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Sometimes you plan a spring wedding and really just hope that the typical Pacific Northwest rainy weather takes a break to give you a beautiful “Fantasy Spring” day. Well Alison + Chris got just such a day for their I Do’s at the McMenamins Kennedy School in NE Portland  in mid-March. The skies were blue, the cherry trees and honeysuckles in full fragrant bloom, and everyone was in a twitterpated mood.

Alison + Chris met during grad school in Georgia, for Masters of education in student affairs and counseling. They displayed their love of their various Alma Maters – where they had either attended or worked – by having each of the reception tables labeled with a university and mascot. They even had one of their grad school professors officiate their ceremony! After a long distance period Chris finally joined her in Seattle and after just a week proposed at Gas Works Park. “…We had decided that it would be our city to finally settle down in and stop doing long distance. It was perfect! Now we go back and picnic there.”

Even though they [still] live in Seattle they’ve always had a fondness for Portland and decided it would be the perfect destination to start the next chapter together.

What was your favorite part of the day?

Our two favorite parts of the whole day were the toasts (so funny, loving, sentimental, and perfectly us) and then just being surrounded by so many loved ones. More than half the people present had to get on a plane to be there and it means the world to us. We’ve moved around so much, and we come from opposite sides of the country, so it was just amazing to have all that love in one room.

What are you most looking forward to?

We are most looking forward to many many years of adventures together. We love to travel and explore new cities and cultures, and we wouldn’t want to do it with anyone but each other. I am a planner and Chris is a lets just see what happens kind of guy, we balance each other out so well.
My favorite part was their first look. I found a row of cherry trees draped over the back of the parking lot. It gave us plenty of room, got us away from the hustle and bustle of the hotel, and screamed spring! Chris started to tear up before Alison even got to him; he was so excited to see her and was primed from reading a card from her moments before. I was also completely gaga for their center pieces… hello tulips!!! I think I got some bonus points with the florist because I said that tulips were awesome and underutilized. Oh but my second favorite part was that they had tater tots – regular and cajun – delivered to the reception for a late night snack for all the folks who were workin’ the dance floor. Great job thinking of your guests guys! But really my third favorite thing was when everyone sang happy birthday to the flower girl and she got her very own cupcake with a candle on top. …that was the best!
Congratulations Chris + Alison!!!
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Planning + Coordination // Liz of Soleil Bliss
Ceremony Music + DJ // Nate with John Ross Music
Floral // Flowers Washougasl
Venue + Catering // McMenamins Kennedy School
Photography // Amanda Photographic

Planning a wedding? Let’s get coffee and gush over details and the vision you have for your special day! Contact me for a consult, info, and booking. …tell me your love story.