If you’re newly engaged, you’ve likely had a version of this moment: You sit down to start planning. You have a number in mind. You begin gathering estimates. And suddenly… that number feels wildly disconnected from reality. You are not imagining it. Inflation has collided head-on with the wedding industry. Labor, materials, food costs, shipping, insurance... every layer of what it takes to produce a beautiful event has shifted significantly, no matter where in the world you

Choosing the right wedding florist is about more than beautiful blooms — it’s about trust, vision, and seamless collaboration. The right floral partner understands your style, honors seasonality, and designs with intention to create a cohesive, elevated celebration. Discover expert tips on how to choose a wedding florist who will bring your wedding flowers to life and transform your day with confidence and artistry.

Should you hire your wedding planner before booking your venue? A former luxury venue manager turned Oregon wedding planner shares what couples should consider — from budget to design and functionality.

Not sure whether you need full-service wedding planning, partial planning, or 90-day coordination? An Oregon wedding planner breaks down the differences to help you choose the right level of support.

Planning a Hood River wedding? From preparing for Gorge winds to booking hotels early and embracing local wine country charm, this guide shares expert insights from an experienced Hood River wedding planner.

Planning a wedding in Oregon? As a local Oregon wedding planner, I’m sharing 6 essential things to consider before choosing your venue — from Portland wedding venues like Amaterra Winery to vineyard estates in the Willamette Valley and destination weekends in Bend at Brasada Ranch.

From design direction to seamless execution, a San Francisco wedding planner reflects on a whimsical Walt Disney Family Museum wedding that showcased creativity, location, and celebration.

There are weddings that are beautiful, and then there are weddings that feel like stepping into another world. This stunning celebration at Kohl Mansion was undeniably the latter. Thoughtfully planned and designed, Parisa and Andre’s day blended timeless elegance, bold fashion moments, and modern design details into an unforgettable wedding that we’re thrilled to see featured on Carats & Cake! A Historic Estate Setting With Romantic Charm Kohl Mansion’s grand architecture, sw

When the party doesn’t stop just because the venue’s lights go down early, you know you’re in for a weekend to remember. That’s exactly what happened for this couple, whose wedding weekend transformed into an unforgettable after party at the stunning Rosewood Sand Hill resort . When we learned the closing time for their wedding venue, we quickly pivoted to somewhere they could party into the wee hours of the morning. This led us to booking a luxe hotel ballroom that became th

Nestled amid the rolling hills of Oregon’s wine country, Zenith Vineyard offers a dream backdrop for a modern wedding that bridges rustic romance and contemporary design. With its sweeping views of vineyard rows, high‑ceilinged ballroom, and expansive patio for sunset cocktails, the venue gives you all the romance of the countryside but with the clean lines and flexibility to create something entirely unique. For this wedding, the couple chose to lean into contrasts: the sof

Every year, the design world waits for Pantone to announce its Color of the Year, a tone that inevitably shapes trends across fashion, interiors, branding, and weddings. This year’s pick, Cloud Dancer , feels especially meaningful to share because I had the joy of designing a wedding this season at Kohl Mansion that showcased this exact color palette in the most beautiful, modern and romantic way. Cloud Dancer is a soft, airy white—elegant, timeless, and effortlessly sophi

Garden wedding ceremony at Nestldown with abundant floral décor in a whimsical summer setting, planned by a San Francisco wedding planner.

Tucked into the cliffs of Hood River, overlooking the sweeping Columbia River Gorge, The Griffin House set the perfect stage for a wedding weekend that was as heartfelt as it was flavorful. For this couple, the day wasn’t just about saying "I do"—it was a tribute to heritage, a feast for the senses, and a gathering that honored the people who shaped their love story. Photos by Ellie Nisbet Photography From the moment guests arrived, they were welcomed not just into an event,

We believe that color has the power to transform a wedding from beautiful to breathtaking. Whether it’s a lively welcome party bursting with bright hues or a romantic reception draped in jewel tones, thoughtfully curated color palettes tell a story that resonates with guests for generations. If you’re ready to move beyond the traditional neutrals and embrace a vibrant, bold aesthetic -- you're in good company! Here’s how we design a wedding where color takes center stage. 1.

At Caitlin McDonald Events , we have the pleasure of working with couples who don’t just want a beautiful wedding—they want to craft an unforgettable experience for their guests. Our clients are natural hosts who take pride in curating moments that leave their family and friends talking long after the last dance. Creating Experiences, Not Just Events Our clients know that a wedding is more than a single day—it’s a celebration that unfolds over an entire weekend. They want to

When it comes to orchestrating a flawless wedding, experience is everything . While all wedding planners bring creativity and...

At Caitlin McDonald Events , we love helping couples craft unforgettable wedding weekends that go beyond the ceremony and reception. And when it comes to blending natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a variety of memorable experiences, Central Oregon offers everything you could possibly want for an extraordinary celebration. From breathtaking outdoor settings to lively pre-wedding events, here’s why Central Oregon is the ultimate destination for your wedding weekend—and how t

A top Portland wedding planner shares why The Allison Inn stands out for Oregon wine country weddings — blending luxury hospitality, world-class cuisine, and unforgettable celebration design.