Seattle Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

Classic Celebration By The Sea At Historic The Admiral’s House

This classic and timeless celebration at historic The Admiral’s House is an absolute must-see. The day was filled with elegant touches and sophisticated details all artfully planned by Holly-Kate and Company. Floral design by Leah Erickson Floral brought the couple’s love story to life, and O’Malley Photographers beautifully captured the love and joy of the day in artful imagery. You’ll love every magical moment inside the full gallery.

From O’Malley Photographers… More than anything, Chris and Grace wanted their day to be a snapshot of the love and joy they felt marrying each other! From the gown to the venue to the photos, everything had a classic and timeless touch. The bride and groom were most excited to bring their closest friends and family together to celebrate their love at the historic The Admiral’s House overlooking the Puget Sound. Chris and Grace made their wedding a “pop up” of sorts, bringing in all their favorite things to spoil their guests from the famous Sea Wolf sourdough bread to delicious, local Hello Robin Cookies cookies.

With the help of Holly-Kate and Company and lots of special touches through the day, this sweet couple crafted a beautiful celebration of their love. You know what they say about couples that were just meant to be together? This is one of those lovely couples. Grace’s mother went to the same high school as Chris’s father. They met through friends of friends and began dating. Both grew up in the greater Seattle area. They were able to get married a very important date – Sept 9th. Which is Grace’s grandmother’s birthday. Little did we know that she would pass away just a few months before their wedding date. It was bittersweet to be able to celebrate a beautiful life on their wedding day. We made sure to take a moment in memory of her.

We knew we wanted to create a beautifully elegant wedding for Grace & Chris. Incorporating many layers of neutrals, featuring taupe & bone colors with touches of white. Sophisticated feminine details throughout the dinner tables & paper details. Textured chargers and scalloped white plates, paired beautifully with the most delicious dinner for their guests. Gorgeous florals of white & green through the ceremony and reception. The wedding day was a lucky weather day in Seattle with not a spot of rain! Such a great way to celebrate this lovely couple. What a pleasure it was to work with them on their wedding plans. Truly honored to be able to put together this amazing vendor team of the best of the best in the Seattle area.

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BBJ La Tavola

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O'Malley Photographers

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This Couple Lost Their Home and Had a Comeback Wedding

This wedding is proof that love conquers all. Despite losing their home in the Colorado Marshall Fire, our couple persevered through wedding planning and the result is truly something worth celebrating. Kate Alexandra Events beautifully planned the elegant day and Callarose and Co filled it with endlessly romantic blooms. The love and happiness of the day shines in imagery by Jacqueline Benét Photography, take a closer look inside the full gallery.

From Jacqueline Benét Photography… I will never forget when my bride Stephanie reached out saying that she was sorry for the delay in getting back to me, and that they want to choose me as their photographer, but they just lost their home in the Colorado Marshall Fire. She said they lost everything, left the house with the clothes on their backs, their laptops, and their cat Holly Golightly. Not only did they lose their house and all that they own, but the groom’s father in the same neighborhood also lost his house as well. She wanted to still continue planning their wedding, but they needed some extra time to pick up the pieces and figure out what was next for them. I had chills reading their email, and cried for them at the thought of losing everything. I felt like their beautiful wedding day was their comeback story and made all the joy that much sweeter!

From the bride… Six months before their wedding, on December 30th, 2021, Stephanie and Chris lost their house in the Marshall Fire in Boulder, Colorado. They got out safely with nothing but their passports, computers, and their beloved cat. The following day, along with over 1,000 other neighbors, they learned that the wildfire had completely destroyed their home. Right away, we agreed that our wedding would remain our top priority. We continued to travel to Seattle to meet with vendors and for site visits at our venue, The Seattle Tennis Club, located on Lake Washington. The overall inspiration for the wedding was to create a feeling of relaxed luxury. A black-tie encouraged, al fresco reception with a large sailcloth tent, a mix of circular and rectangular tables, and lots and lots of flowers. I chose the Anne Barge La Femme dress from LWD Bridal shop in Denver. A strapless Chantilly lace ball gown with sequined appliques and a deep V-notched neckline with a matching veil. It was the 3rd or 4th dress I tried on, and was the easiest wedding planning decision I made. My favorite part of the gown was the sheerness of the skirt in the sunlight and how lightweight and easy to wear it was. 10/10! Choosing the flowers with our florist, Callarose and Co, was both the most fun and the most stressful pre-planning activity and the result, which drew on the colors of the wedding’s outdoor location, was spectacular. The color palette included the blues of Lake Washington, the greens of the tennis club grounds, pale yellows to complement, and a mix of whites to soften. A classic combination with a whimsical touch. I chose a beautiful sage-champagne color for the bridesmaid’s dresses that coordinated with the color scheme.

For our cake, we chose a 3-tier all-white lemon pound cake with blackberry filling as a nod to Washington state. One of my favorite details of the wedding was using my grandmother’s silver cutting knife and cake server to cut our cake as our Something Old. Another favorite detail was my wedding gift from Chris, a pair of blue topaz stud earrings that have special meaning. While Chris was sifting through the rubble after the fire, he miraculously found the gemstones from his late Mother’s blue topaz earrings. She passed in 2015 from cancer, and the earrings had become a family heirloom. He took the stones to Miro Jewelers in Denver, who also created our custom wedding rings. They were able to clean them up and reset the stones to create a new pair of stud earrings which Chris surprised me with the day before the wedding. A beautiful sentiment to have a piece of jewelry from Chris’s late mother and my Something Blue. My favorite moment of the wedding was doing the first look. It felt so special and beautiful and felt like time had stopped just for us. One piece of advice that we took to heart (and I would suggest to all brides-to-be) is to invest money in the best photographer you can find that fits your wedding day vision because that’s how you’ll remember and preserve your wedding day. They’ll know how to capture you (and your wedding) in the best way and will create a lasting memory of everything that happens throughout the wedding day.

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BBJ La Tavola

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Jacqueline Benét Photography

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A Mid-Summer Castle Wedding In Seattle

This Seattle charmer is sure to steal your heart. Filled with the bride’s own artwork and a sea of hydrangeas, just one look and you’ll feel as if you’ve fallen into your favorite fairytale. The dreamy day was planned by awaiting the name Floral & Design who created a ceremony so stunning it looked as if a garden was growing around the couple. Studio Opia beautifully documented all the details in artful imagery that is sure to stand the test of time. Watch the entire day unfold in the full gallery.

From awaiting the name Floral & Design… Our bride has always dreamed of a British castle wedding. And this stunning venue has everything to make the dream come to life. This castle in Seattle was built with intact charm using the brick of a 15th-century British house that was imported directly from England. With all the elements put together, we designed the theme as romantic with vintage accents.

From the bride… My husband and I share a lot great time together wine tasting and winery touring. And I have a huge passion for painting. So we had the idea to celebrate our hobbies or pastime interest at our wedding and make it one that is personal to us. From there, we titled our wedding “the wine and art at the castle”.

