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Oregon Private Estate Wedding | Kate + Kyle

From Nora, the planner:

Kate + Kyle are two of the most resilient and gracious people I have ever met and their wedding weekend was one for the books! Their wedding was planned and replanned FIVE times. The original Catholic ceremony and 300 person reception were planned for the fall of 2020, and in true COVID fashion, they had to postpone until May 2021. On the original date, we still planned for the Catholic wedding and coordinated a beautiful family-only dinner reception in the bride’s parent’s backyard, lovingly named the Madden Country Club. The week of the festivities, horrible wildfires along the west coast filled Portland with hazardous air quality. Just a few days before, we shifted the entire over-the-top dinner reception indoors at the Portland Racquet Club. It all worked out and although different than expected, the day was beautiful.

We went back to planning the original reception, to be held at an elite country club in the Portland area. However, the state mandates at the time were very strict in the county, so the couple decided to move to a private estate in the Willamette Valley just two months before the reception was to take place in order to include more of their nearest and dearest. We shifted our plans and design yet again, only for the venue to pull the rug from under us only two weeks before the wedding. We could no longer have the event, which followed all mandates, in their space. It was unethical and frustrating but with all of that, Kate + Kyle held their heads high and took the high road. After many panicked calls and sleepless nights, we moved the wedding for the fifth time to Duckridge Farm. As a planner, I had wanted to work at this dreamy picture-perfect estate for years, but the owners limit events allowed on the property to family. They heard our story, took pity on us, and let us take over the expansive property for the weekend. We scrambled to shift, replan and redesign for the fifth time but it was 100% worth it.

It was an entire weekend of fully vaccinated events starting with an uber-chic bridesmaids luncheon. The stone-fruit tones with pops of blue and navy were stunning. With views for days and a small intimate group, it set the tone for the elevated weekend. Next, the rehearsal dinner was styled in tones of green and white donning potted plants on the tablescape with platforms for the family-style platters. As the sun began to go down, the overhead bistro lighting and uplighting made for a magical sparkling ambiance as more guests arrived for a welcome party. They chatted and imbibed into the night and left with excitement for the next day!

The wedding day began with beauty and photos in wine country and the weather did not disappoint. The wedding party loaded up busses and enjoyed bubbles as they headed to Duckridge Farm. When they arrived you could hear gasps as everyone took in the transformed space. The wedding was styled in tones of medium to dark blues and a crisp clean white with greens mixed in. A leafy print inspired by the bride’s Mira Zwillinger gown was used to create a custom monogram, and it was found on the bar facade, all printed items, and even the cake which was sitting on a table filled with florals. Tables were filled with lush florals, elegant La Tavola linens, and even personal crystal salt cellars. No detail was overlooked from a floral-filled stage facade to personalized menus, to branded water bottles. The ceremony was held on an expansive lawn, with one of the longest aisles I have ever seen. It was truly out of a storybook as Kate walked down with her emotional father, Mark! The bride’s brother, John, officiated the ceremony and was as sweet as he was humorous. Post-ceremony guests were greeted to yet another English garden on the property with cocktails, a seafood station, and delicious appetizers. On the way to the reception they received table assignments from an escort wall and were seated for dinner. The couple welcomed and thanked their guests, the family priest gave a blessing, and then all enjoyed a coursed meal ending with Veuve poured tableside. Mark kicked off toasts and ended with a fun surprise, he and his close friend had hired the band to sing along for a rendition of “That’s Amore.” The sun went down, the band came out and this crowd was ready to party. The dance floor was full all night, guests enjoyed a brown bar with custom PDX Ice, cigar bar, dessert bar, flip flops for sore feet and pashminas for those that needed warmth and it was a celebration for the books. A celebration of love, of life and returning to normalcy.

Through all the ups and downs, Kate + Kyle’s love for family and each other shone through. Their wedding was as special as they are and it was very clear that they are loved and adored by so many. I am lucky to be one of them!

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