Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs | Photographer: Kat Skye Photo | Venue: Mountain View Manor | Flowers: Flora D’Amore | Beauty: Salon Maison | Rentals: The Meaningful Details | Chalk Art: Something to Chalk About

What would you do when you have to change your wedding date twice only to find out your wedding venue isn’t doing weddings?

For Jack + Thais, their story began the summer of 2016. They met as camp counselors at the camp they had both grown up going to. They started to get to know each other by running together during our break every day. Thais was on the cross country team at Whitworth and was doing her summer training. Jack was the only person at camp that was up for running with her for so long! During those two months of summer, they spent time getting to know each other and became quite close. They went on our first official date, a few weeks before camp ended at a nearby pizza place in Sultan. A few days later, they started dating. Over the next two years, their relationship consisted mostly of video calls, texts, and occasional short trips to see each other. Even though long-distance was the hardest thing we had to do, it taught them how to communicate better, and to love and appreciate one another.

And it was because of their communication and love they were up for any obstacle thrown their way. Originally planning to wed at the end of June, then along came COVID who had its own agenda. So then the wedding postponed until August only to be told weeks before their wedding that their venue canceled on them only a few weeks before. Then the race was on to find a new venue.

I was blown away by the calm and grace these two had when faced with the obstacles they were. With Thais, a kindergarten teacher and Jack newly commissioned in the US Army, I knew I had to make do anything and everything in my power to make their dream wedding happen.

Based on their previous location, the couple wanted to keep their wedding south of Seattle. After a dozen or so phone calls and emails, I knew I found the perfect venue in Mountain View Manor. When we arrived for their tour, I saw the look on the couple’s face and right away I knew we had a winner. It was a sense of relief for the couple that they indeed found the wedding venue of their dreams. In reality, the couple had said if they had known about this venue before booking their original one this would have been their choice.

I really need to thank MVM Owner Sheri Armstrong for going above and beyond for this couple in light of the restrictions to make this wedding happen.

Wedding Day couldn’t have been more perfect for this special pair. Surrounded by 24 of their closest friends and family, the ceremony was officiated by a long-time family friend of the groom who also married Jack’s parents. Talk about a memorable thing.

What we loved was Thais really thought about all the details even when it came to masks for the bridal party.

Outfitted in his dress uniform, Jack was joined by his father and grandfather. It was such a magical thing to see three generations of service members.

One of the several memories I will take away from this beautiful August day was when Jack’s father arrived only to have his shoes disintegrate in the heat. It was a great story that will be told for years and generations to come.

Thais + Jack, thank you for having me part of your wedding journey. I truly loved getting to know you over the past year. I wish you two the best of luck and all the love in the world.

From the Bride: “Amazing and incredibly helpful wedding planner!! Lori was on top of everything and handled our Covid wedding plans with so much positivity and grace! We initially hired Elegant Affairs as part of our venue's requirements and we are SO glad we did! Looking back, there is no way I could have done it without her. Lori was responsive, flexible, and proactive throughout everything! When our first venue dropped after Covid changed things, Lori was immediately on the lookout for our next venue. A few days later, we found the venue of our dreams that we couldn't have found without her. During the whole process, she checked in frequently and communicated with us clearly and efficiently. Looking back, if I had to do it again, I would hire Lori to do my whole wedding! So if you're a bride unsure of whether you need a wedding planner, seriously hire Lori. You will not regret it! She is phenomenal. We are so thankful for her support during our wedding and we love her so much!”