Bryn & Shafin's Gorgeous Wedding!

This fashion forward (+ insanely gorgeous) couple is Bryn & Shafin. As luck (or fate!) would have it, these two were paired up to complete a project together at work. When they were finished, Shafin worked up the nerve to ask Bryn out! I'd say he's pretty glad he did.

These two got lucky yet again when the weather was picture perfect on their wedding day, which was held in late December... in Seattle. I mean, come on... that never happens! 

They had their first look at the Four Seasons before heading to the ceremony, which was held at the Seattle Jamatkhana in Kirkland (Shafin's parents' mosque). Not the worst place for a photo shoot by the lovely and talented Laura Marchbanks. Check out that view!

The couple changed out of their traditional clothing after the ceremony and into more formal wear for their reception. And, man, they did not disappoint! Bryn's dress & jewelry were absolutely to die for! So many beautiful details that I couldn't stop staring at her. Plus, she's not bad to look at herself, am I right?!

Let's just say that Bryn has met her fashionista match in the very dashing Shafin. I mean, look at him! He wore a navy velvet tux jacket made by none other than Tom Ford. This has to be my absolute favorite groom's look of all time. Swoon!

Now that they were dressed for the part, it was time to party! Bryn and Shafin wanted to incorporate a lot of bright colors in this celebration, and a lot of gold! I think we accomplished this with our choice of gold chivari chairs and champagne shantung linens from Pedersens Rentals, and the beautiful custom stationary by Chic Ink and Red Sparrow Design throughout WithinSodo, their reception venue. We finished off this dreamy look with fern foliage table runners and a ton of candles.

Post cocktail hour, the couple participated in their final wedding tradition, the Clay Pot ceremony, before guests sat down to a delicious plated dinner from Duos Catering. 

For their first dance, Bryn and Shafin recruited a local street performer they had met at Pike's Place to serenade them for their first dance. Totally original, and Dre was a big hit! Then guests were invited to boogie down on the dance floor with DJ Kryspin, who turned the rest of the night into one big dance party.

For dessert, guests enjoyed some baklava- Brynn and Shafin's favorite! Yum!

Thank you Brynn and Shafin for letting me be a part of your big day! It was such a treat!

And thank you to all of the incredible vendors who participated in this beautiful day!

Venue- WithinSodo

Ceremony- Kirkland Jamatkhana

Caterer- Duos Catering

Photography- Laura Marchbanks

Florist- Metropolitan Market

Reception DJ- DJ Kryspin

Live Musician- Dre

Dessert- Time Out Restaurant

Rentals- Pedersen's Rentals + Mela Floral & Event Design

Photobooth- 321 FOTO

Hair & Makeup- Off White Makeup & Beauty

Eleanor & Matt's WithInSODO Soiree!

It is always so much fun to be a part of a wedding when you are friends with the couple before they get engaged. And it is super fun to be a part of a wedding when it is an industry pal. Eleanor & Matt's wedding check both of those boxes:) I have worked with Eleanor for many years, she is an awesome florist and the owner of

bash & bloom

. Matt is the owner of

Wood Shop BBQ

which is an amazing food truck that caterers events.

Eleanor and I first got to know each other when we did a style shoot together a few years ago. Helping her set up that day was her new 'man friend' Matt. They had just begun dating and Matt was beyond helpful and adorable. A few months later I saw them at a Rewind concert and it was the night they officially became 'boyfriend/girlfriend'.  I was randomly along in their mini milestones and so when Eleanor asked me to be their day of coordinator I was totally honored!!

To know them is to be friends with them. That fact made the wedding so much more special because every vendor that participated is close to the couple. Shane Macomber took these amazing images. Matt's business partner in his food truck was a groomsmen and his truck Hallava Falafel catered the reception. Carla of Honey Crumb Cake Studio baked the cakes and Eleanor's flower friends brought her hanging instillation visions to life!

Eleanor's two piece dress was inspired by Monet's garden. She wore a removable tulle skirt with a copper belt to tie it in all together during the ceremony and then went short for the dance party!

