Summer Mountainside Wedding in Welches, OR

HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?

Katrina and Eric met in the 6th grade. They were friends all throughout middle school and high school until Eric moved to Kansas to live with his father. After his first marriage and the birth of his son, Brody, Eric took a job as a semi-truck driver, which lead him back to Oregon where the two reconnected on a fluke.

I had recently gotten out of a long-term relationship as well, and neither of us were looking for anything serious. But after the first visit, we realized there was something between us.

When he told me he needed to go back to Kansas to be closer to his son, I knew I couldn’t let him go. I quit my job, packed my bags, and moved across the country to be with him. In 2018, after the birth of our son Ryder, we moved back to Oregon to be closer to my family. Now we are here—married with two boys, back where it all started.

HOW DID HE PROPOSE?

For a man who is "rarely romantic", Eric certainly surprised Katrina with his proposal! Eric has always loved fast cars, and at the time they had a 1987 Porche 944 sitting in their garage. A month before he proposed, however, he sold the Porche. Katrina didn't think much of it as he was constantly buying and selling his toys, getting cooler things to drive around.

But when he booked a spur-of-the-moment trip to Lincoln City, OR, Katrina started to have her suspicions!

We ended our hike up to Drift Creek Falls on a bridge suspended 240 feet in the air overlooking the river; and thats when he dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him. I was ecstatic, and very grateful he didn't drop the ring into the river below! I know now that he sold that car to buy my engagement ring, so I can make the joke that I wear a Porche on my finger! He did everything right, and it was the best coast trip I've ever taken.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FINDING THE ONE AT CHARLOTTE’s?

After browsing our inventory online, Katrina immediately decided to book an appointment at Charlotte's after she saw the Pocahontas gown from our Disney collection—she knew she had to try on that dress!

Upon showing up to the appointment with her mother alongside, her stylist already had the Pocahontas gown (along with 10-15 others!) awaiting her in their private bridal suite. Katrina excitedly tried on the Pocahontas gown first, and the sample size ended up being her exact fit!

I tried on all the other gowns too, which were lovely, and my mother had a hard time choosing a favorite. But in the end, I came right back around to the Pocahontas.

The Charlotte's staff was wonderful to work with and I really appreciated the time and consideration the gals took to make sure I got the absolute best dress for my special day!

Katrina said yes to the Disney Collection's, Pochahontas, a beautifully sleek fit and flare with an empowering silhouette. Layered with all-over lace appliques and accented with a sweetheart neckline.

DID YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MOMENT DURING YOUR WEDDING DAY?

Katrina and Eric tied the knot at Mt. Hood Oregon Resort due to its beautiful views, accommodating amenities for their out-of-state guests, but most of all due to its availability. There was a lot of turbulence navigating the ever-changing Covid-19 restrictions and unpredictable Oregon weather, but Katrina and Eric managed to have the ballroom reception they dreamed of and pure sunshine on their wedding day.

My favorite part of the day was simply seeing all our family and friends together in one place, many of whom we hadn't seen in years due to the pandemic. We tore the roof off that resort, and we wouldn't trade a single moment for anything.

ANY ADVICE FOR OUR BRIDES-TO-BE?

While many brides are prepared to be flexible during their wedding day preparations and celebrations, a global pandemic really put their flexibility to the test! Not everything is going to work out exactly as planned, but that doesn't mean it won't be perfect.

Take the time to enjoy your day. Make sure there are moments scheduled for you and your new spouse to share a couple of minutes alone and try to be present in every moment. The day will go faster than you think, so be sure to take it all in as much as you can.