Destination weddings: Columbia River Gorge 2017 by Hood River News News

2017

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Oregon's Premier Destination Rustic Resort Nest le d among b e autif u l ly lands c ap e d gardens and majestic old g rowt h tre es wit h stunning vie ws of Mount Ho o d. Four unique far m homes and cott ages fe ature world-class accommo dations and s er vice. Oregon’s premier res or t venue, w here commitments and memor ies wi l l last for lifetimes.

Come be enchanted…visit Miller Farm Retreat, and let us help you create your perfect magical wedding!

photos by aralani photography, www.aralani.com

(541) 352-6975 • mi l l erfarmretre at .com • 6991 Al l en Ro ad • Parkda l e, Oregon 97041

Start your story in theheart of the Gorge Up to 200 Guests

Indoor Seating

Outdoor Seating

23,000 SQ Feet

Stevenson, WA

800.991.2338

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Printing Sponsored By: City of Stevenson and Skamania County Lodge Taxes

J E N N I F E R A LYSE W E D D I N G S

REAL WEDDINGS

6 M t. Hood Organic Farm Marla Keethler and Ryan Daugherty 10 Crag Rat Hut Laura Redmond and Joe Jurisa 14 Cooper Spur Alex Robinson and Andrew Kraus 22 Columbia Gorge Hotel Mari Nado and Rob Duck 26 Skamania Lodge Rhyne Simon and Brandon Perkins 32 Tin Roof Barn Katherine Johnson-Reid and Ryan Abraham

INTERVIEWS

4 D ebbie Dennis/Destinations 30 Blaine + Bethany/Photography

PHOTO ESSAY

18 Flower Power

also in this issue 3 Introduction 36 Wedding Checklist

B L A I N E + B E T HA N Y P HO T O G R A P H Y

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I N T ROD U C T ION 2017

I From t he E d itor

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ELCOME to the 2017 annual edition of Destination Weddings/

Columbia River Gorge. As anyone familiar with the Columbia Gorge knows, we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreation, as well as the food, wine and craft beer scene. All these draws, combined with

its proximity to Portland and an international airport, have turned the Gorge into a premier destination wedding location.

ABOUT THE COVER

James and Brigette Mahoney got married last summer at Mt. Hood Bed & Breakfast. The couple, who had lived in Oregon for many years but were preparing to move away, wanted their wedding to be a celebration of the state they loved. “When we discovered a venue in the Gorge that featured a stellar view of Mount Hood, we knew we had found our location,” James said. “What better symbol of Oregon’s beauty and our love than that monumental soaring mountain?” Photo by Blaine+Bethany Photography (blaineandbethany.com)

M A G A Z I N E S TA F F Publisher / Chelsea Marr Editor / Janet Cook Graphic Design Creative Director / Lisa Becharas Creative Design / Micki Chapman Renata Kosina Advertising Hood River / Jody Thompson, Manager; Suzette Gehring, Kirsten Lane The Dalles / Tonya Flory, Manager; Ashley Almas, Megan Irish The Gorge Magazine / Micki Chapman, Manager; Jenna Hallett

Couples who choose to get married here can make their wedding not only a celebration

of their nuptials but a memorable vacation for themselves and their guests. The wide variety of wedding venues available throughout the Gorge makes it possible for couples to find exactly what they’re looking for, and the quality of vendors in the wedding industry here is unsurpassed. In these pages, we’ve highlighted several wedding venues by featuring real weddings that have taken place at each one recently. From long-standing venues like the Crag Rat Hut and Mt. Hood Organic Farms in the Hood River Valley to newcomer Tin Roof Barn in the White Salmon River Valley, they each offer their own take on saying “I do.” And, of course, each venue is transformed further by every couple’s unique vision for their wedding day. Finally, we’ve included Q&As with Hood River-based wedding photography team Blaine and Bethany Franger, and experienced local wedding planner Debbie Dennis of Hitched in the Hood. Dennis knows her business well; she had her own destination wedding in the Gorge several years ago. She and her husband, who lived in Florida, fell so in love with the area that they wound up moving here. Keep an eye out for another couple in these pages that had the same experience. And may you find inspiration here for your own destination wedding in the Gorge

Janet Cook, editor

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jennifer Alyse, Bethany Franger, Blaine Franger, Jennifer Gulizia, Jim Semlor, Michael Peterson, Shelly Peterson

GENERAL FEEDBACK jcook@thegorgemagazine.com cmarr@hoodrivernews.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES jthompson@hoodrivernews.com MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 390 • Hood River, Oregon 97031 PHONE 541-386-1234

Destination Weddings Columbia River Gorge is publication of Hood River News and The Gorge Magazine. Both are a subsidiary of Eagle Media NW, Inc., an affiliate of Eagle Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission of Eagle Media NW, Inc. Articles and photographs appearing in Destination Weddings Columbia River Gorge may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of Destination Weddings Columbia River Gorge, The Gorge Magazine, Eagle Media NW, Inc., Eagle Newspapers, Inc., or its employees, staff or management. All RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

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I N T E RV I E W

I D ebbie D ennis, Hitche d in t he Ho o d

Planning a Destination Wedding in the Gorge Wedding planner Debbie Dennis, owner of Hitched in the Hood, shares her knowledge of planning a destination wedding in the Gorge. She had her own destination wedding in the Gorge several years ago. She and her husband loved the area so much, they ended up moving here and soon after, she launched her business to help other couples create their own perfect destination wedding. What are some of the main reasons couples consider a destination wedding? Couples often choose to do a destination wedding so they can make a “vacation” out of their wedding for their guests. It becomes more about the full weekend of events than just about the wedding day itself. Couples are hosting welcome dinners, day-of brunches, activities such as hiking, whitewater rafting, etc. They can also share a location they love with their closest friends and family. It also helps couples limit the number of guests they have at their wedding and ensures they will have just the loved ones closest to them attending.