Matt is an accomplished word worker and made Eleanor's engagement band.  Eleanor had Matt's ring commissioned by the amazing

Michelle Lenae

. His band has a mountain range engraved that is special to the couple.

Being a florist, flowers were a huge part of Eleanor's day. I mean how perfect is her hair?! Kelly Sullivan from Botanique created her bouquet. Shane caught the moment perfectly when she saw her bouquet for the 1st time!!

The couple had their first look in Pioneer Square. It was a gorgeous May day in Seattle!

Such a fun (and not to mention gorgeous + handsome) bridal party!!

Spin it girl!! Seriously, that dress was so awesome!!

Jeni Nelson of

Magniflora

executed the hanging chandelier above the bar. It was my favorite piece of the reception - so pretty!!

Matt made this wine box that they wrote notes to each other and nailed shut during the ceremony. Very rad!

Eleanor's mom made them a patchwork quilt for their wedding that they stood in front of during the ceremony. How special is that?! The look was complete with a green garland and paper art from

Celeste Cooning

.

Wedding favors included coffee & BBQ rub from Matt's Wood Shop BBQ company. Taylor Shellfish served oysters and the Calf & Kid had cheese towers for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour.

This was Eleanor seeing her reception space for the first time. I LOVE this picture!! Her team hung the greens and flowers from grate like gates from Vintage Ambiance.

Eleanor's reactions are the best right?! Here, she and Matt are taking a look at their cakes. Carla created a wood grained cake (perfect for Matt) with fondant copies of their dogs on top! And then of course there had to be a flower cake for Eleanor! Matt carved the cake pedestals himself as a thank you to Carla. He is amazing!

Bamboo Beats rocked the reception! Such a fun dance party!!

 THANK YOU to the both of you for letting me be a part of your wedding!!! You are awesome!!

Here are the amazing vendors who participated in Matt & Eleanor's wedding!

Photographer -

Shane Macomber

Venue -

WithInSODO

Food -

Hallava Falafel

+

Taylor Shellfish

+

The Calf & Kid

Bartender & Staffing -

The Invisible Hostess

Cake -

Honey Crumb Cake Studio

Flowers - Bride's Bouquet -

Botanique

                Reception -

bash & bloom

team

DJ -

Bamboo Beats

Rentals -

Pedersen's

+

Vintage Ambiance

Hair and Make up -

Off White Make up & Hair

Devon & Aaron's Gorgeous Fall Wedding!

Devon and Aaron met at work when Aaron was handing out some candy at his desk. The two hit it off and started dating! They no longer work together, but they still love candy:) The two had a gorgeous fall wedding at DeLille Cellars last October - enjoy!

I wish I woke up like this!! Kathy Evan's did the ladies hair and make up and Kali Leenstra of Kali Lu Photo capture all of the images. I love the details shots of Devon's jewelry!

Meet our lovely bride Devon and handsome groom Aaron!! Their first look at DeLille Cellars was on the bridge going over the pond.  It was a perfect October fall day for their wedding. A dry day in October in Seattle is always a relief! 

Each guest received a mini pumpkin at their place setting and the centerpieces were made up of gourds, corn and pumpkins in varying colors. We showcased pops of plum purple to play off the orange and used gold accents in the chargers and chairs.

Guests enjoyed the very same candy that brought Aaron and Devon together as a favor when they found their seat!

Guests enjoyed cupcakes for dessert from New York Cupcakes in Bellevue.

The setting at DeLille was simply gorgeous! The wonderful Annemarie Juhlian performed the ceremony! We used pumpkins in white, green and orange along the aisle and on wine barrels during the ceremony.

One of my favorite parts about DeLille Cellars are the animals! In October you can feed the sheep apples that have fallen from their orchard - so fun!

Devon and her dad surprised guests by busting into the Thriller dance during their father, daughter song. It was hilarious and a perfect 'spooky' song for October!

I LOVE when my grooms can bust a move on the dance floor and Aaron did not disappoint! The man has moves! And one of the best 'worm's in town!

Thank you Devon & Aaron for letting me be a part of your wedding day!! You two are the best!

