1. Real Weddings

Liane & Rutherford: A Modern Wedding in Portland, OR

Liane Pound and Rutherford Brakke celebrated their love for each other and their beloved hometown by keeping it local. All of the vendors, from the DJ

Liane Pound and Rutherford Brakke celebrated their love for each other and their beloved hometown by keeping it local. All of the vendors, from the DJ to the dress designer, were proud Portlanders. The Bride Liane Pound, 27, curatorial assistant and swim coach The Groom Rutherford Brakke, 28, computer programmer The Date July 31 Love begets love -- the pair were introduced when Liane's best friend was dating Rutherford's best friend. Soon, double dates were de rigueur. One wintry New Year's Eve, the couple took a romantic walk through a park and passed by a snowman. With Frosty as a witness, Rutherford dropped to one knee and proposed. We wanted the wedding to be urban, non-traditional, and centered around the Pearl District where we live, says Liane. Their goal was to allow guests to experience the best of their Portland experience by using only vendors from their 'hood.

Most people thought the three-tier sweet treat was a decoration, not edible. The square fondant in tones of red and orange was reminiscent of a Rothko painting.
The Bridal Bouquet
It was a day of two dresses. For the cocktail hour, Liane wore a red halter BCBG cocktail dress. For the ceremony she changed into a backless halter gown from Christiana Couture. In lieu of a veil the bride wore a few brightly colored Swarovski crystal combs in her hair.
The Couple
To keep it urban, Liane and Rutherford hired a DJ from a local industrial club called Holocene.
The First Dance
The Reception Decor
The Reception Decor
A bright vision greeted guests to the loft: a long, undulating table with red and orange orchids suspended above it. The ceremony backdrop was made from 35 yards of red, orange and fuchsia fabric covered in plexiglass with gloriosa lilies and orchids popping through to create a living sculpture.
The Reception Decor
The Ceremony Decor
As guests filtered in to a two-story loft in the Pearl District for the cocktail hour, they were greeted by none other than Liane and Rutherford. It really calmed our nerves to be able to see everyone before we first walked in to get married, says Liane. The ceremony began with a quote from Mark Twain, one of Liane's dad's favorite authors, and the couple wrote their own vows. Rutherford, who is known for being late, promised to 'try to be on time,' while I am not known for being tidy, so I promised to 'pick up after myself,' she says.