The couple had not
hired a wedding
coordinator, but the
Loft’s Jessica Newhall
was easy to work with and
it all fell into place.
As it was, the couple had a beautiful day. Things
got off to a good start the night before with a paella
rehearsal dinner and a bonfire on the beach with
40 people, all arranged by the bride’s brothers. The
next day it was back to the beach for couple and
bridal party photographs. They posed on the
Gearhart dunes and on Cannery Pier Hotel owner
Jake Jacob’s 1978 red British double-decker bus.
Then up to Astoria and the Maritime Memorial,
where Peter Mertens, a childhood friend of Zach’s,
officiated the wedding. The couple wrote the entire
service, beginning with a basic outline they found
online, choosing the readings and creating their
vows. The only problem they encountered was the
failure of the audio system, which didn’t matter
because, Cydni said, “Peter fortunately has a loud,
booming voice.”
Cydni said their choice of the Red Building for
the reception was an easy one. “When we first
walked into the room it felt right,” she says. “It was
upscale but comfortable, and it had a great view.
All our guests said that it was a wonderful,
beautiful space.” The couple had not hired a
wedding coordinator, but the Loft’s Jessica
Newhall was easy to work with. “It all fell into
place,” said the bride.
The wedding was put together almost entirely
with the help of family and friends over a five-
month period, and they used local vendors as
needed. They found Bellisima Salon very
professional and affordable, and Cydni said Jessica
at the Loft at the Red Building “went above and
beyond for us.” Their photographer, Douglas
Reynolds, “felt like one of our friends, and I still
can’t figure out which picture I like best.” Rogue
Ales provided food and beverages for the
reception, and the cake came from a Portland
friend’s business, Good Golly Cakes n’ More.
How do they feel, looking back on their special
day? “I’m really happy,” Cydni said. “We got to
do everything we wanted to do.”
RIVER & SEA WEDDINGS 2017
21