Craving Coral!

I tagline I use often in ads to describe my company is, 'Where Fun Goes to be Planned' and it is clients like Liz & West that make that statement true. They are the most fun ever!! From the very beginning they wanted their wedding to be a party! Actually, scratch that, they wanted it to be a beautiful party. Mission accomplished!

The overall look of the wedding was coral - in texture, color and print. Coral paired with shades of green looked gorgeous in the invitation suite design and bridesmaid dresses. We added pops of color in the flowers, favors & desserts.

But let's start with the dress shall we...Liz won the Belltown Bride silent auction item at Get Hitched Give Hope for a $1,500 credit toward a dress + a champagne party. I went along, it was fantastic! This lace Amy Kuschel stunner is beyond gorgeous! And pair it with her Kate Spade shoes, turquoise earrings and beaded belt, she was perfection! It didn't hurt she married the hippest fella in town - his suit was custom made from Kulhman's and he added a coral bow tie and pocket square. So dapper!

We were extra special and super lucky to be one of the last weddings the floral magician, Christopher Smith of Christopher Flowers worked before retiring his floral business. Liz is a flower enthusiast to say the least and was so happy with her gorgeous bouquet!

Voted most adorable and most likely to lick a guest at the wedding went to their ring bearer Clyde the dog. Christopher made a floral ivy that wrapped around his leash which went great with his bow tie!

Reverend Jake Elliott married them on the lawn at the Seattle Yacht Club, the weather was perfect! After the ceremony guests indulged on passed apps and a full raw bar served by the club. Local oysters, shellfish and mussels were a huge hit amongst many of the East Coast guests.

For the tables we ordered melon and coral linens from la tavola and used real & faux coral pieces from Liz & West's personal collection that Christopher Smith incorporated into terrarium centerpieces with sand dollars ad drift wood. A perfect look on a sunny summer day at the club!

Kara from The Sweet Side hand painted a four tier cake and made a macaron tower in three flavors. Delish!!

True story, Laurel took this ring shot outside in the dark with a headlamp on to get the exact light she wanted. It was worth the trouble girl, it is superb!

They had the funniest best men speeches of all time. Like throw your head back, cackle and gasp for air hilarious speeches. These images capture the pure joy of Liz & West, I love them!

For the dance party reception Liz changed into a little white mini - so cute! These shots with the late night moon at the waters edge are stunning!

 

Thank you to my clients turned friends Liz & West for letting me be such a huge part of their wedding! You both are awesomesauce!!

 

See more photos in the current Seattle Bride Magazine (real wedding section) and on the Clutch Events facebook page!

 

A round of applause to the faboosh vendors!

Photographer – Laurel McConnell Photography

Venue & Caterer - Seattle Yacht Club

DJ – DJ Riz

Band – The Nines

Florist - Christopher Flowers

Dessert – The Sweet Side

Videographer – Fitts Studios

Officiant - Reverend Jake Elliott

Linens – la tavola

Escort Cards – Ephemera Press

Lake Couer d'Alene 'Destination' Wedding

The resort town of Couer d'Alene, Idaho is technically included in the Pacific Northwest Region, but being a six hour drive East of Seattle makes it feel like a destination. It is a lovely and quaint lake resort town just 30 minutes outside of Spokane, WA. If you haven't been there before, definitely plan a trip this summer! That is where our exquisite bride Lindsey and handsome groom Mike chose to tie the knot this past September.
 
Lindsey & Mike live and work in Seattle, but Mike grew up in the Spokane area and so they wanted to showcase the region and the amazing views of the lake! Who do you call when you want to capture scenic beauty like this!? None other than Shane Macomber, photo genius and overall outdoorsy guru.

Who says a black and gold wedding can't scream summer?! We integrated the black & gold into the paper, table design and bridal party and threaded pops of pinks and greens throughout. It felt light and romantic - I absolutely loved it! The below invitations from La Happy set the tone. Gold foil, hand calligraphered black envelope and a silk raspberry ribbon, yes please!

