Sometimes a super special wedding is as simple as just picking a city you adore, going there together, and tying the knot!
Kara + Juwan, based in Michigan, LOVE Portland, Oregon. An elopement in the iconically funky city ticked all the boxes for both of them. “Juwan is very low key, his idea of the perfect wedding would have been a courthouse ceremony,” says bride Kara. “I like over the top celebrations. Eloping was a way for us to meet in the middle.”
The couple reached out to elopement planning company Elope in Portland and they coordinated all of the details, totally taking Kara + Juwan’s bold plum and pink vision and running with it. Gorgeous and modern venue Tendue supplied the perfect mix of blank canvas and character, and Andrea Zajonc’s beautiful photographs captured all the romance of this intimate day.
Britlyn Simone Floral was behind bold and rosy creations like this rich and textured bridal bouquet. Loving the super-long ribbon accent.
We think bride Kara absolutely nailed it when she called the floral arrangements “whimsical.”
To make it official, Kara + Juwan enlisted the help of Diva Matters Ministry.
The couple picked out rings from Abracadabra Jewelry before leaving home in Michigan.
YES to this dreamy, pink boutonniere! Looks so great with a mauve suit like Juwan’s.
Check out these white options from Tie Bar if you’re loving Juwan’s less traditional bowtie choice.
Kara knew for sure that she wanted her gown to have long sleeves. She tossed “bishop sleeve wedding dress” into a Google search and found the stunning Joanna August Floyd Dress at Nordstrom. It was an easy yes, she says. “Saw it, loved it, did not even try it on.”
Kara’s dreamy hair and makeup looks were done by Coreene Collins.
These SHOES!! Nothing better than a pop of pink with this color palette. Take a look at this super similar pair from Lulu’s if a blush bridal shoe is something you’re digging.
Juwan’s wedding suit from The Black Tux is pink perfection.
Juwan is already giving so much groom fashion inspo, but you can cruise this rundown of our favorite menswear looks and unique suit ideas for grooms if you need more.
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding We ordered a lovely cake from Sweetheart St. Johns and after the ceremony we returned to our room at the Sentinel and sat there eating cake right out of the box and picking at the delicious snacks ordered from The Platter Girl. It was the best wedding feast ever! There was no pressure to observe certain traditions, or to be anywhere at a certain time, it was all about what we felt like doing.
Take a look at some of our all-time favorite elopements if the idea of sneaking off to say “I do” just you two sounds like the right move.
We love adding a peek of lacy lingerie into a bridal look. Check out this white Natori balconette bra at Nordstrom to add a sexy touch to a plunging neckline like Kara did.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Find a planner or someone to help organize, I was so lucky to find Elope in Portland! It was so easy, no headaches. Being from out of town and not being familiar with venues, Andrea provided some input and suggestions that proved incredibly helpful.
Congratulations, Kara + Juwan, on this precious, pink Portland elopement!! All the very best from GWS!
photography: Andrea Zajonc Photography // venue name: Tendue, Portland, OR, US // planning: Elope in Portland // florals: Britlyn Simone // wedding dress: Joanna August // bride's ring: Abracadabra Gem // hair stylist: Coreene Collins // makeup artist: Coreene Collins // officiant: Diva Matters Ministry
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