A Portland rooftop wedding with a Hawaiian theme. An elegant ballroom reception with corn hole and a churro cart. I mean…does it get any better than these combinations? Lauren and Matt’s Exchange Ballroom wedding was everything a couple aspires their wedding to be. Equal parts understated and elegant. Formal yet relaxed. Traditional with a twist. Lots of guests and lots of family. It really was a wedding that pulled it all together…perfectly.
Lauren got ready with her family and girlfriends in a suite at the Hotel Vintage downtown. Her mom placed her veil while her sister tended to the finishing touches. As we arrived at the Exchange Ballroom, we were met by Matt who had brought the couple’s Labrador retriever…aka the most lovable ring bearer you’ve ever met. During formal photos, there was a fair amount of dog-rolling-on-the-dress action, which might have sent another bride into hysteria but not Lauren. These affectionate rolls were only met with laughs and belly rubs for the pup. Clearly the dog was just so happy for his parents!
Lauren and Matt enlisted the help of Morgan Harris to coordinate their Hawaiian themed wedding at the rooftop venue. Hawaiian themed weddings always have a special place in our hearts as it’s our go-to destination as a family. It can’t be more special for anyone other than Lauren and Matt though, both of whom have spent time living on the islands and consider it a second home. Blum Floral Designs designed the most gorgeous and unique tropical florals we have seen in a long time. The altar itself was a thing of beauty and transported us back to the lush gardens of Hawaii. Before tying the knot, Matt’s aunt (also from Hawaii) performed a traditional Hawaiian blessing of the rings which was both emotional and so interesting to capture.
Guests enjoyed a ceremony and cocktail hour on the venue’s rooftop, which is definitely a highlight for having an Exchange Ballroom wedding, easily placing it near the top of our list of best places to have a wedding in Portland! Lauren and Matt narrowly missed the rain and the weather ended up being cool enough to enjoy without a drizzle to worry about. It was perfect! After which, the ballroom reception treated guests to music by the talented team of John Ross, delicious Food in Bloom catering, a corn hole game stage left and end-of-the-night churros. This was a wedding where you could dress to the nines, sip a local beer, eat churros, play games and feeling like you’re in Hawaii. Like I said at the beginning…does it get any better? Almost makes me wish I was a guest and not the photographer. Except that the only thing we love more than going to weddings like this is photographing weddings like this! And because Lauren and Matt were such down to earth people, we can honestly say we had a pretty good time just being there too. Mahalo Lauren & Matt!
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