Location: Portland, Oregon, USA
Setting: Indoor Botanical Nursery
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 112
How long did the couple plan the event: 14 months
Wedding theme/style: Bohemian meets modern, warm, botanical.
Kayla and Chris found a serene oasis for their wedding day—an indoor botanical nursery. This unique venue set the stage for an intimate and grand celebration, reflecting the couple’s journey and shared vision of a perfect day. Their story, one of chance encounters and deep connection, culminated in a late summer wedding.
Kayla and Chris’s love story is a testament to the unexpected twists of fate. Meeting through mutual friends, their relationship blossomed from friendship to something much more profound. As they navigated life’s challenges and joys together, they knew they wanted to celebrate their commitment in a way that was true to their spirits. They envisioned a wedding that blended bohemian and modern aesthetics, set against a warm, botanical backdrop and brimming with life.
The morning of the wedding was a flurry of excitement and anticipation. Kayla, surrounded by her closest friends, embraced the day with joy and serenity.
She opted for a classic bridal look—loose curls cascading in soft waves and delicate, classic makeup highlighting her natural beauty. Her dress, a classic figure-hugging silhouette with intricate details like an open back and crystal-embellished straps, was the epitome of elegance and style.
One of the day’s highlights was the first look with the bride and her bridesmaids. As Kayla entered the room, her friends, positioned with their backs to her, turned around to behold the beautiful bride. Their reactions—tears, laughter, and joy—were a touching testament to their shared bonds.
On the other hand, Chris spent his morning with his groomsmen, their camaraderie and support palpable in the air. He chose a sharp gray three-piece suit with a vibrant floral tie that added a pop of personality and color, perfectly mirroring the day’s botanical theme.
Equally moving was the moment Chris and Kayla first look. Standing alone, he was awaiting his beloved. Their eyes met, and the world seemed to stand still—a poignant reminder of the journey that led them here.
Before the ceremony, Kayla and Chris shared an intimate moment, reading their vows to each other—a testament to their love and commitment, setting a deeply emotional tone for the day.
The talented photographer Taylor Stuck immortalized the beauty and emotion of Kayla and Chris’s wedding. Her ability to capture the essence of the day—sun-drenched moments filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of the couple and their guests—resulted in unforgettable images. From the intimate portraits of Kayla and Chris to the joyous celebrations with their friends and family, Taylor’s photographs are a testament to the day’s magic.
Inspired by the golden hues of sunset and the natural beauty surrounding us, Kayla and Chris wanted their wedding to feel like a page out of a ‘Free People’ lookbook bathed in sunset light. This vision was brought to life in the selection of their venue—a lush, indoor botanical nursery that provided a natural canvas for their celebration. The warm, botanical theme was evident in every detail, from the floral arrangements to the décor, creating an inviting and enchanting ambiance.
The ceremony itself was a visual and emotional spectacle. Set under a canopy of lush greenery and vibrant floral compositions, Kayla and Chris exchanged vows and rings, the natural light filtering through the transparent roof above, casting a soft, romantic glow over the proceedings. The beauty of the venue, enhanced by the floral arrangements and the sheer white fabric draped across the ceiling, created an atmosphere of ethereal charm and romance.
As the ceremony transitioned to the cocktail hour and then the reception, the joy and warmth of the occasion were palpable. Guests mingled, shared laughs, and enjoyed exquisite cocktails and delicacies, reveling in the newlyweds’ happiness.
True to the day’s theme, the reception area featured natural wood tables adorned with stunning floral compositions and candles, creating a cozy, enchanting atmosphere.
The entrance of Kayla and Chris, accompanied by exuberant tunes and cheers from their loved ones, marked the beginning of the evening celebrations. Speeches and toasts brought tears and laughter, reflecting the deep connections and love shared among the guests.
As the melody began to fill the air, Kayla and Chris stepped onto the dance floor, their hands clasped together, eyes locked in a gaze filled with love and promise. The guests encircled them, a hush falling over the crowd as they witnessed the beautiful moment unfolding. The couple moved gracefully and harmoniously as if the world had melted away, leaving only the two in their blissful bubble.
After their first dance, the newlyweds invited the most extraordinary people to join them on the dance floor. Kayla danced with her father, while Chris shared a dance with his mother. These moments were a beautiful expression of love between children and their parents.
The rest of the evening was filled with fun, lively music, and dancing all night long.
Advice from couple:
• Vendors make the day! Hire the ones that are the best fit for you, your day, and the vibes you’re looking to achieve. They will be your champions through the process.
• Be present with each other and with the people there. The day truly flies by!
• Take a moment to yourselves to appreciate all the beautiful details. We still talk about the floral hanging installation as one of our best purchases. I can’t believe we almost didn’t do that!
• This is going to sound cheesy but have fun with it. I worked out with my friends in the morning, and it was a great way to shake out the jitters of the day. Being relaxed and having fun with the day made for some great moments, photos, and a fun dance floor.
• When planning gets stressful, center yourself by knowing that no matter what, the most important thing above all the chaos is your love and celebrating the union of you and your person.
PHOTOGRAPHER Taylor Stuck | PLANNER Luxe Productions | LEAD Catherine Nguyen | VENUE Blockhouse PDX, Orangerie Pomarius Nursery | FLORAL Honor Flowers | MUAH The Wildeflower Co. | SIGNAGE Hey Halle | CATERING Art Of Catering PDX | DJ Pure Pulse Entertainment | PHOTO BOOTH Happy Matic | RENTALS Lily And Cane, Arden Event Collective | DESSERTS Too Sweet Cakes | HOTEL The Woodlark Hotel | BRIDAL GOWN True Society by The White Dress
