Björnson Vineyard

Welcome Wine Tasting

The Oregon Garden

Wedding Day

Wedding

Our Wedding

It started, as all good love stories do, with a Twitter crush and a DM slide. Now, who slid into whose DMs first was a hotly contested debate, to which Emily has recently conceded. The conversations started with Marvel movie theories tinged with flirting. March of 2019, Dustin asked Emily if she'd like to join him to see one of those Marvel movies. Giddily, Emily agreed. As you may know, early 2019 was an emotionally intense time for Emily. Dustin was her first "real" date after a breakup. To say her walls were up would be an understatement. They kept things casual. Dinner and a movie, Game of Thrones viewings. Feelings were building and Emily wasn't sure if she was ready. Something about this guy told her this wouldn't be just a casual thing. So, she broke it off, maybe not the most elegantly. Through some miracle, Dustin gave her another chance. When Emily moved into her first solo apartment October 2019, Dustin was there, Chinese food in hand and ready to assemble her IKEA furniture. And that was that, they were together ever since. They made things exclusive and official December 13, 2019 and celebrated by driving around looking at Christmas lights. They continue this tradition every dating anniversary. Things progressed, as they do when two people are falling in love. They were quarantined together during 2020. Emily adopted some cats (Jack and Nancy), Dustin moved in officially, they rescued a dog together (Maisy). They went on road trips, watched soccer and football, attended concerts and weddings, all the while becoming more sure that they are each other's Person. In late 2022, Emily was presented with an opportunity to lead a team as part of a nationwide expansion of her department. Should we move? Are we ready for this? Ultimately, they set their sights on Oregon and prepared for a cross country move. Then, through a cruel twist of fate, Emily had an accident resulting in two broken ankles... two weeks before the big move. Thank God for Dustin Jones. He stuck by Emily's side through the week in the hospital, the move from hell, surgery, and physical therapy. He was at every appointment, held her hand through many, many crying spells, and pushed her wheelchair while they tried to make the best of a crazy situation. They asked themselves "how are we going to do this?" Yet, they always did. Through hell or high water, they always did. Emily is a dreamer. Dustin is steadfast. She keeps him wild. He keeps her safe. She encourages him and he grounds her. They bring out the best of each other and will continue to do so for years to come.

Est. 2019

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Year Built - 2005           Year Remodeled - 2005

Additional Property Description -
  Our beautifully appointed hotel offers friendly,
  knowledgeable staff and is conveniently located near many
  area businesses, Salem&#39;s historic Downtown Area, the
  State Capitol, and many other local attractions. The Grand
  Hotel provides services and a variety of in-room amenities,
  including a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, high-speed
  Wi-Fi, in-room recycling and public-area recycling and
  composting. Other services include our 24 hour business
  center, indoor pool, jetted spa, and fitness room, and
  complimentary underground parking.

The Grand Hotel - Salem

Located in Salem, 10 miles from Enchanted Forest Theme Park, Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry By Hilton has accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property provides a concierge service and luggage storage space for guests. Selected rooms also feature a kitchenette with a dishwasher. An à la carte, continental or American breakfast is served at the property. Guests at the hotel will be able to enjoy activities in and around Salem, like hiking and cycling. Linfield College is 26 miles from Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry By Hilton. Portland International Airport is 55 miles from the property.

Holman Riverfront Park Hotel Salem, Tapestry by Hilton

Travel

Some of our Oregon favorites...

Food:

Word of Mouth - our favorite for breakfast. Get there early or expect to wait!Sybil's Omelettes- a no frills spot for a great breakfastThe Yard - food cart pod. Tons of options to choose from with indoor seating and bar availableCasamigos - Emily's favorite! Can't go wrong with great margaritas and Mexican foodEl Taco Melon - late night tacos, only open Friday - Sunday. Expect us here after Silver Inn!The Chubby Bean - drive thru spot for great coffee and chilaquilesArchive Coffee - fancy schmancy coffee with a side of aestheticNoble Wave - a taste of New Orleans in SalemMac's in downtown Silverton - our favorite lunch spot before heading to Silver Falls. Sit on the deck overlooking the creek!

Drinks:

Xicha Brewing - the first Latino owned and operated brewery in Oregon. Get a flight and some nachos!La Familia Cider - another great spot for flights. Lots of ciders made in house alongside other local favoritesEola Hills Winery - beautiful patio for an outdoor wine tasting. Feel free to bring your own snacksCória Estates - another beautiful patio with a great view. Reservations recommended!Ritter's - sit at the bar if you can! Our favorite for happy hourShack n Cue - a divey spot for pool and cheap drinksPintxo's in the Alley - a Spanish themed bar with great cocktails and tapas. If the owner, Tommy, is behind the bar when you visit, tell him we said hi!

Activities: 

Bloom Festival at Schreiner’s Gardens - running through the month of May, this iris farm has stunning show gardens and iris fields for you to explore. Tickets are required, we recommend purchasing ahead of time. It's one of our favorite traditions! You can also purchase bulbs to be shipped home as a reminder of your weekend in Oregon.Silver Falls State Park - only 30 minutes outside of Salem, there are tons of hiking options ranging in distance and difficultyRiverfront Park - the gem of downtown Salem! Pack a picnic and enjoy! We spent many afternoons here when we were first getting settledThe Coin Jam - arcade games and a bar, it's every millennial's dreamExplore the Reed Opera House - from vintage clothes to crystals, there's a little bit of everything in this wonderfully weird mallBlast Off Vintage - no frills vintage shoppingNewport, Oregon - our favorite day trip! Wander out to the coast (1.5 hours from Salem) and check out Sea Lion Dock or the Oregon Coast AquariumYaquina Bay Lighthouse - just north of Newport. Gorgeous sight seeing, you may get lucky and spot a whale like we did our first summer here!

Things to Do

Registry

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

Welcome Wine Tasting at Bjornson Vineyard3635 Bethel Heights Rd NW, Salem, OR 9730411:00am - join us for a wine tasting and mingling at our favorite Oregon winery! We will provide snacks along with the wine tasting.

Sunday, May 24th, 2026

The big day! Vows in the Conifer Garden at Oregon Garden879 W Main St, Silverton, OR 973813:00 pm - we will be exchanging vows and saying I do! Feel free to wander the gardens after, your visit is on us. Dinner at The Cozy Taberna 249 Liberty St NE #140, Salem, OR 97301, located in the alley behind Liberty St5:30 pm - the celebration continues with dinner at our favorite date night spot Drinks at The Silver Inn 3788 Silverton Rd NE, Salem, OR 973057:30 pm - the first few rounds are on us! There will be cake, a great playlist, and lots of dancing!

Emily & Dustin

Emily & Dustin

Registry