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From the Bride…The primary inspiration behind the design of our wedding was the early-1930′s Art Modern style of the Seattle Asian Art Museum. One might describe it as sleek, chic, and streamlined. The smooth, white, stone blocks create a horizon that echoes the cascades across the way, while the aluminum and steel accents glisten like the sound. It is simply gorgeous, in the most literal way.  Given the minimalist nature of the venue, our aim was to achieve a harmonious balance between the clean lines of the building and the organic shapes of the flora that surrounded it.  The result was a natural, dreamy, soft, yet bold, summer-garden-party.  No specific colors or types of flowers were chosen for the wedding but the palette ended up consisting mostly of champagne-like shades with pink and green undertones. We wanted to marry the indoors with the outdoors so we set up luxurious white cabanas on each side of the entrance to the museum, which added a whole new dimension to the party.

Ironically, my dress choice had nothing to do with the wedding.  To my misfortune (fortune?), the bridal salon that I bought my dress from mistakenly ordered an entirely different dress, leaving me with no dress three weeks before the wedding.  After exhausting every store that sold dresses in Seattle, I turned to the Internet where I surprisingly ended up finding the most perfect dress.  I still can’t believe how lucky I was!

I’m not that girl that’s been dreaming of her wedding since she was five but I knew that if I ever got married that I would have Professor Takemoto from Whitman College officiate the ceremony.  He has taught me so much about Japanese language, history, and culture. More importantly, he has taught and continues to teach me how to think about life from a Buddhist perspective.  David and I didn’t want a religious ceremony but given the venue it seemed appropriate.  Professor Takemoto spoke of love, life, and nature and the interconnectedness of the universe. It was absolutely beautiful.

Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Seattle Asian Art Museum / Wedding Photography: Jennifer Tai Photo Artistry / Second Photographer: Courtney Bowlden / Wedding Planner: Chambers & Co. / Florals: Lilies and Lemondrops / Catering: Taste Catering & Event Planning / Ceremony Music: SuperSones / Reception Music: Emerald City Productions / Lounge + Cabana Furnishings: Rented Elegance / Tents: AA Party / Linens: BBJ Linen / Hair + Make-up: Swink Style Bar / Bridal Gown: Elizabeth Fillmore via Preownedweddingdresses.com / Menswear: La Belle Elaine’s

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Post tags: AA Party, BBJ Linens, Chambers & Co., Courtney Bowlden, Emerald City Productions, Garden Wedding, Jennifer Tai Photo Artistry, La Belle Elaine's, Modern Style, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, Rented Elegance, Seattle, Sink Style Bar, SuperSones, TASTE, The Seattle Asian Art Museum, Washington Wedding
Post categories: Contemporary, The Blog

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From Justin & Mary… As we were preparing the west coast stops on our tour, the movie, Water For Elephants, had just come out in theaters.  We decided to use the movie as inspiration for our Seattle stop, but we didn’t just want to do a circus theme, we wanted to do something a little darker, a little grittier so we used dark red, cream, and dusty pink for our colors.  We decorated with popcorn, lollipops, cotton candy and striped table cloths.  We created a kissing booth for our bridal party and served five different signature drinks named after different circus performers.  We served sno-cones for dessert and used mini galvanized buckets as our place cards. 

Photography: Justin & Mary / Venue: SoDo Park / Florals + Styling: Bella Signature Design / Paper Suite: Lifework Media / Hair + Make-up: Kathy Evans Beauty Studio / Hair Accessories: Lo Boheme / Bridal Gown: La Belle Elaine’s / Linens: Linens by Alice / Place Settings: Totally Tabletops / Models: Chelsea & Trevor / Style Interns: Bunn Salarzon + Dianne Dotter / Other: Laura Marchbanks (Huge thank you!! She is just about the sweetest girl we know!!)

