We are almost there! We look forward to celebrating with all of you.
Eleshia Ledridge
Nina Perard
Eleshia Ledridge
Nina Perard
May 24, 2025
What Had Happened Was- Proposal Edition
Unbeknownst to Nina, there were several folks that knew what *might* happen... but let’s back up.. Eleshia’s second favorite place in the world (so far) is NOLA, second to Germany. We planned a great trip with friends, which included some time in NOLA before heading out to Gulf Wars. One final trip before Nina returned to work, having spent three months recovering from back surgery. Honestly, given the fact that Nina had complications during the first surgery, which required an emergency surgery, we weren't sure it would happen. But given that Eleshia was also celebrating her bday, we were determined to go. Long story short, we were inebriated in NOLA and Nina turned to our friend, David Huffman-Walddon, after singing karaoke and said that she wished she had saved enough money for a ring so she could propose to Eleshia in this most magical place. David gives words of encouragement to Eleshia, as she had doubted that Nina would answer in the affirmative, and the perfect opportunity presented itself on the streets of NOLA: In her happy state, Nina shared with Eleshia that she wished she had a ring because Nina would propose. Eleshia’s response... "Like this one?" as she pulled a box from her pocket. Tears, cheers, and hugs from loved ones present, and we found ourselves in a Cafe eating greasy but good food, being serenaded by some musicians from Oregon (of all places!). Just us, in all our love and happiness, queer selves and all. One night, one question, one love. #isaidyes
Schedule of Events
Saturday, May 24, 2025
Wedding ceremony and reception
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wedding Party
Brenda Thayer
Maid of Honor
Danielle Stafford
Bridesmaid
Joe Stafford
Bridesman
Kris Williams
Groomsman
Matt Phillips
Groomsman
Matt Schultz
Best Man
Registry
Travel
Hotel
McMenamins Edgefield
Hotel
Best Western Cascade Inn & Suites
Alternate place to stay
Things To Do During Your Visit
Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is one of the tallest year-round waterfalls in the United States and is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. More than two million visitors stop by each year to view the unique 620-foot falls. Fed by underground springs from nearby Larch Mountain, the flow over the falls varies and is usually highest during the winter and spring seasons. Multnomah Falls is one of the top places in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to study the geology exposed by floods. Six volcanic flows of Grande Ronde Basalt are visible in the fall’s cliff face, representing more than 400,000 years of geological history.
Vista House at Crown Point
From the website: ORIGINS OF VISTA HOUSE Few places combine nature’s wonders and human architectural brilliance so majestically. Once called “Thor’s Heights,” Crown Point is a basalt promontory shaped by the same volcanic lava flows, floods and winds that created the Columbia River Gorge. Cited for its “exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of the U.S.,” it was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1971. It is protected as a state park property known as the Crown Point State Scenic Corridor. The Vista House was built as a rest stop and observatory for travelers on the old Columbia River Gorge Highway and as a memorial to several Oregon pioneers—particularly those who made their way down the Columbia River. Described by its architect, Edgar M. Lazarus, as “a temple to the natural beauty of the Gorge,” Vista House has long been recognized for its historic significance and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Columbia River Basin- The Confluence Project
Confluence connects you to the history, living cultures, and ecology of the Columbia River system through Indigenous voices. We are a community-supported nonprofit that works through six art landscapes, educational programs, and public gatherings in collaboration with northwest tribes, communities, and the celebrated artist Maya Lin.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
Please return your RSVP card by April 25th so we have an accurate head count and can make necessary accomodations as possible.
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
As we are limited in space, only guests listed on the wedding invitation please.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
Yes, but please confer with Nina or Eleshia prior to RSVP’ing as there are space limits.
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
The dress code is dressy casual. We want you to be comfortable! The couple will be dressed in 1940s/1950s era clothing. We would love to see others in era attire, but it is not mandatory. For an easy era-appropriate piece, join in the fun with a facinator! Read about facinators for wedding guests here: https://www.brides.com/fascinator-royal-wedding-tradition-5072686 The couples’ colors are: Navy, black, red
Question
What can I wear if I don’t have era clothing?
Answer
If you want, join in the fun by wearing a facinator! Facinators are elaborate headpieces worn at festive gatherings in place of a hat. https://pollysinger.com/general/the-fascinating-history-of-the-fascinator-hat/ Here is a link to DIY facinators! https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/make-a-kate-middleton-inspired-fascinator-for-the-royal-wedding
Question
What time should I arrive?
Answer
Doors for BlackBerry Hall open at 4:00pm. The ceremony will begin at 4:30, immediately followed by the reception. We encourage guests to plan on arriving early to find parking and walking to the hall.
Question
Is on-site parking available?
Answer
Yes! There are limited spaces outside of the ballroom and some will be reserved for specific guests. Other parking lots are located around the hotel. The hotel may be directing traffic when you arrive. Please let them know that you are a wedding guest and they will direct you appropriately. If you are in need of a handicap parking spot or need to park close for mobility reasons, please let us know. Please know that there will be a public concert the same evening and we recommend arriving early.
Question
Are there rooms available at the hotel?
Answer
Yes! Please contact the hotel to make reservations or you can make reservations through the hotel website. If you are having difficulty making reservations, please let us know as we will have a limited block of rooms. From the website: Built in 1911 as the county poor farm, historic Edgefield is a destination resort in the Pacific Northwest that blends Oregon's natural beauty with McMenamins' signature whimsy. Original buildings have been carefully restored, gardens bloom, great food and drink abound, and entertainment reigns. In the stately main building there are over 100 guestrooms and hostel accommodations without televisions or telephones, encouraging tranquility as surely as do the rocking chairs on our verandas. Guests may choose from rooms with en suite bathrooms or with conveniently located common private bathrooms down the hall. You’ll find complimentary WiFi in and around the Black Rabbit Restaurant, the Library and in many of our event spaces.
Question
The hotel is full. What do I do?
Answer
If you tried to reserve online, call the hotel as they have more accurate information. Contact Eleshia or Nina to see if there are any rooms left in the block.
Question
Will food and drinks be served?
Answer
Yes! We will have vegan options and other dietary needs as requested. Please be sure to indicate allergies on your RSVP card Non-alcoholic drinks will be served all night. Alcoholic drinks will be available. You can use your allotted drink tickets, followed by cash or card. Tipping the bartenders in cash is encouraged because cool people tip!
Question
Should I bring cash?
Answer
Cash is great for: tipping your bartenders, tipping the band, tipping the DJ, playing table football, creating origami, or making fans if you are too hot. There are ATMs on site but not in BlackBerry Hall.
Question
The reception is over. What now?
Answer
McMenamins has several restaurants and bars that are open late for you night owls. From the website: Explore the grounds with a pint in hand. Flowers, vines and shrubs tumble and twine through gardens, a soaking pool shelters under towering trees, and glass blower and potter craft their wares onsite. When your meanderings take you indoors, consider the extensive artwork that tells the story of this magical place and pick up a souvenir in the beautifully curated gift shop. And that is just the beginning. Edgefield’s 74 acres include distillery, brewery, winery, numerous small bars, spa, soaking pool, golf course, movie theater, event spaces, live music, and fires for gathering – create your own adventure!
Question
Are you registered? Where?
Answer
Gifts are absolutely not necessary. If you are so inclined and need gift ideas, we do have a registry on the Zola page.
Question
What accommodations are available to assist with mobility?
Answer
The hotel will be offering free transportation across the entire property (standard for concert events). Simply find a staff member and request transport to wherever you would like to go! Please note that transportation is available to other guests as well, which could result in wait times.