Thanks to our pro-gay vendor Emily G Photography, we got in touch with Charlotte and Katie to talk to them about their winter wedding.
Our wedding was everything we wanted it to be. We were able to design, plan, and create every aspect of it. This was important to us, as we heard a lot of regret from couples whose families controlled major aspects of their wedding. In our case, we did everything on our own because Katie’s family was MIA due to their religious beliefs, and Charlotte’s lived to far away to be involved. We didn’t receive any financial help, which also dictated our budget constraints, but also allowed it to become exactly what we wanted and were able to create on our own.
Of course, a wedding cannot be planned and run by just two people especially if they are the brides, so we received a lot of support from family, friends and vendors who went out of their way to help and ensure it ran smoothly, which allowed us to just focus on getting married.
Our favorite part was the 8 or so minutes that we spent alone right before the ceremony. We were “hiding” on the first floor of our venue trying to stay calm and just enjoy the moment. The staff kept accidentally coming back, most often just as we were about to kiss, then quickly apologized, smiled, and gave us a congratulations before hurrying off. It made us laugh and calmed our nerves! In the crazy chaos of the day leading up to the ceremony, then the craziness afterward, this was the part we remember the most; just being there with each other kissing and laughing.
For our wedding ceremony we had a friend officiate using words we wrote together, and concluding with a pronunciation of being married by the love and happiness of the people in the room that night. It made the whole night more special knowing that we were surrounding by support and acceptance.
We designed and made most of the elements of our wedding using the internet and Michael’s as our major sources of inspiration. Though we did eventually learn to just make decisions without looking back . . .there would always another good idea to be found. But we did know we wanted to create a nature-theme, being outdoorsy, Oregonian girls; so began with internet searches along those lines. We came up with ideas using tree branches and votives as centerpieces, then just created something similar but with our style quirks and more budget-friendly. For example, all the braches were gathered from around our neighborhood on evening walks and the gravel was bought in bulk at Home Depot.
It was fun working together and learn about how each other thinks, plans and prioritizes.
Oregon does not allow for same sex marriage but has domestic partnerships, so we registered on the morning of our wedding because it was important for us that both take place on the same day. Though it ended up being a little anti-climatic because we didn’t even get a congratulations from the man who took our money and certified our paperwork. However, we do remember looking at each other and feeling a little thrill as we realized we were connected legally to each other at that moment. Katie remembers, “being surprised that the legal part matter would touch me, but it did”.
Actually, Katie was very adamant that nothing in our wedding scream “winter theme”, so we tried very hard to steer clear of anything having to do with Christmas or snow. The venue was even nice enough to put their Christmas tree on the lower level, which we weren’t using. However, we chose both the date (December 4th ) and the venue because it corresponded with the date and location of our first date. Sappy but cute and it still makes us happy.
Planner: Charlotte and Katie, sorry we’re both retired, one wedding was enough for us!
Photographer: The amazing and talented Emily G
Venue: Gerding Theater at the Armory
Florist: Center pieces, once again Charlotte and Katie, plus friends. Our bouquets and ring holders were made by Katie using a Princess Lasertron Bridal Felt Flower kit. She also makes custom bouquets that are gorgeous.
Caterer: The Gerding Theater team, led by the awesome Helen McConnell.
Cupcakes were by Cupcake Jones: http://www.cupcakejones.net/
Dresses: Both of our dresses came from David’s Bridal. We had mixed feelings about our experiences. We both love our dresses and they fit our budget BUT it was the only vender we worked with that we had to cross out groom and rewrite bride. Overall, it was a positive experience that we chalked up as being a teachable moment.
Example: Oh, you’re both getting married on the same day? Yes, were marrying each other. J
Coats: Char’s yellow coat was from Nordstrom Rack. Katie’s purple coat was 50% off at Old Navy! We chuckle when asked if they come from J. Crew.
Accessories: Katie’s flower comb was made from tearing apart a clearance headband from Anthorpolgie and adding orange tulle. Charlotte’s tiara was from a local fabric store called The Mill End Store.
Shoes: Char’s lovely ivory shoes were purchased at DSW. Katie’s rockin’ purple flower high heel shoes were purchased at the clearance rack at Macy’s.
beautiful! I love love love the colors! congratulations!!
Gorgeous! Gorgeous! I love the bouquets, jackets, and photography. You look lovely and so happy! Where about in Oregon did you get hitched?!
Holy moly! Your pictures look so amazing! Your bouquets are the cutest things in the world. And your venue looks UNBELIEVABLE! Congratulations – it looked like a beautiful and happy happy day!