What makes the Gorge a popular destination wedding location? The Gorge is perfect for a destination wedding! It offers a variety of amazing and unique venues with epic mountain and river views, endless activities for guests such as wine and beer tours and tastings, outdoor activities, the Fruit Loop, wind, water and mountain sports, and more. Unlike other popular destination wedding locales, it’s easily accessible with only a short drive through the Gorge from the Portland airport. Should couples vacation in the Gorge prior to choosing it as a wedding destination? I don’t think vacationing here is a prerequisite for choosing it as your wedding

Say “Forever” Where You Can See Forever. Within the very heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Skamania Lodge features elegant Pacific Northwest-style indoor venues and enchanting seasonal outdoor and open-air courtyards amidst 175 wooded acres. Overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, Skamania is the perfect setting to say “I do.”

STEVENSON, WA

• 877-422-6414 • SKAMANIA.COM

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destination but it definitely helps seal the deal. How could you not want to get married here after a Gorge vacation? That’s actually how my husband and I chose the Gorge as our wedding destination and eventual home. Most of our wedding couples have some affiliation with the Gorge — they either have fond memories of coming here as a kid or they grew up in Oregon and love the Gorge region. I have, however, had couples that have booked their wedding venue site unseen. But I always recommend they come to the Gorge prior to their wedding to work through the details of their big day, meet their wedding vendors and visit their site to ensure things go smoothly on the day of their event.

Is a destination wedding easier for couples than a traditional or formal wedding? I think it can be. Most Gorge weddings end up being less formal and less traditional than the norm and I find most couples have a more laid-back attitude about their wedding day because of that. I do think that finding a wedding planner who can be your liaison on the ground at your destination location is key to the ease and success of the day. Can a destination wedding work as a family reunion for family and friends? Ultimately I think this is why many folks decide to host a destination wedding — it is essentially a reunion of friends and family and doubles as a vacation. How far in advance do I need to plan a destination wedding? Maybe this is the planner in me but I think as long as you have a wedding planner that is knowledgeable with the area who can help you navigate the local scene, you can plan a wedding in less than six months. However, I would recommend nine months to a year

as the perfect planning timeline for a destination wedding. Is a destination wedding likely to cost more than a traditional or formal wedding? I don’t think so. I encourage wedding couples to have a wedding budget and we always try to work within that. I think it’s less about the traditional/formal vs. destination and more about what your priorities are. If your priority is a venue with a great view, then you spend the bulk of your budget on that and find ways to save on other items that might not be as important to you, such as favors and décor. I think where couples get surprised is when they don’t set a budget or have clear priorities for what they want out of the day and they tend to overspend. Are there state requirements I need to know about when I am not marrying in my home state? I’m not sure about other states but both Oregon and Washington make it really easy to have a destination wedding. In both states you can complete your marriage application

form online. From the time you complete the license there is a small waiting period before the ceremony can be performed (three days) and you have 60 days to perform the ceremony. There are not strict rules on who can perform the ceremony, which is nice because many couples end up using a friend or family member to officiate their ceremony and most can be ordained online for a nominal fee. How does a wedding planner in the Gorge help in coordinating a destination wedding? A wedding planner should serve as your liaison on the ground in the Gorge to help you navigate all aspects of your wedding weekend. We pride ourselves on our relationships with local wedding vendors and try to be the main point of contact for our clients so they don’t have to communicate with nine different vendors. We also save our clients a lot of time in researching vendors and details about the area because we have the knowledge base, so it’s really one stop shopping for them. For more information, go to hitchedinthehood.com

fine flowers. fresh style. (509) 427-4444 / bloomsburyshop.com . 240 SW Second Street . Stevenson

Kanaka Creek Farm

guest c ot tage and fl ow er farm Romantic getaway in natural surroundings Facebook.com/kanakacreekcottage

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Marla Keethler & Ryan Dougherty M A R R I E D O N S U N D A Y, A U G U S T 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

Why they got married in the Gorge After taking numerous vacations in the Pacific Northwest (where Marla grew up), the couple was looking for a venue that captured the beauty and dramatic mountain views theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d come to love over the years, and wanted to share with friends and family. They loved the Gorge so much, they ended up moving here from New York City shortly after their wedding.

all images by BLAINE + BETHANY PHOTO GRAPHY ÂŠ2016 6

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I Mt. Ho o d Organic Far m

DETAILS Wedding venue: Mt. Hood Organic Farms Where they live: White Salmon, WA Occupations: Ryan and Marla both work in sports television production. How they met: Working at CBS Sports. How they got engaged: On the steps of the Sacré-Cœur in Paris, France, while on vacation. Ryan had been there previously and had always thought it would be the perfect place to share with someone he loves. Number of guests: 75 adults, 15 kids Favorite details: Signature cocktails made by Ryan’s brother and best man; guinea pig themed table names and placemats for the kids (“we have six guinea pigs!” said Marla); and the infographic style wedding programs. Unexpected moment: Our first look. “We were skeptical about seeing each other beforehand and thought it would feel contrived,” Marla said, “but having those few private moments together before the ceremony was surprisingly intimate.” Advice for other couples: Savor every moment. You spend so much time planning the day, make sure to soak in all the special touches and spend time with all of those that came to share in your happiness. And definitely don’t sweat the small stuff. The day, in a sentence: From Mount Hood towering behind us as we said our vows, to a magical end of the night kiss under the starry Milky Way sky, the day from start to finish captured perfectly our love for each other, the beauty around us, and the friends and family we cherish most. Honeymoon: Climbing Mount Rainier (and summiting!)

VENDORS

WEDDINGS • WEDDING REHEARSALS • RECEPTIONS BANQUETS • BIRTHDAYS • PRIVATE PARTIES

Fresh and Delicious Catering We offer on-location catering and bartending services. You can also have your fiesta in one of our private banquet rooms that seats up to 50 guests, order off the menu or we can set up a delicious buffet on-site.

