Ok, so I'm a blogger based in the Columbia River Gorge and I have yet to post one wedding from the historic and beautiful Columbia Gorge Hotel or "Waldorf of the West" as they sometimes refer to it. I'm so excited to finally share a wedding from this venue especially this gorgeous wedding with so many thoughtful little vintage and DIY details. These images by Benjamin Edwards are amazing - thank you so much for sharing them!
Thoughts from the bride, Maria:
We found the Columbia Gorge Hotel online, booked an appointment to visit, and within seconds of seeing it Jordan and I were both pretty sure that it was where we wanted to have our wedding. The scenery is breathtaking, and there is a beautiful waterfall that was rushing into the Columbia River. After we had visited the venue we were contemplating if we were going to visit other places or if this venue was where we wanted to have our wedding. That only lasted momentarily, right after we stepped out the door we knew we were going to get married there.
On all the wedding details:
After many hours searching blogs, magazines, and our minds, Jordan and I decided on our wedding details together. It was all really fun to put together. For example, we made our own programs that doubled as fans to keep the guests cool on the warm summer day. On one side of the fan had the ceremony program details and the other side consisted of Jordan and my journey of getting to know each other and falling in love.
Another project we decided on having at the wedding was a Polaroid booth. Everyone really enjoyed this a lot! First we found two screen widow frames and then took the screens out and replaced them with corkboard. Then we covered it with some fun fabric and also placed some buttons in the corners to make it look a little more vintage themed. This provided for a perfect display board and our friends and family took Polaroid pictures of themselves to add to the theme. We also provided travel tags for them to write us a note on. That allowed them to hang their photo with a note on the board. This has really created some fun memories for Jordan and I. Soon we are going to be hanging these boards in our family room above our couch to remind us of all the love and support our friends and family have for us, it’s really special for both Jordan and I.
All of our vintage themed materials were gathered from random garage sales throughout the summer. Some things we borrowed from friends and family, others we bought from Craigslist, Etsy, vintage stores and some rentals were from Punch Portland (our florist). We also purchased our windows, window frames, and our large vintage mirror from a rebuilding center in Portland.
These shoes are fab!
Yes, there is a waterfall at this venue!
Her hair and veil are gorgeous!
Love the hats and the suspenders
Adorable!
Could the grounds of the Columbia Gorge Hotel be more beautiful?
The florals by Punch Portland are amazing!
The backdrop with the ribbons blowing in the breeze - looks perfect!
Gorgeous head table and the giant intials are so cool
Here is what Maria had to say about those:
We mounted our initials on a door, then the two doors framed the stairs we walked down to enter the reception. They were also right behind our bridal table, which was fun for photos. We made them and painted them ourselves.
The button cake and cupcakes are adorable!
I love this idea for favors - amazing display!
Any advice for future brides?
The wise advice I have for brides is really to enjoy their engagement with their fiancé. It should be fun! It can be easy to get wrapped up in all the details, planning, and decorating, alas, it will be stressful at times but it should mostly be a blast! When there are times when you’re getting frustrated or stressed, just take a breath and remember you’re getting married to your best friend and not your wedding details! : ) With that, your planning process will be more enjoyable if you slow down and remember to be thankful, joyful, and patient. You will be rewarded greatly when the day comes and you stand in front of your husband to be with anticipation, giddiness and gladness that the overwhelming planning didn’t blast you apart. Remember your priorities as a wife are to be first to your fiancé and then to your wedding. It will make the ride a lot more joyful.
Vendors:
Venue: Columbia Gorge Hotel
Catering: Columbia Gorge Hotel
Wedding Coordinator: Laura Chapman
Florist: Punch Portland
Photographer: Benjamin Edwards
Wedding Dress: Charlotte's
Bridesmaids Dress: Anthropologie
Coffee Beans (Favors): Coava
Thank you Maria for sharing this amazing day with us and Benjamin for the gorgeous images!
