There are few things in life more wonderful than a theme party.  And for Callie & Matt - that couldn't be more true.  The pairs love story really began at a theme party, a President's Day theme party no less.  The two had mutual friends and had circled around each other for awhile, but that party was where they really hit it off and their love story began. 

In 2019, Matt was ready to make their love story official, so he purchased the ring and began planning the proposal.  Anticipation started building for Matt as he prepared for a Summer 2020 proposal...but as luck would have it, a little world event threw a wrench in Matt's proposal plans.

"With the pandemic, his initial plan fell through and he made a few others that did too. Eventually, he decided to pop the question at the top of a big hike we did on our five-year anniversary in February of 2021."

It was a rainy, muddy day - as to be expected for a winter hike in the PNW, but right as they reached the top of their hike, some sunlight appeared and a beautiful view of the coastline emerged.  Matt grabbed a nearby hiker and asked him to take their picture, and to both Callie and the photographer's surprise - he proposed!

Before making it to Charlotte's, Callie had visited a few different shops and started to find herself honing in on her style for the big day, but hadn't quite found "the one".  So, Callie's mom did some research and suggested they give Charlotte's a try!  With mom, step-mom and friend in tow, they headed to Charlotte's where they were paired with Master Stylist, Stephanie.

"My dress shopping experience at Charlotte’s was amazing, start to finish. The shop itself is set up great, with each group having their own private room, but my consultant, Stephanie really was the best part."

Callie tried on a few options at Charlotte's before coming across Justin Alexander Style 88040.  A beautiful, fitted crepe design with a Jewel neckline and illusion lace cut-outs on the sides.  The clean, modern design became a hit for Callie, but there were just a few small changes she felt would make it the perfect dress.

"I wanted my dress altered a bit from its original design and Stephanie was so helpful in letting me know what was possible, ordering fabric, and suggesting a great alterations shop."

Callie paired the "Grace" Veil from August Veils with her dress to complete the look.  The simple design of the floor length veil perfectly complimented Callie's wedding day look. 

"Stephanie managed my group beautifully and was the perfect balance of honest and supportive. It was like shopping with a good friend who just happens to know everything about wedding dresses. I couldn’t be any happier with the experience."

For their big day, Callie & Matt chose to say their "I dos" at Cape Horn Estate in the Columbia River Gorge.   They wanted their guests to experience the natural beauty of the PNW and there's no better place than the Gorge to showcase how lucky we are to live in this beautiful place!

"Our wedding was such a beautiful and joyful day. We chose Cape Horn because we wanted our guests to be able to experience the beautiful Columbia River Gorge and the venue owners, Hoda and Hani, were so wonderful."

Callie & Matt focused on creating a day that was joyful & fun.  Rather than getting stuck on too many small details, they kept going back to the way they wanted their guests to feel! 

"While we were planning our wedding, we would often come back to thinking about other weddings that we’d attended and had a great time. What did we really remember? Definitely not the color of the silverware or the table numbers. Those things are fun, but it was helpful to us to not spend too much time sweating the small details and focus on how to make the day feel really joyful and fun."

When asked what memories stand out most from their wedding day, Callie said that there were many memorable moments. From a beautiful and personal ceremony officiated by their friend who had introduced them, Briana, to an amazing DJ, Colin from Event Team Entertainment, who kept the dance floor full - there were many things that made their wedding day one to remember!

"One of our other favorite things was our suggested dress code, which we titled 'Electric Garden Party'. We encouraged all of our guests to wear their brightest and most fun party cocktail attire to help us celebrate. It really made for a fun atmosphere and great pictures."

Congratulations to Callie & Matt!

Thank you for letting us share your special day!

Vendors

Venue: Cape Horn Estate

Photographer: Maria Newman Photography

Florist: Trellis Florals

Hair and Makeup: Marina Haynes Artistry

Wedding Coordinator: Adornment Events

Caterer: Hoda's

Rentals: Event Co.

DJ: Colin Hansen, Event Team Entertainment

Dress: Justin Alexander Style "88040"

Veil: August Veils