From awaiting the name Floral & Design… The bride is a good painter and calligrapher, so we set up an open-air studio area in the yard to display the bride’s paintings of summer flowers. The paintings were displayed on studio easels where the escort cards, also from the bride, were placed.

From the bride… Yes, I made all the paintings myself. I had flowers in every painting as a way to appreciate and celebrate the summer season. All the work took me over a month to finish. I also brought my easels to display the work. I think they fit the scene really well. I DIYed a lot, I requested to do it myself because it is my passion and I had so much fun making them. Besides the paintings, I made the menus for flat lay, escort cards, vow books, table numbers, etc. I was initially planning to make individual menu for each of the guests myself but was stopped by my husband because it was too much work.

From awaiting the name Floral & Design… The castle garden where the ceremony took place is a hydrangea heaven in the summer! It’s the best backdrop for the ceremony. We wanted to feature the hydrangea blossoms and decided not to add any unnecessary extras. Instead, we placed floor arrangements on the steps up to the ceremony stage with the idea of a growing garden. It created some warmness to the concrete floor, as well as a complement to the floral background.

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Studio Opia

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See How Your Venue Can Inspire The Entire Aesthetic For Your Wedding Day At The Edgewater Hotel!

When it comes to the ‘look and feel’ of your wedding day, sometimes you just know what you want in advance, or sometimes once you choose your venue, it all falls into place. Courtney of Courtney Bowlden Photography wanted to showcase this at The Edgewater Hotel in Seattle which has a woodsy and outdoorsy aesthetic, which then translated into the rest of the details from natural colored florals by Leigh & Mitchell and a stunning view of the water. With the help of Harlow Events, this beauty of an inspiration shoot came to life, with the showstopper being the stunning Idina bridal gown…I mean those sleeves are EVERYTHING!

From Courtney Bowlden Photography…The Edgewater Hotel is a famous hotel in downtown Seattle but my team wanted to show that it can also have a high-end wedding look to it. It has a woodsy and outdoorsy aesthetic to it so we wanted to showcase that as well as show a luxury look to it as well.

My wedding advice is when looking for a wedding venue, you should go in knowing what kind of decor and vibe you want. The venue can either help the overall look and compliment it, or it could go in the opposite direction.

With this venue, because it already had a woody and natural look, we wanted to accentuate that by the details we included in the wedding. This real-life couple met when the ‘bride’ was working as a waitress at a restaurant!

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Blake Design Studio

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This Micro-Wedding Inspiration Beautifully Married Unique Personal Touches With Classic Design

When it comes to wedding inspiration, it just doesn’t get more timeless than this… Today’s stunning styled shoot from Rose Andrew Events is your personal guide on how to incorporate personalized details into your wedding design while keeping the overall look and feel effortlessly ageless. Jacqueline Benét Photography was behind the lens capturing every last detail to perfection. Classic brides, head on over to the full gallery to fall head over heels in love with this black and white affair.

From Emily Muddiman of Rose Andrew Events… “I often see couples who want their wedding to feel classic and timeless but are afraid to incorporate personal touches.. And to that I say “What is more classic and timeless than your love?!” Our team created a beautiful editorial to illustrate how even the most unique details can be used to create an absolutely timeless event. Our initial inspiration for this editorial was the custom toile pattern that Crystal of The Fancy Cat Studio created. It featured elements and scenes that were meaningful to our couple— from their award winning pup, the spot our groom proposed, to their first home! From there, we incorporated the toile throughout the event.

From Crystal… “We incorporated that toile into a few key areas of the day. First, for the invitation suite, we went with a simple design, which was then enhanced with elements like the vintage art piece (a nod to our bride’s career as an art curator) and vintage postage to reflect their love of traveling! Their beautiful suite was sent out in a custom wrapped invitation suite box which made for a memorable moment as guests received it in the mail. We also had the toile printed as custom linens for the cake table! Lastly, we had wrapping paper made to wrap favor boxes that were placed at each attendant’s seat as well as in our curated gift boxes! It was absolutely spectacular to see the print that was created specifically to capture our couple’s love story carried throughout the event.”

Another key area to tie in personal touches is with a beautiful escort display. Our bride and groom travel the US participating in dog shows with their pup, Baxter! We utilized Baxter’s “Best in Show” trophies and turned it into a beautiful and unique escort display for our guests to find their seats— complete with award ribbon style placards! Lastly, one of our favorite ways to incorporate personal elements is with curated gift boxes for your guests. Our inspiration featured thank you booklets lasered with a custom venue sketch by The Fancy Cat Studio, an etched bottle of wine, toile wrapped macarons, our bride’s favorite candles, local tea and honey and the perfume our bride wore on her wedding day. Gift boxes can be simple or elaborate— the act of curating a beautiful welcome gift for your guests creates such a thoughtful opportunity to make your guests feel special and help them remember your day forever! Our ceremony was set on the porch of the beautiful Rainier Chapter House in Seattle, WA. The venue was modeled after George Washington’s Mt. Vernon home and set the tone for the classic fête. Large lush arrangements of fluffy white blooms ornamented the altar and reception space. The tables featured rich textured linens paired with gold rimmed china, modern gold flatware and opulent glassware. We adorned the table tops with lush centerpieces, warm votive candles and beautiful candelabras to add drama to the timeless design. The cake, perfectly created by Missy of Missy Lee Cakes, featured tall opulent tiers, blooming sugar flowers and a fondant monogram that mimicked the one created by The Fancy Cat Studio. For the wedding look, our bride wore a stunning Louvienne gown. Paired with her encrusted Manolo Blahniks and gifted diamond earrings, her bridal ensemble was feminine yet grand. She carried a lush bouquet of garden roses, peonies, and budding pieris. Our talented Hair and Make-up artist, Jen Lagers, styled her hair into a chic, low updo and adorned her bun with two pearl pins by Riot of Flowers. Standing beside her, our groom wore a classic black tux.

TIP from Rose Andrew Events

“The escort display is the first thing your guests will see when they enter the reception and will set the tone for the rest of the wedding day experience. Don’t be afraid to think out of the box and have fun with it! You want your guests to be reminded of your love over and over again throughout your wedding day!”

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Jacqueline Benét Photography

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This Effortlessly Romantic Editorial Will Have You Rethinking Your Definition of Wedding Flowers

When we realized the floral design by Gather Design Company of today’s editorial was made entirely of dogwoods… our jaws quite literally dropped to the floor. The results couldn’t be more breathtaking, and surprisingly so timeless! Pair that with wood-handled flatware, a dusty navy and white striped table linen under a grapevine covered terrace – yup, it’s all just too good. Check out all the details planned to perfection by Callista & Company at the full gallery, all captured by The Ganeys!

From Callista & Company… Inspired by the intersection of sleek, minimal design, and the old world charm of The Corson Building, Callista and Company and Gather Design Company worked together to design a fresh look in a well-loved space. We wanted the design to feel effortlessly romantic, but also attainable. For the floral design, Amy worked entirely with dogwoods to create a design that was simple and clean but still lush and natural.