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Post tags: Bella Signature Design, Bunn Salarzon, Dianne Dotter, Justin & Mary, Kathy Evans Beauty Studio, La Belle Elaine's, Laura Marchbanks Photography, Lifework Media, Linens by Alice, Lo Boheme, Photo Shoot, Seattle, Sodo Park, Totally Tabletops, Water for Elephants
Post categories: Photo Shoot, The Blog

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From Kip Beelman Photography…The couple celebrated their small, intimate affair at the iconic Sorrento Hotel in Seattle, Washington with its warm and welcoming Italianate architecture and legacy as the city’s longest running boutique hotel. The ceremony was held atop the Sorrento rooftop terrace with the Seattle skyline and waterfront playing 2nd fiddle as they said their vows and committed their love in front of 40 guests on a perfect August evening.

Passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails were served in the richly appointed Sorrento Room after the ceremony whilst the Penthouse Suite was transformed into an elegant environment bar none to host their 3-course reception dinner provided by the hotel’s own celebrated Hunt Club amidst the glow of Glassybaby votives and tables named after the desirable Seattle neighborhoods.

The bride and groom wanted a soft, vintage look with lots of texture and unexpected floral elements such as succulents and nigella pods.  Rachel of Finch and Thistle used her collection of vintage milk glasses for vased and then decorated with vintage books and mason jars in the fireplace and on the cocktail tables.  The Penthouse was left “as-is” with it’s cozy furniture and fireplace to welcome guests before being “turned” into the reception location.

Wedding Photography: Kip Beelman Photography / Floral Design: Finch and Thistle / Wedding Cakes: B&O Espresso / Decor: Glassybaby / Favors: Fran’s Chocolates / Hair + Make-up: Intermezzo Salon / Jewelry: E.E. Robbins / Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse / Location + Event Planning: Sorrento Hotel / Officiant: Len Smolen of Your Wedding – Your Way / Pianist: Jerry Frank / Dress Boutique: La Belle Elaine’s

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Post tags: B&O Espresso, E.E. Robbins, Finch and Thistle, Fran's Chocolates, Garden Wedding, Glassybaby, Intermezzo Salon, Jerry Frank, Kip Beelman Photography, La Belle Elaine's, Men's Wearhouse, Seattle, Sorrento Hotel, Washington Wedding, Your Wedding - Your Way
Post categories: Traditional Elegance

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From Andria Lindquist…Katie and Tanner are high school sweethearts and that rare case that it actually meant and turned into something. These two are more like best friends than anything and have been patient for this day. Tanner is an exceptional leader and protector, has the temperament of a mid-west gentleman and treats Katie like gold. They have spent the past years of their relationship across the country from each other – she, here in WA and he in Virginia at the Citadel Military College. They were apart for the entire wedding planning process and Katie took on the task of planning every detail and DIY aspect of their wedding.

The day was sunny and hot, both the bridal party and groomsmen got ready in this beautiful country estate with the most wonderful light peeking into each room. The guys played foosball and the girls ate M&M’s and drank champagne. When Katie and Tanner finally got to see each other it was so sweet…that is the only word. They are pure giggles and smiles with each other, they are so wonderful to shoot. The entire day, she was so relaxed (almost too much!….they had to tell her to brush her hair, ha) The ceremony was sweet and the pastor shared a lot about their relationship and how long they’ve waited for this day. The guests played lawn games and enjoyed drinks after the ceremony and after toasts from elementary and lifelong friends, the biggest and best dance party went down. It was an incredible celebration to attend and shoot.

From the Bride…Tanner proposed to me in December. Because he wouldn’t receive his orders from the US Marine Corps to report to OCS until May, we had to play it safe and set out date for June 12th. That gave us just less than 6 months to plan the wedding. Added to that, Tanner was still in South Carolina until May, so I was in Seattle planning our wedding. Until I got engaged I had never thought about what I wanted my wedding to be like and had no idea how much goes into it. Luckily I had a few friends who could teach me how to make decisions and plan a wedding. I was also working with a budget of $15,000 which was enough to have an awesome wedding, but I had to get a little creative.

