University of Oregon Wedding at Ford Alumni Center

Laura and Connor’s University of Oregon wedding at the Ford Alumni Center was a full weekend party! After an intimate wedding in their hometown of Portland in 2024 with their closest family and friends, their 2025 wedding was all about hosting a big party with all of their favorite people. They celebrated with over 200 guests with a huge focus on dancing. The couple and most of the guests are UO alumni so this weekend was a huge celebration, not just for the couple, but for all of their loved ones. One of the highlights of the evening was the surprise appearance by the The Duck himself! Guests lost their minds when he made his way onto the dance floor, and I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t one of the most epic dance parties I have seen over the years.

The wedding weekend started with a welcome party on Friday at The Trophy Room at The Graduate Hotel (which is conveniently UO themed) in downtown Eugene. I love that their photographer, Sam Griggs (the same photographer from their 2024 wedding) captured some fun photos of Laura and Connor at their welcome event.

For their ceremony, they opted to do a vow renewal officiated by the same friend who officiated their 2024 wedding, but it was shorter and sweeter than their initial ceremony. While their smaller 2024 wedding was more neutral and traditional, the 2025 wedding was all about color, and we loved being able to do contrasting designs for the two weddings. While some things remained the same (some of the vendors and the bride and groom’s attire, for example), the vast majority of details were entirely different, allowing them to have two completely different experiences.

The bride hand-made the super fun streamers that hung on the Alumni Center ceiling, and all of the florals were bright and colorful as well. Light yellow linens were the perfect nod to the University while tying in perfectly with their bright, summer color palette.

After enjoying a delicious taco bar and cocktails, Laura and Connor surprised all of their guests with a beautifully choreographed dance they had been practicing for months with PNW Wedding Dance.
Afterwards, Laura had a complete change to her look including a fun reception dress, new hairstyle, and makeup touch ups — she was ready for the dance party.
DJ Drake kept guests dancing all night, and when it was over — it wasn’t over! Guests walked down to Rennie’s Landing (a favorite campus bar) where the festivities continued late into the night.

Cheers to Laura and Connor, this is one celebration we will never forget!

Welcome Party

Wedding

Dancing

Vendor Team:

Planning: Event Crush
Photography: Samantha Griggs Photography
Venue: Ford Alumni Center
Catering: University Catering
Florals: Chase Flowers & Gifts
Hair & Makeup: Emily Monico Artistry
Dessert: The Dough Co.
DJ: DJ Drake / Destination Events
Photo Booth: Destination Events
Phone Guestbook: After The Tone
Marquee Letters: Alpha-Lit Portland
First Dance Instruction: PNW Wedding Dance