 I know right!? They are GORGEOUS!! I cried when I saw her - she looked faboosh!

This is the most impressive guest entrance of any wedding I've ever planned! Guests boarded a boat at the dock of the Couer d'Alene Resort and took a 30 minute boat ride around the lake and docked at the ceremony & reception site. They were greeted with a champagne station and sat in a beautiful garden on a sunny and 70 degree afternoon day.

Look at this view!! It was the most gorgeous ceremony backdrop! And then wait for it, after the ceremony, a couple of white tail deer and fawns walked out during the cocktail hour to munch on the resorts flowers. I had the best Funny Farm opportunity of, 'queue the deer'. I assume no one reading this got that reference, but I liked it;)

Once again Sally Balt from La Happy blows me away! The escort card table was beyond gorgeous! We used a black linen from BBJ, covered it with moss and added hand calligraphered table assignments and this gorgeous mirror that Sally wrote the famous line from Louis Armstrong. Lindsey & Mike chose this classic as the song for their 1st dance, aaaaw!



The reception site was open air on three sides and faced Lake Couer d'Alene - it was gorgeous! The cherry on top was once the sun went down there were two fire places on either side of the head table with some soft seating around it. It was perfect!

 

Jenna from Fleurtations Florals did an amazing job on all of the arrangements! The pops of pink and green from the florals paired perfectly with the black and gold table settings.

Pink Seattle Chocolate favors were placed at each place setting. A perfect pop of color and shout out to Seattle!

The couple cut a gorgeous gold foil and buttercream cake, but their favorite dessert is cupcakes, so they treated their guests to a multi flavored tower!

We added white ceiling draping across the room with crystal chandeliers. It was a perfect romantic touch! Just look at the mountains in the background during their 1st dance - gorg!!

Congratulations Lindsey & Mike!! You were amazing to work with! Thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding!

 

The Amazing Vendors are...

Photographer – Shane Macomber Photography

Venue & Caterer – Couer D’Alene Resort

Florist – Fleurtations Floral

Dessert – Sweet Frostings Bake Shop

Invitation & Day of Paper Designer  – La Happy

Rentals – BBJ Linen (Linens & Chargers)

Rentals – AA Party (Gold flatware)

Lighting/Draping – Epic Vibe

AV – Rox Music

Ceremony Music – Piano Dan

Videographer – Sure Shot Video

DJ – Ben Pitasky

H&M – J. Ashley Sellen Design & Artistry

Pop the Champagne!

To begin, HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY MICHELL & COLIN!! And a quick 2nd comment, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Michelle & Colin planned a wonderful NYE celebration! It was romantic and fun and the party didn't stop well past midnight! This day last year the weather was pretty similar, chilly, overcast, but no rain - wahoo/phew, which made for a great day around the city! The amazing photographer Carol Harrold took the gorgeous & well dressed group from the Arctic Club down to Pioneer Square for some pre ceremony photos and shenanigans.

Please note on a regular day these two could be frigg'n models - neither hurt your eyes to say the least. So to see them all gussied up, I was giddy!! The details of Michelle's dress are gorgeous! Check out that shoe shot! And please, Colin's gold bow tie! So dapper!!

The gorgeous ceremony took place at St. John Evangelist Parrish in Phinney Ridge. Post ceremony guests were shuttled downtown to The Arctic Club.

Colin & Michelle's favorite dessert? Donuts! And yes, they do pair great with Champagne:) So why cut the cake when you can feed your new spouse a maple bar!? They were a huge grab and go hit with their guests!

Late night NYE décor was passed out to guests for a super fun celebration! They donned golden hats, sparkly headbands, horns, noisemakers and more!

A kiss at midnight!!

Thank you Michelle & Colin for letting me be a part of your amazing wedding!!

Have a wonderful 1st Anniversary!!