Here are all of the vendors that made this amazing wedding happen!

Venue - DeLille Cellars

Caterer - Ravishing Radish

Photographer - Kali Lu Photo

DJ - Integral DJs

Dessert - New York Cupcake

Videographer - Bogle Productions

Officiant - Annemarie Juhlian

Hair & Make up - Kathy Evans Beauty Studio

Lacey & Steve's Mexcian Fiesta! Arriba, Arriba!!

When my dear friends Lacey & Steve got engaged and told me they wanted a destination wedding I couldn't have been more excited! What is better than having a weekend filled with celebrating, parties and friends?! Doing all of that on a beach in Mexico!!

After shopping around for the perfect property we settled on Azul Fives in Playa Del Carmen on the Riviera Maya. It is a beachfront, all inclusive resort that has an amazing spa, 10+ restaurants & bars, multiple pools, nightly entertainment and the cutest dang monkeys and iguanas roaming the property. Basically it was perfect for the 38 guests that flew south to celebrate Lacey & Steve!

 

The wedding day was shot by the crazy wonderful and insanely talented, Katie Parra. I realize I am biased because she is the sweetest person on the planet, but I could look through Katie's photographs for days on end. Her attention to details is impeccable and her portrait work is perfection! Katie & myself were the lucky Seattle vendors to make the trip and we utilized the local area and resort to make the rest of the day come together!

Upon arrival guests were greeted with a glass of champagne from the hotel and a welcome bag Lacey & Steve put together. The adorable totes are from Wedding Chicks - one of my favorite companies for personalized wedding touches. The shades and koozies were utilized by all!

Lacey purchased her gown & accessories including her belt, earrings and shoes at BHLDN. The lightweight lace was ideal for the beach and sparkle in her details were a perfect touch of glam for this gorgeous bride!

Steve, the always fashionable hipster, wore a custom navy suit, light blue tie and brown shoes. His rose gold ring is my favorite!!

Lacey gifted her bridesmaids floral robes from BHLDN to wear while getting ready. I may or may not be wearing mine while I write this... ;) Oh, did I mention I was a bridesmaid?! I sure was and I LOVED IT!!

Steve & Lacey's 1st look! The foliage around the resort was perfect!! Seriously, how crazy adorable are they together!!?!

A bridal party filled with friends is the best kind of party! The ladies were in blushes, golds and pinks while the guys wore navy pants, white shirts and bow ties!

The little Cantina at the resort was perfect for couple portraits! And when in Mexico you must take a tequila shot before the ceremony!!

One of my favorite times in Mexico is when Steve & I surprised Lacey with a beach front ceremony. We thought a garden ceremony was the only option at the resort that day and it wasn't until the rehearsal when we kept walking right passed the garden to the beach that Lacey found out her dream of an ocean front ceremony was really going to happen! And I'm SO happy it did! It was perfect! A light breeze was off the water keeping the guests cool. It was just so gorgeous!

Oh heyyyy! Who are those international models??!!

Champagne cheers immediately following the ceremony!! After cocktail hour guests enjoyed a sit down plated dinner, speeches that made you laugh and cry and an epic dance party that lasted into the night!

The tables were set with gold dipped BHLDN table numbers, pink and blush blooms, gold candle sticks and gold chiavari chairs. It was a perfect setting for the sand & blue sea backdrop!

Katie took the couple throughout the resort for portraits. It seemed every corner she took had an even more stunning backdrop than the place before.

 

Congratulations again my dear friends!! And thank you SO MUCH for letting me be a part of not only one, but two of your weddings! I truly loved being a part of every single second!! Love you!!

Lacey & Steve - Wedding One - Pop up Ceremony in Discovery Park

When you get engaged one of the first things you decide is where to get married. For many couples you have to think about what state, city or venue to chose from. In the case of my dear friends, Lacey & Steve, they decided to have a destination wedding in Mexico (which was SO GREAT and you can read all about it in my next blog post!!).

 

Once you decide to have a destination wedding in a foreign country you have to think through the legality of being married in the states. For us Americans, one option is to go to the courthouse and get married by the judge either before or after your wedding abroad. A second option is to have a second party!! And really, why not!? I mean, what is better than one celebration? Two celebrations!!

