Location: Portland, Oregon, US
Setting: Backyard
The number of guests: 30
Wedding Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 12 months
Wedding theme/style: Timeless, elegant and classy.
Chynna and Adam, a wonderful couple from Oregon, envisioned an elegant backyard wedding that felt more like an intimate gathering than a structured event. “All we cared about was a special moment shared in front of our loved ones and a phenomenal dinner that would follow. Being in our mid to late 30s, we weren’t interested in a party with a DJ, a dancefloor, banquet food, and a cake ceremony. We wanted to be intentional about the moments we spent with our close friends and family while we had them in one place, for what would probably be the only time in our lives,” shared the couple.
The entire wedding planning process was entrusted to the talented planners at Kayloe Bridal, who provided the couple with full planning support. The planners found it inspiring to plan the wedding for the lovebirds. “When I first chatted with Chynna and Adam about their wedding day vision, I was instantly inspired and excited. I am passionate about intentionality and design for small, intimate weddings, and I knew this one would be special. I truly believe that not every wedding needs to have an extensive budget to be just as well-designed and thoughtfully planned as a wedding with an endless budget. Chynna and Adam’s day is a perfect example of just that. We emphasized elegance and formality through decor and dress code, but planned the flow of events to feel communal and intimate so that guests felt continually at ease and nothing felt stuffy,” shared Kayloe Bridal team.
Chynna and Adam’s wedding took place in a beautifully landscaped backyard. The venue featured lush greenery, well-maintained gardens, and a charming stone fountain. This setting provided a peaceful and natural backdrop for the couple’s special day, making it a perfect location for their elegant and laid-back wedding celebration.
Chynna did her hair and makeup for the wedding, aiming for a timeless look rather than following trends. She shared her challenges finding “the perfect dress” for her big day: “My wedding dress was ordered a size too small. I could barely zip it, and I definitely couldn’t sit in it. I was told it was too late to order a bigger size in time for the wedding. The expensive seamstress who works for the bridal shop told me she couldn’t do anything or take it out anywhere. So, I tried my hardest to lose weight for the next four months. I tried the dress on two weeks before the wedding, and it was still too small. I took it to a random seamstress near my house, and she said she would try to let out every seam. I picked it up four days before my wedding, and it fit perfectly. Have the dress tailored to your body, not the other way around.”
The room is filled with excitement as Chynna opened a special gift from her bridesmaids. Inside the beautifully wrapped box is a pair of stylish, personalized sneakers—an unexpected and touching gift that brings a smile to Chynna’s face.
Adam wore a classic black tuxedo, white shirt, and black bow tie. What made the morning even more special was a gift from Chynna—a framed print of a text message conversation between her and a friend, in which she shared her excitement from the early days of their relationship: “I think I just found my husband. He drove down from Portland to take me to a winery, and he’s everything I’ve wanted and more.” It was a heartwarming moment for Adam to remember.
The ceremony was beautiful and intimate set in a lush garden, with greenery and flowers providing a picturesque backdrop. As Chynna walked down the aisle, holding a bouquet of white calla lilies, she was accompanied by her father.
The couple exchanged vows under a beautiful floral arch adorned with white blooms, which added a romantic touch to the ceremony. Their vows were heartfelt and personal, filled with love and promises for their future together. The exchange of vows was a moving moment for everyone present. Family and friends watched with joy and tears as the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife, sealing their promises to each other.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds took some time to enjoy the moment together. They took a few pictures with the vintage white car, capturing the essence of their timeless celebration. The couple walked hand in hand, enjoying the beautiful surroundings and each other’s company before heading to their reception to celebrate with family and friends.
The reception space for Chynna and Adam’s wedding was breathtaking. The couple envisioned a classy and timeless setting, and the planners at Kayloe Bridal brought that vision to life with meticulous attention to detail. The color palette was predominantly white, creating an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. The tables were adorned with delicate white floral arrangements, and the crystal glassware added a touch of refinement. The table settings were carefully curated, featuring beautifully designed menus and elegant white linens. Candlelight added a warm, romantic glow to the evening, enhancing the intimate atmosphere.
The beautifully simple and intimate celebration of Channy and Adam truly captured the essence of what the couple wanted for their wedding day.
The couple shared their thoughts on the reception, saying, “We loved sharing an exceptional dinner with our guests surrounded by beautiful flowers on a warm summer night with soft music in the background. The vibes weren’t ‘wedding,’ they were more ‘peaceful & dreamy.'”
Reflecting on their special day, the newlyweds added, “If we could do it over with all the money in the world, we wouldn’t change a thing. Having a beautiful, laidback but elegant evening with 30 people in a garden was the best decision. Nothing felt rushed or forced. We got married, ate dinner, enjoyed cigars, and mingled.”
The videographers at CT Photo and Film and photographer Sarah Jay skillfully captured the love between the couple and the magic of their reception.
“I couldn’t have been happier with the outcome – all of the personal touches, their family friend’s backyard transformed into the setting for the wedding of their dreams. Witnessing the exchange of love and vows is always special, but for Chynna and Adam, every single detail was turned up in intensity: the emotions, the sentimentality, and the overall beauty,” concluded their wedding planners at Kayloe Bridal.
DESIGN & PLANNING Kayloe Bridal | PHOTO Sarah Jay | VIDEO CT Photo and Film | FLORIST Brier + Ivy | CATERING Heather Ciprani | STRING TRIO Columbia River Strings | MENUS Minimal Moon Paperie