The arch was designed to look like the dogwood branches grew up and onto it. It was surrounded by a half-circle of bistro chairs and an aisle lined with dogwood arrangements to set the scene for the ceremony. Dogwoods elegantly adorned the berry and buttercream cake created by Honey Crumb Cake Studio.

The reception was set under a grapevine covered terrace and featured white ceramic plates, contemporary wine glasses, wood-handled flatware, and a dusty navy and white striped linen from La Tavola. Hanging lanterns added a festive glow to the space. The menus created by Kelsie Malie brought together romantic calligraphy with a modern typeface. This old and new combination was echoed in the rest of the paper goods, as seen in the intricate drawings of venue, the couple’s family crest, and handmade vow books.

The bride’s attire featured the deceivingly simple Alexandra Grecco ‘Cohen’ gown. What at first seems like a clean sheath reveals a fluttery cape that catches light and movement in the most feminine way. Yessie Libby created an elegant reception look with a soft updo and natural makeup, and a fun reception style by letting the bride’s hair down. The engagement ring was designed by Ashley Zhang Jewelry and featured an elegant Asscher cut diamond. The couple escaped into the evening in a vintage convertible.

A Classic Wedding in Neutral Pink Hues at The Admiral’s House in Seattle

Seattle brides – if you haven’t already heard of The Admiral House, then boy do we have a treat for you! This gorgeous colonial home, built in 1944 for the Navy’s commanding admiral and his family, is complete with sweeping views of Elliott Bay, the Seattle skyline, and Mount Rainier – I mean, it just doesn’t get more Seattle than that. Today’s wedding planned by Perfectly Posh Events is the epitome of classic. The couple exchanged vows under a blooming arbor created by Kaleb Norman James Design, and later danced the night away under a greenery adorned tent. Head on over to the full gallery to see all the details – taken by Amanda K Photography!

From Amanda K Photography… Both hailing from the Seattle neighborhood of Magnolia, Emily + Brett knew they wanted to celebrate their union in the neighborhood that raised them. The Admiral’s House’s history + architecture mixed with its killer views had everything Emily + Brett envisioned for their day. They wanted a classic, timeless, and elevated celebration with all of their loved ones surrounding them to eat, drink, and be married. For those that are unfamiliar with The Admiral’s House, it is a colonial-style home built in 1944 for the Navy’s commanding admiral and his family and sits atop a hill in Magnolia. With its sweeping views overlooking Elliott Bay, the Seattle skyline, and Mount Rainier, the view is picturesque, and the perfect place to say “I Do!”

With the Elliott Bay Marina just down below [and visible!] from the Admiral’s House, a yacht moored in the marina was the only fitting option for Brett + his groomsmen to hang out in before the festivities! They shared whiskey, gifts, words of wisdom, and a few laughs! Emily wore a stunning Sarah Nouri gown, the softest pink Chanel shoes, and a timeless, low-set knot bun. With such a sophisticated look, it was only right for her to travel in style— a vintage, white Rolls Royce! Brett met Emily on the docks of the Marina for their captivating first look. If you look closely in the background of one of their shots, you’ll see the Admiral’s House standing proudly atop its perch, and their tent in all its glory, getting dolled up for the big day.

In keeping with their Magnolia roots, they wanted their bridal party photos to be taken atop of Magnolia Boulevard, the main street, and hub of the neighborhood. The bridesmaids were in gorgeous neutral pink gowns and the men in bowties. To top it off was the surprise mini-concert provided by a little boy and his guitar who happened to be playing for claps and cheers in the neighborhood! They were sure to get a photo op with the star. The ceremony was nestled in the west lawn of the Admiral’s House which offers an intimate garden retreat. Their amazingly talented florist, Kaleb Norman James fashioned the most exquisite blooming arch as the ceremony’s focal point, with flowering aisle markers framing it on either side. Emily wanted petals down the aisle.

In keeping it personal to Emily + Brett, they opted to have their favorite Coldplay song turned into an acoustic string quartet rendition for Emily’s walk down the aisle. They also asked their good friend to marry them in lieu of a formal officiant and asked another friend to share an excerpt of the Supreme Court’s ruling for same-sex marriage, as it reminded them that love is universal and open to all. Cheers and whistles erupted at the conclusion of their union. Cocktail hour ensued on a perfect summer evening, and eventually dinner + dancing under the stars. The breathtaking reception tent that was erected on the front lawn of The Admiral’s House, overlooking Elliott Bay and would be where E+B and their guests would spend the rest of their evening. They ate, drank, and were merry, just as Emily + Brett wanted. They shared laughs over the meal and toasts, and the band played their first dance just as the sun was setting, and the lights in the tent began to twinkle—it was magical. Thoughtfulness and attention went into all of the details. From having the same chandelier that hung in their home hang above the dance floor, their His + Her Signature cocktails, the gorgeous cream striped napkins, and the mismatched blue plates that offered a pop of color against their otherwise timeless color palette. They even commissioned a custom crest for their newly shared last name to include magnolia tree flowers in the design as a nod to their home. They used the crest in their invitations, signage, paper goods, and so much more. And don’t forget the macaron tower! Emily + Brett shared a memory of eating macarons in Paris and wanted to bring a bit of Paris to Seattle. This wedding was beautiful from every angle, and represented the bride + groom perfectly!

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Perfectly Posh Events

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A Bosc Pear – AKA the Wedding Color Palette Inspiration We Never Knew We Needed

Did you ever think a Bosc pear could be the perfection inspiration for your wedding color palette? Neither did we. Luckily, the creative geniuses at Willow & Ivy Events figured it out. Leah Erickson Floral brought their vision to life with dreamy, mustard blooms (trust, they’re swoon-worthy)… Head on over to the full gallery captured by Sarah Harris Photography to get out of the typical blush and green wedding box and into something completely new and fabulous.

From Willow & Ivy Events… This wedding inspiration was born out of a love for the rich color of a Bosc pear. The designer, Alex of Willow & Ivy Events, wanted to explore the mustardy-brown color of this unique fruit as it is not a hue that is typically tapped for wedding designs. The rich, bold color allows for a crisp juxtaposition with white, a classic wedding color. Sarah Harris Photography captured the whole dreamy set up with her light and airy style; it was the perfect match for this shoot!

Alex knew she needed a luxurious linen that fit the color scheme perfectly and she found just that from Party Crush Studio. The velvet mustard linen is perfect against the white brick backdrop of The 101, a killer space in historic Pioneer Square in Seattle, Washington. The tabletop rentals from CORT Party Rental stand out against the bold linen and the stunning tabletop florals from Leah Erickson Floral tie everything together. You can even peep some Bosc pears of the table to represent the inspiration behind the shoot. The organic floral arrangement style of the centerpiece gives the table the perfect amount of whimsy and the delicate florals on the wall installation behind the table add that perfect little touch. For Michaela’s attire we went for a soft, feminine approach.

