Real Weddings: Becca & Brandi
I’m not even sure where to begin with this real wedding story but I will start with the words “crazy in love.” Of course, every engaged couple is in love but these two … the mad love, respect and mutual support was evident every.single.day of planning and I felt honored to be part of the wedding day.
Becca and Brandi met at Portland Pride in 2016 through a mutual friend. They hit it off immediately and spent the entire weekend together getting to know each other.
Brandi had to head back to her hometown of Bend, OR but they spoke every day and continued to build their friendship. Just one month later Brandi requested a job transfer to Portland to be closer to Becca and their love story blossomed. They literally saw each other every single day and each knew the other was “the one.” They had their first in a photo booth two weeks later while on a date! How cute are they!
Just over three years later Brandi proposed. She called all of Becca’s family as well as her own mom and invited them to over for a “BBQ.” But it was much more than that! In true Portland style, it began pouring rain but that did not put a damper on the plan. Everyone moved inside and Brandi dropped on one knee and popped the question. The next day they celebrated the engagement at their favorite restaurant and took a few photos.
Soon thereafter, Becca reached out to Blue Linden and expressed their need for a wedding planner. The happy couple didn’t know where to begin or even how to begin. This was pre-COVID, so things looked very different at the beginning of the process. We started with creating a guest list that included 120 people. We found a venue in Troutdale that included the ceremony site and reception and the search for vendors was in full swing.
Then the pandemic hit and there were so many unknowns. Oregon went on lockdown in April and we didn’t know if there would be a wedding in 2020. Should they move forward with planning? If so, should they plan for 120 or 20? Should they change the date? Should they elope? At one point they considered getting married at the courthouse but even the state and county offices were closed. We had many conversations but no definitive answers. So, we had to wait it out. I was there to provide emotional support and guidance, but we decided to put planning on hold for a few months. Becca and Brandi tried to stay optimistic, but it was a challenge with each passing day.
In July we decided to re-engage (no pun intended) in the planning process. Becca and Brandi found a cute little chapel in Portland that would hold 60 people and with 50% capacity restriction our happy couple had to narrow down the guest list to 30! Phone calls were made to extended family and friends informing them that they would not be able to attend the ceremony but that it would be streamed live on Facebook. Although guests were disappointed they were understanding and gracious and appreciated the opportunity to still share in the special day virtually. The ceremony was performed by Brandi’s aunt, and it was intimate, personal, and very sentimental.
The brides decided to have their moms give them away while Becca’s dad stood by proudly beaming from ear to ear under his mask. His eyes reflected just how happy he was to see his daughter marry the person of her dreams.
I’m pretty sure there was not a dry eye in the church!
After photos, everyone headed over to a local restaurant for the reception. Becca and Brandi were able to have more guests at the reception due to the size and everyone had a wonderful time. Becca and Brandi performed a self-choreographed first dance that brought down the house.
I’d say it was the highlight of the evening. They had 2 live musicians perform during dinner, “Johnny the Franco” which was fun and unexpected. The guests topped of the evening with a group shot and they danced the night away!
Becca and Brandi’s Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony: Oaks Pioneer Church
Reception: Escape Bar and Grill
Invitations: email only
Dress: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids’ dresses: whatever they had in their closet
Suits: The Groomsman’s Suit
Hair & Make up: friend
CatererAlcohol/Bartenders: Escape Bar and Grill
Officiant: Cousin
Photographer: Jonny Long, Fly View Productions
Florist: Blue Linden
Bakery: a friend made the cupcakes
DJ/emcee: Blue Linden
Band: Johnny Franco
Ceremony Music: friend