 

And for more fun images check out their Facebook album!!

 

Awesome vendors to note!

Photographer - Carol Harrold Photography

DJ - City DJ (WendyQ)

Venue & Rentals - Arctic Club Seattle

Flowers - Christine Davis (Mother of the groom) & Kim Oberto (Family friend)

H&M - Offwhite

Church - St. John Evangelist Parish

A Sweet Shower for the Sweet Side!

Little Baby Georgia is just six small weeks old now and beyond adorable! Here are the highlights of the cutest shower that Katie Parra, Holly-Kate Foss and I threw her lovely mother, Kara! Kara is the owner of my favorite bakery, The Sweet Side and is a fab new mommy!

Her bicycle themed shower was held at Katie Parra's beautiful West Seattle home. Katie also took these gorgeous photos!

Kerri Effendi of Kerri Effendi Design created the perfect invitations! Thank you Kerri!

 

 

I had the best time putting this together with these two!! Thank you Katie & Holly-Kate! Oh, and Holly-Kate did the flower arrangements from Pike's Place. She is multi talented:)

 

So who do we ask to make dessert for a baker's shower?! Her shop associates of course! We couldn't not have a Sweet Side cake at Kara's shower! And yes, it was delish!!

 

Had to include a super cute pic little Ruby!! Always dresses in style wherever she goes!

Guests painted blocks for little Georgia to play with. Some guests like Laura Marchbanks excelled (showcased below). I hope she likes my all green block with my thumbprint on it, oops:)

Thank you Kara for letting us be a part of your super special day...as shown below, we had zero fun whatsoever putting this together;)

Klara & Petr's Prague Pop Up!

HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY PETR & KLARA!!

 

When I was contacted by a couple from Prague wanting to plan an outdoor ceremony for two in Seattle on December 7th 2013 I thought it was a spam email for sure. But once I Skyped with Klara & Petr who were going to be in Seattle for a few days while following Pearl Jam on concert we immediately clicked! Klara had seen the light house at Discovery Park when she Googled Seattle and wanted to have the ceremony there. I warned her it would be cold, but it wasn't until we were on the water that she finally believed me:) But thank you mother nature for making December 7th a bluebird, perfect day!!

 

Reverend Jake Elliott performed the ceremony and the beyond amazing Ryan Flynn shot these gorgeous images.

 

Oh, and for the 1st time, I got to be a witness! Ryan and I were the only two people besides the bride & groom and Rev Jake to witness the signing of the license. So fun!

 

 

Thank you Emily Flynn for the perfect referral and for Ryan Flynn & Jake Elliott for being the best wedding guests;)

Jamie & Ryan's Black Tie Affiar

Jamie & Ryan got married at AXIS Pioneer Square this past June and it has remained one of my favorite weddings of 2014! Being from East Coast both the bride & groom wanted a Northwest feel for their guests to enjoy. Having their ceremony and reception at the historical AXIS Pioneer Square venue was a perfect spot for guests to see old town of Seattle while still keeping the class for their black tie affair! Capturing the day was the phenomenal Shane Macomber of Shane Macomber Photography.

 

 

The gorgeous couple right before their 1st look in Pioneer Square! Jamie's lace sleeves and open back gown was beyond! And Ryan in his black tux wasn't too shabby either;)

 

 

The florals were created by the delightful Kelly Sullivan of Botanique Flowers. She incorporated Jamie's preferred neutral pallet with hints of blue. One of Ryan's only requests was to have a unique boutonniere that had herbs and non blooming florals like scabiosa pods which turned out super rad!

 Jamie & Ryan actually built their own Chuppah! Hats off to them!! One of their best friends performed the ceremony which made it extra special.

 Guests sipped on specialty cocktails while we flipped the North room into family style rows for a Shooby Doo Catering plated dinner. Being avid outdoors folks each guests escort card marker was a skier, rock climber or fern image - so very them.

