Rachel and Michael’s Union Pine wedding in downtown Portland was a dream come true for those who love thrift store finds and vintage vibes! Without the help of a wedding planner, this crafty bride created a stunning rustic-meets-vintage design using her collection of brass candlesticks, platters, vases, and tons of other thrifted goodies. Then she stunned in a self-designed, modern long-sleeve gown that her grandmother handmade with love. In fact, all of this couple’s nearest and dearest lent a hand in bringing this beautiful day together, from the florals to the catering. Luckily for us, Ellie Asher Photography was there to capture every dreamy and romantic moment!
We’ve been friends since we were kids, so our mutual friends and family have been part of our story from the beginning. Those relationships were a big part of the day. My grandmother made my wedding dress, our good friends catered for us with help from Michael‘s mom, and my bandmate and pastor officiated. It was really special to have everyone come together and celebrate with us.
Having all of our people under the same roof, eating and talking and dancing and celebrating–that was the most memorable part. We had way more guests than we anticipated, so there were people crowded in every corner of the building. It was amazing looking around from person to person and realize how lucky and loved we are. You could feel the energy and love in the room, and everyone was genuinely having a good time. It still resonates with us.
We did almost everything ourselves with help from friends and family. We even stayed up late the night before with a few friends arranging all of the florals. We’re lucky to be surrounded by talented and devoted friends, who were also involved with everything from the catering to coordinating. It was really hard work, but everything had meaning down to the smallest detail.
I’m a compulsive thrifter, which really came in handy for decorating. I must have bought 100 brass vases, platters, candle holders and other details in the months leading up to the wedding that we used as centerpieces and other decor. We did our own florals, which I would only recommend if you have talented, experienced friends to help. For the food table, we mounted a 2′ by 4′ on cinderblocks to create more space to layer the food.
I think many people have a vague idea of what they want their wedding to look like, but I found it’s very important to be as specific as possible when formulating your ideas. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the decisions, so having a clear vision is vital to keeping your head. Decide on the style, textures, colors, and elements you want before you ever go shopping–this applies to everything from the dress to the centerpieces.
Planning your 2019 wedding and looking for that extra something special to make it truly unforgettable? We’ve forecasted 11 2019 wedding trends to incorporate into your table decor, fashion, floral design, reception activities, and more! From our pick for wedding color of the year to the one bridal accessory we just can’t get enough of to the style influence you’re going to want to recreate, your 2019 wedding planning starts here!
The Color Rust
Lovers of the ’70s can celebrate in 2019 because rust is the trending wedding color of the year! Not-quite-burgundy, not-quite orange, the nuanced hue fits right in with two major influences on weddings this year: retro styling and desert vibes. Make a statement with a rust suit or bridesmaids dresses or use it as a pop of color with bouquet ribbon, stationery, or accent florals.
2019 will be remembered as the year of larger-than-life floral design! From giant hanging installations to floor-to-ceiling floral walls, 2019 is the year to let your wedding florist go wild and create something extraordinary and one-of-a-kind.
If you’ve been looking for a venue off the beaten path, may we suggest browsing Airbnb? Rental properties listed on Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway can be a great hack for finding a unique wedding venue that fits your vibe, has a cozy atmosphere, and that hasn’t been used by every couple in town. Note that not every property available for rental is allowed to be used as a wedding, so be upfront about your intentions when reaching out to the owner in order to save yourself a major headache (and tons of fees!) later.
Minimalism may have ruled the wedding design world for the last several years, but in 2019, maximalism is BACK! Dramatic floral installations like we mentioned above, abundant table settings, and plenty of pattern and color will be key in 2019 weddings, so don’t be afraid to get a little (or a lot) extra with your decor. Not sure where to start? Hiring an exceptional and experienced wedding planner will ensure your wedding will look cohesive and stylish, no matter the vibe you decide on!
Not a veil kind of bride? No worries because 2019 weddings are all about brides in hats! Fedoras, Panama hats, and floppy hats made of straw, felt, and wool are the perfect finishing accessory to your boho bridal look.
Not only is Morocco a popular 2019 wedding and honeymoon destination, but couples are getting inspired by the cultural influences of the West African country. A few key styling notes include hanging lanterns, vibrant textiles, star details, lounge areas with plenty of pillows, pampas grass, and desert hues.
We’ve posted about velvet already a few times this winter, but our velvet obsession is just getting started. From major velvet moments like suits and bridesmaids dresses to subtle details like shoes or a ribbon hanging from your bouquet, velvet is a beautiful way to add a touch of texture and luxe to your wedding style.
If you’re looking for creative reception activities, 2019 is all about tarot! Hiring a tarot reader for your wedding provides a cool and unique experience that your guests will never forget.
Gone are the days of strict girls on the left, boys on the right. 2019 is officially the year of gender-neutral wedding parties with people of every gender standing next to the bride(s) or groom(s). The gender of your best buds isn’t nearly as important as their support on your big day. Looking for a catchy name for the friends standing by your side? A few we’ve heard (and became totally obsessed with) include Babes of Honor, I Do Crew, Vow Crowd, and Matrimony Homies!
Forget cater waiters carrying hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour because charcuterie boards are all the rage for 2019 weddings! The DIY approach to appetizers is a great way to create an intimate setting that gets your guests chatting and feeling cozy. Plus, the spreads are seriously gorgeous!
If we were to sum up the 2019 wedding trends in one phrase, it would be attention to detail. No trend illustrates this better than handpainted wedding cakes, which are as delicious to look at as they are to eat! From watercolor flowers to masterpieces of abstract color, this might just be the sweetest trend of the year!
Tori and Regan brought all the outdoorsy charm with their Oregon wedding at Skyliner Lodge! The couple’s love of nature was on full display in their ceremony in the woods, their mountaintop portraits, and their cozy reception under the stars. Using a palette of both vibrant and muted colors, the planners at AE Creative helped the couple craft a relaxed look that was both rustic and elegant, and Brier & Ivy designed gorgeous floral pieces to pull both of those vibes together seamlessly. Olivia Strohm Photography didn’t miss a beat capturing all the romantic goodness — from the big moments to those special in-between moments — of this gorgeous PNW wedding in the woods!
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