An amazing group of talented individuals from the Pacific Northwest came together to create the most ethereal "little mermaid" inspired elopement on the Oregon Coast.

Just like many young girls, I probably watched the Little Mermaid a few too many times in my youth. And of course every time I go to Disneyland I have to ride the Little Mermaid ride multiple times!! There is something quite romantic about mermaids, and princes, and of course the sea. I wanted this shoot to reflect a very delicate and light color palette, while still staying inspired by the Little Mermaids original blue bridal gown.

Each element of this shoot was truly thought out, the custom crown, delicate invitation suite, the hand created "ocean" inspired cake, and mini dessert table, the list truly is endless.

As a wedding planner and designer, I often dream of all the different styles of weddings I want to create. Sometimes those dreams are of Disney fairytales, that include a blue dress and a crown. I know it takes a unique couple to have that vision as well. Our goal with a styled shoot is to inspire our couples to reach deep into their souls and create a wedding full of personality and style. A wedding that all is about them, all about "you".

Thank you to an amazing team ...
Designer+Planner+Décor+Florals: Trixie Ortiz, Owner of YOUnique Events & Design
Photography: Caitlin K Photography
https://www.facebook.com/caitlynkphotos
https://www.instagram.com/caitlynkphotos/
https://www.caitlynkautz.com
Invitation Suite: Cynthia Kessler-Elliott, Gemini Design House
https://www.instagram.com/geminidesignhouse/
https://www.facebook.com/geminidesignhouse/
Wedding Cake: Megan Savely, Frost Me Sweet Bakery
https://www.instagram.com/frostmesweet/
https://www.facebook.com/frostmesweet/
Dessert Bar: Michelle Barnes, Tres Belle Cookies/Desserts
https://www.instagram.com/tresbellecookies/
https://www.facebook.com/tresbellecookies/
Makeup+Hair: Tiffany Randolph
https://www.instagram.com/muahbytiffanyrandolph/
https://www.tiffanyrandolphbeauty.com/
Custom Crown: Kelsey Erin, Stem & Stone
https://www.instagram.com/stemandstone.crowns/
https://stemandstonecrowns.wixsite.com/stemstone
https://www.facebook.com/stemandstone.crowns/
Wedding Ring Box: Velvet Ring Box
Your Hearts Content
Bridal Jewelry: Stewart Riddle, SJ Custom Jewelers
https://www.facebook.com/sjcustomjewelers/
https://sjcustomjewelers.com
Couple: Lindsey Rose & Zac McGraw

If you are considering eloping in Oregon, I just can't see where you could go wrong. There are so many diverse locations within this great state.  Whether you are in love with the ocean, desert, lush forest, rivers, lakes, snowcapped mountains, Oregon has it all.

Our passion over these past few years in business has grown to love the small more intimate wedding, especially an elopement.  We are here to help you plan, style, and seek out the most scenic location Oregon has to offer.

Hoyt Arboretum
Located atop a ridge in the West Hills of Portland, and only 2-miles west of downtown Portland, lends itself to a great location for a destination elopement. The Arboretum offers a secluded meadow that can be rented for the entire day for only $285.  So if you are looking for a serene location in the heart of the city, this could be the place for you.
Cathedral Park
Cathedral lies on the east shore of the Willamette River, and is located under St. Johns  Bridge.  Couples can enjoy over 20 acres of greenery, and of course the beautiful gothic arches of the bridge lend an amazing backdrop.
Tendue
This indoor venue is an eloquently designed space in a 100+ year old warehouse. This space is not only intimate and stylish, but offer's the most amazing natural lighting due to the north facing windows. We had the honor of hosting a styled wedding here, and it was nothing but a perfect location. Parking is a little tough, so keep that in mind if you are considering booking.

Skamania Stone House
Absolutely one of our favorite locations that we had the honor of doing an elopement wedding at. The old stone house is located in Skamania, WA, which is a short drive across the Bridge of Gods. The stone house is built of old river rock and gently painted with moss. It is quietly nestled in the lush forest of the gorge, and completely surrounded by overgrown Ferns.
Mary Hill Stone Hedge
The Mary Hill Stone Hedge is a replica of England's Stone Hedge. It was built by wealthy entrepreneur Sam Hill. It sit's high above the Columbia River which offers amazing views.
Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls is one of the most epic waterfalls to hike in the Pacific NW. The falls is just a short one-mile hike into the base of the waterfall, through old growth forests, rippling streams, bridges, and a well cared for trail.