 

Please meet my favorite father of the bride of all time - Lon Levin. All fathers love their daughters and showcase that one way or another during the wedding, but Lon Levin is a step above the rest. He was so involved and wanted so badly for his daughter & their guests to have a wonderful day. He is the best:) Lon Levin had many opinions, but only one request - they must have pigs in a blanket served during cocktail hour. Shooby Doo added them to the menu especially for him and presented them to him on silver tray:) 

 

Oh, I'm sorry, is that Bill Nye the Science Guy rocking the dance floor?! Sure is!! He didn't leave the dance floor - so rad! Not that many people did - Solbird rocked the reception and the guests danced all night long!!

 

All in all this day was so, so wonderful!! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it Jamie & Ryan!

 

For more pictures please check out their album on Facebook!

 

Super rad vendors who made the day amazing!
Wedding Planning - Clutch Events
Photographer - Shane Macomber Photography
Venue - AXIS Pioneer Square
Florist - Botanique Flowers
Catering - Shooby Doo Catering
Band - Solbird
H&M - Erin Caldwell Styling
Gown - Nordstrom's
Rentals - AA Party
Dessert - High 5 Pie & Blue Bird Ice Cream

Erick & CB's Homerun!!

Erick & CB met at the baseball park in between games and immediately hit it off.  Both of the grooms are in competitive men's baseball leagues here in Seattle. Baseball was the first thing they knew they had in common, but there commonalities didn't stop there!

I'm going to try and spare you all the MANY baseball analogies that I want to intertwine into this blog. I'm afraid I'd strike out with my readers (aaah, get it!?)...ok, back to the grooms!! These two were so wonderful to work with! They wanted a modern wedding with soft colors, a thoughtful ceremony and a rock'n dance party. And boy howdy did they get it! The wedding was so them and they had such a great time - it was wonderful to be a part of it and to watch it unfold!

They chose Hotel 1000 as their ceremony & reception location. It was the perfect modern space for their vision. Erick's good friend Lanett Franko of Lovely Lulu Photography flew in from MN to shoot the wedding.

 

One of my favorite parts of their big day was that their teammates painted 12 baseball bats white and lined the aisle with them for a fantastic exit! Each bat had their initials and wedding date printed in blue on the handle. Such a thoughtful surprise from their friends! 

Both Erick & CB are art enthusiasts and so during there ceremony they created a blended piece of art using a blank canvas and two shades of blue paint which now hangs in their home.

Each dinner table was named after a Seattle landmark, the grooms sat at the Space Needle. The guests couldn't wait for the party to begin and so they made dinner a show in and of itself! Tables had sing offs, guests stood on their chairs and sang to the couple - it was hilarious, heartfelt and so fun!!

Morphy's Cake baked their four tier vanilla and chocolate cake and Kara from The Sweet Side created their dessert display. Guests were able to nibble on cheesecake shooters, cake pops, dipped pretzels and macaroons throughout the evening.

I want to thank Erick & CB for letting me be a part of their big day! Their one year anniversary is coming up next month - congratulations you two!!

Erick & CB's Vendors

Venue – Hotel 1,000

Photographer – Lovely Lulu Photography

Dessert – Morphy’s Cake & The Sweet Side

Rentals – Trendy Events

Florist – Tracy’s Basement Things

DJ – Playz Music

Olive You!

I can't believe it has been over a year since Kaitlyn & Dave said 'I do' at SODO Park! Together we planned a romantic and beautiful ceremony & reception and a rock'n party!! Which by the way, is my favorite combo - I call it a 'mullet wedding' - Business up front, party in the back;)

 

Dave & Kaitlyn's story is one of my favorites! Their parents met and were great friends in college (in fact, Kaitlyn's dad is Dave's Godfather!), but with moving for jobs and time drifting them a part they hadn't seen each other in years. When Dave moved to Seattle for grad school his parents urged him to reach out to their old friends. It was there at dinner, meeting up with people he hadn't seen since he was a small kiddo that he met their daughter Kaitlyn. And as the cliché goes....the rest is history!

