This amazingly gorgeous fall wedding was done completely by the bride’s family! The day was full of country chic details including a rustic cupcake bar, tons of handmade signs, s’mores kits for roasting by the fire, a barn filled with paper lanterns, and a stunning fall bouquet with rich fall hues of gold, peach, orange, burgundy, green, and black. The unique choice of elegant black bridesmaids’ dresses paired with cowboy boots made for a very classy, yet rustic affair. Read more below for the story of how McKennon and Jordan met, how he proposed, and some genuine wedding planning advice. Thank you Captured by Corrin for sharing this beauty with us!
From the Bride…
Before the Ring:
Our mothers are good friends and because of that we have known of each other for quite some time. Jordan is five years older than me so he was never really someone that I had contact with before in school or social settings. It wasn’t until the summer of 2010 that we were actually introduced to one another at the Great Pacific in Pendleton. We did not really talk to one another until one afternoon over Christmas break when I ran into Jordan at a local hardware store in Pendleton. He proceeded to invite me and my mom to his house warming party on New Year’s Eve. We went and from then on Jordan was thinking about me.
A few weeks later, Jordan asked me out on a date but I had already headed back to school. I was so giddy to get his message and wrote back immediately. Although I could not go on a date with him we continued to talk and he asked me to be his date for the First Citizens Banquet (a local event) and of course I said yes! From that night on we were inseparable and became an official couple that weekend. The rest is history!
The Proposal:
We spent the late afternoon and evening exploring Walla Walla. With it being Valentine’s Day, we had made dinner reservations at The Bank in Milton Freewater to treat ourselves. Then we headed back to Pendleton.
At home, earlier in the evening, I received my favorite treats and beautiful flowers but no card (which was weird for Jordan). I ignored it and was just happy to be feeling so much love from Jordan that day! After our evening of Walla Walla/Milton-Freewater adventures we headed home. I thought the night was over but I was wrong. When we got home Jordan finally gave me a card and little did I know that my reading of the card would end with him on one knee! It was very sweet and simple and I was so thrilled to become his future wife!
Details of the Day:
I had always wanted a fall wedding because we experience such amazing fall seasons in Eastern Oregon. The color scheme from the wedding came from the seasonal colors. I loved the idea of pumpkins and leaves as well. Many of the decorations were borrowed from family friends, created by my mother, or repurposed fall decorations from our home. Since the venue was in the country I thought that the décor should be somewhat rustic but not too country. I think we were able to find a nice balance and something that was classic. I really like the simple but elegant look. My mother was a huge influence in the planning as well. She has a real eye for decorating and she knew what I would like and what I probably would not. With my wedding being the first week of my new job, I had to leave a lot of the planning and decision making to her. I think that it turned out amazing and it honestly took my breath away when I saw it all come together. It made us both feel relaxed and at home.
Most memorable moments:
I loved the entire afternoon and evening so it is hard to pick a few moments. Here is a list:
1) Our first dance to Train’s song “Marry me” performed live by James Dean Kindle and the Eastern Oregon Playboys.
2) Sharing the day with family and friends that came from long distances to celebrate with us (Some came from Hawaii, California, and the East Coast).
3) The wedding ceremony and walking down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. McDonald
4) Amazing food, drinks, and dessert from local vendors and friends.
Advice to Future Couples:
I know that everyone says it but just try and relax and enjoy the day. Look into local vendors that you might not have thought of to see what they can do to help you cut costs and make your day great. Also, make sure that you have a budget to stick to and priorities picked out for more “splurge” spending. We wanted a wonderful day without too much out of pocket cost. We were able to get a lot of decorations by repurposing things we already had or by borrowing odds and ends from family and friends. Check into what others have and be open to other ideas. Additionally, find someone to take the lead and be in charge of making sure things run smoothly on your big day because the bride and groom should not do that or even close family members. You want your family to enjoy and celebrate too! Remember that this day is about you and the person that you are marrying. As long as you are together that should be the only thing that really matters. Things will happen that will throw a kink in your plans. We had the possibility of bad weather looming all day, dessert showed up later than expected, and a clasp broke on the back of my wedding dress. All of those things caused some stress but I ultimately decided that we were still going to get married and that was all that mattered and the rest would fall into place.
Photography: Captured by Corrin / Venue: Shaw Barn, Pilot Rock, OR / Floral: Tari Smith (flowers from Safeway in Pendleton, OR / Hair + Makeup: Brittany Briscoe / Brides Gown: David’s Bridal / Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal / Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse / Officiant: Robert Ridgway / Music: James Dean Kindle and the Eastern Oregon Playboys / Food: The Bank – Milton-Freewater, OR / Cake & Cupcakes: Frosted, Walla Walla, WA / Décor: Susan O’Rourke (Bride’s Mother)