Painted Hills
Known as one of the 7 wonders of the Oregon, the Painted Hills is one of majestic unique beauty. The hills reflect a color palette of gold, black rock, and deep reds, that you don't feel like you are in Oregon. I have not visited this landmark myself, but it is on the list.
Wallowa Lake & Eagle Cap Wilderness
The deep frigid lake is surrounded by jagged alpine peaks, wild flowering mountain sides, habitat, and an awesome tram to take to the top of those peaks. 
Smith Rock State Park
Deep river canyons, red rock, flying eagles, prairie deer, is what you will find at this stunning location.

Arch Cape
Arch Cape is named for it's natural arched rocks, and the headland that extends into the Pacific Coast.  This is an unincorporated town, that is almost a blink of an eye, but the view and location, is so intimate.  We just returned from doing an elopement shoot here, and I must say it was epic.
Cape Kiwanda
This beach is known for it's wave action. This area along the Pacific Coast is full of sand dunes, varying landscapes, plus haystack rock.
Cannon Beach - Ecola State Park
This small coastal town boasts sandy beaches, tide pools, sea caves, and is home to Ecola State Park.
Ecola State Park stretches 9-miles along the Pacific Coast line, and offers secluded coves, lush Sitka spruce forest, well groomed trails, and even an abandoned lighthouse.  You may even come across wildlife, such as deer, elk, and a soaring eagle.

I absolutely love elopements and can help with choosing a perfect location, creating a custom timeline, etc! I’d be honored to be considered to be your elopement planner and stylist.
XO,
Trixie

Most of you may not realize this, but our very first wedding we planned, we had 7-weeks to get everything lined up.  You are probably thinking, that planning a wedding in 3-months will be an extremely difficult task, but can you imagine you have only 7-weeks? This client knew they needed to hire a wedding planner and we were honored they choose us.

Well we want to share some simple steps on planning your wedding in 3-months or less. There are a number of important things you need to get in place for the big day!

• Create your registry at one place with lots of price point options.
  
• Have one bridal shower and ask your bridesmaids to help plan the food, décor and games. Teamwork will help ease your stress.
• Keep your bachelor and bachelorette parties close to home. This way, you can save money and you don't have to worry with transportation hassles.

As always, we wish you happy and stress free planning, and we always offer our clients a 1-hour complimentary consultation.  We service Oregon and Washington state, as well as traveling beyond.

XO,

Trixie Ortiz, Owner, Senior Designer

When I met Bri to discuss her wedding over coffee, we just clicked right away! Almost like old junior highschool friends. Those are the kind of clients we dream of right! Bri hired me on the spot with know question in her mind, and from that moment on, our working relationship grew into a friendship.

Bri & Rafael had chosen one of my favorite venues in our area, Sno Road Winery, which is located in the old Koontz building in Echo, Oregon. The elements of this venue are quite stunning, and the owners, Lois & Lloyd Piercy are some of my favorite people. Plus, they have some excellent wine!

During the planning process with Bri, she not only wanted to capture her own vision and style for her wedding dreams, but it was very important that elements of Rafael's Hispanic culture was captured as well.   They hired Tito, owner of Ixtapa Restaurant to cater for their wedding, which even included freshly made tortillas, bright florals, and sarape decor. 

It was also important for Bri to capture elements of her own faith and Rafael's, and so their ceremony embraced a ceremonial communion service. 

Bri & Rafael's wedding was a beautiful day, with family and friends, amazing food, delicious homemade wedding cake (by Aunt Neta), and of course a little wine and dancing! Thank you Bri & Rafael for allowing me to play a small part in your wedding day!