The flowy gown featured detachable sleeves with delicate lace – a trend we see becoming big in 2020! – that really highlighted her tattoo sleeve. For Adrianne we went a little more rock n roll with a deep v cut jumpsuit and white jacket. Adrianne’s messy pony showing off her undercut was also curated to be a little more edgy when compared to Michaela’s flowy ethereal curls, both by Tousled & Lovely. Both had soft, subtle makeup by Bethany Yackel Beauty that allowed for their natural beauty to be the star. And don’t miss out on those rings! Anueva Jewelry created some stunning, unique bling for both ladies featuring diamonds and colored gems. Instead of giving Adrianne a traditional bouquet like the one held by Michaela, Leah created an amazing crawling boutonniere that appeared to be growing up her jacket lapel. This shoot also featured an adorable little furry friend, Kip! Leah created a floral bandana for Kip; a unique play on a floral collar. And don’t forget the cocktails! W Design Shop, who created all of the amazing paper goods and invitation suite, made a Hers and Hers cocktail sign which featured two drinks that were totally within the color scheme of the day – a John Daly and an Amaretto Sour.

Here’s How You Bring A Light And Airy Aesthetic To An Indoor Wedding

This Seattle celebration is one for the books! The romantic day was inspired by the two cities that make up the couple’s love story, New York City where they met and Seattle the bride’s hometown. You’ll love all the thoughtful and personal touches curated by the bride’s own cousin Molly Corr of Bridal Bliss! Just take one look at the light and airy ceremony complete with an acrylic backdrop covered in white, cream, and blush blooms created by Gather Design Company. Anna Peters Photography artfully captured all love the and special moments. We cannot wait for you to see all the details in the full gallery.

From Molly Corr of Bridal Bliss… Erin and Jon reside in New York City, and while Jon is a native, Erin is a more recent transplant (the bride is also my cousin!). I loved getting to work with them to bring elements of the city they met and fell in love in (NYC) to Erin’s hometown (Seattle). Together we planned a weekend of events, allowing both their West Coast and East Coast families and friends time to celebrate.

For their celebration Jon & Erin chose the historic Rainier Club. They loved the Classic Downtown Seattle feel the space had – a nod to some similar establishments in Manhattan, as well as the intimacy it presented, as the entire club was rented for our party. Gather Design Company, brought in slightly more modern elements to add light with her acrylic ceremony backdrop, and airiness with a soft palette of pale peach, blush, and white.

Guests spent the evening celebrating with heartfelt toasts, dinner, and dancing. It was an amazing weekend, one I will not soon forget – and made even more special as I watched my cousin marry the man of her dreams and welcomed a new family member!

This Pink Garden Wedding at Snoqualmie Falls Will Have You Craving All Things Summer

We know, we know it’s only January… but it’s about this time of year that we can’t help but dream of warmer days ahead. Luckily, we have today’s gorgeous summer wedding at Snoqualmie Fall to live vicariously through! It’s filled with bright pops of pink, garden roses galore and the sweetest bride and groom of all time. Valley & Company Events made their dream intimate outdoor wedding day a reality, leaving no detail left unturned. Don’t miss out on the full gallery of images – all captured by O’Malley Photographers!

From Valley & Company Events…Chao-Ching and John, a busy attorney and doctor, envisioned a romantic and intimate outdoor wedding to kick off their nuptials and summer, and were so delighted when we suggested Salish Lodge & Spa nestled atop Snoqualmie Falls.

The wedding was filled with summery elements like lupine, berry and cherry cocktails, garden roses, and touches of honey (nodding to the apiary on the property). Guests were whisked across the property through the different scenes: from the outdoor ceremony on the lawn with the roaring falls in the background to the terrace cocktails and dancing, each moment reflected their love and also the amazing backdrop.

Blush early summer blooms like pink and cream garden roses and peonies, blueberry branches, flowering oregano, colorful lupine, and rosemary painted the decadent garden scene, and guests were treated to artful cocktails that played off of the flower theme. Our ceremony altar was a triple garden arch that our team created out of countless roses and Southern greenery, and it was accented with big garden boxes filled with alpine lupine in poppy colors.

The petite sculpted cake from the Salish Lodge pastry team was filled with lemon cream and was nestled in green foliage in front of a floral-print backdrop we created from Grey & Cake’s motif. We used that botanical artwork throughout, on the handmade menus from Kelsey to the custom bar front panels, cheerful flowers were ever-present through this happy and bright celebration!

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Valley & Co.

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O'Malley Photographers

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For These Seattle Natives, Home Is Where The I Do’s Are!

These Seattle natives wanted to show off everything there is about their hometown to all of their friends and family, so tying the knot at The Seattle Tennis Club was an easy yes when it came to venue choice! With beautiful water and mountain views, the couple had a dreamy first look photographed by Blue Rose Photography and a classic yet fun party afterward with blooming centerpieces by Flora Nova Designs and even a champagne tower! Take a look below to see all that Occasions Wedding and Event Planning got to put together for a romantic, sunny Seattle day!

An Interview with the Bride…

When and where did you meet?

Charlie and I met in high school, and both grew up in Seattle. One of the things that we prioritized from the outset of our planning was having the wedding in the city – we wanted to show our friends and family from out of town (most of Charlie’s family is in the midwest and most of mine is in California) the city that we grew up in and all the places that are meaningful to us and our relationship.

You both went to UW correct?

Charlie is a UW graduate! I went to UCLA for undergrad, and am currently in law school at UW (so we both became Huskies eventually!).

Where did you get your dress and bridesmaids dresses from?

My dress was by Anny Lin (it was originally a one-shoulder gown that I had customized to be strapless). The bridesmaid dresses were by Jenny Yoo – I went to visit my bridesmaids in Los Angeles to go shopping for bridesmaid dresses, and they completely fell in love with the embroidery on these dresses.

Inspiration for the style and feel for your wedding?

Family is incredibly important to both of us, so it was a big priority to involve our family members – we had a total of 7 flower girls and ring bearers because all our little cousins wanted to be involved (which was pretty overwhelming at the rehearsal, but went perfectly during the actual ceremony). We also wanted to make sure to showcase the location – we had our welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Pioneer Square, a historic neighborhood in Seattle, but then our ceremony took place on the shore of Lake Washington with Mount Rainier in the background, highlighting the natural beauty of the city! We also wanted the party to feel fun and authentic to us – we had oysters and Aperol Spritzes as a specialty drink during cocktail hour (two of our favorite treats) and my siblings pulled out “money guns” which shot out fake dollar bills on the dance floor to get the party started.

What advice do you have for other brides planning their weddings?