When I started planning our wedding, Tanner and I had a conversation about what we each wanted out of our wedding. We decided that we wanted a short, meaningful ceremony, and then a dance party. Because of that I focused most of the budget on food, drinks, and entertainment so I frequented DIY blogs to make up for it in other areas. I had a great time with the more creative projects of the wedding. My family helped me to make our centerpieces which were wine bottle candles with corks, rocks and mirrors. It was all beautiful and very cost effective (I bought most of it from IKEA). My favorite projects that I took on however, were my bouquet, hairpiece and bridesmaid gifts. My bouquet which was made out of brooches from my family and friends was just a meaningful project which turned out beautifully. I really wanted all of my accessories to be unique and special and with a necklace from my mom, my bouquet, the hairpiece I made, and a sash made by a good friend, it was all perfect.

If I were to give advice to any bride without a planner and doing a lot of DIY projects I would say definitely do no procrastinate. That caused me a lot of unneeded stress. Also, don’t sweat the little stuff. You could go on and on making more little signs and detailed decorations but that will only get expensive and stressful. Lastly, just have a great time. On my wedding day I decided that I just wasn’t going to care about anything except Tanner and the people I love that came to celebrate with us. Because of that I had probably the best day of my life and everything was wonderful!

Venue + Catering: Lord Hill Farms / Wedding Prep: French Creek Estates / Flowers: Janelle’s Flowers and Gifts / Wedding Cupcakes/Cake: Bride’s Aunt, Darlene / Linens: BBJ Linens / DJ: DJ RT, Ryan Tilton / Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom / Wedding Dress: Sally Crew / Bride’s Shoes: Naughty Monkey / Hair + Make-up: Friends / Bouquet: DIY / Wedding Photography: Andria Lindquist

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Post tags: Andria Lindquist, BBJ Linens, Country Wedding, DJ RT, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, French Creek Estates, Janelle's Flowers and Gifts, Lord Hill Farms, Military Wedding, Naughty Monkey, Nordstrom, Sally Crew, Seattle, Washington Wedding
Post categories: The Blog

1. Who is Bella Cupcake Couture? And what is it exactly that you do?

Bella Cupcake Couture offers “Fashion for cupcakes”. We created chic and stylish textile-inspired cupcake wrappers for all special occasions. Our boutique-style designs add a touch of sophistication and elegance for any event. Each cupcake wrapper is printed with soy inks on recycled paper. So we’re not just a pretty face, we’re also eco-friendly. We are frequently complimented on our quality and great service. We are very proud as it is at our core to provide the best styles, service and products! Our hope is that our Bella Cupcake Couture wrappers bring smiles to our clients and the ones they care about.

2. Why cupcake wrapper design?

I have always enjoyed having friends & family over for special parties. It’s fun to think of all the little details that will make them feel extra special. One evening a friend complimented me on my party planning and décor skills and she wanted to know “how to do it?” I started thinking how could I make it easier for her and others who want to have parties but aren’t really baker/party planner types. Then I somehow became obsessed with wanting something fashionable for the bottom portion of my cupcakes. I always said “Why should the frosting have all the limelight?”

Now it’s easy for someone who does or even a person who doesn’t enjoy baking. They can simply bake or buy a cupcake and set inside to add that instant decoration every party planner is looking for.

3. What is your favorite kind of project to do?

We enjoy being a part of our client’s special events. We work frequently with brides and party planners who put together the best table displays for their clients. It’s important to us that they receive a “Wow” response from their guests and we make it so easy for them to create a beautiful table top display or incorporate into a candy buffet. We enjoy helping our clients to plan different color combinations and designs which will work together. We also enjoy hearing what new designs our clients would like us to add to our collection. We received so many requests for zebra print and cheetah that we knew we had to add it to our line. And now they are one of our best sellers.

4. What is your absolute favorite part of a wedding?

The cake of course! Every cake display is so different, we enjoying seeing how creative couples become when having their cupcake/cake display designed. From soft subtle elegance to bright & cheery. I also enjoy when they have a special song playing while cutting their cake. You also get a glimpse into the couple on how they “share” the cake; will they be kind and not smush the cake in each others face or will their playful side come out? It is definitely one of my favorite moments (aside from then eating the cake, of course).

5. What advice do you have for the newly engaged?

Plan a wedding that is perfectly “you” together. Tell a story on the day that speaks to how you met and what your life together is and will be like. It’s easy to add little details that mean something to you both together and that your guests who know you both well will adore. Then just relax and enjoy!