XO,

Trixie

Wedding Vendor Team:
Wedding Planning/Coordinating/Design: YOUnique Event & Designs
Photography: Manny Avila Photography
Florals: My  Garden Over Floweth
DJ: Rene Alarcon
Catering: Ixtapa Restaurant, Hermiston, Oregon
Officiate: Sam Meyers, Family Friend/Pastor
Bridal Makeup: Shannon Stark Beauty
Bridal Hairstyling: Terri Ruhe, Sunrise Salon
Grooms Tuxedo: Men's Warehouse

As a wedding planner and designer I often dream of all the different styles of weddings I want to create. Sometimes those dreams are more of a darker, moodier style, and we know it takes a unique couple to have that vision as well. Our goal with a styled shoot is to inspire our couples, to reach deep into their souls and create a wedding full of their personality and style. 

This styled shoot was inspired by the Anne Rice novel, "An Interview with a Vampire", which was set in the 1700 time periods in New Orleans. A time period full of sophistication, style, and French inspiration. For me there has always been a draw to Vampire stories and movies. The level of mystery, sensuality, timeless youth, and danger all entwined. Now that’s the start of a love story! 

When scouting a location, I knew I wanted something that would lend well to the theme, but also enraptured elements of the PNW. The venue, known as “the Ruins”, is located in Hood River.  It was the home of a old pear cannery, but in the 1950’s a fire destroyed most of the building, but left what is now known as the Ruins. I can’t thank my dream team of vendors who contributed to this shoot, and for Rachel Salisbury Photography magic behind the camera. 

“As if the night had said to me, you are the night and the night understands you and enfolds you in it’s arms...One with the shadows, without nightmare. An inexplicable peace” 

Creative Team (Go & follow them):
Photographer: Rachel Salisbury Photography
https://www.instagram.com/rachelsalisburyphotography/
Invitation Suite, Menu’s: Karin Collins Webster, Blue Bonsai Design
https://www.instagram.com/blue_bonsai_printing/
Floral: Trixie Ortiz, Owner of YOUnique Events & Design
Cake: Kristina & Rob Bragdon, Next Dimenson Bakery
https://www.instagram.com/next_dimension_bakery/
Makeup & Hair: Victoria Rosenbaum, Victoria Lou Hair & Make Up
https://www.instagram.com/victorialouhair/
Bride Model Clothing: Custom Corset – Chiarra Lohr
https://www.instagram.com/chiarramariecorsets/
Bridal Veil &  Groom Cuff Links: Jenette Laub McGiffin, Over the Moon Bridal
www.etsy.com/shop/overthemoonbridal
https://www.instagram.com/overthemoonbridal/
Bride Shoes: Nicole Stachowiak, Owner of House of Elliott – England
https://www.instagram.com/houseofelliotlaceboots/
Bride & Groom: Danielle & Justin Walker
https://www.instagram.com/ellerougesilhouette/
Maid of Honor & Best Man Models: Ophelia Darkly & Viktor Nova
https://www.instagram.com/opheliadarkly/
 https://www.instagram.com/viktor.n0va/
Venue/Location: The Ruins – Spring House Cellars – Hood River
Contact: Ryan Huntington, ryan@wildwood-events.org
https://www.instagram.com/springhouse_cellar/

One of our favorite things about elopements is the ability to spontaneously choose a location that feels just right to the two of you! And the PNW has so many places to do just that.  We at YOUnique Events & Design have found a great love for the elopement styled wedding, and we are honored to have partnered with Sienna Thais Armstrong of SiennaPlusJosh Photo, as well as some other amazing vendors (stay tuned), on this epic elopement giveaway. Why? Because we want to focus on just you in the midst of a beautiful location along the Columbia River Gorge, the Skamania Old Stone House.
YOU MUST ALSO DO THE FOLLOWING:
FOLLOW ALL VENDORS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY BELOW
WINNER ANNOUNCED ON OR NEAR JUNE 1ST

Details
When: Sunday, June 10, 2018
Location: On Hwy 40, WA side of Columbia River Gorge
Time: 2 hours before sunset (styling time needed as well)

PLANNING & DESIGN

YOUnique Events & Design
Your package: Premium Elopement
Styling: On-site ceremony staging, sweetheart table set up, Bridal Bouquet, Groom Boutonniere, champagne or sparkling cider for toasting, and a small single tiered cake.
Value: $975.00

PHOTOGRAPHY

SiennaPlusJosh Photography
Your Package:
Up to 2 hours of photography coverage
All edited files in an online gallery for viewing, sharing, and downloading.
Value: $1500.00