 

One of my FAV photographers, Lucas Mobley captured their day. Now it is pretty rare to have a bride or groom resemble their wedding photographer. And as you can see, Dave is a 6'6"+ red head, but what you don't see in these photos is that Lucas is also a 6'6" red head! I overheard a few guests mention, "I didn't know Dave had a brother/cousin who is a photographer"...Too funny! Ok, enough random tidbits of mine! On to the details...

 

Kaitlyn has an eye for detail and she made sure to include thoughtful touches for her big day. From the hanger in her hotel room to gifts for all of their parents, she didn't leave a moment to waste!

 

 

Olive branches and olive leaves became a bit of a secret theme for the day. Our joke of 'extending an olive branch' to the families and guests who all came together ended up being a gorgeous showcase! Kelly Sullivan from Botanique created soft centerpieces for the guests table while also tackling my favorite head table centerpiece of all time! A 14 foot olive branch garland intermixed with white garden roses, wooden boxes and silver mercury cups. It has been a year and I'm still obsessed with it! We went to Pedersen's for the navy linens and silver charges.

Tara of Ephemera Press wrote out seat assignments on a custom chalkboard and calligraphered escort cards and table numbers. The invites were Vera Wang and the programs were from Heather of the former Heathorignal.

Kara from the Sweet Side put together a custom sweet bar with two, two tiered cakes, lemon bars (Kaitlyn's favorite), chocolate dipped pretzels and cheesecake bites - so good!!

Now on to the couple!! How frick'n cute is this pic of Kaitlyn getting her dress zipped up! I love it! Her and Dave's 1st look was one for the record books. I hate to call you out Dave, but a tear from the groom gets me every time!! They are just beyond adorable and affectionate. Seeing these two so happy was the kind of day that makes my job, not a job:)

 

Congrats Dave & Kaitlyn!! Your wedding was GORGEOUS! And it isn't just me who thinks so - Carats & Cake recently raved about your wedding as well! Check out their post HERE!

 

All of the fabulous vendors who put the day together are listed below!!

● Venue/Caterer – SODO Park/Herban Feast

● Planner – Clutch Events

● Photographer – Lucas Mobley Photography

● Dessert – The Sweet Side

● Florist – Botanique Flowers

● Ceremony Music – Contrast Music

● Reception Music – The Nines

● Photobooth – Atomic Photobooth

● Rentals – Pedersen’s

● Props/Paper – Heathoriginal

● Calligrapher – Ephemera Press

● Shuttles – Shuttle Express

● Hair – Jamie O’Neill Salon

● Make up – My Flawless Beauty Bars

Yachty by Nature!

I've been lucky enough to know and work with the gorgeous bride for over six years! Jenn Repp is a crazy great photographer and we've been 'working' weddings together since 2008! She is a preferred vendor of mine and I'm very happy to say that the feeling is mutual! When she asked me to be her day of coordinator I was super pumped and extremely flattered!

 

When she described her fiance Zak to me she lit up like a Christmas tree! She was literally giddy when she told me the story of how they met and have spent the past few years together. Very cute!!

 

The couple got married at my FAVORITE venue, Roche Harbor Resort and the cherry on top, Jenny Jimenez photographed the day. You know you are an amazing photographer when another photographer hires you for her wedding!!

 

Here are a few of my favorite detail shots. Jenn & Zak added such charming touches to their big day. It was fun to watch guests discover all of the unique touches they added. From her dress hanger, to the inscription inside his suit vest to the custom cuff links he wore. Everything was just very thoughtful and their June day turned out beautiful!

 

I know, she is looks stunning!! I cried when I saw her, for realsies. JennyJ has a blackmail photo of me open mouth, teary eyed. Not a good look on me. She on the other hand, was perfection!