Cupcake Wrappers: Bella Cupcake Couture / Photography: Wenmei Hill Photography

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Post tags: Barbie Hull Photography, Bella Cupcake Couture, Seattle, Vendor Spotlight, Washington, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Cupcakes
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Cakes

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Of course, you can’t possibly leave without seeing this fantastic fete come to life in Alec Cattarin’s lovely film…

From the Bride…Luckily I married John cause otherwise the wedding would have never gotten planned.  I am a medical student at the UW and was in the midst of my third year spending 80 hours a week in the hospital which did not leave a lot of time to plan a wedding.  John really stepped up to the plate.  He researched everything and then together we made the final decisions.  We hired our dream photographer out of a list of 40+ photographers in our area and Andria was amazing to work with, in addition the day was captured on video by the very talented Alec Cattarin.

It was important to me that our spaces be beautiful stand alone, not needing much added decor on the day. John stumbled upon the Women’s University Club and the second we stepped foot in the door we knew this was our venue, the staff was incredible to work with. The formality and the elegance reminded me of my childhood in Boston, and was exactly my style. We got married at the City Church in the University district which is a beautiful historical building. We had two receptions; a Korean buffet following the church for 250+ guests and then a private smaller sit down dinner at the Women’s University Club for 85.  John is the eldest son of a Korean family, we surprised and honored them by wearing traditional Korean wedding attire to the Korean food reception.

I really wanted my bridesmaids and mom to feel elegant and pampered on the day which the team of three sisters, the owners of Sorella’s Salon and Spa completely accomplished.  The whole day was absolutely the best day of my life, there is nothing I would have changed.

Wedding Photography: Andria Lindquist / Second Shooter: Jeramie Shoda / Wedding Videography: Alec Cattarin / Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier via Marcella’s / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Korean Hanbok: Handmade / Bridesmaid Dresses: Eliza J via Nordstrom / Bridesmaid Necklaces: Ann Taylor / Hair + Make-up: Sorella Salon & Spa / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss / Ceremony: City Church University District / Donuts: Mighty O / Private Reception: Women’s University Club / Catering + Strawberry Shortcake: Chef Tino / Music: Vic Peters One Man Band / Bouquets + Boutonnieres: A Flower Shop / Alter Flowers + Reception Centerpieces: DIY / Invitations: Jay Sudarma / Rings: Sholdt Design / Honeymoon: Kauai

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Post tags: A Flower Shop, Alec Cattarin, Andria Lindquist, Ann Taylor, City Church University District, Eliza J, Hugo Boss, Jay Sudarma, Jeramie Shoda, Manolo Blahnik, Marcella’s, Mighty O, Monique Lhuillier, Nordstrom, Seattle, Sholdt Design, Sorella Salon & Spa, Vic Peters One Man Band, Washington Wedding, Women’s University Club
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From the Bride…As a wedding planner I always ask my brides to describe to me the ‘vibe & style’ they want to experience on the day of their wedding for themselves and their guests. I receive responses such as ‘elegant & sophisticated’, ‘care free & relaxed’, ‘romantic & classic’…but hands down, no matter what, the one word I always here is ‘fun’. I was not of original thought when I began to plan my own wedding. I wanted this to be the most FUN wedding anyone had been to! I wanted it to be a PARTY! So with that in mind my eager fiancé and I began to plan the fun on our engagement night!

My boyfriend of 4 ½ years and I had planned a party at our apartment on Friday the 15th for no reason at all other than to have a party. It wasn’t until that afternoon when I was cleaning the apartment when Sean came home with food and drinks for the party. To my surprise he also came home with the engagement ring that now sits on my finger!!  The ‘its Friday night, so why not have a party’ became our official engagement celebration and that’s where the planning began. The 1st item that made our wedding special was that after a few hours of drinking two of our best friends said ‘we should be the flower girl and ring bearer!!’…that would be Jake and Pat, both over 6’ tall and quickly reaching 30 years old. Done and done! Having those two arm in arm skipping down the aisle was a highlight for many guests!

