While Labor Day weekend in Portland is typically mild—and often even sunny—the same weekend in 2009 was a gloomy forecast of persistent rain and cooler temperatures. As the rain set in the week prior, it became evident that the back-up plan of using heaters and tents to make the outdoor rooftop space in the Pearl District work for the ceremony and reception was, well, drippy.

The next move was a bold element that a wedding planner can control: A new plan. This meant finding an entirely new venue within a week of the wedding date. By tapping into insider knowledge of non-traditional spaces in Portland’s Pearl District that would allow outside catering, we showed Lindsay and Ethan a stunning building that was negotiated with its property owners to rent out for the big day—which, by this time, was a mere two days away. Though the venue changed, the bride and groom’s delight and love of the space did not.

The Fitzgibbon Glass Building turned out to be the perfect combination of urban and unique that they went looking for during the initial planning. In fact, the top floor of this newly-remodeled building, an open industrial loft, made for stunning photos with a commanding view of the Fremont Bridge. The storm on the big day was insignificant as the bride, groom and guests basked in the indoor glow of the picture-perfect Fitzgibbon Glass Building.

Photos courtesy of FS Photography