 

Get ready to roll your eyes. Jenn made her invitations. I know! She is crazy talented!! She also created their seating chart turned guest book out of a map of the San Juan islands which now hangs in their home.

The Sunken Garden was the perfect sunny spot for their ceremony! Jenn wrote on their chalkboard, "pick a seat, not a side" to convey open seating. Love it!!

They carried the San Juan 'theme' through to the reception as each table name was the name of an island. Guests water glasses also served as favors. They were frosted with their anchor logo and initials.

Their dessert bar was beyond! They had cheesecakes, cupcakes and cookies - oh my! Family photos hung from the fire place which made for a great gathering spot for guests.

Once the sun started to go down a fire was started on the patio. A perfect get away for guests who needed a break from the rock'n dance floor. Jenn's mom helped her sew the blue, gold and white bunting that was hung - a perfect touch!

Thank you SO MUCH to Jenn & Zak for letting me be a part of their AMAZING wedding day! You two are awesomesauce!!

For more fab photos check out my facebook page, www.facebook.com/seattleweddingplanner. And please see below for a list of rad vendors who helped make the day superb!

Venue & Caterer - Roche Harbor Resort
Photographer - Jenny Jemenez
Florist - Fena Flowers
DJ - The Sound Factory
Dessert - The Confectional & Cupcake Royale
Invitations & Decor - Jenn Repp!

Maria & Jeremy's Wedding Bash!

When meeting with Maria and Jeremy they made their wedding vision very clear - they were going to have a good time party!! And boy howdy, did they! I had known Maria & Jeremy both through mutual friends and neighbors for a few years and they are SO great with each other! They laugh and play and are just fun to watch. Their wedding day was filled with flirty glances, a ton of hugs, even more kisses and a few swing your feet above your had dance moves!! They embraced the day with their guests, but more importantly you could tell they relished the day with each other!

 

Family was also a huge part of their day. Maria was born in Russia and she incorporated aspects of the Russian culture. Infused vodka favors anyone!? She even found vodka bottles that donned her name in Russian and placed them at her parents and grandparents tables. And her grandfather toasted their marriage with the cutest speech!  Jeremy's mom walked him down the aisle, his brother was his best man and his nephew was the most adorable and show stealing ring bearer ever! One super fun family tradition, his mom and aunts made up and SANG a song about Maria and Jeremy to a Beatles tune after dinner - so fun!

 

Here are a few of my favorite shots from their August wedding from Jeramie from SHODA LOVE  Photography!  Check out more great photos on my Clutch Events Facebook page!

Her dress was GORGEOUS! Each layer of tulle and lace floated as she walked - I couldn't get enough! And I LOVE this earring shot pinned to the Seattle map, such a unique picture!

 

Aaand here is the lovely couple! So dam adorable!! Their 1st look was down at South Lake Union and the weather was perfect!!  

The Rose Garden at the Zoo was a perfect backdrop for their ceremony! Ok, can you not feel the excitement after they were pronounced man and wife!?

 

Pun intended! Their adorable rabbit cake toppers is for their last name, 'Hare'. How cute! And a shout out to Judy Tallant of Tallant House. Jeremy and Maria consider themselves tiramisu connoisseurs and after scowering the city for the best tiramisu they selected her homemade treat!

Maria and Jeremy each made their own flavor of infused vodka before the wedding! Mini corked bottles acted as a favor and seat assignment for their guests.

The couple did a choreographed first dance and ended the traditions with a hora!! Seriously, her dress! So gorgeous!

 

A huge thank you to Maria and Jeremy for letting me be a part of your wedding!! You guys are the best!!

 

Wonderful Vendors!

Ceremony - Woodland Park Zoo

Reception - 415 Westlake

Photographer - SHODALOVE Photography

Caterer - Pyramid Catering

Dessert - Tallant House

Florist - Designs by Courtney

DJ - Seattle Parties

Transportation - Crystal Coach Limousine