This wedding is warm, urban simplicity at its best! Ann and Chad’s autumn wedding in Portland was filled with lovely Northwest details like moss-filled votive holders and frothy mugs of local beer. Thank you so much to Powers Studios for sharing!

Did your wedding location hold a specific significance to you?

We really wanted to find a space that reflected us. Davis Street Tavern was the perfect combination of unique sophistication and warmth (loved that red brick, exposed wood beams, & soft lighting).  We thought going the restaurant route allowed us to have a more relaxed feeling to the event, and the focus could be on mingling and celebrating like a big family party (which is what a wedding really is in the end). And the fact that they were able to provide a great selection of craft beers on tap sealed the deal for us.

What was the most meaningful part of your day?

Pastor Jon did an amazing job with his blessings, and his discussions of marriage shared with us personally and with the wedding guests. Especially meaningful to us were the readings we selected to be read by our two sisters. Each reading had a special meaning to us, but also fit the sister that read it in a great way.

Did you do any DIY projects?

I was obsessed with making it feel like fall, but not to be all orange & brown. I ended up deciding that I wanted just a hint of fall leaves in the décor, but to focus on moss. So as part of the wedding festivities, my bridesmaids and I collected moss (I’m sure we looked ridiculous to any passing us by) and put them together in mason jars with little candles – the kitchen turned into a mess but it was such a great.

How was your wedding weekend?

We also really focused on making the entire weekend about Portland and all it has to offer since many of our family were coming from out of state. On Thursday we had hiking out to Multnomah Falls for any who were interested, then a guided wine tour through the Willamette Valley that Friday afternoon before the rehearsal dinner. After the wedding, several family members decided to also sign up for guided fishing! But probably my favorite non-wedding, wedding event was the rehearsal dinner. Chad’s parents hosted it at their home, but we had the famous Koi Fusion taco truck cater and one of our good friends brewed two different beers, one brewed following bride requests, the other brewed following groom requests… there are still debates on which beer turned out better! The truck rolled up around 6 p.m., and everyone could order what they wanted, we had a little bonfire out back and plenty of just mingling and good times.

How did you know your partner was “the one”?

The first time I realized I better sit up and pay attention is when, after an argument we had at the beginning of our relationship I called my Mom to vent and all she had to say at the end was to laugh and tell me the two of us really deserved each other. Which I suppose sums it up – Chad is always supportive and makes me feel loved and treasured, but at the same time he keeps me grounded and is never afraid to give me a hard time when I deserve it.

Any advice you’d give new brides who are just getting started?

Focus on what matters to you and your partner. There is a classic sense of wedding I think we all have, but when it comes down to it the day is going to be special if it is based on what makes sense to you two, not what is expected. Just because it hasn’t been done, or it’s unusual doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be done…in fact, it probably means that it is exactly what should be done on YOUR day (and remember that “your” means two people in this scenario).

Vendors:

Photographer: Powers Studios

Venue and catering: Davis Street Tavern

Dress and shoes: Anna’s Bridal

Groom’s Attire: Duchess

Groomsmen’s Attire: Express

Flowers: Bloom

DJ: Flip Flop Sounds