Justin Alexander Bride at The Orchard Hood River Real Wedding

HOW DID YOU AND YOUR PARTNER MEET?

Nathan & Audrey's love story started way before either really knew it. The pair originally remember meeting when they were in 2nd grade however their parents worked together when they were both babies - their lives were always intertwined! The couple re-met right after college and the rest was history.

WHAT WAS YOUR PROPOSAL STORY?

In the beginning of 2021, Nate rented a waterfront AirBnb in Bellevue, Washington for a little getaway. The couple spent the day hiking then headed back for a nice dinner. The two went down to the dock and Nate slyly pretended he was setting his phone up to just get a photo and instead he got down on one knee to pop the question!

"It was flawless, intimate and so very special!"

WHAT WAS YOUR GOWN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE LIKE?

For Audrey, shopping was intimidating at first. As a curvier woman, she'd felt that not many shops carried options for her body type and dresses were all looking the same.

"When we finally got to Charlotte's I immediately had a good feeling. Stephanie was perfect and posed questions and suggestion that other places did not and it made me think about what I wanted to feel on the big day."

Audrey had a vision for something that would accentuate her waist and had a timeless feel. She found that in her Justin Alexander Wedding Dress, style #88093. The gown features a classic satin bodice combined with a ruffled organza skirt giving it the perfect balance of timeless beauty and unique fun.

What was your wedding day like?

Audrey & Nathan's wedding day was flawless. The day went off without a hitch, thanks in part to their coordinator, Heather Sullivan, who made sure everything was streamlined so the couple was able to enjoy the day!

Audrey & Nathan were married at The Orchard in Hood River and they chose the venue for its stunning mountain view and atmosphere. The venue felt like the perfect way to share Oregon with all of their family and friends.

"The fact that the mountain was out all day really stands out to me. The food was UNREAL, flowers were amazing and the dance floor was PACKED. Multiple people came up and said it was the most perfect wedding they've ever been to."

"I think what stands out on top of all of that though, is how special it felt for every single one of those people to show up for us."

What Advice do you have for future brides?

After the wedding, Audrey says the biggest pieces of advice she can share are to give yourselves time and to trust your vendors.

"We planned our wedding over 1.5 years in order to save and make payments. It was spaced out perfectly so we didn't feel stressed...Have a vision for your wedding but trust your vendors as artists. I made sure that we loved our vendors portfolios and then described what we were going for and let them take it from there trusting their professional opinions.