The thing that most helped me in planning my wedding was having a solid team helping me, and clear roles for each person. It can get overwhelming when there are so many details to work out, vendors to call, decisions to make, etc., so Charle, our moms, our wonderful wedding planner and I would work to divvy up the project (and I made sure to take on the things that were most important to me!). This made the planning process a lot more manageable and fun, and brought our families even closer ahead of the wedding – by the time the big day came around, it really felt like a joint effort that we were all personally proud of.

I would also recommend creative thinking in terms of making your dreams a reality – with the internet, it’s easier than ever to take inspiration from wedding magazines or Pinterest and figure out how to make it happen. For instance, I really wanted a vintage convertible as our “getaway car” and was able to find someone in our area on Vinty.com with a red, vintage VW Beetle convertible who was willing to chauffeur us away, which was absolutely perfect. I also really wanted a custom watercolor monogram for our invitation suite, so was able to find an artist in Croatia on Etsy who had the exact style I was looking for.

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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If You Want an Intimate Ceremony but Your Guest List Is Too Big – Here’s What You Should Do.

Dreaming of tying the knot in an intimate ceremony in front of just a small group of your closest people but your guest list just won’t allow it – this couple just thought of a genius way to fix that! They decided to exchange vows with just a few friends and family in their parent’s backyard, then celebrated their newlywed status at a huge reception under a gorgeous tent… yup, genius. They truly got the best of both worlds! Simply By Tamara Nicole made their timeless wedding dreams a reality while Blue Rose Photography captured every moment they would never want to forget. See it all at the full gallery!

From the Bride… Ash and I met 5 years ago in Seattle, where he was living and I grew up. I was finishing law school when Ash proposed at my parent’s beach house, so we decided we would until the end of the following summer to be married. Because we had about a year and a half to plan our wedding, I felt like we were able to take our time and pick the best vendors to work with. Choosing Tamara of Simply Tamara Nicole as our wedding planner was definitely the easiest and best decision of our entire planning process! She knew so many amazing vendors for us to work with, was so easy to communicate with, and totally understood the style we were going for. Ash and I really wanted the entire wedding to feel timeless and classic – I wanted to be able to look back at our photos in 10, 20, and 50 years without feeling like our wedding had been too ’trendy’ at any one point in time. Tamara helped us nail down the style that we wanted and even did all our florals for us including ceremony and reception decor, as well as the bouquets and boutonnieres. We chose neutral colors – greens and whites for the florals with pops of blue everywhere. Tamara did such an incredible job of helping all our visions come to life!

The morning of our wedding, I got ready with my bridesmaids, my mom, and my mother-in-law. While we were getting ready, Ash had little surprise gifts that he had instructed my bridesmaids to give me throughout the morning. He gave me a pair of slippers that said Bride on them, a book filled with photos of our dog Nala, a pair of white sandals to change into if my feet started hurting that night, and we each wrote each other a letter that we read before the ceremony. He also gave me a pair of white Ray-Bans with Jen Higgins and 8.24.19 written on them – he gave a matching pair of black Ray Bans to each of his groomsmen with their names on them.

Ash and I had our wedding ceremony in the side yard of my parent’s house where I grew up. We decided to do a smaller more intimate ceremony and a larger reception. We had a close family friend and artist John Grade create our wedding altar that now lives permanently in my parent’s yard. The wood from our altar, old-growth Alaskan Yellow Cedar, was the same wood used in another art piece by John Grade that is installed in Ash’s home town of Sun Valley, Idaho. Ash and I chose not to do a first look, so the first time we saw each other that day was when I walked down the aisle. Because we decided to do a smaller more intimate ceremony, neither of us was very nervous and we felt completely at ease standing in my parent’s yard saying the traditional vows we had chosen. We also loved that we were able to have our dog, Nala, there with us during the ceremony.

Ash and I both grew up boating and it is one of our favorite activities to do together in Seattle so we decided to arrive with our wedding party to our reception, which was on Lake Washington, on an old wooden boat, Gallant Lady. It was so much fun to be with our closest friends and have a moment to enjoy each other’s company between the ceremony and reception.

Our reception was at the Seattle Tennis Club, which is on Lake Washington and near my parent’s house. I have spent many summer days at that club so it was a very special place to have our reception. We had dinner on the tented lawn by the water, followed by dessert and dancing inside the ballroom. For dinner we served classic Pacific Northwest food – salmon, steak, or veggies with pesto. We also served special wine with dinner that my dad had been saving for over 20 years for this occasion. After dinner and speeches we moved inside. Our band, Michael Benson Band, kept the dance floor packed all night. We also had a photo booth by Hello There You that was very popular. We served late night food and had an espresso cart by Espresso Elegance to keep everyone energized throughout the night. At the end of the night Ash and I did a special sparkler send-off into a vintage Rolls Royce.

Our vendors were all amazing and I’m so glad that we booked them as early as we did! Libby Tipton, our calligrapher, was able to customize and make everything for us including our invitations, ceremony programs, signage, napkins, escort board, and place settings with Fran’s chocolate! We worked with Carla at Honey Crumb to design our delicious and beautiful cake that matched our theme perfectly. Our wedding rings and my engagement ring were custom made for us by Madison Park Jewelers. Bridal Beauty Agency did an amazing job with all the bridesmaids and my hair and makeup that lasted perfectly through the whole night.

My wedding dress was Tara LaTour and I found it at A & Be Bridal Shop in Seattle. I loved how simple and timeless my dress felt on its own because it allowed me to play around with different accessories throughout the day and night. I wore a tulle veil with horsehair trim by Sara Gabriel for the ceremony. After the ceremony I changed into a fun short cape by Made with Love that I wore when we arrived at our reception. Because we did a smaller ceremony I wanted to wear something reminiscent of a veil to the larger reception. The cape also felt like my chance to wear something a little more modern and different. For dancing a put on a thin silver and white belt by Sara Gabriel. Finally, when we did our sparkler send-off I wore an antique fur scarf that belonged to my Great-Grandmother. My jewelry was also all connected to my family – I borrowed my mother’s earrings, wore a necklace given to me by my grandmother, and a diamond tennis bracelet given to me by my dad.

I could not recommend Brittany and Joe of Blue Rose Photography enough. We did engagement and other photo shoots with them before the wedding so we felt very comfortable around them! From the first time we me they were always so easy to work with and so talented. They captured our perfect wedding day for us so well and I can’t wait to look back on all the photos for years to come.

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The Floral Adorned Garden Wedding of Our Dreams!

Garden wedding lovers – this one’s for you! Blush and mauve hues decorated their day from the bridesmaids dresses to the floral ceremony arch created by Gather Design Company. The bride stunned in a V-neck Jusere gown and a delicate princess tiara (total royal wedding vibes). Later, FNMS Inc. Planning and Design brought the garden inside at their reception complete with a living staircase and lush pink blooms. See all the magic unfold at the full gallery – taken by The Ganeys!

From The Ganeys… Daisy and Jixiong had a beautiful Thornewood Castle wedding! The weather could not have been more beautiful and this couple couldn’t have been sweeter. Daisy and Jixiong opted for an intimate wedding with only 60 guests, allowing them to spend time with everyone that made the trip to celebrate with them! Daisy has impeccable taste – I could have photographed her all day!