Ceremony & Reception: Mt. Hood Organic Farms Music: Effesenden Music/Wendy Goodwin (effesenden.com); Encore Mobile DJs (encoremobiledjs.com) Catering: Cultivate Catering (cultivatecatering.com) Photography: Blaine + Bethany Photography (blaineandbethany.com) Hair/Make-up: Kristie Wight, (kwmakeupartist.com) Flowers: Lucy’s Informal Flowers (informalflowers.com) Cake: Windflower Cakes (windflowercakes.com)

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Photos by Josh Duffus Photography

LAURELBROOK EVENTS 541-490-0342 laurelbrookevent.com gfhchmc@gmail.com 1270 N. Main Ave., White Salmon, WA 98672

For all of life’s celebrations

Laurelbrook–a beautiful gathering place for friends and family to celebrate weddings, lives, anniversaries, reunions–everything worth celebrating! Laurelbrook provides ample garden space, green lawn and pathways. The outdoor amphitheater is nestled in a natural hollow, providing a buffer from notorious Gorge winds, while the chapel offers ample seating and room to wander and dance.

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Just under two hours from Portland, you can turn your wedding day into a weekend where everyone gets to fall in love in an incomparable natural setting near the base of Mt. Hood. In our fresh mountain air, you can breathe easy knowing that every detail is seen to with the greatest of care. Historic Lodge • Inviting Tavern Charming Guest Accommodations Farm to Table Restaurant & Catering

A mountain of reasons. ns. Book now: cooperspur.com pur.com | 971.373.8106

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LauraRedmond & Joe Jurisa M A R R I E D O N S A T U R D A Y, S E P T E M B E R 1 0 , 2 0 1 6

Why they got married in the Gorge

The couple moved to Oregon four years ago. With Laura’s family in the Southeast, Joe’s in the Midwest, and friends all over the country, they wanted to get married in a place that would make for a beautiful destination for all of their guests and give them a little “taste of Oregon,” according to Laura. “We decided on the Gorge because of its beauty and abundance of activities for our guests to enjoy.”

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DETAILS

Wedding venue: Crag Rat Hut Where they live: Corvallis, OR Occupations: Joe is an oceanographer; Laura is a pharmacist. How they met: In college at the University of South Carolina. A mutual friend convinced Laura to join the SCUBA club, and Joe was the club president. “We were good friends for a few years and went on diving trips together,” said Laura. They started dating not long before Joe graduated. How they got engaged: On a camping trip to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument near Bend, OR. “We went hiking up the obsidian lava flows and when we got to a stopping point, Joe sat down,” Laura recalled. “I started taking pictures of the pretty view and the next thing I knew, he had a ring in his hand and was asking me to marry him.” Number of guests: About 75 Favorite detail: The flowers. “I had sent pictures of what I liked for the bouquets and decorations to my coordinator and she shared them with the florist, so I didn’t know what to expect,” Laura said. “When I saw both my flowers and the decorations, I was blown away with how they were able to take my idea and make it into something I never would have imagined.” Unexpected moment: “We allowed for ‘impromptu’ toasts after the planned ones were done, and my brother got up and gave a hilarious toast which I’ll never forget,” Laura said. Advice for other couples: Hire a coordinator. Unless you have lots of free time and like to organize things, a coordinator will take all the stress out of planning the event and the day of. Also, once you select your vendors and share with them your ideas, let them take over creative control. Don’t try to micromanage them, or attempt and exact re-creation of something you found online. We found all of our vendors to be very professional and exceeded any expectations we had when we left them to work their magic to make our day unique to us. Don’t be afraid to give up control and trust the experts. The day, in a sentence: The best party I’ve ever been to! Honeymoon: A safari in Kenya at the Masai Mara National Park and scuba diving in Zanzibar.

VENDORS

Wedding Planner: Hitched in the Hood, Samantha (hitchedinthehood.com) Ceremony & Reception: Crag Rat Hut (cragrats.org) Rentals: Riverhood Rentals (riverhoodrentals.com) Music: DJ Moe Funk Catering: Celilo (celilorestaurant.com) Bartender: Perfect Pour (perfectpourbartenders.com) Photography: Blaine + Bethany Photography (blaineandbethany.com) Hair/Make-up: Subi, A Boutique Salon (subisalon.com) Flowers: Lucy’s Informal Flowers (informalflowers.com) Cake: Windflower Cakes (windflowercakes.com)

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Something new, something blue, something created just for you!

Perfectly Unique (JUST LIKE YOU)

Let us create a unique one-of-a-kind design for your special day that will last a lifetime

310 OAK STREET HOOD RIVER, OR 97031 541-386-7069 CHEMISTRYJEWELRY.COM

For more information: (541) 387-4367 www.sparklingcreationsonline.com 409 Oak Street / Hood River, Oregon

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We are fortunate to have Hood River Valley’s abundance of fresh seasonal foods. Many of our ingredients are sourced from local farmers and incorporated into our dishes. We pride ourselves on our delicious food, friendly staff, and professional service.

Ahi’s Ohana Catering 541-399-1299 

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I C o op er Spur

Alex Robinson & Andrew Kraus M A R R I E D O N S A T U R D A Y, A U G U S T 2 7 , 2 0 1 6

Why they got married in the Gorge The couple spent a lot of time in the Gorge while dating — hiking, camping, skiing and doing other outdoor activities together. Along with that, “the area is a visually stunning pastoral mecca,” said Alex. But the biggest reason they chose the area was that Andrew proposed on Mount Hood at a site on the Pacific Crest Trail, which the couple had previously thru-hiked together. “It was such a visceral and transformative experience for us and our relationship,” Alex said. “We felt it was only natural that we would take our vows in the environment which showed us what our relationship was made of and what we were capable of together. a l l i m a g e s b y J E N N I F E R A LYS E W E D D I N G S © 2 0 1 6 14