 

To make it legal so to speak, Lacey & Steve threw a "pop up" ceremony in Discovery Park and then had a casual, back yard bash. It was perfect! It was fun, intimate and involved so many close friends and family.

 

The key to a pop up ceremony is to keep the crowd small, the ceremony somewhat short and be in a location where you can't get in trouble for having a wedding (please read: the Seattle Public Library will totally kick you out if you get caught:/).

 

So on a perfectly overcast day in May a handful of close friends and family walked to the bluff at Discovery Park for an intimate ceremony. Katie Parra of Katie Parra Photography shot the nuptials and Rev Jake Elliott performed the ceremony. Lacey's father walked her 'down the path' and their dog Bentley, dressed sharply in a bow tie, walked with them back down the aisle. Lacey's friend Kim did her flowers, she wore my birdcage veil from my wedding, her friend Angie did her hair & makeup and other pals helped here & their at the party. It was a wonderful, collaborative soiree!!

 

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day!

 

 Oh heeeey! Yeah, that's me and Lacey's maid of honor, Michaella:)

And to go along with the theme of two weddings is better than one, four rings are better than two!! Mary Doud created their custom rings and they are gorgeous!!

Stay tuned!! This is just one of two - coming up next is their destination wedding in Mexico!

Signature Cocktail Time!

It is especially warm this summer and what sounds perfect on a hot & sunny afternoon? A delicious, cold cocktail! So what makes a great signature cocktail? Here are six tips to help you decide which cocktail to feature at your wedding this summer!

1. Share what you love! If you have a favorite cocktail that is your 'go to' for a special occasion, serve that! Your guests will appreciate the personal touch, even when it comes to the alcohol you provide. If you have never cared for a French 75, but just like the name - pass on featuring that concoction and try some alternatives like the French 77. You may like it better and you still get the cute title!

2. Keep it simple! The fewer ingredients a bartender uses the better so that the drinks can be served faster. If you love a complex drink try and find a cheat to make it faster. For example, I have a couple serving mojitos this summer as their signature cocktail, but to save time they are pre mixing the sugar, lime and soda so that the bartender does not have to muddle each individual drink.

And I get the question all the time, 'Can we have a beer as a signature drink?' Sure! My groom Sunny was known for always having a Rainier when out and about, so he made that his signature drink and his buddies loved it.

3. Spruce it up a bit! Have the signature drinks stand out by using specialty glassware, add accouterments such as a skewer with fruit, mint leaves or unique design or by simply serving it with a pretty paper straw. If you are featuring a Moscow Mule, go the extra mile and make sure the caterer has copper cups. Touches like this make the drink feel fancy and who doesn't like feeling a bit fancy:)

4. Signage! Ensure your guests know they are enjoying a signature cocktail by putting up a sign at the bar. This helps distinguish 'his and hers', you can share the history of why it is important and adding unique signage is another personal detail that adds to the look of the event. The personal touch of a signature drink sign is also a great way to add color and humor to the bar. 

5. You don't have to break the bank to add a signature cocktail! If the ingredients are pricey you can limit the service to just the cocktail hour instead of serving the drink all night. Or as an alternative, I've had many signature cocktails be served when guests arrive before the ceremony so they can enjoy a drink while the bride & groom exchange their vows. And for couples who want to have a beer and wine only event, this is a great way to add a liquor drink without having to provide a full bar.

6. Communicate with your caterer! Make sure to let them know in advance that you are providing a signature cocktail, what the recipe is and how many you estimate to serve (an hours worth, all night service, one round, etc). If you are providing the ingredients consult with them before purchasing the alcohol. Even though buying a larger bottle is cost effective, you don't want to make it awkward for service. Large bottles are harder to pour and slow down your bar line. And running out of garnish would be most unfortunate so definitely consult with them prior to purchasing the items.

I hope these tips have helped! And when in doubt, enjoy a night out and taste test until you have the perfect cocktail to serve your guests!