Her bridal shoes were absolutely stunning with the lace detailing and the jeweled accent. Her hair was pulled up neatly in a high bun, and around it, she wore a crown. She wore a ballgown that flattered her figure with ascending floral accents on the bodice. Her bridesmaids wore mauve gowns and carried garden bouquets filled with roses, dahlias and sweet peas.

Jixiong and Daisy decided to do a first look up on the balcony of Thornewood Castle. They were so excited to see each other for the first time – all of the nerves melted away with that first embrace! The wedding ceremony was held in the garden. A harpist played classical love songs as guests found their seats – the aisles flanked by floral arrangements.

The lush floral arch from Gather Design Company was the most romantic centerpiece to the ceremony. Daisy and Jixiong shared personal vows during the ceremony, and friends and family cheered as they were announced as husband and wife! The reception was held indoors in the main dining room. Each table was set with organic florals and each guest sat with a gold rimmed charger, gold flatware and a menu card. Daisy and Jixong’s family shared toasts and the couple made their way to every table to greet their guests. At the end of the evening, we walked down to the dock for some sunset portraits. As the sun set behind the mountains, Daisy and Jixiong had the opportunity to soak it in – this was their wedding day. Shortly after, they exited through a row of sparklers!

Jackie O Would 100% Approve of This Chic & Timeless Ballroom Wedding

This stunning former NFL cheerleader and her handsome hub tied the knot in true Jackie O style at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in front of their closest family and friends. The bride was the epitome of elegance in her classic strapless gown while rocking a pair of matching opera-length gloves (#goals)! Callista & Company planned the entire day to perfection while O’Malley Photographers captured every chic detail. Head on over to the full gallery to see all the modern blooms from Sinclair & Moore and so much more… the arbor is truly EVERYTHING.

From the planner, Callista & Company, and the Bride, Brittany… As a newly engaged couple going into wedding planning, we already had a vision of our perfect wedding, which included a traditional base with modern twists sprinkled in. Luckily, Reid and I had the industry’s best of the best help bring our wedding dreams to fruition.

Our wedding was traditional with a Kennedy-esque flare to the evening – I wore a clean high bun, a full gown with delicate buttons down the back, accompanied with silk opera length gloves. Reid wore a classic black tuxedo with a white button-down shirt and black bow tie.

Our modern twists included all white bridesmaid’s gowns, an energetic little Flower Boy and all white floral arrangements. The all white ensemble was complemented with shades of grey and black accents and different textures to truly bring the room to life.

Being a former Seattle Seahawk’s Cheerleader (Go Hawks!), it’s tradition to perform a dance called ‘Turbulence’ at all former / current cheerleaders’ weddings. What made this tradition even more exciting was having Reid, an honorary Squad 5 member, show off his dance moves in front of friends and family and join in as the shared point of the triangle!

Guests roared and applauded and could not believe Reid was up dancing with former NFL cheerleaders – he fit right in! Another special moment happened just minutes before walking down the aisle. My bridesmaids and I had a “My Best Friend’s Wedding” moment and played the song “Wishin’ and Hopin’ as we danced around with the Flower Boy, sipped champagne and giggled as we prepared to walk down the aisle. It was the most perfect, unplanned moment of the entire day!

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A Naval Submarine Officer and a Kindergarten Teacher Elope on the Rooftop at Seattle City Hall!

In just a few short weeks, the lovely team at Callista and Co. and this adorable couple planned the most romantic and unique courthouse elopement we have ever seen. The bride couldn’t have looked more beautiful in her sleek, modern BLHDN gown. Gather Design Company created clean arrangements that perfectly matched the blush and cream color scheme of the day. Just WAIT until you see the sun-soaked photos captured by Anna Peters of their ceremony on the rooftop (yup, the rooftop!!) of Seattle City Hall…. everything about this day is intimate, romantic and everything a wedding should be about. Prepare to fall in love at the full gallery.

From the bride… With an upcoming move to Hawaii, it was very important to us, to bring a strong sense of place to our marriage celebration, since we met and fell in love in the Pacific Northwest. We knew from the start that we wanted an intimate, family only wedding, which allowed us to select meaningful and personal venues for the day.

Geoff is a naval submarine officer, and I am a kindergarten teacher. We began dating when we lived a ferry ride apart from each other. Despite the distance and countless ferry rides, we fell in love. When it came to planning our wedding, we both knew that we wanted to incorporate both the Seattle side, the peninsula side, and the ferry into our day. We got ready separately at The Pleasant Beach Inn on Bainbridge Island, and took an afternoon ferry for our first look in a hidden, peaceful corner of downtown Seattle.

From there, we met our families at the Seattle Courthouse where we said our vows on the sunny rooftop overlooking Seattle, with the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the background. We hosted a cocktail hour at Drygoods Design before enjoying a sunset ferry back to Bainbridge Island for our reception dinner.

We wanted to combine classic elegance with simplicity and restraint, to create a timeless ambiance. Coming from South Carolina, Geoff wanted to wear a tuxedo to capture the formality of the occasion. With my west coast roots, I was drawn towards soft and simple design elements. Using our backgrounds as inspiration, Gather Design Company and Callista & Company conceptualized a formal yet contemporary design, featuring blush and cream spring flowers, textured linens from, decorative chargers and flatware from, clean stemware, and modern paper goods with organic touches.

When I was thinking about my dress, I wanted something that felt both simple and elegant. I fell in love with a sleek, graceful gown from BHLDN and black Bella Belle heels that complemented the formality of Geoff’s tuxedo. I had planned to wear a simple set of pearl earrings, but Geoff gifted me a beautiful pair of modern pearl Celine earrings on our wedding day, so of course I wore those!

Japan, Greece, and France Wedding Inspiration at the Sinclair & Moore Event Design Workshop

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a crush on Sinclair & Moore—Steve and Jamie (and their entire team) are not only incredibly talented at what they do, their passion for crafting truly meaningful events is contagious. As a business owner myself, they’ve been a huge inspiration to me. Atop that, they host THE most gorgeous workshops in all the wedding land and today we get to see the results from their most recent gathering of creative entrepreneurs. Here, they’ve created three dreamy looks inspired by Japan, Greece and France. Plus, a real behind the scenes look at the workshop itself, all thanks to Kerry Jeanne Photography for capturing it.

Japan-inspired shoot… Event design is all about finding some form of inspiration, adding your own twist and then creating something fresh, unique and distinctive. The clean lines, simple movement, modern edges, distinctive textures, gentle blossoms and soft femininity of this shoot were loosely inspired by the aesthetic of Japanese culture.

