Katie + Max

Bridalbliss.com | Portland Wedding Planner | Oregon Event Design | Sweetlife Photography

Katie + Max....what a special couple. These two high school sweethearts have such an amazing story with their love growing stronger over the life changes throughout their relationship. After so many years, their families had also become close which made the celebration all that much more special. With the bride's parents, Tom + Julie Arndorfer, having met at Notre Dame and all three of their kids attending the school, they were obviously also huge Notre Dame Fans. The couple went as far as flying in their dear friend who just happens to be Notre Dame's priest. Seriously....this family was so sweet. I clearly remember the entire room (myself included!) in tears as Katie finished getting ready and her mom passed on an heirloom handkerchief.

Katie + Max's wedding date fell early on during the COVID pandemic. However, they were insistent on getting married and doing it as safely as possible. Their faith and tying the knot in the church was a priority. So, we worked with Our Lady of the Lake Parish to make that happen. Guests were split into four areas, family in the congregation and other guests in three separate satellite locations. Each location was set up with sanitizer, an attendant, spaced out seating, and AV. One of the most touching parts was before and after the wedding when guests lined up (distanced, of course) outside the church cheering Katie in, and celebrating the newly married couple out with bells and streamers.

At Waverley Country Club, the reception was split into four sections. Each had its own tent, staff, dance floor, bar (completed with custom PDX Ice!), appetizers, and dessert. Guests were masked, had their temperatures taken upon entry, and found their place by a personalized bottle of hand sanitizer. Max kicked off the celebration by sabering a special bottle of champagne, and plated meals and heartfelt toasts followed.