When Kim and Travis got engaged, they had no
idea their wedding would evolve into a life-changing event. The couple got
married at the Cedar Ridge Retreat in Travis’ hometown of Vernonia, Oregon. “Travis
grew up participating at the summer camps there, so it just felt like home to
him,” says Kim. “I had to honor that request and take a look!” Although Kim
immediately fell in love with the natural beauty and friendly staff, it didn’t quite
feel like a wedding venue. But after talking with the owners, they decided to
collaborate together. Kim got her dream wedding, while also helping Cedar Ridge
design an amazing new wedding venue for future weddings to come. Keep scrolling to read the bride’s whole story!
From the bride:
“Throughout college, I
photographed weddings during the summer months and really developed an eye and
understanding for what it takes to host a beautiful and functional wedding
venue. Having visited so many venues, I believe that the Cedar Ridge crew
really valued my insight. Their years of experience at camp provided for a
dynamic combination of forces. We wanted a wedding venue for everyone to
enjoy for years and years to come. We had to sit tight for permits,
electrical work and other major items for several months after we initially met.
While this made me a bit anxious, the owners Tory and Larry continuously
reassured me that things would work out - and it did. They continuously kept in
contact with me around what I thought would serve the venue best, and they
worked tirelessly to make sure the venue was up to code, safe and wedding-ready
by the date. Travis and I owe them the world. I believe they're
miracle workers!
Over the year, we
collaborated on everything from the design of the barn to the pruning of
ferns. We drew up plans for a barn, a bridge to connect the camp bathrooms
and venue, arena-style seating and stage for the ceremony, reception area with
a retaining wall that doubled as additional built-in seating and so much
more. We had to continuously consider natural and artificial light during
various hours of the day, ceremony and reception protection from potential
Oregon rain and aesthetically pleasing backdrops for variety in group and
couple shots. We spent months making it perfect. I knew that not only
would I have to keep future weddings in mind, and allow for the next bride and
groom to really see the venue's potential without all the decor displayed, but
channel the energy and necessary accommodations for a wide variety of
cliental.
Being a country girl myself, I knew that old barns just
oozed with charm and allowed for flexibility in both casual and formal wedding
settings. I knew that tall trees not only provided shade for guests in
those summer months, but a beautiful, natural and breathtaking backdrop. As a
mom, I knew that children needed to have a good time. If there is one
thing that gets me a bit twisted, it's children playing games on a phone during
a wedding. Let's give them something to do! Travis and I grew up outside climbing
trees, catching salamanders and raising havoc. So we knew children would have
room to roam and be safe at Cedar Ridge. At our wedding, we did away with
crayons and coloring books and went straight to the fun - a bouncy house! When
the children enjoy themselves, the parents enjoy themselves! There is also a
swing set and playground area for them right next to the venue where it's close
enough to see, but far enough to eliminate noise. In addition to Cedar Ridge
catering our food, Honorary Uncle Loren Dennis BUILT a wood-burning pizza oven for
us to use. We totally had fresh pizza in the middle of the tranquil forest! Our
guests were just smitten. The whole process made me want to become a wedding
planner. It was the best day of our lives!”