September in the Pacific Northwest is typically glorious. It is warm, sunny and still predictable, and a lot of couples choose it as a wedding month for a reason. On the rare occasion the Indian Summer doesn’t show up, a couple still can have an incredible day to remember. Just ask Ian and Erin. Their Anderson Lodge wedding had to go to Plan B due to rain, but the day was still amazing and just as it should be.
When I met Ian and Erin for the first time, I was blown away by how much fun this couple is. Ian is crazy funny and light hearted and Erin is his perfect match. She rolls her eyes at his jokes and laughs them off. They could not be better suited for each other. As soon as Ian told me his phone number–which is a vanity number that includes the digits “DIAL IAN”–I knew I had to be a part of this couple’s day.
A bit of rain didn’t dampen this couple’s wedding day at all. Sure, they had to go to Plan B and move the festivities indoors at Anderson Lodge. But it was still romantic, heartfelt and sweet. The couple decided to forego a “first look” and instead opted for a more traditional approach–seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony. Ian was so expressive and emotional that it was hard not to have your heart skip a beat.
The ceremony was performed by the groom’s father, which meant the service was incredibly personal. He gave snippets on the couple, their personalities and their future. Guests traveled from across the country to be with the couple. Since Ian and Erin had fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest, they wanted to share that love with their closest loved ones. Seeing this level of support–so many that had made the journey–was incredible.
After the ceremony, the party moved next door to the main building of Anderson Lodge where the guests were treated to an amazing buffet dinner and cakes by Portland’s Baker and Spice. Ian and Erin also had a little surprise in store for the groom’s unsuspecting parents who were celebrating their 33rd wedding anniversary that same day. When it was time for the newlywed’s to cut their cake, they invited Ian’s parents to join them to cut a special anniversary cake made just for them.
After dinner, toasts and cake, the party really got swinging–literally! What Ian and Erin failed to tell me when we first met is that they (and their friends!) are swing dancers! Like competition level dancers! Wow! A live band belted out swing classics and the dance floor was quickly packed with young and old. Ladies and dresses were flying and men were gliding across the dance floor. It was probably the most exciting dance party I’ve ever been to. It was so much fun!
Ian and Erin have since relocated out of the Pacific Northwest after their Anderson Lodge wedding, but they’ve made a lasting impression with me! I wish them all the best on their next adventure!