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I C o op er Spur

DETAILS

Wedding venue: Cooper Spur Mountain Resort Where they live: Hood River, OR Occupations: Andrew is an ER Nurse; Alex is a licensed massage therapist How they met: In Portland at the Crystal Ballroom during a New Year’s Eve concert. “Railroad Earth (our favorite band) came into town for three nights,” said Alex. “Andrew and I met briefly the first night. Later I would learn that he saw me dancing from across the room and it was love at first sight. On New Year’s Eve, we found each other again and shared our first kiss at midnight. The rest is history.” How they got engaged: While hiking the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood. After a rough first day, which included freezing fog, soaked gear and a tantrum by Alex, things improved the second day. Six miles from Timberline Lodge, they stopped at a beautiful lookout of Mount Hood for a rest and to reminisce about their time on the Pacific Crest Trail the year before. “Just as we were preparing to leave, Andrew gave me a big hug and said, ‘Babe, can I ask you a question?’” Alex said. “It was such a special moment and those last six miles went by as if we were floating on air.” Why they chose their venue: It accommodated the kind of event they wanted to have. “It was very important to us to create a sense of community and togetherness,” Alex said. “We knew we would have some of our most treasured friends and family in one place and it was important to us to cultivate a sense of belonging and togetherness among those people.” They felt Cooper Spur had everything they needed to make that happen, including group lodging for all their guests to stay onsite, a beautiful and intimate spot with views of Mount Hood for the ceremony and an expansive lawn for the reception. Number of guests:100 Favorite detail: “A few hours before the wedding, my mother organized a women’s gathering where we sang songs, my cousin massaged my feet, I heard pearls of wisdom from the matriarchs and ladies adorned themselves with flowers,” Alex said. It was an incredible way to honor the rite of passage I was entering. Unexpected moment: The stage set up for the band ended up being way too small so they improvised and set up on the lawn. “They were able to play out into the field while people were playing games, and then as it got dark, they turned around and played under the tent,” Alex said. “It turned out to be the perfect improvisation.” Also, as the sun set, the sky turned into an “amazing mélange of fire-orange swirling clouds,” she added. “It was magical.” Advice for other couples: Take your time planning. Make sure to have a budget and a vision. Get organized, utilize your resources, and say yes when people offer to help. Get comfortable with delegating tasks and know that you won’t always get to have your hand in everything. You have to trust that the people who want to help are going to do their best for you. Make lists. And don’t forget to have fun doing it! The day, in a sentence: The most magical gathering of love and support, my heart was exploding with joy, love and gratitude (Alex). Having people come together from all aspects of our lives to celebrate us forging this special bond (Andrew). Honeymoon: Tofino, B.C.

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VENDORS

Ceremony & Reception: Cooper Spur Mountain Resort (cooperspur.com) Rentals: Riverhood Rentals (riverhoodrentals.com) Music: The Groove Cabin (thegroovecabin.com) Catering: Cooper Spur Mountain Resort (cooperspur.com) Photography: Jennifer Alyse Weddings (jenniferalyse.com) Novelty photos: Fotobus (thefotobus.com) Hair: Chelsea Taylor, Clutch Hair Co. (clutchhairco.com) Flowers: Suzanne Workman (bontonchic.com) Cake: Windflower Cakes (windflowercakes.com)

TAKING CARE OF

M id Ser -C vi ol ng um th bi e a Ar ea

"BUSINESS" With Clean Quality Sanitation Services

Photo Taken By Michael Peterson Photography At Mountain Meadow Farm & Garden

We offer clean and comfortable event units to meet your portable sanitation needs. Quality and value are things you should expect, and we promise to deliver both of them. Weddings · Special Events Agriculture · Construction Sites We Offer: · Standard Event Units · Sink Units · ADA Handicap Units

GPSI

GORGE PORTABLE SANITATION, INC. 541-352-6069 · 6270 MILLER ROAD · MT. HOOD, OR WWW.GOGPSI.COM · HELLO@GOGPSI.COM

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1106 12th Street • Hood River • 541-806-4869 D E S T I NAT IO N W E D D I N G S C O LUM B IA R I V E R G O R G E / 2 0 1 7

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Perfect

for your rehearsal party or wedding

Fresh Crab Benedict Great Selection of Omelettes Home-made Pies Cinnnamon Rolls We also have a full menu of options

February 18th, 2017 11 am - 4 pm Admission $5

The Dalles Civic Auditorium 323 E. 4th • The Dalles 541-298-8533 Fashion Show by The Dalles Wedding Place

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416 Oak St. Hood River 541-386-1880 info@bettesplace.com

COME TASTE what you want to serve

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Visit Hood River Distillers tasting room located at: 304 Oak St., Suite 3 Hood River, OR 541-386-1588 x234 www.hrdspirits.com

©2017 Hood River Distillers, Inc., Hood River, OR USA Pendleton Blended Canadian Whisky, Pendleton 1910 Canadian Rye Whisky, 40% ALC./VOL. The Bucking Horse Logo and Let’er Buck are registered trademarks of the Pendleton Round-Up Association. PENDLETON is a registered trademark of Pendleton Woolen Mills. Stay in control.®

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I C olumbi a G orge Hotel

Mari Nado & Rob Duck M A R R I E D O N S A T U R D A Y, A U G U S T 1 3 , 2 0 1 6

Why they got married in the Gorge Mari grew up in Troutdale, where her parents still live, and she has family in the greater Portland area. Rob is an avid kiteboarder and Mari has been learning. Both love kiting, as well as the wine and beer tasting scene in Hood River and the beauty of the Gorge.

a l l i m a g e s b y G O R G E - U S P H O T O G R A P H Y, J E N N I F E R G U L I Z I A ÂŠ 2 0 1 6