We started the event by having guests get a signature drink, sitting down at their tables that they would sit later for dinner and enjoying a drink while they watched us get married! I LOVED the ceremony! It was short and sweet, about 10 minutes, but we packed it full of greatness. The best part was that we had this whole thing planned of doing a “shout out to the gays” about how we feel humbled to be able to get married and we hope to live in a country where everyone can have the same opportunity, etc. Well, NY passed same sex marriage the day before and our officiant (through the power of the internet) held up the NY Times and the crowd went wild! It was perfect! I only welled up once when my 8 year godson, Hudson read an EE Cummings poem, “I Carry Your Heart”…he can’t pronounce his ‘r’s quite yet and to hear him read it was the most adorable thing on the planet! Oh, and we excited down the aisle to James Brown, “I Feel Good” and had an impromptu mini dance off down the aisle, too fun!!

In close, I LOVED my wedding! I simply loved it! It was the best time ever! I don’t think I stopped smiling once. It was SO fun! We had in a single room all of the people we loved and they were there to celebrate us. It was amazing!

Wedding Photography: Shannon Rice of Riso Studio / Flowers: AnnaMay Dutton / Event Design + Planning: Clutch Events / Day of Coordination: Parker Events + Sublime Events / Ceremony + Reception Location: 415 Westlake / Invitations: Red Sparrow /Reception Paper Product + Detail Goodness: Heather Driscoll of Heathoriginal / Bride’s Shoes: Betsy Johnson / Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel at Belltown Bride / Hair + Belt: Jen Carrigan of Violet Magpie / Rings: Seattle Diamonds / Colored Votive Holders: Glassybaby / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Desserts: Top Pot Doughnuts, The Confectional + Tallant House / Band: Rewind / Caterer: Green Apple Events & Catering / Hair: Jamie O’Neil Salon / Make-up: Sequoia Leopold of My Flawless Tan & Makeup /Photobooth: Atomic Photobooth

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Post tags: 415 Westlake, Amy Kuschel, AnnaMay Dutton, Atomic Photobooth, Belltown Bridal, Betsy Johnson, Clutch Events, Glassybaby, Green Apple Events & Catering, Heather Original, J. Crew, Jamie O'Neil Salon, My Flawless Tan & Makeup, Parker Events, Red Sparrow, Rewind, Riso Studio, Seattle, Seattle Diamonds, Sublime Events, Tallant House, The Confectional, Top Pot Doughnuts, Violet Magpie, Washington
Post categories: Contemporary

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From Stephanie Haller Photography..Since the age of eight, Cydney has had a passion for sewing and it was only natural that fabric and paper played a large part of their wedding. Elegant, simple, and comfortable, the wedding was on a five acre private farm that featured chickens, a giant tree house with a zipline, a hammock, and acres of lawn perfect for croquet, bocce and horseshoes.

Cydney made the vast majority of the decorations and details herself, with help from family and friends. The handmade burlap tablecloths were covered with small, square vintage floral tablecloths that were borrowed from friends or bought at antique stores. The invitations were hand-sewn, napkins made from thrift store bed sheets and had appliquéd beautiful flowers cut from fabric scraps from her fabric bin. All banners and signs were printed on a yellow polka-dot sheet . Thrift store ottomans, too. Favors were 150 paper pinwheels Cydney and her sisters made out of vintage-inspired double sided paper. These also served as part of the table centerpieces. Like the rest of the decorations, the backdrop for the photobooth was made by Cydney, as well.

Dessert bar featured gourmet hot chocolate (complete with toppings), mini-cupcakes, homemade chocolate truffle cookies, key lime tartlets, shortbread cookies, and plenty of candy for the little ones.  Almost everything was gluten-free.

Wedding Photography: Stephanie Haller Photography / Music: $4 Shoe / Caterer: Dish It Out Catering / Flowers: Sister of the Bride / Event Design, Planning, Invitations, Shoes, Wedding Dress: The Bride / Ceremony + Reception Location: Private Residence / Jewelry: Green Lake Jewelry / Bridesmaid Dresses: ModCloth

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Post tags: $4 Shoe, Dish It Out Catering, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, farm wedding, Green Lake Jewelry, ModCloth, Seattle, Stephanie Haller Photography, Washington Wedding
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, The Blog