![Melissa Sester & Austin Hintz 7.10.20 [T Lucas Photo] (151)](https://i1.wp.com/abernethycenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Melissa-Sester-Austin-Hintz-7.10.20-T-Lucas-Photo-151.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1)
Melissa & Austin, T Lucas Photography
2020 WEDDING REVIEW
“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
– Jimmy Dean.
![Janelle+Matthew 9.25.20 [Kellie Garcia] (176)](https://i0.wp.com/abernethycenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/JanelleMatthew-9.25.20-Kellie-Garcia-176.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1)
![Janelle+Matthew 9.25.20 [Kellie Garcia] (207)](https://i2.wp.com/abernethycenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/JanelleMatthew-9.25.20-Kellie-Garcia-207.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1)
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Jannelle & Matthew’s 2020 Abernethy Wedding, pics by Kellie Kent Photography
Weddings In The Era Of COVID
We’ve been hosting events under the new (and ever-changing) pandemic restrictions in June. Abernethy Center enacted rigorous safety procedures based on CDC and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) recommendations, including additional training and shift protocols for the whole staff. Our highest priority is our team and guests’ health, and we’re proud to report there have not been any COVID cases on our team or linked to Abernethy events. You can read more about Abernethy’s COVID-19 Response HERE.
Smaller, More Intimate Celebrations
One of the most notable changes this year has been shrinking guest counts due to gathering limits. Many couples faced the challenging task of pairing-down their guest list. Luckily technology makes it easier than ever to include loved ones virtually (something we’ll talk about more later). Ultimately, we’ve seen wedding celebrations becoming exponentially more intimate since most of the guests have a close relationship with the couple and are entirely focused on the to-be-weds love story.
Social Distance Friendly Reception Activities
As couples adapt their wedding plans to the pandemic, we’re seeing the rise of new reception activities. With packed dancefloors a thing of the past, couples are planning crowd activities and table games to ensure their reception is unique and unforgettable while keeping guests safely socially distanced. Necessity is the creator of new trends!
THE WEDDING SHOE GAME
A lively newlywed game that will get everyone belly laughing!
RECEPTION TABLE GAMES
6 creative games that will ensure your guests have a great time while staying safely socially distanced!
Reception Layouts & Seating Charts
The norms for reception seating have changed in the era of social distancing. Gone (for now) are the days of open seating, as well as random table placements to help people “get to know each other.”
Safety guidelines require assigned seating with members of the same household seated together. As a result, fewer people are generally seated at each table which leaves more room for more creative and sentimental table decor. Think of going bigger in smaller ways!

What’s Ahead for the 2021 Wedding Season?
Mask-wearing, hand washing, and social distancing are going to be around for a while. The good news is, you can still have an extraordinary wedding during a pandemic! You and your partner simply need to rethink certain aspects of the celebration to ensure everyone (including you) can stay safe. To-be-weds have to consider what is really important and what they’re willing to be flexible with. For many, that means reevaluating the guest list and incorporating technology like videography and wedding live streaming, so no one is left out on the big day.




Chelsea & Wesley 2020 Abernethy Wedding, pics by Kayla Sprint Photography
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
-Maya Angelou
Love & Gratitude
Sara
Abernethy Center is truly one of a kind! A full-service wedding and reception venue just on the outskirts of Portland in the heart of historical Oregon City. Our property features two distinct gardens, a gorgeous chapel, and an elegant Grand ballroom spread out over 9 acres. With nearly twenty years in business, an expert culinary team, and a tremendous staff experienced in providing exceptional service, we have everything for the perfect, uniquely yours Oregon wedding.
Abigail’s Garden —– Veiled Garden—–Abernethy Chapel—–Grand Ballroom