Caitlin & Andrew
“We are both native Oregonians and when it came to a wedding location we really wanted to highlight the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The Gorge is obviously beautiful and was also a mid-point for me as I grew up traveling between Astoria and Pendleton.” And as natives of the Pacific Northwest, Caitlin and Andrew knew the benefit of having covered options for their ceremony and reception. “We knew we wanted an outdoor ceremony with an indoor/outdoor reception, so Tin Roof Barn was a great venue. We didn’t necessarily need a barn wedding, but once we saw the sunlight coming through the back of the barn we were in love – even though when we toured the venue (during winter) there were 2 feet of snow on the ground!”
Their vision needed a venue to fit perfectly. “We wanted something that felt elegant but easy going; not too fancy but not too rustic. We loved the lace tablecloths, the mismatched chairs, and the furniture accents. We also really liked the beautiful outdoor ceremony area with all of its natural greenery and flowers.” They incorporated bright fuchsia and plum accents in the bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire which popped against the dark barn wood and summer greenery of the valley. Centerpieces and bouquets included soft garden roses, dusky purple thistle, and massive dappled dahlias.
Caitlin and Andrew each got ready in the Bridal Suite and Groom’s Room prior to their first look. “We exchanged gifts separately while getting ready. Andrew got me a pair of beautiful rose gold and sapphire earrings and I got him a fancy watch.”
“We had our first look in the barn and we were just so happy to see each other! We truly are best friends and spending half of such an important day apart was more than enough for us. Once we saw each other it felt like we could really get the celebration started.”
The most symbolic thing I wore was a charm around my bouquet with a photo of my dad that said, “You walk beside me every day” since he couldn’t be there. For Andrew, we included a pale yellow rose in his boutonniere which was my dad’s favorite color and flower – there were also yellow roses on a chair to honor him at the ceremony.”
Though there hadn’t been any rain in the extended forecast, and they did have a covered ceremony option, their ceremony received a special sprinkle from above. “It rained a little during our ceremony but that didn’t ruin anything at all – our guests actually remember the wedding better for it, and a little part of me thinks it was just my Dad making his presence known.”
“We wrote our own vows and also played a big part in helping our officiant to write a very personalized ceremony. We didn’t expect it, but the ceremony ended up being one of our very favorite parts of the day. The immense love you could feel emanating through our friends and family as well as the beautiful ceremony that our officiant put together. We also personalized our music by having the bridal party walk down the isle to Drake and walk out to Bruno Mars which really made it feel like our own.”
“The reception was gorgeous and we loved hearing the heartfelt toasts while we sat in the beautiful pink armchairs that Tin Roof Barn provided. We did a traditional slow, first dance and ended it with a little choreographed dance to Drake (Kiki, do you love me?…)! I will always remember the sweet words from friends and family as we did our rounds to each table as well as when my sorority sisters and I performed a special wedding tradition that I’d been looking forward to for years. I’m really glad we had a photo booth because it was so fun and the photos are great to look back on.”
When it comes to wedding planning and expectations, Caitlin has the right idea. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. I was really set on doing a signature cocktail or two and in the end it just wasn’t worth the effort so we canned it and never looked back. Your family will do things and say things you really wish they hadn’t, but just brush it off and keep your eye on the prize – having an awesome wedding day and marrying your best friend!”
Beauty: Katie Caron
Cinematography: NW Film Co
Entertainment: DJ Royale
Florals: Tammy’s Florals
Photography: E. Ann Photography
Transportation: EcoShuttle
Venue: Tin Roof Barn
Wedding Planner: Union Event Co
At Tin Roof Barn, we specialize in creating a bespoke Gorge wedding experience for you and your guests. Our beautiful Gorge wedding venue includes many standard amenities such as the graceful vintage wood dining tables and mismatched vintage chairs, antique rugs, and furnishings. For your ceremony, we provide ceremony seating for up to 150 of your favorite people in our ceremony patio as well as an optional covered ceremony location, because, at a Gorge wedding, it’s good to have a Plan B, just in case! Our modern restroom facility, the beautifully appointed Bridal Suite and Groom’s Room, the rustic tin covered Pavilion and massive stone fireplace are all part of the indoor/outdoor Gorge wedding experience. Scenic views of the mountains, forests, orchards, and valleys of the Columbia River Gorge are the background to this stunning Gorge wedding venue and will leave your guests celebrating late into the evening.
The award-winning Tin Roof Barn has been featured on Harper’s Bazaar, The Knot, Green Wedding Shoes, Sunset, The Venue Report, PopSugar, Oregon Bride, 100 Layer Cake, Borrowed and Blue, and Pendleton. If you’d like more details on how to have your dream Gorge wedding at Tin Roof Barn, or if you’d like to schedule a tour of our gorge wedding venue located near Hood River, in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, please don’t hesitate to contact us here!