Danny Oviedo
Drew Cekada
Danny Oviedo
Drew Cekada
November 8, 2025
A Special Connection
Our love story began in the summer of 2009 at Brown University, where fate and our colleague, Jill Camper, brought us together. She insisted we meet, sensing there'd be a special connection between us and boy was she right - from the moment we set eyes on each other, on the steps of Sayles Hall, a deep friendship took root between us. As summer ended, Drew returned to Connecticut to finish grad school, and Danny his final year of undergraduate studies. Though separated by distance, our special connection endured through calls, texts, and endless laughter.
Inseparable Beantown Buddies
Little did we know, the universe had big plans for us: we both independently chose Boston and Northeastern University for our next chapters. In Boston, we became inseparable, though we playfully avoided acknowledging the deeper feelings developing between us. Finally, in 2012, just before Drew's birthday, the stars aligned, and we realized our friendship was destined to be much more. Our first date, a memorable adventure to Georges Island, sparked the start of something magical and on October 11, 2012, we officially began our journey together.
Classes, Condos & Careers
Since then, life has been an incredible whirlwind. Together, we attended business school at Indiana University, embarked on an unexpected yet rewarding career at Kalypso, moved to Dallas, bought our first condo, and adopted a charming wire-frame dog named Rufus, perfectly suited to our frequent travels.
Operation Stargate
In 2019, we traveled to Hawaii for Drew’s birthday, each secretly plotting surprises for the other. After a long day of tropical adventures, we reached the peak of Mauna Loa and while staring at the awe-inspiring view of The Milky Way, Drew executed "Operation Stargate." He bent a knee and anxiously blurted out "I want you to be my man!" Not exactly a question, nor the proposal he had been practicing in the mirror for months, but despite the unconventional wording, Danny enthusiastically agreed.
Wedding 1.0
Wedding planning began, only to pause abruptly with the arrival of COVID in 2020. Amidst the chaos, we fostered an adorable elderly dog named Freckles. One morning, inspired by a desire for adventure, Danny turned to Drew and asked, "What if we just sell all our stuff and go?" Drew's curiosity quickly turned into excitement, and within days, our condo was on the market.
Finding Our New Home Together
In July 2021, we began a nine-month adventure, driving from Dallas up the breathtaking West Coast. Our travels eventually led us to Portland, a city that instantly captured our hearts. Early into our Portland life, thanks to new friends Paul and Brandon, we discovered Amaterra Winery, a beautiful place that we jokingly declared the perfect wedding venue. Fast forward to 2023: settled in our new Portland home (complete with a yard for a future furry family member), we decided it was finally time to plan our wedding, again. Serendipitously, Danny’s niece sent us a TikTok featuring the "most beautiful wedding venue in Portland," none other than Amaterra. Clearly, destiny was at work.
The Stars Have Aligned, Again
So, here we are, finally set to exchange vows at Amaterra, where our Portland story began. After 13 incredible years filled with love, laughter, and adventure, we're thrilled to celebrate our "lucky 13" with the people who mean the most to us. Here's hoping the stars keep aligning beautifully, without another pandemic interruption, as we eagerly await saying "I do" on November 8, 2025.
Schedule
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Early Welcome Event: Friends Near & Far Social
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
100 NE Mlk Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
Early arrivers & local friends, join us for a casual evening of catching up, bites & bevies! (Food & Beverages provided)
Friday, November 7, 2025
Prenuptial Nightcap
9:00 pm - 10:00 pm
900 Southwest Washington Street, Portland, OR 97205
Join us for a final bachelor-beverage @ the Ritz's Meadowrue Lobby Bar!
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Shuttle Pick-up @ the Woodlark Hotel
2:45 pm
813 Southwest Alder Street, Portland, OR 97205
Shuttles to Amaterra Winery will depart at 2:45pm from the Woodlark Hotel.
Our Wedding
4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
8150 SW Swede Hill Dr, Portland, OR 97225
Dress to "Outshine the Grooms" in formal attire with spectacular sparkles, vibrant hues and a touch of the extraordinary
Dinner will be served family style with a variety of delicious options for all.
Early Bird Shuttle Pick-up to the Woodlark Hotel
11:00 pm
Last Call Shuttle Pick-up to the Woodlark Hotel
11:45 pm
Sunday, November 9, 2025
One Last Bite Before Goodbye @ Moxy Hotel Lobby Lounge
9:00 am - 10:00 am
585 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
We’re not ready to say goodbye just yet. Stop by the Moxy lounge the morning after the wedding for breakfast sandwiches from our favorite food truck (located in the Moxy). They’re opening just for us on Sunday so you can refuel, rehash the night, and end the weekend on a delicious note.
Travel
Flight
PDX - Portland International Airport
Our beloved PDX has been named the best domestic airport by Travel+Leisure for seven consecutive years and just completed a stunning $2B terminal remodel making room for dozens of local shops and dining options, new travel lounges and the largest mass timber ceiling on earth.
