This wedding at Blockhouse was long-awaited! The pandemic forced Madeline and Tyler to reschedule their reception multiple times after they married in a 2020 backyard ceremony. Finally, on August 13th, 2021, they gathered with their family and friends to celebrate with an evening of food, drinks, and dancing. An unexpected heat wave arrived in Portland on the same day, but the couple and their guests were all smiles. I could tell that they were overjoyed just to be together after such a long time in isolation.

A Family-Centered Affair with a Big Surprise

Madeline and Tyler had hired me before the pandemic, and when it hit, we talked about postponing the event.  Ultimately, she wanted to get married, but she didn’t want to deal with restrictions.  Additionally, Madeline’s closeness with her family was evident, and she wanted to celebrate with them in person. Therefore, she opted for an earlier backyard wedding and kept me on for the celebration the following year. With that in mind, we set out to plan a day that would be safe without sacrificing any of the fun.

The couple had another significant reason for wanting to celebrate with their loved ones in person—they were pregnant! Most of their guests came from out of state and hadn’t seen them in months or even years due to the pandemic. So, their reception was truly a unique opportunity to tell everyone at the same time. During the welcome toast, they surprised everyone by making the announcement with an ultrasound photo. The looks on their family’s faces were priceless! It was such a special moment that made all of the heartbreak of repeatedly rescheduling worth it. 

Details From a Summer Wedding Reception at Blockhouse

The lush greenery and warm lighting at Blockhouse made the perfect setting for the couple’s intimate evening with their loved ones. The decor was minimal and elegant, but with enough colorful details to add excitement. Cloth napkins with a geometric pattern of white and cobalt blue from Creative Coverings joined with gold cutlery and organic arrangements of peach and lavender florals by For the Love of Floral for garden-inspired tablescapes. Meanwhile, champagne escort cards accompanied guests into the welcoming, family-style atmosphere of the evening. A delicious meal by the always-reliable Devils Food Catering followed! Everyone danced under the strings of café lights well into the night, celebrating Madeline and Tyler and the joy of being together.

What an honor it was to be a part of this day at Blockhouse and usher this couple into the next exciting chapter of their lives! Whether it’s day-of coordination you desire or a full-scale planning and coordination experience, I want to help make your wedding day everything you’ve dreamed of. Fill out this quick form to get in touch!

Vendors:

Planner: Danielle Caldwell Events

Venue: Blockhouse Portland

Photography: Kate Ames Photography

Floral Design: For the Love of Floral

Catering: Devil’s Food Catering

Entertainment: John Ross

Rentals: The Party Place + Bridgewood

Linens: Creative Coverings

Cake: Sweetheart St. Johns

Stationery & Signage: The Lettering Bee Co.

HAMU: Portland Makeup and Hair