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R E A L W E DDI N G S

I C olumbi a G orge Hotel

DETAILS Wedding venue: Columbia Gorge Hotel Where they live: San Francisco, CA Occupations: Rob is head of program and business engineering at a digital health company; Mari is an air traffic controller at San Francisco International Airport. How they met: At a bar in the San Francisco financial district. How they got engaged: During a kiteboarding trip to Hatteras, NC, they took a day trip to the nearby town of Duck, where Rob proposed. “Rob thought, what better place to ask me to be a ‘Duck’ than in Duck, NC,” said Mari, who is an avid Oregon Ducks fan. Number of guests: 75 Favorite details: The Gatsby theme they created to honor the Columbia Gorge Hotel’s vintage architecture. They also used various “duck” details, including the groom’s duck cuff links, feather escort cards, a “duck pond” themed cocktail hour and a traditional Korean wedding duck toss during the ceremony. They served local wine and beer picked out on a previous trip to Hood River. Unexpected moment: The Duck-Nado Marriage Volcano. Instead of a unity candle, the couple added ingredients with labels such as “patience” and “respect” to a science project-like concoction dreamed up by Rob, the engineer. “We made it fun having our bridal party put on goggles and us in lab coats,” Mari said. A chemical reaction made the volcano erupt, symbolizing the couple’s “explosion of love.” Advice for other couples: Don’t sweat the details. Take time to enjoy your big day — it goes by so fast! The day, in a sentence: Ducks of a feather flock together. Honeymoon: The Maldives and Singapore.

VENDORS

Ceremony & Reception: Columbia Gorge Hotel (columbiagorgehotel.com) Catering: Columbia Gorge Hotel (columbiagorgehotel.com) Music: DJ Luke King, Groovaholiks Photography: Gorge-Us Photography, Jennifer Gulizia, Jim Semlor (gorge-usphoto.com) Hair/Make-up: Columbia Gorge Hotel Spa (columbiagorgehotel.com) Flowers: Lucy’s Informal Flowers (informalflowers.com) Cake: Columbia Gorge Hotel (columbiagorgehotel.com)

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Solstice Wood Fire Café offers a unique Gorge catering experience. O ur fier y, fun mobile kitchen travels to any venue and features affordable, local and seasonal pizzas, roasted chicken, salmon, full-bar, and more! Vegan and gluten-free menus available.

farm to table kitchen to farm REHEARSALS & WEDDINGS

SOLSTICE WOOD FIRE CAFE, BAR & CATERING 501 Portway Avenue • Hood River, Oregon • solsticewoodfirecafe.com Natalie Price, Catering Director: (541) 399-5181, solsticenatalie@gmail.com

H R  D W P gorge-usphoto.com | jen@gorge-usphoto.com

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R E A L W E DDI N G S

I Skamani a L o dge

Rhyne Simon & Brandon Perkins M A R R I E D O N S U N D A Y, O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 1 6

Why they got married in the Gorge

Rhyne’s parents had discovered Skamania Lodge while on an anniversary trip to Washington and Oregon. The couple knew they wanted a unique destination wedding, and after exploring several options, they decided the Gorge was the best place for their rustic, outdoor tastes. “We love the Pacific Northwest, and knew the lodge was a perfect spot for a destination wedding,” Rhyne said.

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R E A L W E DDI N G S

I Skamani a L o dge

YOUR PARTY& EVENT CENTER E

V E N T

E N T A L

R O F E S S I O N A L S

Tent top to table top and everything in between. Your Wedding Deserves the Best! DETAILS Wedding venue: Skamania Lodge Where they live: Austin, TX Occupations: Rhyne and Brandon are both project managers in their respective industries, healthcare and construction.

Tents/Canopies Tables/Table Tops Chairs Linens Dishes/Flatware

Wedding Props Dance Floors Staging Lighting Heaters & More!

YOUR PARTY& EVENT CENTER E

V E N T

E N T A L

R O F E S S I O N A L S

(541) 386-2062

1113 Tucker Rd, Hood River

www.yourpar tycenter.com

How they met: On a blind date set up by mutual friends at Halloween. After dinner, they went to a haunted house where Rhyne made Brandon hold her hand when she got scared. “The rest is history!” Rhyne said. How they got engaged: Brandon proposed to Rhyne in the Texas hill country, surrounded by family and cute farm animals. Number of guests: 68 Favorite detail: The flower wreath Rhyne’s mother made for her on the day of the wedding. Unexpected moment: “It poured rain the day of the wedding,” Rhyne said, “so we took it as good luck.” Advice for other couples: Just go with the flow and everything will fall into place. The day, in a sentence: “A happy celebration with the dearest of friends and family; a special moment we will cherish and treasure forever.” Honeymoon: Exploring Oregon and Washington

VENDORS

Rehearsal Dinner: Clark & Lewie’s, Stevenson WA (clarkandlewies.com) Ceremony & Reception: Skamania Lodge (skamania.com) Music: DJ Barrett & Ty Catering: Skamania Lodge (skamania.com) Photography: Michael Peterson Photography (michaelpetersonphotography.com) Dessert: gingerbread cookies: Skamania Lodge (skamania.com)

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䤀渀琀椀洀愀琀攀⸀ 䔀氀攀最愀渀琀⸀ 䄀甀琀栀攀渀琀椀挀⸀ 吀栀攀匀甀渀渀椀攀猀琀圀攀搀搀椀渀最䰀漀挀愀琀椀漀渀椀渀琀栀攀䌀漀氀甀洀戀椀愀刀椀瘀攀爀䜀漀爀最攀℀ 刀愀琀攀搀 ⌀㄀㌀吀漀瀀䘀愀渀ⴀ䘀愀瘀漀爀椀琀攀䐀攀猀琀椀渀愀琀椀漀渀椀渀伀爀攀最漀渀Ⰰ⨀ 吀栀攀䈀愀氀挀栀漀昀昀攀爀猀眀漀爀氀搀挀氀愀猀猀栀漀猀瀀椀琀愀氀椀琀礀愀渀搀瘀椀渀琀愀最攀挀栀愀爀洀昀漀爀礀漀甀爀甀渀椀焀甀攀搀攀猀琀椀渀愀琀椀漀渀眀攀搀搀椀渀最⸀ 䌀愀氀氀漀爀攀洀愀椀氀琀漀搀愀礀昀漀爀愀琀漀甀爀漀爀琀漀爀攀焀甀攀猀琀漀甀爀圀攀搀搀椀渀最䜀甀椀搀攀⸀ 㔀㐀㄀ⴀ㐀㘀㜀ⴀ㈀㈀㜀㜀簀圀攀搀搀椀渀最猀䀀䈀愀氀挀栀䠀漀琀攀氀⸀挀漀洀 ⨀䈀愀猀攀搀漀渀吀爀椀瀀䄀搀瘀椀猀漀爀Ⰰ 夀攀氀瀀愀渀搀䜀漀漀最氀攀爀攀瘀椀攀眀猀

