Black Pearl On The Columbia Venue Tour

https://vimeo.com/553085040

Join NwWU host, Crystal Genes Photography, Portland Wedding Photographer, for Episode 12, “Black Pearl on the Columbia Venue Tour”. In this episode, some amazing wedding vendors have come together to show off their skills and promote their businesses at the wonderful Black Pearl on the Columbia River. We chat with manager Sommer Hatfield, about the space and what makes it so special and catch up with the other vendors. Watch the episode to see the Black Pearl on the Columbia venue tour here!

THE BLACK PEARL VENUE TOUR

Located in Washougal, WA, Black Pearl On The Columbia is an open concept industrial space, perfect as a blank canvas for your wedding or event. The Motto at The Black Pearl is “..to offer our community an openhearted and inspiring space with an unparalleled backdrop for people to gather. Where innovation is born, ideas are created, events are celebrated and memories are treasured.”

In 2009 a local resident, William Sherertz bought space in Washougal, WA with hopes of building a restaurant. Before the building was finished, Mr. Sheretz, unfortunately, passed away. In his honor, his family wanted the space to be used for the community and to bring people together. They did just that!

This venue has both indoor and outdoor space, with large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge and a view of Mount Hood. The venue can accommodate over 1,000 guests depending on your theme and design. It has a wonderful mezzanine overlooking the upper floor and a wrap-around deck for more activities.

If the weather is right, host your event outside! A wrap-around patio connects to the east side plaza for outside seating space. The outside space is perfect for food vendors, beer gardens, weddings, receptions, and more! There are also two fireplaces to keep you and your guests warm for the later evening events. With plenty of entertainment space outside, your event can take place either inside or out, or maybe both!

WHY BOOK YOUR WEDDING AT THE BLACK PEARL ON THE COLUMBIA?

You can literally turn this space into the event of your dreams! The Black Pearl on the Columbia is meant to be a space for the community and where you can feel like it’s your own. To make it our own, we brought Alpacas and poker tables to the party!

Upon entering, you’ll notice a sweeping staircase leading to a second floor. What does that mean? Amazing views of the river through the large windows AND space for a bunch of guests, 1,050 to be exact. The Black Pearl also includes plenty of tables and chairs for your event.

Have out-of-town guests? The Black Pearl is located only 15 minutes from the PDX airport. It is also conveniently located next door to a Best Western Hotel, for those who need a place to stay! The favorable location certainly adds to the venue’s appeal.

HERE ARE SOME REASONS WE LOVE THIS VENUE:

It is a blank canvas. You can literally do anything with the space, bring your own caterer, or any other vendors/entertainment you wish, (with proper permission, of course).

The views. This venue is literally on the water, overlooking the Port of Camas/Washougal Boat Basin. Beyond this, breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. You’ll definitely want to catch the sunset here.

If you are a first responder, in the military or a veteran, The Black Pearl is willing to discuss discounts upon request.

ALL ABOUT THE VISION

Our planner and coordinator for the day was Nicole Issler, owner of Nicole Issler Events. Nicole is passionate about love and enjoys planning weddings! She also has ample experience planning other events and offers full planning, partial planning, day-of, elopements, Micro-weddings, and even officiating! Nicole understands that budgeting is important for most event planning, so she makes sure that her prices are reasonable while still providing excellent service.

Our vision for this grand space was an over-the-top NYE wedding party. If you’re going to have a wedding on NYE, it better be BIG! We kept to a classic color palette of black and gold but added pops of plum for something extra. We wanted it to feel like a big Las Vegas casino party, so we brought in casino vendors. We had an extravagant walking cocktail model serving champagne and bringing showgirl vibes with her sparkly costume. And we didn’t stop there. We even brought in the famous wedding alpacas!

We also get to work Mani Boatwright with Copper Blossom Designs. Her floral arrangements were perfect and the flowers were vibrant and fresh. In 2013, Mani began her studio-based business called Copper Blossom Design, located in Vancouver, Washington. Copper Blossom Design goes above and beyond for each of their clients no matter what the budget is.

ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS

The talented Sandy Nihn owner of Living Dreams Design, provided us with amazing handmade invitations and signage. Sandy is very talented and can create any kind of sign for any event. Sandy loves to try new things and is always open to new and challenging ideas.

Jen, with Simply Sweets provided the sleek three-tiered black cake and desserts. Jen is known for her whimsical and cute custom cakes and cupcakes with revolving seasonal flavor combinations.

Catering for the event was made possible by Mimi Moy Bass, owner of Signature Affair Catering. Mimi’s experience in the hospitality industry spans over 35 years. Each dinner menu is customized and unique to the couple’s wants and the environment the event is being held in. From wedding buffets and desserts to 10-foot long grazing tables, Signature Affair Catering will fill the bellies of all your guests, while providing impeccable attention to detail.

The beautiful plum and gold table settings were provided by Setting the Table Rentals. If you need any kind of unique tableware for your event, you must check them out. They have goblets in every color and size you can imagine and other unique items. The linens and champagne flutes for our cocktail model came from The Party Place.

ALL ABOUT THE BEAUTY

Our bride, Margaret Alba, wears a beautiful gown sourced from Crown Bridal. Kenda, owner of the Vancouver bridal shop was even on-site with us to make sure the gown looked flawless all day. The groom, Bo Baskoro wore a stunning dark violet suit from The Black Tux.

Christina Braun with Eye Shine Beauty did an outstanding job with the bride’s makeup. She takes pride in listening and caring for every single client that sits in her chair! A complete bridal package with Eye Shine Beauty comes with a trial run, bridal day-of makeup, on-site makeup application on day-of wedding, and lashes.

Hanna Blazer with Updo Come True worked her hair magic with a clear vision. She specializes in romantic updo styles, blow-outs, women’s cuts, and colors. Hanna also uses environmentally conscious products which is super cool!

The timeless jewelry worn in this photoshoot was provided by Kari Phillips Jewelry. Kari has so many fun and minimalistic pieces of jewelry, all hand-made with love and safely sourced.

MORE DETAILS

In this Black Pearl on the Columbia Venue Tour, we brought lots of surprises! Llama Mama and owner of Classy Camelids, Shannon Joy brought my favorite guests, Napoleon and Jean Pierre the Alpacas! These two cuties were incredibly friendly and happy to be around people. Outside of weddings and events, Shannon is dedicated to giving guidance to people who are either seeking out to buy llamas of their own or providing emotional therapy sessions with their furry pals.

Another fun and unique addition to this episode are the entertainment and beverage services. We included a fun new concept called Heels On Wheel, a mobile bar in the form of a walking cocktail model wearing a large gown with tiers of drinks attached. The server/model is included with this fun rental, of course, as this takes skill to maneuver in. Who wouldn’t want this unique cocktail lady walking around their event ensuring everyone always has a drink in hand?!

Having a poker champion attend your event? Jessica with the Party Team Portland literally brought the casino to us with a poker and craps table. This will be sure to keep guests entertained and happy! The dealers are included and also take the time to explain rules and teach those who have never played before.

Watch our twelfth episode to get a closer look at the wonderful views of the venue and meet the talented team who collaborated with us.