HAIR & MAKEUP
Victoria Lou Hair & Makeup Artistry
Your Package:
Full Hair & Makeup on location (or near location)
Value: $250.00

WEDDING CAKE
VENDOR TO BE ANNOUNCED

Have you ever thought about eloping? Well we have, and we are loving this amazing trend!!! Eloping can take the pressure off of a couple in regards to the planning and coordinating, as well as give you a great financial break.   Here are just a few thoughts we had on eloping:

Etiquette: Eloping is typically a spur of the moment decision. Now we suggest letting your parents, and immediate friends know of course, to avoid any hurt feelings.  We also suggest sending out a small announcement to your closest family and friends on the great news.

Budget: The fantastic thing with eloping is your budget can be as minimal as you like. You can escape to Las Vegas, hike up to your favorite spot, exchange vows along a favorite spot on the river, the options are endless. 

The Attire: You can dress up or dress down, the choice is really yours. 

Whether you choose to elope or have an extravagant wedding, we are hear to help you plan and coordinate, and yes even style your big day.   We recently released our newest package, which is a styled elopement. You wonder what that means exactly? We want you to still have the most stylist day exchanging your vows, and with our package, we come on board to help you plan the day, but also include very important details in that day (i.e., small cake, florals, stylish sweetheart table), if  this is something that interests you, please reach out and we would love to visit with you on your dream elopement. 

XO,

Trixie Ortiz
P.S. This is our vision of your styled elopement....

Photography  by: Rebecca Rizzo Photographics
Planning, Styling by: YOUnique Events & Design
Florals by: KRISanthemums
Bridal Gown: La Belle Salon - Bellevue, WA
Cake by: Layered Cake Artistry
Hairstyling by:  Andrea Harpster, V Boutique Salon
Makeup by: Monne, V Boutique Salon
Couple: Julie & Ivan Semenyuk

A soft, feminine inspired bridal team styled shoot. Ivory, blush, rose gold details, combined with luscious florals and elegant bridal wear with a final compliment of the venue, Stone Ridge Event Center. The initial purpose of this shoot was to create something different and unique for the cover of , "The Wedding Resource Guide", magazine.  But I couldn't just do a simple set up, that isn't what YOUnique Events & Design is about.

YOUnique Events & Design and a team of amazing creative's pulled off a super inspirational styled bridal shoot that you are just going to be all over for!!!!

Stone Ridge Event Center is located in Pasco, WA. It sits on 5 acres of well manicured lawns, and includes a very small vineyard, gazebo, waterfall, bricked patio areas, and a 2,500 indoor facility, which a bridal suite and gentleman's room.  

This was my first time partnering with the Devonna, owner of Adore Clothes & More Boutique. Adore provides formal wear, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and much more.  All of the gowns, and accessories came from the Adore shop.  The bridal gown is from the Milano Collection of Eddy K.

It was such an honor to work with Kim Johnson, Owner of Flowers of Kim, based out of Richland, WA. Kim provides flower designs for weddings, special events, and truly operates as a small home based flower shop. Kim took my color palette and inspiration's to the extreme, and I must say no bride would be disappointed with her creations.

Every bride and her "squad" need an amazing team! A team that will bring out the natural beauty you were blessed with. I have 150% trust in each of these amazing boss ladies!!
Sherri Feather, Say I Do: Bridal Beauty -  Sherri and her beautiful family moved to southeastern WA from Upstate New York. Sherri brings many years of experience to the local wedding industry.  I quite favor her, and especially her "up do" magic.
Anais Valdez, Anais Valdez Makeup - Anais is freelance makeup artist, and not only specializes in wedding makeup, but also prom, photo shoots, commercial work, etc.  Anais is passionate about her work, but most importantly, about her growing family, and keeping Christ center stage.

Our aim for this shoot was to create to put a dramatic touch to an other wise soft and feminine look. One of Pantone's colour of the year is the blush, and rose gold palette. We used these colors quite literally, specifically in the elegant sequin table overlay. Our design truly set the stage to a romantic, garden inspired affair.

I want to thank all of the creative vendor's who contributed to this great shoot! I also want to especially thank Stacey Miles for giving me the opportunity to be your creative designer and planner for this shoot.

