When event planner-with-flair Misty Damico moved her office to the Pearl District last year, she couldn’t get enough of the sunsets over the city. And for someone who loves nothing more than a good party, it’s no surprise that those soft peach skies contrasted with the sleek metal architecture were her inspiration for a glamorous, urban-chic wedding. “With Portland’s ever-growing industrial areas, we’re seeing many newly engaged couples opting for their special day to be a part of the city’s glitz and glam, if even just for one night,” says the owner of Luxe Event Productions. Working with her network of rock-star local designers, shops and vendors, she created an event design that softens gritty elements with lush details, taking romance to the edge.
(above left) The fluttery petals of garden roses are the focal point of this bouquet from Zest Floral. Glinting hints of metal from a zipper rosette and dangling chains play well off the rich texture and delicate color of the flowers, which are hand-tied with a pewter ribbon. $200
(above middle) Inspired by the city’s hottest night-life restaurants, Damico designed a swanky metallic place setting that will twinkle in the table candlelight. The array of finishes—metallic woven place mat, pewter charger, matte Heath Ceramics plate—is subtly eye-catching, making it a natural showcase for a menu that gets the mouth watering. Place mat from Pier 1, $8; charger from Pottery Barn, $88; plate from Twist, $34
(above right) Cheryl Weigel, owner of Vancouver, Washington’s Bespoke Designs, used Swarovski crystals and silver foil to get these invitations gleaming like the steel and glass of the urban skyline. Hand-drawn blooms in watercolor hues add a feminine touch. $8 each/basic set (invite, reply, envelope), $12 each/deluxe set (additional inserts, pocket folders, etc)
(bottom two left) “Every bride needs to rock her aisle with shoes that make a statement,” according to Damico, and these five-inch Steve Madden Caryssa platforms from Nordstrom couldn’t be more dazzling. Rosy hues sparkle throughout the pewter glitter with every step. The rebel bride should complete her look with the layered Chains of Love necklace from Portland designer Betsy & Iya. Often incorporating vintage hardware, her pieces are all the more striking for their rough-around-the-edges beauty.
(bottom, second from right) The burnished tinge of rose gold, like in this Secret Message tie clip (it says “love” in Morse Code) from Betsy & Iya, is hot this year—and the perfect realization of this color palette. Her sterling silver vintage-coin Lovers Links cuff links and a Zest Floral boutonnière crafted with a garden rose and reclaimed springs and chains lend a polished grunge to your man’s look. Tie clip, $49; cuff links, $79; boutonnière, $20
(bottom right) Slate gray, silver-dusted fondant is reminiscent of a city sidewalk shimmering in rain; the harlequin cutouts, rhinestone brooch and draped chains on this three-tier creation from Claudia Renz of Beaverton’s Cakeway to Heaven reflect a cosmopolitan elegance, which goes as deep as the eight layers of lemon and buttermilk cake, laced with local raspberry preserves and cream cheese mousse filling. $530