The Ruins in Astoria, Oregon | Mikalah + Banks | Sarah Olivia Photo

The Ruins in Astoria set the stage for an unforgettable wedding, where gothic elegance met other-worldly charm in the most captivating way. Known for its unique, slightly eerie architecture, The Ruins lives up to its name, with portions of the building beautifully preserved in partial decay. This venue’s raw, historic appeal and its mysterious ambiance created a setting that felt like stepping into another time and place—perfectly aligned with the couple’s vision for their big day.

The couple, inspired by a love for bold design, wanted a wedding that balanced gothic sophistication with touches of romance, inviting guests into a world that was both luxurious and a little edgy. From the start, guests were given a taste of the aesthetic to come with a grand, intricate invitation suite by 26Pressed. This introduction hinted at the moody, refined vibe they would soon experience in person.

The ceremony was a sight to be seen. Under Noble Floral Co.’s floral installations, rich, dark blooms mingled with soft, romantic touches that complemented the venue’s historic character. The decor played off the “in-ruins” architecture, creating a scene that felt almost theatrical. Rows of guests watched as the couple exchanged vows against the backdrop of The Ruins, the building’s timeless beauty blending with the contemporary elegance of the florals.

As the evening transitioned into the reception, the decor deepened into rich, atmospheric tones with lush textures that echoed the venue’s mysterious charm. Tablescapes featured luxe linens from BBJ La Tavola and stunning tabletop pieces by Great Jones, while Noble Floral Co. added depth with floral arrangements that were gothic yet breathtaking. Dim lighting and soft candlelight cast a warm glow across the tables, adding to the ambiance and enhancing the moody elegance.

Adding a truly unique touch to the night, the couple brought in a poet with a vintage typewriter to create personalized poems for guests. This small yet thoughtful detail added to the timeless, almost surreal quality of the event, allowing guests to take home a one-of-a-kind memento.

The evening’s visual storytelling was beautifully captured by Sarah Olivia Photography, who took special care to document every moody detail, from the gothic florals to the intricate tablescapes. Her attention to the venue’s textures and layers ensured that every shot brought the day’s aesthetic to life, preserving each moment in stunning detail.

This celebration at The Ruins was everything the couple dreamed of—a wedding that was striking, memorable, and filled with details that perfectly balanced gothic elegance with an enchanting touch. Every aspect came together to create an experience that felt other-worldly, a truly magical start to their life together.