Hannah & Eric's Storybook Farm Wedding

The last weekend of July is statistically the best weather of the summer in Seattle, which makes it perfect for a wedding. Last July 26th did not disappoint! The lovely Hannah & Eric were married at the dreamy Storybook Farm in Redmond on a warm & sunny day! The Storybook Farm property has ponds, a small vineyard, fields, a lovely red barn, a gorgeous home and more. The possibilities are endless and Hannah & Eric showcased the entire property to their guests. The day was filled laughter, an intimate ceremony, a fabulous dinner, a group stroll through the grounds and dancing until the cows came home (we are on a farm after all!).

 

A big thanks to Scott Eklund of Red Box Pictures for these gorgeous images of the laid back farm affair!  

 
Thank you to all of the amazing vendors who made this wedding go off without a hitch!!
Venue - Storybook Farm
Photographer - Red Box Pictures
Catering - Duos Catering
Ceremony Musicians - Los Flacos

Chuck & Coogan's SODO Park Party!!

Aaaah, Coogan & Chuck's wedding! One of my favorite, most gorgeous weddings of all time! We used ivory, blush, silver with soft greens - SO beautiful!! These lovely images were shot by the fabulous Chantal Andrea.

 

Let's get started with the details! Her bouquet designed by the insanely talented florist Kelly Sullivan of Botanique Flowers and it was beyond!! She wore a Monique Lhuillier gown & Stewart Weitzman shoes, which matched with her daughter Charlie's, so adorable!!

 Meet the lovely couple! Chuck & Coogan live and work in Atlanta, GA, but Coogan grew up in the PNW and wanted to bring her East Coast guests to Washington and showcase the lovely Seattle Summer! They welcomed an adorable daughter Charlotte, better known as Charlie, early in their engagement. She tried not be a thunder stealer to her gorgeous mother, the bride, but when her father walked her down the aisle it was hard not to melt just a little.

 

For the ceremony Kelly Sullivan did a full floral arch that was breathtaking! We marked the entrance of the ceremony with a library desk from Vintage Ambiance that Kelly filled with roses, clematis and greenery tucked into the cubbies and desk top.

 

 

For the tables we chose a light silver shantung linen, silver vessels and silver beaded glass chargers. We added hints of blush and green throughout the table arrangements.

 

Ahh, the dessert table! How gorgeous and delicious does this look!? Kara from the Sweet Side knocked it out of the park! After the cake was served guests grabbed macarons, mini cupcakes, marshmallows, dipped pretzels and meringues - so good! And yes, those ribbons are made of frosting!

The uber amazing Kerri Effendi created the invitation suite and day of paper. We modified a design from her May Frayn line and had her create a monogram for Chuck & Coogan that that they used for the invites, cocktail napkins, and thank you cards. 

Ok, sorry, I can't get over the library desk - it was my favorite piece of the day! It was just so soft and romantic - I loved it!!

We had two soft seated areas from Vintage Ambiance and this desk was a corner piece that was to die for! Kelly's team did an amazing job on it!

Thank you Chuck & Coogan! It was so wonderful to work with you! And a huge shout out to Chuck's mom Melody Perrin who was the go to gal, mover, shaker and party maker for their wedding! You are the best Melody!

 

Here is a list of the amazing vendors who participated in the wedding!

Venue/Caterer - SODO Park & Herban Feast

Photographer - Chantal Andrea

Florist - Botanique Flowers

Ceremony Music - Contrast Music

Reception Music - Dusty 45's  

Dessert - The Sweet Side

Graphic Designer - Kerri Effendi Design 

Rentals - Pedersen's, Vintage Ambiance & Mela Design

Espresso - Espresso Elegance

H&M - Julie Stevens

I woof you!

These weddings are for the dogs! For most people their four legged friends are family and for most brides & grooms family is a big part of their wedding day.  But how do you incorporate them? Here are three weddings where a pooch made an appearance!

 

At Jen & Josh's Within Sodo nuptials their beagle Duncan arrived pre ceremony for some photos and was a part of the processional. He wasn't a full blown ring bearer, but he did enjoy the title;) After the ceremony Jen's dog sitter came to the venue, picked him up and took him home! No muss, no fuss!

