Shay + Carmen
A Romantic Wedding at Abernethy Center in Oregon
When Shay took the mic to thank his guests for attending his wedding, he spoke of the connections between all those who were in that love-filled room. People from all walks of life, all careers, all parts of the country, all coming together in the great love that is Carmen and Shay! I could honestly think of no better way to sum up this beautiful and moving wedding day at Abernethy Center.
Carmen and Shay moved to Oregon only recently and as such, almost 100% of their guest-list came to Portland via airplane. In fact, one of Carmen’s bridesmaids even had a crazy travel experience and only arrived in Oregon at 2am the morning of the wedding day!
With all the effort of their guests coming to celebrate their wedding day, Carmen and Shay had gone to every effort to plan out one of the most amazing weddings I have ever been to. Complete with an Eco-Shuttle to bus people from their lodging to Abernethy, Carmen and Shay thought of everyhting to create an amazing party atmosphere for all their guests.
When I received the vendor list from Kassandra, Carmen and Shay’s talented Wedding Planner and head of Abernethy’s Coordination Services, I was pleased to see that they had booked Justin from Paradox Productions as their DJ. Justin is absolutely THE best DJ if you want to create an epic party-time feel as his M.C. skills are second to none. Coupling that with Shay’s own DJ skills, the reception not only had an epic grand entrance, but also a perfectly choreographed mix to cut the cake to and a playlist for the reception which was absolutely top-notch!
On the morning of July 3rd, Dom and I arrived to the Hilton Hotel where Carmen and her girls were relaxing and getting their hair and makeup done in a 14th-floor suite, replete with a stunning view of Mount Hood out the balcony window.
Dom and I set to photographing all the wedding details which included Carmen’s grandmother’s ring and some custom-made sneakers embroidered with July 3, 2021 on them and sporting blue-colored soles as Carmen’s “Something Blue.”
Carmen’s dress was a show-stopper, mermaid cut with the most delicate beadwork and a lace train that was to die for! She topped it off with a cathedral-length veil, rimmed with lacework which when placed over her train, set the entire look off like fireworks!
As the girls steamed and ironed their satin Bridesmaid dresses, Dom headed over to take some shots fo the guys tuxedo-ing up. A limo carried them from the Hilton to Abernethy Center where they took some portraits while the girls finished up getting ready.
Carmen’s mom helped her don her gorgeous dress and they both made a an entrance into the parlor of their suite as Carmen’s bridesmaids whooped and hollered upon seeing her in her full wedding look for the first time.
The girls were soon after swept to Abernethy via limo and we had just enough time pre-ceremony to get a few portraits before too many of the guests arrived.
The cathedral at Abernethy quickly filled with guests from the various shuttles, and as Shay took his place at the front of the chapel, the bridal party entered one by one.
The chapel doors closed as the music switched and you could feel the anticipation in the room as the officiant asked everyone to rise.
Light poured in as the chapel doors opened to reveal a show-stopping Carmen in her full bridal look, escorted by her mother Linda who also was an absolute vision in her gorgeous blush and gold gown.
The ceremony was lovely, complete with both tears and laughter as Carmen very eagerly confirmed “I do!” to the vows.
As Carmen and Shay shared a first kiss, the room erupted with cheers of approval and the Abernethy chapel bell rung out as the excited newlyweds exited, hand in hand.
After some portraits in the gardens and on the chapel steps, the reception party got started with a grand entrance set to a Jerry Seinfeld recording as Carmen and Shay entered and spun immediately into a gorgeous first dance.
Shat and his mom also shared a dance, and then Carmen’s late father was honored with a touching moment of silence.
As dinner was served the guests couldn’t help but come up to the head table to congratulate the new couple and soon everyone was up and milling about, enjoying the cocktails and printing photos at the photo booth.
Shay’s brother Brion made a touching speech that at least for me will go down in KHP wedding history as one of the best wedding toasts of all time.
Carmen’s sisters also put together a hilarious speech that ended in sweet tears and Shay’s dad and Carmen’s mom also had a few moments on the mike to offer congradulations and advice for teh new couple.
Two cakes were but- both the tiered formal wedding cake and Shay’s surprise Kansas City Chiefs groom’s cake and there followed a rowdy bouquet and basket-ball toss that had everybody in stitches.
As DJ Paradox cued up the dance music literally everyone hit the floor and soon the whole reception hall was shaking from all the epic dancing.
The night seemed to wrap up all too soon as guests were ushered back onto the shuttles at the end of the evening. Dom and I made our rounds, hugging and thanking Linda and Shay’s parents and congratulating Carmen and Shay one last time before heading out.
It was a magical evening and as anyone who attended will tell you, LOVE WAS POPPIN’!
Cheers to Carmen and Shay! Love you guys!
If you are creating your own wedding and love this story, check out some of the amazing vendors from Carmen and Shay’s wedding day here:
DJ: Justin @ Paradox Productions