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Kelly and TJ at Running Deer Golf Club

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Kelly and TJ at Running Deer Golf Club

Posted on July 08, 2022 by New Jersey Bride

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How did you meet?
TJ and I met online initially and then had our first date together in NW Portland. We clicked instantly and I always joke how TJ basically moved in after that! We spent all of our time together, building up both a relationship and a friendship, bonding over hiking and exploring the Pacific Northwest. As our lives became more and more unified, we created a home in Portland, but with family on the East Coast, we always knew we would want a wedding outside Oregon so we could celebrate with the greatest number of our family and friends possible!

How did you get engaged?
TJ and I were engaged in Texas, at a small vineyard with just our best friends present. TJ knows I’m not exactly one who loves being the center of attention, but we are so close to our friends, that having them a part of this amazing moment is something I will forever cherish. TJ actually had my engagement ring for quite a while before the proposal, but before our trip to Texas had sent it to be engraved. Unfortunately, due to COVID the engraving process was backlogged and took much longer than anticipated, so he didn’t have my actual ring to propose with when we left for the trip! He had his heart set on proposing on my 30th Birthday and had set everything up, however, so when he did ask for my hand in marriage, he did so with a ring pop! It was hilarious and actually really sweet and the perfect “accident!”

Details of the day!
Choosing a wedding day in May in New Jersey, we knew the weather could swing drastically in many different directions, so I wanted to choose a theme and color palette that felt very natural and fitting whether we got a blustery spring day or a hot, bold start to summer! For Bridesmaids’ dresses, I opted for a color palette rather than a specific hue and fabric, using three different shades of dusty blue, and my maid of honor’s dress was a pale blue with pops of bolder blue florals in the print. We tied the blue into our florals by using blue thistles and bluebells and complimenting them with white peonies, cream roses, delphinium, and eucalyptus. For my bridal look, I chose a classic and elegant white Marc Fisher heel and a gown made by Lillian West. Our groomsmen donned grey suits with ties matching in hues of their walking partners, and TJ looked absolutely stunning in a charcoal grey 3-piece suit. Our table decor included printed menus at each table setting with eucalyptus ringed floating candles and champagne garnished with blueberries.

Our venue, Running Deer, had so much natural beauty in its reception space with floor-to-ceiling windows that filled the space with natural light. The food was definitely a highlight and the catering staff at Running Deer made sure we had an absolute smorgasbord of choices for our guests! From mini tacos and bite-size quesadillas to stuffed mushrooms, six different charcuterie boards with amazing meats, cheeses, olives, and dips, to plentiful arrays of fresh fruit and veg, custom salsa bars and a to-die-for queso dip we and our guests ate like kings and queens and that was before our amazing three-course meal of fresh Caesar salads, surf and turf or a delicious Chicken saltimbocca followed with an entire room dedicated to desserts. We had a photo booth for non-dancing entertainment and made our grand entrance epic by dancing and cheering as we kicked off our reception with our first dance as husband and wife. The evening was amazing, filled with touching and hilarious toasts, cutting our Pacific Northwest-inspired cake and dancing the night away, carrying the good vibes to our hotel for the after-party.

Why did you choose your venue?
When searching for a venue, we never really landed on one that really felt like us until we found Running Deer Golf Club. When we were shown this little secluded ceremony spot nestled in a small pine grove called “The Timbers” we knew we’d never find a more perfect spot. Underfoot in “The Timbers” the carpet of pine boughs smelled just like home and being nestled out of the way created a truly private and intimate feel which was exactly what we were looking for. We also loved the expansive grounds, knowing we would have many photo opportunities all over the stunning golf course.

What was on your menu?
Our appetizer was a Caesar Salad followed by an Entree choice of Surf and Turf, Chicken Saltimbocca, or Vegetarian Meatballs. Each entree came with asparagus and tri-colored fingerling potatoes. For dessert, we served a three-tiered wedding cake consisting of a top tier of funfetti, a middle tier of red velvet, and classic vanilla for the bottom tier. In our dessert room, we also had macaroons, gluten-free brownies, various different types of cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes, mini-berry pies, and a three-layered mousse. As guests were leaving we also had a pretzel wall for guests to have a snack on the way to the after-party complete with several choices of custom dipping sauces and to-go hot-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies. We offered an open bar for our guests and featured two custom “his and hers” cocktails that honored our two pups at home, Kiwi and Link. The “Kiwi” (my choice drink) was a White Rum, Club Soda, Mint Leaves, and fresh Kiwi fruit and the “Link” (TJs choice drink) was a Vodka, Kahlua, and heavy cream.

All about your gown!
I found my gown at a local Portland Bridal Boutique called Charlotte’s Bridal. I knew with fittings and alterations it just made sense to try to find my dress locally to where I lived, and my experience working with Charlotte’s Bridal was phenomenal. THE dress for me ended up being a Lillian West gown with a cathedral-length train that extended out to the sides as well as having extra length in the back. The skirt was simple, elegant chiffon, unadorned and contrasting the V-neck bodice that was pure lace in a delicate floral pattern. Trying it on, I knew it was “the one” as I felt both classically elegant but also quite sexy. It had that touch of romance with the floral lace and the long train that complimented my personal style. I paired my dress with a sleek up-do and a floral hairpiece matching my stunning bouquets and for the ceremony, I added a cathedral-length veil for some extra drama!

What was your favorite moment?
My favorite moment of the day was our ceremony and joint vows. We had written them ourselves and customized them to be entirely unique to us. I remember tearing up as I read mine and felt TJ’s emotion as he voiced his. We of course added in some “inside jokes” which turned our tears into laughter to keep it light and real to us as well. This moment stands out as my favorite because it was THE moment that the whole day seemed to stand still and it was like the world fell away and it was just TJ and I, there together promising to be by each other’s side for a lifetime to come.

One detail you couldn’t live without?
Honestly, having a private, intimate ceremony space that truly felt like home was THE key element for me. I remember touring so many venues until we found Running Deer with its “Timbers” ceremony space and finally, I could actually picture my wedding, so I couldn’t picture my day without this detail of being able to wed in a private little forest grove.

Did anything go wrong?
Honestly, nothing worth mentioning! The weather was unseasonably hot, so that was possibly the biggest difficulty of the day. Planning an early Spring wedding usually means beating the humidity in New Jersey, but a hot humidity blew in the Friday before our wedding and stuck around the whole weekend. I remember at one point during my reception where TJ and I both hunkered down in front of one of the large A/C units cooling our reception space and we just sat, crouched there for a good ten minutes before cutting the cake!

First dance song?
Best Part of Me by Landon Austin

Any advice for future brides?
Pick a Venue that feels like home, even if you are far from home!

Honeymoon Location?
We went to Croatia! TJ and I spent an incredible 10 days enjoying the coast of Croatia, eating amazing food, enjoying the sun, and meeting incredible people! It was magical and perfect and we didn’t want to come back!

the details

Reception Location

Running Deer Golf Club

Photographer

Kate Holt Photography

Officiant

Tierney Keller-Brown

Bride’s Gown

Charlotte's Weddings and More, Designer: Lillian West

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Kelly and TJ at Running Deer Golf Club

the details

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Music

Wedding Planner