Chaltu and Wondi’s lives have been intertwined for quite some time. Growing up, their families knew each other through the Ethiopian community in Oregon. Funny enough, they did not get along at first when they were teens, but after college, sparks flew when Chaltu invited Wondi to her church’s bible study. The foundation of their relationship is their faith, and their connection to a higher power and one another was the main priority they had when it came to planning their wedding. Captured by Stanlo Photography, their wedding was a celebration of love with 800 of their friends and family gathering with them to witness their union at the Oregon Golf Club. Their large guest count may have been overwhelming at times, but ultimately Chaltu knew that by hiring wedding planner Bridal Bliss and being intentional about being present during the day, she and Wondi would thrive!
Two-day Oromo-Ethiopian celebration
Chaltu and Wondi’s wedding was uniquely theirs because they blended their Oromo-Ethiopian culture with a modern wedding style. It felt genuine, personal, and true to who they are. They celebrated two beautiful days of festivities honoring tradition while embracing the modern elements that reflect their lives together.
Leah de Gloria & Pnina Tornai
The wedding ceremony gown was designed by Leah de Gloria and was found at Ania Bridal in Portland. A special trip was made to Kleinfeld in New York, where Chaltu found the perfect Pnina for her reception look. During her wedding dress searches, Chaltu gravitated toward couture styles and fell in love with cinched waists and corsetry. Although she never thought she would wear a ballgown-style wedding dress, she truly felt like a princess in the Leah de Gloria gown and knew it was the one she wanted to get married in.
Family members can be the best vendors
Two of Chaltu’s favorite vendors, however, were her hair and makeup artists. Chaltu’s makeup artist, Sia Mia, knew exactly what our bride wanted, but a trial was still a must to ensure everyone was on the same page come wedding day. Chaltu’s hair stylist was her favorite, though there may be some bias since Crowned by Miks is her cousin and has been doing Chaltu’s hair for almost 10 years!
Thoughtful favors: fans and parasols
Guests were welcomed to the outdoor ceremony with parasols, fans, and a classic black and white fabric sign.
Timeless trend: ombre floral design
Chaltu walked down an aisle lined with ombre clouds of pastel pink to lavender roses and soft-textured florals by Fleurs Versailles.
You may also like
Bridal Bliss – Best wedding planners in Lake Oswego
A vibrant pastel wedding with some seriously impressive DIY
Whimsical lilac & chartreuse wedding with a custom wine window
Unique detail: clear sweetheart table
Upon entering the reception, a clear sweetheart table meant that the lush white roses appeared to float and cascade over the furniture piece that stunned in front of a wall of floor to ceiling draping.
Pops of black velvet
Deep black velvet popped against the otherwise dreamy pastel reception setting.
Bridesmaids can have an outfit change too!
While the bride changed into her Pnina Tornai, the bridesmaids also had an outfit change, changing into one-shoulder silk dresses for the party portion of the evening.
Always in style – Quintessential Pnina
Chaltu changed into a quintessential Pnina – fitted with plenty of sparkles and a statement train.
Custom detail: cake draping
The newlyweds cut into a 5-tier all-white wedding cake by Simply Beautiful Cakes outfitted with draping from top to bottom.
