Portland Wedding Show recap from Silk & Shadows
We spent this past weekend walking the Portland Wedding Show as attendees rather than exhibitors. This year, we came simply to observe, connect, and get a feel for how the show has evolved. As a Portland wedding planning and design team, we are always curious about how local events reflect the creativity of our region. We are now seriously considering exhibiting next year, but this visit was all about research, relationship building, and inspiration scouting.
First off: slower spark than expected. To be candid, we found the show a little underwhelming in terms of fresh ideas and representation. Portland is known for its artistry, individuality, and willingness to embrace non traditional weddings, so we came hoping to see more boundary pushing design, immersive installations, and unique vendor concepts. Instead, much of what we saw leaned toward the more conventional side of the wedding industry.
That said, attending still served an important purpose. These events are not just about aesthetics. They are about people.
Connecting with Portland’s wedding community was delightful! The highlight of the day was meeting fellow vendors. We had wonderful conversations, exchanged information, and already have several coffee dates on the calendar. Building genuine relationships is at the heart of how Silk & Shadows operates, and we are excited to turn these introductions into collaborations and friendships within the Portland wedding community.
One of Sasha’s favorite encounters was meeting a fellow magician, Jim Straight. As many of you know, Sasha’s background in performance and theatrical storytelling informs how we design experiences for couples, so connecting with another artist in that space felt like a natural fit. There is something energizing about meeting someone who understands the craft of creating moments of wonder.
Ava, meanwhile, was completely taken by the balloon installation at the entry. It was playful, sculptural, and full of possibility. Mastering large scale balloon décor is officially on this year’s creative goals list. Expect to see us experimenting, learning, and eventually incorporating elevated balloon design into select weddings and events.
Our shared favorite moment! In a completely unexpected twist, we quite literally ran into one of our own couples while walking the show floor. Seeing them outside of a planning meeting, in the middle of the wedding world buzz, reminded us why we do this. Their excitement for their upcoming fall wedding was contagious, and it felt like the universe giving us a small, joyful nudge.
A note on comparison: having recently attended the Slavic Bridal Show, we could not help but compare the experiences. The Slavic Bridal Show stood out as a stronger event overall, with more vibrant energy, clearer cultural identity, and a higher level of engagement from both vendors and attendees. It felt immersive and intentional in a way that we hope to see more of across Portland’s wedding showcases.
We are looking ahead to exhibiting. While this year was observational, we are exploring the possibility of exhibiting next year. If we do, our goal will be to bring something entirely different. Not just a booth, but an atmosphere. Something cinematic. Textural. Emotional. A space that reflects what Silk & Shadows creates for couples who want a wedding that feels deeply personal and visually unforgettable.
For us, attending the Portland Wedding Show was less about trends and more about taking the pulse of the industry. It gave us clarity on how we want to show up in this space moving forward. And that clarity is invaluable.
Big love to our new friends:
@sokolblosser @tipsychicksbartending @poisedevergreenevents @madiongleyphoto @thecomfortcartfoodtruck @fruitandflowerscreations @social.sound.music @marinasafina.designer @fruilandcreekfarms @nextdimensionbakery @deepwoodweddings @pnwmobiletaps @hoddickphoto @cheesecakeparadisegirl @everbarpdx @elements_bakeshop @bethanyvineyard @privychambers @aprilwilliamsphotography @theaerieateaglelanding @jrmusiccollective @oregonweddingco @viencouture @fortefloral @jimstraightmagic @varnumvintners @lavenderowlfarm @blackpearlonthecolumbia @salutemobilebar @empress_estate @alliehannahphotography @consciouslycaptured @lyra_venaglia @bootsandbarrel @everyhour_happyhour @ambientsky @blueelkinnleavenworth @dundeeviews @oaksamusementpark @photographybycambrae @carvereventcenter @crowneplazaportland