Oregon A-List Award

Featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine with an emphasis on locally grown products, extensive wine menu and full bar

Regional Spotlight Recipient

The perfect place to dine and the perfect catering partner for your next special event! OUR FULL CATERING SERVICES are based from our award-winning restaurant. Clients are encouraged to come and sample our cuisine— a fresh and unique taste of the region. Ben Stenn, Owner/Chef and Heather Sullivan, Catering Coordinator LINDSEY SHEA

16 Oak Street Hood River, Oregon Dinner 5pm-close, every night Lunch 11:30 - 3pm, F/S/Su

541.386.5710 celilorestaurant.com

FOR ALL YOUR

CATERING NEEDS • THE DALLES 810 Cherry Heights (541) 298-1265

Open Sun-Thurs., 11am-9:30 pm. Fri. and Sat. 11-10:30 pm. Three Locations to serve you.

Authentic, fresh, Mexican food and full bar. Proudly serving the Gorge for over 11years! Daily lunch and dinner specials

Including Fresh Seafood and Vegetarian entries. Take out and catering available.

• HOOD RIVER 2920 W. Cascade Ave. Suite #4 (541) 386-1168

• HERMISTON

115 E. Oregon St. (541) 564-0320

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I N T E RV I E W

I Bl aine + B et hany Photog raphy

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Blaine and Bethany Franger work as a wedding, portrait, and commercial photography team based in Hood River but available for travel worldwide. Contact them at (541) 716-6008 or go to BlaineandBethany.com Q: Describe your photography style. A: We strive to make only the highest quality images throughout the entire wedding day. Of course there is always the all important “hero shots” of the couple in love with a big scenic background, but we believe photos of the other elements of the day (toasts, dancing, etc.) can be just as beautiful in different ways and we strive to show that in our images. We’re always seeking the best light for portraits and much prefer natural light to using bulky lighting equipment that just slows things down. Our editing style is to keep the images naturally beautiful. The fashion and bridal trends will no doubt change and get outdated as the years pass by, but we strive to keep our image style timeless. Q: Describe your working style. A: It’s incredibly important to us that you enjoy your day to the fullest, especially the time spent in front of our cameras. We approach each wedding in a relaxed, lighthearted manner, making people feel at ease while being photographed so they can enjoy themselves. Our goal is to be unobtrusive and a very natural element of the day. Nothing should ever feel forced or uncomfortable. We won’t settle for anything less than every couple walking away with jaw-dropping images full of life, emotion and joy to remember all those beautiful moments on the best day of their life. We’re incredibly passionate about photography, love what we do, and take pride in our work. We give every wedding all we can offer. Sometimes that means lying on the ground or climbing a tree for the better angle, staying extra time to get that unbelievable starry night sky image, or spending extra hours on the editing to make the images that much better.

Q: Do you work as a team? Do you have other assistants? A: Blaine is our primary photographer and the one who communicates, meets, and plans everything with our clients. Bethany is available as a second photographer add-on for any of our clients who wish to have her as well. We definitely communicate with our clients about their needs and offer experienced advice if we think they’d be better served with one or two photographers. Although Bethany isn’t shooting at every wedding, she plays a huge role behind the scenes as well with editing and album designs. We do have assistants available at any time, but the need to call on them is quite rare. Q: What should I look for in a wedding photographer? A: First, you should love the portfolio of your photographer before you even meet him/her. Their collection of work should make you feel something inside, stir your emotions in a way that you just want to keep on staring at their images because it will be you in those images soon, and it’ll be even better! Equally as important, you need to connect with your photographer and enjoy their personality. They will spend almost every moment with you on one of the most important days of your life. If they make you feel uncomfortable or awkward, it will show in the images. If they make you smile, feel good and natural, that will also show in the images. The personality of your photographer and them being able to mesh with all sorts of different types of people is HUGE. Q: How long after my wedding will it take to get the images back? A: In these days of exciting and unlimited

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amounts of information available instantly at your fingertips, we always try to share some preview photos with our clients the same week as their wedding, which are great for social media sharing! For the final edit, being punctual is important to us but also it isn’t to be rushed, possibly sacrificing quality. More often than not we have the final edit of images ready for download within three weeks of the wedding, but never longer than six weeks. Q: What’s the most important advice you give to couples about their wedding photography? A: Being in the industry, we hear horror stories about bad wedding photography experiences all too often. The stories make us cringe and we’d never wish those experiences on anyone. You’ve only got one shot at it; unfortunately the day can never be re-created. If having gorgeous photography of your wedding is a priority to you, then do your research and carefully select your photographer. Meet with your photographer; ask the venue and other local vendors about their honest experiences with them. Ask to see the photographer’s complete wedding edits and inspect them to see if they carry a quality throughout all the images and not just the photographer’s handful of favorites. Anyone with a digital camera can shoot a few weddings, throw up a website and Facebook page with some pretty pictures, and call themselves a professional. Ask how many weddings they shoot per year, and if it’s a full time career or just a side job. Remember that wedding photography is art created in just a moment’s notice. There’s little if any time to set up images and control every aspect of the situations at hand. Someone with experience can anticipate events unfolding and shoot the moments with beautiful compositions and creativity — with the technical aspects coming as second nature.

e Gorge gets engaged h t e r e h w Your best friend for Real Estate in The Gorge!