A group of attendees from our annual Event Design Workshop ran with the vision we set and then worked together to bring our design board to life as they arranged the flowers and then completely installed all of the details. I couldn’t be happier with how this came together. From the custom gown that my friend Nina created for this shoot, to the Midori Bakery cake with incredibly life-like sugar blossoms, to the inspired stationery of Libby Tipton, everything came together beautifully and Kerry Jeanne Photography captured the magic that was created perfectly. Special thanks to Cozbi, the Associate Creative Director for Sinclair and Moore, for this really special collaboration!

France-inspired shoot… For as long as I can remember, I have always been a bit obsessed with France. The language, the culture, the people, the style the ambiance… it is all so inspiring to me. My first trip to France was on my honeymoon. We started in the south of France and made our way to Provence and then to Paris. Paris… I’ll never forget stepping outside of the train station and seeing the city for the first time in all its glory. It was ornate and refined yet effortlessly chic. It was beautiful but still felt approachable to me. The city felt historical while simultaneously feeling fresh and updated.

Grecian-inspired shoot… What comes to mind when you think of Grecian style? For me, it is the worn edges of ancient ruins mixed with light and ethereal touches. I think of marble, ornate columns, effortlessly draped fabric, Roman numerals, laurel wreath crowns and a color palette of the most beautiful neutral shades accented with metallic gold.

Behind the Scenes: Sinclair & Moore Workshop

From Sinclair & Moore… When I first started our business sixteen years ago, I had a self-made logo that read “Steven Moore… wedding designer.” I didn’t know what I was doing, but I knew I wanted to design beautiful weddings for people. At the time, I thought that just entailed making a pretty flower centerpiece and sticking it in the middle of the table. While that is certainly part of it, I quickly realized that there are so many more layers that go into designing a wedding.

I used to sit in the bookstore for hours looking through every wedding book and magazine I could get my eyes on. I was fascinated by the beauty that I saw. Everything was so detailed and intentionally selected for each incredible wedding that was featured. I wanted to create the same type of wedding… but I didn’t know where to begin or how to get started. All I knew was that I loved creating beautiful things, and I was willing to put in the time and hard work to figure it out.

Through a lot of trial and error, I slowly earned my self proclaimed title of ‘event designer’ by discovering the heart of what that term really means. I learned that event design is all about taking an event that could be ordinary and making it extraordinary. I figured out that the best way to do this is by getting to know the people I was creating for… hearing their story and listening for clues that would help me create something magical for them. I began helping people define their style by exploring shape, texture, colors, patterns, papers, and fonts. I started to think beyond flowers and centerpieces and look at the wedding holistically, making sure every visual component was thoughtfully curated so the fine details were cohesive and a true reflection of our client. That is what event design is all about.

It is now sixteen years later, and I have seen countless trends come and go over the years, and the evolution of weddings has changed significantly. What has not changed is the heart, meaning and purpose behind what event design is all about. This is what we teach in our event design workshop.

In addition to learning how to create our signature lush floral arrangements, our event design workshop explores our 15-step process that we go through with each wedding. The students then divide into three groups and work together within that group to create a detailed photo shoot that puts the principles of event design into practice. This hands-on approach to learning allows the attendees to better absorb the concepts I teach, as they get to see three distinctive shoots come together.

This past spring we welcomed fifteen workshop attendees into our studio for our annual Event Design Workshop. Three different countries inspired the three distinctive photo shoots they teamed up to create: Japan, Greece, and France. This week on our blog we will be showcasing the student’s work and how everything came together. Many of the attendees had no prior experience and had never arranged flowers before! You’ll never guess when you see the finished designs.

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Classic Blue & White Wedding at The Woodmark Hotel

Sarah & Pat’s love story goes way back to when they were just wee babes! From baptismal school to grade school, high school and college, they are “school sweethearts” in every sense of the phrase—making their wedding day a long time coming. They recruited the team at Valley & Company Events to bring their classic vision to life, complete with something (french) blue woven in. Lora Grady captured it all, right this way.

From Valley & Company Events… Sarah and Pat first met as infants in baptismal school and then went on to attend grade school together, high school, and college, so their wedding day was full of family and thoughtful touches years in the making. Bride Sarah envisioned a perfectly classic wedding day steeped in tradition with a church ceremony, cathedral veil, and romantic details through greenery and white flowers that spoke to her timeless style, peppered with bits of fun. Their guests exited the gorgeous church ceremony with bags of petals and gave them the most lively farewell we’ve ever seen – 200+ guests lined the stairs for the picture-perfect moment that’s one for the books. Despite it being a drizzly September evening on the water, you wouldn’t have guessed it as our reception tent was decked out in all-white flowers, French blue linens, white chivari chairs, and gauzy draping that made the tent feel so intimate, despite the larger guest count. The icing on the wedding day was probably the delivery of Dick’s Drive-In cheeseburgers and fries, a Seattle staple! Nothing like seeing guests dancing in tuxes noshing on their favorite guilty pleasure!

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Glamorous Black + White Downtown Seattle Wedding at The Rainer Club

Winter weddings are officially upon us and that means we’re turning up the charm. Today, it comes in the form of a glowing candlelit reception, a palette dressed in black and white (and a little gold for good measure), hydrangeas so fluffy they look like cotton candy, the coziest throws to stay warm during the I dos and so much more. It’s those tiny details that Valley & Co. dreamt up for this Bride & Groom, that made a big impact on their classically glam day. And thanks to O’Malley Photographers, we get to experience every bit as if we were there.

From Valley & Co.… Nestled in between new skyscrapers in downtown Seattle is the most quintessential of Seattle properties: The Rainier Club. We started working with Nina and Matt about 18 months before their wedding and knew after visiting their home (also in a century-old brick Queen Anne building) that they wanted to give their guests an unexpected experience with decadent, yet classic and understated tones. Nina, so sophisticated and lovely, knew that a dance party was next on her list in terms of importance, right under the ambiance and great food, so The Rainier Club was the perfect setting.

They gave us carte blanche to truly surprise them with every turn – we knew they both really adore winter and that Nina is enamored with white hydreangeas, so creating a breathtaking ceremony that carried those favorites through was really important to us. Nina and Matt envisioned a black tie wedding but also wanted a high level of comfort and fun, down to the late night delivery of Dick’s Drive-In cheeseburgers (a Seattle staple!). Nina works in non-profit now, but had her heels in the wedding industry for years, working at Seattle Metropolitan Bride and Groom Magazine. Matt is an attorney, and they wanted everything to feel balanced and fresh – while peppering in those unexpected details and fun.

We welcomed guests with champagne and whisked them up the old gold elevators where the ladies each chose a cozy shawl, perfect for the blustery February afternoon. After each scene of the wedding, we transformed each room with different layouts and lighting, welcoming guests back for dinner into a cozy and enchanting wintry dining room. They were then whiskey downstairs for cake and desserts and – dancing! One of the most unexpected elements was the leaf pattern we projected onto the building over the valet entrance – we watched from above as guests departed in their taxis and Ubers and snapped photos!

