Retro Wedding Shoot at Saint Irene's Evokes 1970s Carefree Glam

Amanda Jean PDX Events crafted a design that transported our couple decades back with a stylish flair

Written by

Emily Sweet

Saint Irene's is one of Oregon's most versatile wedding venues, sumptuously transformed by Amanda Jean PDX Events into a 70s homage for this styled shoot. With airy spaces and crisp, modern lines around the venue, Saint Irene's brought a hint of contemporary to the retro design of the day, and backdrops across the property served as stylized and intimately glamorous photo-ops. Embracing the carefree essence of the 70s was expertly blended with an elevated display of color and texture by the design team, and the resulting cohesion of details from the invitation suite to a truly groovy confection was a vision of wedding inspiration for the modern flower child.

Flowers by Almanac created an organic floral altar featuring an eclectic and bursting mixture of blooms and a subtle ombre of orange and red hues. Varieties of dainty greenery offered gentle chartreuse accents that foreshadowed the dinner table's palette elegantly alongside more robust textures. Orchids were a particular floral delight that brought sophistication into our bride's bouquet with a hint of tropical glam in shades of pink. A nod to the easygoing and funky era of the 70s also brings daises into the mix as another floral motif.

The day's most overt nod to its muse is fashion choices, which feature 70s colors and silhouettes prominently. The Willowby by Watters Sorvette gown's blouson sleeves and sultry leg slit makes for a truly ethereal look, and pink platform heels by Steve Madden bring the groove. The aforementioned orchids make a delightful reprise to create a sophisticated flower child look in our bride's hair, which is elegantly arranged into a half-updo. Our groom embraces earth tones with a Red Fox Vintage vest and adds a little hint of rustic with a bolo tie. His day-of look pays homage to the facial hair styles making a resurgence from the 70s, with a trimmed mustache on display. Our couple is a vision in vintage and a reminder of just how delightful some of those retro fashion styles are.

Warm tones collide with gold accents for a tablescape that brings retro with a fun twist. White plates are simply stacked for a minimalistic look and colored glassware and vessels bring those vibes that are oh-so trendy right now. Pink and orange taper candles glow softly but mostly are bold décor pieces on their own with a chic display. The true showstopper is the hanging floral arrangement that swaths our couple as they feast, a cloud of romance that floats above the dinner table and solidifies the dreamlike atmosphere. Perhaps our favorite detail is the cake, a heart-shaped orange, brown and yellow confection adorned with opulent piping and sugar daises. It makes for the perfect 70s-inspired photo accessory and an even better dessert for our newlyweds.

A stop at the bar proves fruitful for our couple, who enjoy delectable creations from Saint Irene's bar. The glassware and presentation make the cocktails nearly too beautiful to drink, but our newlyweds take a sip in celebration. If the day wasn't already romantic enough, Taylor Denton worked her magic with both digital and film cameras creating stunning shots showcasing both the design and ambiance. Retro chic has never looked so stylish.