If you saw my Instagram over the past day or so, you know the cat’s out of the bag! We’ve officially booked our wedding venue–Bridal Veil Lakes, outside of Portland, Oregon!
Even better, it’s actually in a town called Bridal Veil (yes, that’s its name) which is the next town over from where I grew up in Corbett, OR. I didn’t plan it that way, but sometimes just fall into place, you know?
Truth be told, we booked it months ago sight unseen. As soon as Neal and I set our eyes on the website, we knew it was the one.
We hadn’t actually gotten excited about wedding planning at all up until that point. The whole process felt like a total drag, and we never felt like any options we happened upon were really “us.”
I’ve always dreamed of getting married outside, which is pretty risky here in the Midwest due to the unpredictable weather. A city wedding in Chicago just felt like a money pit. Plus, as a little girl, I always envisioned my wedding to be in the Pacific Northwest. After hours of scouring Wedding Wire, I knew this was it.
It was months until I could find the time to get back home to check it out, but this past weekend, my mom and I met our wedding planner, Becky, here–and it was exactly how I envisioned! The property is over 40 acres of gorgeous forest, with a lake (complete with canoes!) right in the middle.
(They even suggested I make a grand entrance to walk down the aisle via canoe but knowing me, I don’t think that’s quite something I need to be attempting in my wedding dress.)
Anyway, I was so excited to share the news with you! Stay tuned for more wedding details coming soon!
Did you have an outdoor wedding? Any words of advice you would share?
Eeee! I’m SO excited!!! It’s stunning, Jess. Wuv you! ❤️
Oh my gosh this is so exciting! I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds for you!
OMG I love this!! I’ve always wanted an outdoor wedding too! I’m so excited for you <3
This venue is absolutely gorgeous!! I cannot wait to see all of the fun wedding-related content you have coming up (hopefully)! Finding a dress, deciding who’s in your bridal party, deciding on wedding decor, etc, etc.
Oh my goodness Jess! This is absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to follow along as you plan
// http://lifeplusbe.com/
Jess, this is seriously so beautiful! It’s probably because I’m getting married myself on Friday and I’m in a fog of love and happiness, but this makes me so incredible happy for you and Neil! I can’t wait to see what else you guys plan along the way!
It’s gorgeous Jess! Congrats!
So exciting- what a lovely venue! Your photos will be gorgeous! We didn’t have an outdoor wedding, but we’ve been to several. The worst experiences with outdoor weddings have been when it’s too hot and there isn’t enough shade, water, or AC. The heat index was over 90 degrees at one of the weddings. No one wanted to take a crowded seat for the ceremony or dance at the reception. It was a bummer. The best outdoor wedding I went to was just a few weeks ago. The couple said their vows at a ‘chapel’ in the woods. It rained almost the entire time and the only cover was umbrella or tree. But everything was beautiful. The reception was in a tent, and that was a lot of fun. I’d rather be rained on than sweat. Good luck! 😉
One word, breathtaking!!!!!!
Wow, so beautiful Jess!! Seriously what a dreamy place to get married!! I’m sure whatever you plan will be amazing, can’t wait to see more details!
xo, Sarah
Omg how stunning!
This is SO gorgeous!
Ahhhh, so exciting! I can’t wait to hear ALL the details!
Shaheen | Lows to Luxe
This will be beautiful and your photos will be so, so gorgeous! We had an outdoor wedding, it said it was going to rain on our wedding day the week before and it didn’t! I spent so much time agonizing over it for nothing! It turned out to be 72 and overcast and even better – the sun shined in on us as we were saying our vows. My advice is is: Don’t let the weather channel cause you any stress leading up to the wedding. It will be perfect no matter what!
Ah, it’s going to be SO gorgeous!! So excited!