MOG: Jennifer Gabrielson
Mother of: Nicholas
Venue: The Griffin House, Hood River, Oregon
Vibe: Intimate outdoors
Dress: Jovani
Nicholas and Jadyn share a love of the outdoors and chose a place special to them, Hood River, Oregon, for their May wedding. The barely needed decoration at The Griffin House, an historic cliffside property surrounded by wooded bluffs overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
“They could focus on the beauty of the grounds and scenery to set the mood of the wedding,” says mother of the groom Jennifer Gabrielson, who, like the mother of the bride, was asked to wear a shade of blue to match the groom and his groomsmen. The bridesmaids wore a pale yellow.
Jennifer likes to shop local whenever possible so she tried boutiques, and then moved on to Nordstrom.
“I found the selections to be great, just didn’t see the ‘one,’” Jennifer says. “Finding a mother of the bride or groom dress can be an emotional experience. I just felt that the department store search was a bit overwhelming.”
It helps to go with an open mind, she says. “Prepare yourself to try on many, many styles, even those that you don't think you like. Sometimes it’s about how you feel in the dress more than what you think you want to wear.”
Jennifer also did what she conservatively described as "a ton" of online ordering…and returning. “I loved being in my own home to try on the dresses, often several times over the course of the return window.” She cautions: “just be cognizant of the return policy and fees.”
Eventually, she turned to consignment, which is one of Jennifer’s favorite ways to shop. At home in the Twin Cities, her resale go-to is Fashion Avenue in Wayzata. Online, she likes The Real Real, and that is ultimately where she found her Jovani off-the-shoulder gown. “I have had a positive experience shopping with [The Real Real] previously and knew their items were clean, vetted and they have a workable return policy.”
Jennifer was drawn to the navy gown’s drape and side ruffle — “romantic for the outdoor ceremony.” The dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline made a statement without a necklace. The three quarter length sleeves were perfect for the cool Oregon evening.
Her advice for resale shopping, whether in person or online: “Stay true to your own style and needs.” It’s easy to get caught up with brand names and good prices. The key to finding what you really want: patience.
The bride and groom kept their guest list tight so the destination wedding truly felt like a reunion weekend among family and close friends. There was a family-style dinner the night before the wedding with a local caterer who described each course before serving it. There was a brunch for the ladies at Apple Core Farm, where the group picked and assembled bridal bouquets and centerpieces. Those were some of Jennifer’s favorite moments.
“It was truly the most personal and special weekend.”
