I have known Kristina since she was a little girl. I didn’t know her well as she is a handful of years younger than me, but we knew her family from living in the same neighborhood and would see them around the neighborhood and at functions. Kristina had been in two weddings and was set to be in a third as a Bridesmaid when she contacted me to be her wedding coordinator.
We went right to work and started planning Kristina + Brian’s dream wedding. The wedding was set to take place in mid-December so it was fitting to design the wedding with a classy Christmas style. Kristina loves the Holidays. I met with Kristina + Brian at their venue up North in late April so I could see what we were working with and help with ideas. The venue was holding a vendor fair the same day so we got to talk with some potential vendors for their event. The space was different and unique, and I was excited to get started in helping them pull together a beautiful Christmasy wedding!
Flash forward 8 months and December 15th had arrived. My husband assisted me with this wedding and we were able to do a lot of set-up at the venue the evening before after rehearsal, which is so rarely the case. We got started with the final set-up around 11 am on wedding day. The space would first be the ceremony space and quickly flipped into the reception space following the ceremony. The ceremony was set with white drapery, twinkle lights, Christmas trees, wood crates, lanterns, greenery, and all things you would envision for a classy Christmas setting.
The ceremony kicked off at 4 pm and was short, sweet, and sentimental. Once the new husband and wife kissed and descended down the aisle, the guest were ushered out into the lobby for a space flip and my team and the catering team went to work. The ceremony backdrop was used as a backdrop for the head table, as was the ceremony decor. A handful of reception tables had already been dressed and set in the hallway so that made for a speedier transition. Those were brought into the reception space while the other tables were set up, dressed, and decorated with a wood round, greenery, flowers, and a candle. Simple but classic.
While we flipped the room, guests grabbed drinks, caught up with old friends and new ones, and did an after-ceremony sparkler tunnel for the newlyweds. Guest were soon asked to find a seat and Kristina + Brian were introduced to the reception and kicked it off by starting the buffet line. Following dinner, were toasts by a select few, the cake cutting, first dances, and the bouquet and garter toss. Once the traditional items were over, the dance floor opened up and was instantly packed.
Thank you Kristina + Brian for letting me play a role in your beautiful wedding day. It was a fun weekend! I always enjoy coordinating a wedding for someone I have known over the years, makes it a little more special!
VENUE// THE DESOTO AND COOPERS HALL, PORTLAND, OR
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// MOSCA STUDIOS
CATERING// THE ART OF CATERING AND COOPERS HALL
BARTENDING + STAFFING// THE ART OF CATERING AND COOPERS HALL
FLOWERS// SEA OF ROSES
BAND// THE BLUE WAVE BAND
DESSERT// PETUNIA’S PIES + PASTRY
OFFICIANT// JOSH COBUN - NEW HEIGHTS
DRESS// NORDSTROM BRIDAL
