Waverley with bubbles and beauty. Meanwhile, Mark, Erin's dad, surprised the guys with jetskis to start their morning off with a bang! After getting ready and completing photos, guests began to arrive. Erin and Thomas exchanged vows along the Willamette River at Waverley Country Club, with the breathtaking natural backdrop of the water and trees creating an ethereal atmosphere. The ceremony itself was a magical moment, with a dreamy curved aisle framed by the soft elegance of a Sperry tent. The love shared between Erin and Thomas was palpable, and there was no shortage of smiles from the couple and their guests as they exchanged vows.

Following the ceremony, we made our way to the upper lawn for cocktail hour. The stunning natural setting at Waverley was enhanced by our classic design choices, with neutral tones in shades of greens, whites, and soft metallics complementing the lush surroundings. Guests mingled, took in the chic escort display, lounges, and open bar, and were seated beneath a gorgeous Sperry tent adorned with swagged greenery and florals for dinner. Large bronze chandeliers hung overhead, casting a soft glow over the tablescapes. Tables had different designs depending on the shape, and some of my favorite details were the Spode lef patterned china, candlelight reflecting off the assortment of glassware, intermezzo course served in a crystal coupe, and of course, personal salt cellars Each table was a lush celebration of blooms and candlelight, and the paper products tied everything together perfectly, from the invitations to the menus to the place cards. After heartfelt toasts and a delicious dinner, the real magic began.

The reception itself was one for the books. Guests made their way into the clubhouse, which was the detail I was most excited about. I'll be honest...I had a vision for this and was slightly nervous about the execution but Blum floral delivered and absolutely knocked it out of the park. Everyone wanted a view of the cake by Dream Cakes - a stunning creation that mirrored Erin’s wedding dress, a work of art that was almost too beautiful to eat (almost!). The cake was perfect on a cloud of florals, which was placed on the a dance floor with a custom wrap. But the true show-stopper was the jaw-dropping ceiling installation that brought an extra layer of drama and party atmosphere to the venue. It. Was. Perfect.

Jordan Kahn Orchestra was ready to go and had the dance floor packed all night long. The energy was electric, and it was clear that this group of people knew how to celebrate. There was laughter, dancing, and joy until the end of the night, with Erin and Thomas making their grand exit in a vintage Mercedes convertible with fireworks seeing them off.

The weekend concluded with a lovely post-wedding brunch back at the Madden family home on Sunday. It was the perfect way to send off the newlyweds after a weekend full of unforgettable moments. Erin and Thomas’s wedding was truly a celebration of love, family, and the beautiful life they are building together. What I loved most about this wedding was how every moment felt intentional, every detail designed with love and care. Despite a little rain on the wedding day (and a quick switch to Plan C!), the weekend was nothing short of perfection.

Erin and Thomas, thank you for letting me be a part of such a special moment in your lives. Your love is inspiring, and your wedding was a testament to everything that truly matters: family, love, and the joy of being together. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and more beautiful memories. Can't wait for the next Madden event!

XOXO, Nora

Erin + Thomas

XOXO, Nora