FAQs

Question

In light of COVID-19, is the wedding/reception still happening? (Updated on January 2021)

Answer

Though we got married on May 30th 2020, we're planning on having a party reception Friday, August 27, 2021 because WE MISS PEOPLE AND IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE US IN PERSON!!! Woo hoo!!! It's remained a priority for us to have a day where we gather with friends and family (that's you!) and make known our commitment to both God and each other in front of the ones we love (still you!) So even if we need to wear masks and practice physical distancing, we'll have a group celebration for whoever is comfortable, willing and able to come! This has not been an easy road, but God has blessed us with friends and family who love us and have encouraged us. Thank you for your grace and support through this time.

Question

What COVID-19 guidelines are there?

Answer

(UPDATED MAY 1, 2021) We'll keep this FAQ updated, just because the answer could change more than once. - Facemasks are not required, but totally welcomed. It's important to us that we follow state/county guidelines, while providing you the opportunity to make decisions according to your comfort and risk level. - There'll be hand sanitizer/additional facemasks on-site, and surface cleanliness will be maintained by Mt. View staff. - Further guidelines will be posted at the reception regarding food service, etc.

Question

When should we RSVP by?

Answer

Please let us know your plans either way, if you're attending or sending your regrets, by RSVPing on the website by July 20, 2021! Click on the RSVP tab above to submit your response!

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

We love dates, especially yours! ;) But our venue has limited capacity on all guests, including plus ones. If your invitation says “and Guest,” then yes, you can bring a date, but if not, we would prefer if it was just you.

Question

What time should I arrive?

Answer

We'd recommend aiming arriving by 3:30pm which would give you ample time to park, use the restroom, grab some water, enjoy the view and be ready for the ceremony!

Question

What's the dress code?

Answer

Casual summer wedding attire, please. Think summer dresses, jumpsuits, slacks with a button down shirt or polo, or suit even! But we want you to feel comfortable, so if those shoes are too high or that top button is too tight, let it all hang loose. We'll be on grass a lot so wear shoes that are comfortable and won't make you feel like you're aerating the lawn. And also, we'll be in the foothills near Mt. Hood and it can get breezy, so bring a light jacket in case of mountain wind.

Question

Is there a shuttle from Portland to the venue in Hood River?

Answer

The short answer is no. Since we have people traveling in from out of town at various times, and desiring to lodge in various places, we decided it would be better if everyone traveled to the wedding venue in whatever method is best for them, easiest option is probably renting a car.

Question

Are there any hotel blocks for the wedding?

Answer

The short answer is no. Since we have people traveling in from out of town at various times, and desiring to lodge in various places and parts of the city, we felt it would be best if everyone got to choose their place of accommodation to match their preferences for budget, location, and length of stay. Check out the Travel page for some recommended places to stay in Portland and/or Hood River!

Question

Should we book lodging in Portland or Hood River, or both? (Part 1)

Answer

Great question! The short answer is….it depends! From the Portland International Airport on the north edge of the city to the town of Hood River is a 1-hour drive and from Hood River to the wedding venue on the outskirts is another 25 minute drive, so in total, the drive from Portland to the wedding venue will be around 90 minutes. The wedding starts at 4pm, so there is plenty of time to leave Portland and arrive at the venue on time. AND the bride and groom need to leave the wedding venue by 8:30pm, so cleanup of the venue is done by 9pm, meaning, you could get back to Portland by 10:30pm at the latest if you left the wedding venue at 9pm. If you’re up for driving and would prefer to stay in Portland, it is an absolutely doable option to stay in Portland and drive out and back to the wedding same day. So for those guests who haven’t been to Portland or would like to explore it more, that may be your best option.

Question

Should we book lodging in Portland or Hood River, or both? (Part 2)

Answer

The smaller town of Hood River, however, is adorable! And there’s some great eateries, breweries, activities, hikes, orchards and wineries in the area. So if you’d like to book a night or two in the Hood River area and stay there the night of the wedding, which is only a 25 minute drive from the venue, you won’t regret it! So, all that again to say, should we lodge in Portland or Hood River? Either would be awesome! Just depends on what else you want to do while you’re in the area. Check out some of the hotels and lodging ideas listed on the Travel page. Let us know what questions you have and if we can give you any assistance in this!

Question

What will the weather be like this time of year?

Answer

As always in the PNW there is a chance of rain so just check the forecast to see if you might need a light rain jacket! Look up weather for Parkdale, OR as it's the closest weather area to where the wedding venue is. Typically this area has more days of sun annually than Portland, so we're praying for sun on the wedding day! Typically late-August weather in Hood River can be Highs in the mid 80's and Lows in the 50's.

Question

Are the ceremony and reception in the same place? Indoors or outdoors?

Answer

Yes! Ceremony and reception are in the same place, Mt. View Orchards Weddings. While the space has some covered areas, it is all open air and outdoors.

Question

Where should guests park? Is parking free?

Answer

Yes! Parking is free at a gravel parking lot adjacent to the venue. Plug in this address to GPS: Mt. View Orchards Weddings, 6600 Trout Creek Ridge Rd, Mt Hood, OR 97041 It will bring you right to the Orchard where you'll see wedding signs listed for "Laing + Johnson Wedding Reception." Drive straight on the gravel driveway where you'll see the entrance to the venue on your left. Park anywhere in the gravel parking lot!

Question

Are the ceremony and reception location wheelchair accessible?

Answer

Yes! It is reasonably flat ground across the entire venue, and there is a ramp to the restrooms.

Question

Will food and drinks be served at the reception? What kind of food?

Answer

Yes! We will have red wine on hand from Grateful Vineyard, which is the winery of the venue, and Golden Row cider, also grown and produced at the venue. We'll provide water, lemonade and coffee as well. Dinner will catered by Tamale Boy - a local eatery that is located in the Portland neighborhood Jenae and Dom live in. Dinner will be ENTIRELY GLUTEN FREE (in honor of the groom). :) Corn chips, salsa y guacamole Taquitos Dorados de carnitas Tamales Norteños con pollo Arroz Mexicanos Frijoles Negros Bruselas Fritas (https://www.tamaleboy.com/catering-allinclusive) Dessert will be a variety of homemade gluten free cookies!

Question

Where are you registered?

Answer

We are registered through this website, Zola, at REI and at Bed, Bath and Beyond! Click the Registry tab and access the three registries there.

Question

Can I take and post pictures of the wedding on social media?

Answer

We'd like to have an unplugged ceremony, meaning, no phones during the ceremony. However, after the ceremony you are welcome to take pictures and post as you please!