Kaila + Andrew
A summer wedding at the
Historic Hood River Hotel
As Kaila took the mic mid-reception and made her own personal toast of thanks, it impinged upon me just how incredible weddings really are.
During her speech, Kaila went around the room and acknoledged groups of people from all different parts of her life from childhood to adulthood, people from very different walks of life and those who hailed from all locations around the globe! It made my heart fill with joy as tearfully,Kaila spoke words of gratitude that this amazing day could bring all these people together to celebrate with her and Andrew.
Truthfully, that’s really what a wedding day is about isn’t it? It’s that one day where family, friends and groups of people who might otherwise never meet, congrgate and share in their common love for two incredible people and the life they are about to create together. It’s this reason that I fell in love with weddings, so when it aknowledged in such a way, it just makes me melt!
I fell in love with Andrew and Kaila from the moment I first met them. Andrew is this incredibly kind, insanely talented man who is just head over heels for Kaila- a strong, type A personality who loves fiercly. Together, they compliment each other perfectly and were an absolute joy to work with on their wedding journey.
Kaila and Andrew planned a summer wedding at the istoric Hood River Hotel. This landmark sits along the Columbia River Gorge and has floor to ceiling windows in their lobby, a fantastic adjoining restarant that is shut down when weddings are hosted, and a basement bar area that creates the perfect speak-easy vibe for a romatic and intimate reception.
Kaila choose to feature her favorite color in her wedding theme, and the pops of peacock blue set with accents of white florals were a perfect match for the classy setting of the hotel.
For her own attire, Kaila chose a gorgeous A-line gown with clean, classic lines. To customize the gown and to add a bit of sparkle, she adorned her waist with a bejeweld belt that in my opinion was the ideal finishing touch.
Her curly red hair was pinned expertly into a low bun by Rene of Lash and Lox with pearls added in all the right places to create that cohesive classic element that was woven throughout the celebration.
Andrew donned a light neutral suit, that pefectly set off his peacock blue tie provided a much more comfortable color to wear when we went out in the summer heat for sunset portraits!
Kaila and Andrew chose to have a private first look on the upper balcony overlooking the Hotel foyer. Together we enjoyed creating bridal portraits both on the balcony, in the lobby and on the giant staircase leading down to the ground floor.
The morning of her wedding while getting ready, Kaila had told me how in a moment of wedding stress, a particularly difficult moment was soothed by Andrew playing Disney songs in the car as they drove, so we added in a little princess flair to some of their portratis, harkening back to Kaila’s deep love for the classic romance in those beloved Disney films.
The whole wedding day truly went off without a hitch, an impressive start to Kaila’s future voyage into wedding planning as a career!
After portraits, Kaila and Andrew shared an intimate ceremony in front of a wooden arch adorned with white florals and ample greenery, after which they transitioned immediately into mingling with all their guests during cocktail hour.
A delicious dinner was served by the talented team at Bellyfull Catering who not only nailed the perfect Salmon, but who also served the most delicious Asparagus that I’ve ever had at a wedding!
After a few touching toasts, Kaila and Andrew really pulled out all the stops for their frist dance! Andrew began by playing the guitar and singing with his beautiful voice resonating sincereity and love, and transitioned into a fantastic dance routine that had Kaila’s dress flying while Andrew twirled her around the dance floor!
Kaila and Andrew’s cake by Ja'Civa's was decorated with delicate edible Trillium Florals in reference to the many hiking adventures they have shared together in the Oregon wilderness.
Sneaking away for one final set of photos at a local overlook of the Columbia river, the evening for me came to a close. It was certainly a night to remember and one I treasure being a part of.
Enjoy a selection of images from Kaila and Andrew’s stunning wedding day at The Historic Hood River Hotel and leave a comment of congrats for the newlyweds below!
Venue: The Hood River Hotel
Hair and Makeup: Renee from Lash and Lox
Catering: Bellyful Catering
Cake: JaCivas