Meet Clyde the dog, owned by Liz & West! He is the most adorable ankle licker on the planet! He came to Seattle Yacht Club dressed in a bow tie and his leash was adorned with flowers from Christopher Flowers. He was walked down the aisle by the flower girls and sat with them perfectly during the ceremony.

After the cocktail hour Clyde was picked up by Seattle Pet Taxi and was taken home. That's right folks, there is a company that will pick up your animal for you! Easy peasy!

Getting married in a venue that won't allow animals? Just have them make an appearance for a quick photo opp. Michelle & Colin got married on New Year's Eve in a church and had their reception at the Arctic Club, sorry - no pets allowed. Their photographer, Carroll Harold suggested taking some shots outside of the hotel with their chocolate lab. I'm loving the bow tie!! Here is a tip - if you don't want to buy a legit 'doggie bow tie' most little boy bow ties will work on a medium sized dog.

 

Moral of the blog, if you want to have your furry friend in some photos or be a part of the wedding, DO IT!! They will be adorable!

Jen & Josh's Seattle Celebration

Meet Jen & Josh - a Seattle couple now living in California. They are that couple who are flirty, giggly and sweet with each other. They are the duo that you want to be and like to be around. I loved meeting with them because they were just so fun, nice & open! They are the couple that every planner wants to work with!

They got married last June at Within Sodo Just before their big move to CA. Andria Lindquist took their amazing photos! I hope you enjoy!

Ok, I have to start with Jen's dress! This is my favorite dress of the year! Her Jenny Packham gown had beads and glitz, yet the way it hung made it feel a bit old Hollywood glam and not too flashy. The details on this dress are insane. I could look a it for hours! It worked perfectly with Josh's outfit and the venue - perfection!

When Josh told me he was going to wear a custom crushed velvet tuxedo, I thought he was joking. Umm, sure wasn't! And I'm so happy that it wasn't a joke! This was my favorite groom out of the year, maybe ever!  His black crushed velvet tux came with a purple satin lining embroidered with his name. The look was complete with a white ruffled shirt. He took a 'vintage' look and made it work. He rocked that outfit!!

The couple who stayed a the Alexis Hotel took their portraits walking around 1st Ave in downtown Seattle. It was a gorgeous June day!

The ceremony was made extra special by their beagle dog joining the recessional! So cute! Future blog plug - I'm sending out a blog next week on how you can incorporate your dog into your wedding!

Eleanor from bash & bloom created a gorgeous garland arch with a sheer white pipe & drape background for the ceremony. She also added large white pillar candles and a ferns along the aisle. So pretty!

The dining room backdrop had strands of market lights hung against a sheer pipe and drape behind the head table. Seattle Farm Tables brought in their gorgeous long tables and Eleanor from bash & bloom created small and vibrant floral arrangements.

 

The couple used pint glasses as their favors and seating assignments. Under each pint was a coaster with the guests table assignment. So cute!

Skillet catered the event and provided the dinner & dessert - SO good!!

These post ceremony portraits are my favorite! So pretty!

Guests enjoyed the rooftop deck at Within Sodo playing cornhole and dancing the night away under the lights!

Jen & Josh! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your wedding! It was SO fun and you both looked gorgeous!! Also, quick note - Jen & Josh's wild honeymoon adventure made the Winter/Spring issue of Seattle Met Bride & Groom honeymoon section. They flew out to Tanzania to hike Kilimanjaro! Side note, they are avid hikers and Josh even proposed at the top of a hike. After they completed Kilimanjaro they got to relax a bit and go on a safari! Such a great honeymoon!!

 

For even more gorgeous images checkout their album on my facebook page!

 

A round of applause to the vendors who participated in the wedding!

Venue - Within Sodo

Photographer - Andria Lindquist

Caterer - Skillet

Florist - bash & bloom

Tables - Seattle Farm Tables

Chairs - Sweet n Design

DJ - Bruce Pavitt DJ Services

Videographer - Janssen Powers Media

H&M - Offwhite