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Carolina Herrera

Spring 2015

Spring 2016

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This Modern Wedding Inspiration is White Hot

Starting with a bank slate, this inspiration designed by Simply Tamara Nicole layers texture and unexpected details that give a traditional white wedding a modern spin. From a contemporary floral crown to a cloud-like installation by Wild Bloom Floral and layers upon layers of white and ivory, Rebecca Yale’s images are proof that you don’t need color to make your decor pop.

From Rebecca & Tamara Nicole…The inspiration behind the shoot was to show a modern spin on the classic idea of the white wedding. We see so much white on white in weddings, but always done in a very traditional way and we wanted to approach the idea of white with a more sculptural sensibility focusing on modern sleek lines with an architectural sense of structure and three dimensionality. Even though all the pieces were created for a photo shoot there was a very tactile sense of texture in all of the floral elements and using vellum and clear glass for the paper goods invites you into the scene to interact with the pieces as a viewer. I envision a modern, minimal, artsy and polished city couple with great design style. Perhaps they were getting married in a New York loft, or a big clean white industrial/warehouse located in the heart of a big city. A location that is clean, minimal to allow the multitude of layers and textures stand out center stage. I have been so drawn visually to clean lines, white space and simplicity, which we carried throughout the shoot

From Wild Bloom…As a floral designer white is really an amazing hue to work with because it can be used as much or as little as needed to achieve a certain aesthetic. When used with other shades white can be a palette unifier or stand alone as a graphic statement. For this design we wanted to create something striking, architectural and beautiful. To do this we focused on choosing blooms that conveyed texture without being overwhelming. For the Bridal bouquet all of the textural blooms (Parrot Tulips and Garden Roses) helped support the core shape of the bouquet rather than detract from it. Then we added White Cherry Blossoms to give it an architectural quality and extend the lines in an unusual surreal way. Installations are something that I really enjoy creating for my clients. They can be an original way to incorporate florals beyond the traditional table centerpiece or garland. For this tablescape we wanted to create a real WOW moment that any couple would be thrilled to share with their guests. The main flower in this hanging chandelier is Lunaria. Lunaria is a beautifully iridescent flower with thin petals that almost resemble paper. When used in abundance the Lunaria takes on an otherworldly quality that is really ethereal. We then added Cherry Blossoms Branches to break up the design giving it an architectural & graphic quality. With a large installation is it always important to find balance. So for the table we simplified. We focused on creating levels and a sense of space with the florals and candles. On the table the main flowers we used were Ranunculus, I love the lines of the Ranunculus stem paired with the extra ruffled petals on the head of the bloom. It is the perfect balance of architectural and soft.

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How to Have the Best Morning on Your Wedding Day

You’ve been planning your wedding for months, and now the big day is almost here! You deserve to be able to be present in each moment and for your special day to run smoothly from start to finish. However, getting ready is one of those things that often gets overlooked in the planning process, but we’re here to help you change that! We sat down with Blue Rose Wedding Photography, Simply by Tamara Nicole, and Yessie Libby Makeup + Styling to get their tips and tricks on planning a smooth, enjoyable morning. From what bites and nibbles to keep on hand to how to capture the best getting-ready images, these proffessionals have all the advice you need. Read on, because you are just a short ways away from sitting back and relaxing with a mimosa in your hand and your besties by your side!

Just when you think you’re ready for your wedding day, after all the planning with the help of your soon-to-be mother-in-law, your friends, and your planner, you find yourself confirming with all your vendors the morning of because you fear deep down that you will forget something! Something small – not the ring – but something that you never thought you would. Or you find yourself rushing around, trying to fit everything in to not enough time. Our first piece of advice is simple, and you’ve probably heard it from everyone, including your bank teller: MAKE LISTS! Creating lists in advance for what you need to bring, who is responsible for what, and where to be when will help your day go smoothly from the very beginning! A few minutes thinking through all of this ahead of the wedding weekend will make all the difference, so here are each of our quick and easy tips to ensure a smooth, enjoyable morning that will set the tone for the BIG day:

Tips From Your Photographer

Turn off your phone, and let your planner handle the last minute details.
Have a great brunch or breakfast, and enjoy it with your bridesmaids.
Get ready in a great vacation rental or awesome place that gives you enough space (and good natural light) to spread out, get ready, and relax. Check sites like Airbnb or VRBO for unique spaces.
Plan for extra time. The last thing you need is any extra stress, so allot more than enough time in the schedule for each part of the day so that you don’t have to worry about being late for anything or rushing through any important photos.

Tips From Your Wedding Planner

Plan for food while you’re getting ready or delegate someone to provide/order/bring! These days you can even Amazon or Uber Eats this. You want to avoid getting hangry – or anyone in the wedding party passing out! Make it something fun, easy to eat, and not too messy (ie. food that can stain or get seeds stuck in your teeth, etc). Small bites are cute for photos, too!
Plan for fun details. Get glasses with the names of your wedding party (and anyone else who will be there) written in calligraphy. Purchase cute straws to drink from. Bring a champagne bottle to pop open for a photo. There are so many fun options for detail photos while you’re getting ready.
Assign someone the task of coffee run or plan ahead to have coffee delivered or available on site. Coffee is always a good idea!
I always recommend waiting to open gifts for the ‘maids these until the photographer is present to capture it!
Specify in advance what everyone should wear while getting ready so that it is cohesive in photos. You can dual purpose this as a gift! Ideas include robes, rompers, pajama sets, etc.
Why not have your favorite dessert just for getting ready? Mini cakes for the win! Who doesn’t love some sweet treats?
If you don’t have a planner to do this for you, make sure to coordinate the timeline for your wedding day with your hair and makeup artists, photographer, etc. in advance for the getting ready portion. Don’t forge time for the fun photos! Keeping in mind what each vendor recommends and building in extra time just in case will allow a smooth, stress free morning.
You hired your dream team for your wedding, so let go of ALL of the details and just sit back, turn your phone off, and enjoy your morning. Be present in the moment and trust your amazing hired vendors to rock your big day!

Tips From Your Makeup Artist

Make sure you talk to your artist about the look for your bridal party in advance. Trust me, your team will thank you for this! The hair and makeup artists can then plan to have the right supplies on hand and can give you any instructions in advance, and you will be so glad to not have to make any sudden changes on your wedding day.
When planning your timeline, take into consideration those who can’t wake up early, those with babies, and those who might or might not get on your nerves!
Everyone will tell you, “You need to eat something!” and yeah, it’s so true, but remember that you can reward yourself with a delicious mimosa right after eating…or two!
Make sure you can count on at least two if not all of your bridesmaids to keep the room clean and tell everyone where things need to be placed. I have seen too many times where the ring or undies have gone missing.
After all those stressful yet fun months of planning, it’s time to sit and savor every moment. Be present! You don’t want to look back in the future thinking of the horrible morning you had because of a small mishap. It’s your wedding day, so enjoy it!
Okay, okay, fine. One more tip. Pamper yourself! Put on a mask the night before, drink a glass of cucumber water first thing that morning, and don’t forget to moisturize those hands!