XO,

Trixie Ortiz

We once again had the great honor of planning an amazing styled shoot. This shoot was my vision of a a holiday wedding in the beautiful foothills of Mt. Hood.  This shoot was like no other, as I had the amazing opportunity to work with many talented photographers and creatives.  It is amazing to me how blessed we our with God's great gifts.  

I had wanted to do a styled shoot at Miller Farm Retreat since the winter of 2016, but last years huge winter storm didn't allow that to happen. So I reached out to Bobbie & Steve, owner's of Miller Farm Retreat to see if I could try and return this year.   Thankfully they said YES, and welcomed me and my team to style and stay comfortable on the main house. 

There is such an eclectic beauty of Miller Farm Retreat, which is located in Parkdale, Oregon.  The venue includes a main house, perfect for your long distance guests to stay at. There is the tree house, a hobbit style cottage, the "man cave" cottage, bar, dance floor, terrace, fire pit(s), pool, hot tub,  sauna and all surrounded by old growth fir. To me it is a living fairy land of majestic beauty. Truely a hidden gem high above Hood River, Oregon.

I can't say thank you enough to the amazing team, all listed below, who I know will bring forth their very best to make your wedding or special event personalized, and of the highest quality.  Each of them have my seal of approval.

From my family to your's I would like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  We look forward to working with you in 2018, and don't hesitate to contact us for your next big event or Wedding!!

XO,

Trixie Ortiz 

My Creative Team:
Stylist, Planner, Visionary, Decor: YOUnique Events & Design
Photographer (Images below): Myranda Plyler, NMP Images (Richfield, WA)
Florals: Lucy Gorman, Lucy's Informal Flowers (Hood River, OR)
Makeup & Hairstylist: Victoria Rosenbaum of Victoria Lou Makeup & Hair (Vancouver, WA)
Invitation Suite: Cynthia Kessler-Elliott, Gemini Design (Portland, OR)
Garland: Pacific Garland (Portland, OR)
Cookies: Michelle Barnes, Tres Belle Cookies (Portland, OR) 
Wedding Cake: Megan Savely, Frost Me Sweet (Richland, WA)
Pendleton Wool Pillows: Bailey Hansen, Wood&Wool Co (Hermiston, OR)
Bridal Gown: David's Bridal
Tuxedo: Combatant Gentleman
Wedding Shoes: Nicole Stachowiak, House of Elliott Lace Boots (England) 
Chalkboard Signs: Lisa Peppard, Artful.Virgo (Kennewick, WA)
Models: Curtis Cartier & Elyssa Zornes

I honestly never really new the story of the Sugar Plum Fairy which is a character in The Nutcracker. When I was asked by Alicia Walters of @whenintricities if I would be willing to be the creative designer of a sugar plum fairy shoot, I said yes without really knowing the full story. 

Clara is the young maiden in the story of The Nutcracker who travels to the beautiful land of sweets, which is ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Clara travels to this far off land with her prince, and eventually encounters the Sugar Plum Fairy and her sweets. You see Clara and her prince are entertained by a beautiful dance by all the sweets.  Eventually Clara and the prince are escorted from the land of the sweets by the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The story of The Nutcracker has become a holiday tradition not only in the homes of Americans but across our great lands.  It is a story to delight the hearts of children and adults. 

We want to thank Alicia Walters for allowing us to create a vision of the Land of Sweets and Sugar Plum Fairy and her attendant.

This shoot wouldn't have been possible with the talented individuals listed below who brought their creative style to this shoot!!

Photography & Video Story Teller: Manny Avila of Manny Avila Photography
Chocolate House & Lollypops: Baums House of Chocolates
Cookies: Marla Rogers of Marlas Cookie Co.
Hair Stylist: Kourtney Bailey of HairbyKourt
Make Up Artist: Desere Dorran of DezBeautyXO
Sugar Plum Fairy: Taylor Alton
Attendent: JaNessa Prewitt
Primary Planner, Creative Designer: YOUnique Events & Design
Secondary Planner: Alicia Walters of WheninTricites

Follow the link below for the videography created by Manny Avila Photography:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOuacKkuI9c

From my Family to yours,

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

XO,

Trixie Ortiz