APLAND JEWELERS CUSTOM DESIGNS | RESPONSIBLY SOURCED GEMS | RECLAIMED GOLD & PLATINUM 541.386.3977 | 3RD & OAK ST., HOOD RIVER, OR | FACEBOOK.COM/APLANDJEWELERS BRIDAL SET ABOVE DESIGNED & CRAFTED BY KEN APLAND

fàÉÇx{xwzx GARDENS

Amazing Weddings Rehearsal Dinners

541- 490-5099

Carol@DonNunamaker.com Oregon & Washington Broker

Dinner at 5 p.m. www.StonehedgeWeddings.com

Bridal Show Feb. 18 • 11-4

(541) 386-3940

$5 Admission (no children under 12) 323 East Fourth Street The Dalles, Oregon 97058 For reservations call 541-298-8533 TheDallesCivic.org • TDCivicAuditorium@gmail.com

3405 Wine Country Ave. Hood River

RealEstateinTheGorge.com HoodRiverProperties.com

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R E A L W E DDI N G S

I Tin R o of B ar n

Katherine Johnson-Reid & Ryan Abraham M A R R I E D O N S A T U R D A Y, A U G U S T 2 0 , 2 0 1 6

Why they got married in the Gorge Ryan is originally from Missoula, MT, and Katherine is a city kid from Chicago. While they considered both of their home locations, they settled on one of their favorite places — Oregon. Katherine’s dad is from Oregon and she fell in love with it while spending part of every summer at the family’s coast cottage. “Hood River was everything we wanted — a great and manageable little town with breweries, restaurants, coffee shops and beautiful scenery,” Katherine said. “The Gorge allowed us to have a less formal, naturally beautiful, easy-going wedding.” a l l i m a g e s b y J E N N I F E R A LYS E W E D D I N G S © 2 0 1 6

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R E A L W E DDI N G S

I Tin R o of B ar n

DETAILS

Wedding venue: Tin Roof Barn Where they live: Washington, DC Occupations: Ryan works on tax policy for the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance; Katherine works in sports marketing. How they met: At a BBQ set up by close friends, who made sure Katherine and Ryan sat next to each other at the dinner table. They got “lost in conversation,” according to Katherine, and by the end of the evening, Ryan had her phone number. “As they say, the rest is history,” Katherine said. The friends were co-officiants at the wedding. How they got engaged: Ryan surprised Katherine with a nice dinner at a restaurant in DC. The restaurant worked with Ryan to offer a private room for the official proposal. Without Katherine’s knowledge, Ryan also invited her best friends and sister and brother-in-law, who travelled from around the country to surprise Katherine after dinner at a favorite bar, which prepared a specialty cocktail in Ryan and Katherine’s honor (Ryan & KJ’s Kentucky Mule). Number of guests: 120 Favorite details: The raw bar by Boda’s; terrariums filled with dahlias hanging from an old oak tree and arbor; wedding photos of the bride and groom’s grandparents and parents strung in the barn; and a home-brewed beer. Unexpected moment: The 103-degree temperature! “Thankfully the cocktail hour was under a pavilion and the reception was in the barn,” Katherine said. Advice for other couples: Your wedding day will be a blur. Be sure to spend time with each other. It is your special day, so try to stick together despite the pull to entertain and catch up with all your guests. Also, once the day arrives, let other people handle the details. Let go of the stress and just embrace the flow of the day. Finally, “We wrote our own vows,” Katherine said. “Sure, it adds a little pressure but it is an amazing and beautiful unveiling moment to hear what your spouse has written to you. It is a lovely private moment shared publicly with your best people.”

606 Oak Street • Hood River 541.387.4344 brianspourhouse.com

The day, in a sentence: An epic party to celebrate a huge life moment, with fresh and amazing local food, beers, wine and cocktails, a ridiculous dance party, and our amazing people. Honeymoon: Africa (including Cape Town, a safari in the Timbavati Nature Reserve, and the Bazaruto Archipelago off of Mozambique)

VENDORS

Wedding Planner: Hitched in the Hood, Sarah (hitchedinthehood.com) Ceremony & Reception: Tin Roof Barn (atinroofbarn.com) Rentals: Riverhood Rentals (riverhoodrentals.com) Music: DJ Ceez Catering: Boda’s Kitchen (bodaskitchen.com) Photography: Jennifer Alyse Weddings (jenniferalyseweddings.com) Hair: Clutch Hair Co. (clutchhairco.com) Flowers: Bloomsbury of Kanaka Creek Farm (bloomsburyshop.com) Cake: Cupcake Jones (cupcakejones.net)

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have your rehearsal dinner with us! • Beautiful downstairs patio and bar. • Large or small groups for an intimate rehearsal dinner. • Cover available for inclement weather. • Affordable prices and fabulous food!

We create amazing weddings

GORGE-US PHOTOGRAPHY

(541) 386-3666 • informalflowers.com • 311 Oak Street • Hood River

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W E DDI N G C H E C K L I S T

I Br id a l Pl anner

J E N N I F E R A LYSE W E D D I N G S

Wedding Checklist 16 to 9 Months

 Create a budget.

 Think about the type of wedding you want. Formal or informal? Big or small?

 Hire a planner. This is even more important if you’re not from the area.

 Decide what time of year you want your wedding to take place. Summer weddings are popular in the Columbia Gorge, but spring and fall are equally beautiful, and there are plenty of venues perfect for winter weddings.

 Scout venues, if possible, and meet with vendors and/or your local wedding planner.  Determine your wedding party.  Settle on a head count.

 Choose a date. Remember, many venues in the Columbia Gorge get booked well in advance.

