I’ll be honest, sustainability probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about wedding planning. There’s so much that goes into creating a wedding day, and unfortunately, a lot of it can create more waste than anyone expects.
So when I had the chance to be part of this Ecotrust wedding styled shoot, I was really excited to see what we could create with sustainability in mind. The goal wasn’t to make something that felt overly “eco” or like you were sacrificing the things you love. It was to show that you can make more thoughtful choices and still have a wedding that feels beautiful, intentional, and completely you.
And honestly, Ecotrust was such a cool place to do it. Between the history of the building, the sustainability work they’re known for, and all of the little details that came together for the shoot, there was so much to love.
What a Sustainable Wedding Means to Me
When it comes to sustainability, I really like to think about it collaboratively. Each person’s individual actions might feel small, but when we all come together, we can make a big difference. That’s exactly what we did for this Ecotrust wedding styled shoot. With my niece and wedding planner Bowie Design Company leading the day, each vendor brought their own sustainable touch, and it all came together in a really incredible way. We took a ton of different approaches, including renting items, recycling when possible, and reusing things in creative ways.
With that in mind, I also think it’s a great idea to talk to your own vendors if sustainability is important to you! They can be an awesome resource for coming up with ideas to make your wedding more sustainable. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about each vendor and make sure they’re aligned with the things that matter most to you.
Sustainable Wedding Ideas You Can Actually Use
The goal of this Ecotrust wedding styled shoot was to provide ideas and awareness around sustainability, and I think it was a huge success. More than anything, it showed that you can have a sustainable wedding while still creating a beautiful and unforgettable event. There were so many thoughtful details throughout the day, but these were a few of my favorites.
Donate or Compost Your Flowers
Flowers may seem like one of the most sustainable parts of a wedding, but unfortunately, a lot of wedding flowers end up in the trash after your special day is over. During this Ecotrust wedding styled shoot, the florist, Jackalope Floral Co., donated all of the usable flowers to the Cascade AIDS Project afterward. The rest were composted instead of ending up in landfills.
Rent When Possible
Another way to make your wedding more sustainable is to rent when possible. For this styled shoot, we rented potted plants from a family-run greenery company. The place settings were also rented from local companies, and even a suit came from Mr. Formal Tuxedos.
Not only does renting help reduce consumption and waste, but it can also save a little bit of money. It’s a win-win, and it shows how you can have a sustainable wedding regardless of your budget.
Reuse Items Creatively
This Ecotrust wedding styled shoot involved lots of reused and secondhand items, often in really interesting and creative ways. Instead of single-use menus, there was a large sign that shared the meal details. Like the menu, the other signs were also secondhand items and featured fully removable text so they could continue to be used at future events.
One of my favorite ways we reused something was the wine glass markers. They were actually made using aluminum from cans, and I thought it was such a fun example of how a little outside-the-box thinking can go a long way. You can get really creative with the details of your wedding, and sometimes the most unexpected ideas end up being the most memorable.
Prioritize Local Foods and Products
An aspect of sustainability that is oftentimes less thought about is travel. When you choose local products, you can support your community while also cutting down on the travel involved in bringing things to your wedding.
Sloshy Pops was a great example of this. They use fruit from local farmers and even make simple syrups from fruit waste, helping keep as much of the fruit as possible out of the trash. We also sourced the flowers from local Portland farmers, which kept their travel to the styled shoot to a minimum.
Why Ecotrust is One of My Favorite Wedding Venues
One of the centerpieces of this sustainable wedding styled shoot was the venue, Ecotrust. Not only does Ecotrust put sustainability at the forefront, but it’s also gorgeous and one of my favorite wedding venues in Portland. Here are a few of the reasons why.
Sustainability at the Forefront
I love that Ecotrust doesn’t just talk about sustainability. They actually live it. It was the first LEED-certified historic renovation in the nation, using nearly all reused, recycled, or reclaimed debris in its construction process. It also features native plants that filter rainwater that flows off of the building, making sure it’s clean before it reaches the Willamette River. And as a nonprofit, proceeds from your wedding help support its environmental and community-focused goals.
Beautiful Spaces Throughout Ecotrust
Ecotrust is a seriously beautiful building with several spaces to choose from. Inside, the brick-walled Irving Street Studio is a super rustic place to hold your wedding. But my favorite area is the rooftop terrace. It’s epic, with really pretty views of the Portland skyline. The building can accommodate 120 to 200 guests depending on the space, so you won’t feel too restricted even if you have a larger guest count.
Steeped in History
Ecotrust was originally an 1890s warehouse called the McCraken Warehouse, and it still has so much of that original character today. You can see elements of the building’s original metal frame in the floor, along with beautiful brick walls and arches found all over the property. The atrium also features its original Douglas fir floorboards.
I always love venues that have a little history to them, and I really appreciated how Ecotrust has found a way to preserve so much of its original character while creating a space that feels modern and welcoming for weddings.
Want to see more of my favorite Portland wedding venues? You can check out my top wedding venues in Portland blog to learn more about some of my favorite venues in the city!
Getting to be a part of this sustainability-focused Ecotrust wedding styled shoot was such an honor. It was really special to be part of a day that showed just how beautiful and meaningful a more sustainable wedding can be, and I hope you found a few takeaways from this blog that you can bring into your own day. Even small choices can make a difference, and you don’t have to sacrifice the things that matter most to you in the process.
Ecotrust Wedding Styled Shoot Vendors
Photographer: Taylor Denton Photography
Models: Will Pasion & Scotty Hayes
Venue: Ecotrust Events
Wedding Planner and Designer: Bowie Design Company
Florist: Jackalope Floral Co.
Potted Plant Rentals: Hughtopia
Mirror Sign and Wine Markers: Write Me Prettyy
Suit Rentals: Mr. Formal Tuxedos
Rentals: Arden Event Collective
Popsicles: Sloshy Pops
One of the things I love most about my job is getting to help couples craft the wedding of their dreams while making sure it actually lines up with their priorities. Whether sustainability is a huge part of your vision or you’re just looking for a few ways to make more intentional choices, I’d love to help! If you’re ready to start your wedding journey, reach out. I can’t wait to help you plan and document a day that feels completely like you.