Rental Car
Ride Shares, Rentals & RVs
Ride Share Apps offer affordable, 20-minute trips downtown and onsite car rentals are available from all major providers. Reliable public transit, bike shares and scooters are abundant too. And for those looking to extend their visits and venture into the wild, fully-equipped camper vans & RVs are also readily available for rent.
Hotel
Woodlark Hotel Portland
We have a Promo Code for this hotel. The link should apply it automatically, but if it doesn't, you can use the "ZS7" code. The Woodlark Hotel Portland, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, is a 150-room boutique hotel offering chic accommodations inside adjoining historic buildings. The vibe is peaceful and comfortable rooms, adorned with gleaming marble, tropical foliage, fresh floral arrangements, crushed velvet couches and the scent of Good Coffee’s locally roasted beans wafting through the lobby. Texas-born Top Chef finalist Doug Adams also runs the hotel’s Tex-Mex inspired Bullard Tavern while the acclaimed Abigail Hall offers late night cocktails in an off-the-beaten path, art deco speakeasy. Note all hotel options are adjacent, and wedding transportation will be provided.
Discount Code - ZS7
Hotel
Moxy Portland Downtown
The Moxy Portland Downtown is an edgy modern Marriott hotel with comfy, cozy, cost-conscious rooms and a lively lobby lounge designed to draw guests down to socialize. The vibe is a chill hang by day and neon lights, drag queens, dance beats and playful photobooths by night. Just off the lobby is Food Cart Alley, featuring Let’s Roll PDX sushi burritos, Sun Rice’s Filipino flavors and Moo Deng’s famous Thai street food, which are perfect for crushing those unexpected cravings. Note all hotel options are adjacent, and wedding transportation will be provided.
Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Portland
The Ritz-Carlton is Portland’s newest luxury hotel offering spacious, well-appointed rooms that boast live-edge wood, marble, chic chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of forested hills, the Cascade Mountains, and the Willamette River. While the fitness center, infinity-edge pool and luxury spa leave you feeling restored and rejuvenated. The Bellpine offers Oregonian fine dining with a 20th-floor views, craft cocktails and an exceptional selection of local & global wines. While the lobby’s Meadowrue all-day cafe feels like a bit of PNW forest was transplanted into the center of the city. Note all hotel options are adjacent, and wedding transportation will be provided.
House Or Rental
Portland Vacation Rentals
For those who prefer something a bit more cozy, Portland is a vacation-rental-friendly town with dozens of charming little neighborhoods flanking both sides of the Willamette River. Airbnb, Vacasa & VRBO have hundreds of listings that can accommodate nearly any budget. If you’d like to vibe-check with us before booking, we’d be happy to offer our seal of approval.
Shuttle
Wedding Shuttle
November 8, 2025 3:00 pm - 11:45 pm
To ensure everyone can enjoy the night responsibly, we will be providing frequent shuttle service to/from the wedding venue and the hotels above. Affordable Ubers are also readily accessible for those choosing to stay elsewhere in our beautiful city.
Registry
Things To Do
Portland Japanese Garden
Visit Portland Japanese Garden, proclaimed to be the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and one of Oregon's most beloved spaces.
Powell's City of Books
Powell’s Books on Burnside Street, better known as the City of Books, occupies four stories on a full city block in downtown Portland’s Pearl District, making it the largest independent bookstore in the world!
Washington Park
A 410-acre park featuring multiple attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Zoo, Japanese Garden, and Hoyt Arboretum.
Hopscotch Portland
Explore experiential and highly interactive installations created by over 40 artists from around the world.
Portland Art Museum
One of the oldest and largest art museums in the country, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.
PSU Saturday Farmers Market
Portland's year-round flagship farmers market, under the canopy of giant elm trees on the campus of Portland State University (PSU), welcomes up to 9,000 shoppers each week. Portland-area residents and chefs, along with visitors from around the world, flock to the market to browse as many as 100 vendor stalls featuring local farmers and food producers.
The Portland (Cartoon) Aquarium
This fully immersive educational walkthrough and Mike Bennett gift shop takes you on a journey through five colorful biomes, brought to life with over 100 cartoon species created by beloved Portland artist Mike Bennett. There are no live animals here—just vibrant, larger-than-life cartoon illustrations, interactive displays, and playful storytelling that spark curiosity and joy for guests of all ages. It’s part art exhibit, part educational adventure, and totally unforgettable.
OMSI
Explore science-fueled fun at Portland’s premier science museum! With interactive exhibits, submarine tours, planetarium shows, hands-on learning activities, science labs, and more—our museum is the perfect spot to spark your curiosity.
Haystack Rock @ Cannon Beach
If you have time, absolutely go to the coast and check out Cannon Beach and walk to Haystack Rock. It is breath taking every time!
FAQs
Question
What's the dress code?!
Answer
Everyone's been asking and yep, you heard us, "Outshine the Grooms." We are inviting you to turn it up a notch with "vibrant hues, spectacular sparkle & a touch of the extraordinary." Remember to keep it formal and have fun with it. If you'd wear it to a fancy new year's eve party, you're on the right track.
RSVP
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
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