9 to 6 Months  Purchase a dress. Custom gowns can take months to make, and even if you’re buying off the rack, you’ll typically need three fittings. When buying, think about how you’ll transport the dress to your destination.

 Shop for the bridesmaids’ dresses. Allow at least six months for the gowns to be ordered and sized.  Book a photographer. Wedding photographers in the Columbia Gorge are in high demand, especially during the summer months. The farther ahead of time you book your photographer, the better.  Book a block of hotel rooms or rent accommodations for your wedding party and guests.

Photo Credit: Josh Duffus

More information (509) 493-4844 www.TrellisFreshFlowers.net 165 East Jewett Boulevard Downtown White Salmon, WA Moving to new location in Bingen, March 1st

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 Book your flight and accommodations.  Hire a florist.

love. laugh. celebrate.

 Choose your menu and dessert.  Book the entertainment.  Launch a wedding website that includes important links for guests (accommodations, activities in the area etc.).  Make arrangements for pre-wedding events and activities.  Create a gift registry.  Send save-the-date cards.

6 to 4 Months  Book the welcome party or rehearsal dinner venue.  Arrange wedding day transportation for you and your guests.  Plan and order favors.  Arrange hairdressers and make-up artists.  Choose songs.

CREATIVE CUSTOM WEDDING CAKES we’ll take care of the cake ❉ ﬂowers ❉ food ❉ delivery available

ROSAUERS Bakery | Floral | Deli | Grocery

1867 12th Street, Hood River ❉ 541.386.1119

Columbia Gorge

Limousine

Custom Shuttles & Tours for Weddings, Reunions, Corporate Events – or any occasion.

Let us make your day special… BANQUET & BALLROOM

Enjoy the quiet country charm of the Red Barn Park in Parkdale.

Accommodates groups of 40-200 guests Catering and full-bar service available

COVERED RECEPTION SHELTER BARN FOR BAR OR DANCING BUILT IN CEREMONY SEATING OPEN GRASSY AREA AMAZING MT HOOD VIEW!

THE HOOD RIVER ELKS LODGE #1507

RUSTIC • SIMPLE • SERENE

hello@redbarnpark.com www.redbarnpark.com

541-490-6844

Bus/Van Services Also SERVING THE ENTIRE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AREA.

541.386.2384 Toll Free 800.899.5676

WWW. EXPLORETHEGORGE . COM

Call now to schedule your event GARY GRIFFITH (541) 386-1507 304 Cascade Ave • Hood River, OR The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks

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W E DDI N G C H E C K L I S T

I Br id a l Pl anner

3 to 2 Months

Week of Wedding

 Confirm details with all your vendors.

 Delegate small wedding-day tasks.

 Mail out invitations.

 Send a timeline to the bridal party.

 Review the song list with your band or DJ.

 Book a spa treatment (manicure, pedicure, facial, spray tan) for the day before the wedding.

One Month  Get your marriage license.

 Confirm final guest count.

 Mail the welcome party or rehearsal dinner invitations.  Purchase gifts for your bridesmaids.  Assemble welcome bags and prepare welcome letter.  Write your vows.  Confirm details of your ceremony.  Create a seating chart.  Enter RSVPs into the guest-list database.

Memories to Last a Lifetime SPECIAL EVENTS We are one of the area’s top options for hosting special occasions in your life…right in the heart of the beautiful Hood River Valley. Our years of experience and attention to detail throughout the planning process will allow you to focus on creating memories and enjoying your perfect day.

 Confirm flight and accommodations bookings. J E N N I F E R A LYSE W E D D I N G S

WEDDINGS & REHEARSALS - Banquet Room for 25-90 Guests -

Wedding Gowns Tuxedo Rentals Bridesmaid Dresses Quinceañeras

Grace Su’s

CHINA GORGE Great plates for more than 30 years

(541) 386-5331 www.indiancreekgolf.com (541) 386-7770 3605 BROOKSIDE DRIVE HOOD RIVER, OREGON

www.chinagorge.com 2680 Old Columbia River Drive Hood River, Oregon 97031 Reserve now for affordable memories

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541-296-7869 402 E 2nd St, Downtown The Dalles Open Mon - Sat at 11 am

Please call to make bridal-fitting appointments

thedallesweddingplace.com /TDWeddingPlace

LIVE MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT LLC CEREMONY AND RECEPTION MUSIC Elegant Dinner & Cocktail Music Dance to a Wide Variety of Styles Including: • CLASSIC ROCK • MOTOWN/R&B • COUNTRY • POP • JAZZ • YOUR SPECIAL REQUESTS

541-705-7265 The Dalles, OR Ted@TakeTwoBand.com www.TakeTwoBand.com

SERVING THE ENTIRE COLUMBIA GORGE

–WEDDINGS–

The Ruins at Springhouse, an Enchanting Affair Located in beautiful downtown Hood River, with two distinct wedding stages: Indoors, a century-old pear cannery turned spacious winery. Outdoors, the incomparably romantic Ruins. Ample parking, stage and dance floor, stellar staff, catering of your choice. We look forward to hosting you!

springhousecellar.com 541-308-0700

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westclifflodge.com 877.386.2992 RESERVATIONS: reservations@westclifflodge.com EVENTS & VENUE: events@westclifflodge.com 4070 Westcliff Drive, Hood River, OR 97031

Interior photo by Michael Peterson

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Let the journey begin

It’s your special day, create a memorable experience for your guests with Hood River Taxi. 32 passenger limo bus is equipped with: • 4 Wet Bars with champagne flutes and rocks glass holders • 2 Flat screen TV's • High end sound system w/touch panel control and AUX connection • Stainless steel ceiling with fiber optic color changing lighting • Under seat black lights • Full carpeting with overlay mat • Panoramic windows with privacy shades • Privacy divider • Two air conditioning units Providing local luxury transportation for you and your guests.

Make reservations now. Space is limited.

541-399-9954

Ricky Stratton, owner/CEO