A Celebration Rooted in Culture, Cuisine, and Connection at The Griffin House

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, but into a family. The weekend began with a deeply meaningful tea ceremony, a cherished tradition that honored the couple’s elders and cultural roots. Following the ceremony, the celebration continued with a casual welcome party at Ferment Brewing—a perfect setting to introduce the bride’s East Coast family to the groom’s West Coast crew, and all their friends in between. This gathering set the tone for the weekend: warm, inclusive, and rooted in connection. Every moment felt intentional and deeply personal, reminding everyone that this celebration was built on legacy, gratitude, and love that spans generations.

The ceremony unfolded on the iconic Griffin House lawn, with panoramic views and a breeze that seemed to carry every vow a little further into the sky. Intentionality was woven into every element from the florals to the ceremony music to the custom Jenga set for guests to sign as they came into the venue – a “guest book” that was a perfect representation of the bride’s favorite game.

And then came the food. An absolute highlight of the evening. And probably the part that I should shout out Hunt and Fish PDX – the finest foodie club in Portland, organized by the groom himself. 

And then came the food. An absolute highlight of the evening. This couple are true food lovers, and they wanted their guests to experience that joy with them. Cocktail hour featured an abundant raw bar that was both artfully styled and enthusiastically devoured, alongside a curated pasta bar that paid heartfelt homage to the one of the bride’s father’s only wishes on the wedding day. Dinner was a true showstopper: a live paella station brought warmth, aroma, and a touch of performance to the meal. Every bite—thoughtfully crafted by Hunt and Gather Catering out of Portland—was not only beautifully and tastefully prepared, but also carefully planned to accommodate each and every guest, regardless of dietary restrictions or allergies. It was food meant to be shared, savored, and remembered.

Throughout the evening, you could feel how much thought had gone into the guest experience. Whether it was the cozy lounge vignettes or the pacing of the night, everything was designed to invite connection—between old friends, new family members, and across cultures.

Florals by Brier and Ivy

As the sun dipped behind the Gorge and the dance floor filled under the stars, it was clear: this wedding wasn’t just a celebration. It was a full-hearted expression of who these two are, what they value, and the community they’re building together.

DJ'ing by Higher Ground Entertainment kept the dance floor packed all night long.

We were honored to help bring their vision to life, and grateful to witness so many beautiful, layered moments along the way.

Thank you to the impressive and wildly talented vendor team that brought it all together: Caitlin McDonald Events, The Griffin House, Ellie Nisbet Photography, Benham Films, Hunt and Gather, Brier and Ivy, Higher Ground Entertainment.