Small Intimate Waterfall Reception | Jeff + Eriko | Salish Lodge

Photographer: Mike Tabolsky Photography | Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs | Venue: Salish Lodge | Beauty: KLS Makeup Artistry | Florist: Flora D’Amore

There is no reason why you can’t still have the wedding reception you’ve always wanted when you decide to elope with the love of your life. And that’s exactly what Jeff + Eriko did overlooking the incredible Snoqualmie Falls at Salish Lodge.

Already married in an intimate ceremony, these two wanted to celebrate with their friends and family, especially with Eriko’s family who are in Japan. So the pair decided on a wedding celebration for May 2021. Jeff first reached out and booked us back in January 2020. Then covid hit and plans quickly changed and the two decided to postpone to September 2021 hoping that family felt comfortable traveling.

Once they realized family wouldn't be able to attend, they decided to shift gears again and have an elevated dinner reception for 14 people including Jeff’s siblings and their kids, and their closest friends. They opted for a Thursday wedding which was so much fun. The couple moved to the most incredible room overlooking Snoqualmie Falls and it was such a perfect setting for their dinner.

Guests were treated to an incredible four-course dinner and dessert before we moved to the reception phase. After a fun round of rapid-fire Shoe game questions, guests completed a wedding mad lib puzzle then shared it with the entire group.

Then it was toast time. We were able to set up a live stream with Eriko’s family in Japan (luckily the time difference worked out in our favor). You could really feel the love for these two in the toasts that were given and watching the faces of their family via Zoom.

I had the best time spending time with Jeff’s nephew and nieces and found some great helpers.

My favorite part of the evening was dropping off the flowers and decor to the newlywed’s room and they were so gracious and gave me big hugs and were so thankful for my assistance in executing their reception.

From Jeff + Eriko:
”We wanted to say thank you so much for being a part of our wedding day! On our wedding day, we don’t even know how we would have been able to survive without your help. Being delayed in our timeline (e.g., coming back from the falls), setting up the Zoom call with family, setting up all the detailed décors, etc… you were just so amazing and helped us to focus on actually enjoying our wedding. We sincerely appreciate your help in creating unforgettable moments that will last a lifetime.”

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 16 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Elevated Wedding Dinner | Nicole + Jeff | Russell's

Wedding Photographer: Jerome Tso Photography | Wedding Planer: Elegant Affairs | Florist: Fena Flowers | Rentals: Cort Party Rental | Venue: Russell’s | Musicians: Acrobaleno Strings

When it comes to your wedding and all you want is to have an amazing meal surrounded by your family and friends and that’s exactly what we did for Nicole + Jeff for their August wedding celebration at Russell’s in Bothell, WA.

I remember the first time I met this incredible couple and their young daughter, Norah at our office. It was made very clear exacelty who the party was really for and it was for Norah. I remember laughing at the time, but really it was the truth. Every time I met with them, Norah talked about her party. So instead of having 2 clients, I really had 3.

One of my favorite meetings with the trio was our menu tasting. Besides the amazing food and drinks, I really loved getting to know this family and our conversation. This family is beyond special and I loved every minute got to be with them. The most fun conversation we had was all about Nicole’s wedding shoe selection. It was Jeff who wanted to make sure she had the perfect footwear with her wedding dress. I loved helping “shopping” for the shoes and in the end, he selected the perfect pair for Nicole and they were incredible.

In the midst of wedding planning, Nicole was also in the final stages of her master’s degree and with a toddler along with running a business can be stressful so we wanted to make sure they could focus on what they needed to.

Wedding day arrived and I knew to be prepared with tissues, but Jeff had that handled like always with a handkerchief. I knew from the beginning of us working together that Jeff was the crier and that was a beautiful understatement. When he had his first look with Norah, the waterworks started and continued when he saw Nicole for the first time and then during the ceremony which was officiated by a very close friend of theirs.

Now it was time to unveil their dining table. While guests were outside for cocktail hour, we transformed the room into an elevated dining experience. The beautiful vineyard tables from Cort Party Rental combined with my favorite vineyard chairs were the perfect pieces in that space. From the candles to the florals, everything was perfect for their guests.

After a great meal, Jeff + Nicole treated their guests to a dessert bar, to end all dessert bars.

We have this beautiful family the wedding celebration they wanted and seeing their faces of how happy they were was the best feeling ever.

Jeff, Nicole, and Norah, I hope you three are enjoying your life chapter in Arizona and I hope to see you three very soon.

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 16 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Destination Cultural Celebration | Kate + Neil | Alderbook Resort & Spa

Photographer: Honeysuckle Photography | Videography: Fritz Guzman | Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs | Florist: Oak and Fig Floral | DJ: Bamboo Beats | Beauty: Beth Brockerman Beauty Ink + Hair by Lesley Boynton | Rentals: Cort Party Rental | Venue: Alderbrook Resort & Spa |
Dessert: Vashon Island Baking Co. | Photobooth: Puget Sound Photobooth Co. | Henna: Neha’s Mehandi Art

What’s better than 1 day of wedding festivities? Try 3!

For Neil + Kate, they wanted to treat their family and friends to a destination wedding weekend of events for their cultural celebration that included a henna party, Summer boil, Sangeet, Indian and Western wedding ceremonies followed by an outdoor reception at Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Union, WA.

When they first booked the venue, they had planned on well over 200 guests coming from all over the world including a large position of Neil’s family who live in India. Flash forward a few months later, a global pandemic hit, and the couple made the tough decision to postpone their wedding for a year until it was safe to have the wedding they wanted.

As we moved into 2021, restrictions were still in effect, and we didn’t know until a few months before if they were able to have the wedding and reception with all of their friends and family. Sadly, due to some travel restrictions, Neil’s family in India were not able to attend, but they were all in the minds of everyone this weekend.

One of the perks of renting out the entire venue for a long weekend, guests were able to really enjoy their mini-vacation at an incredible resort. To make the most of all their time together, Neil and Kate decided to have a 3-day wedding extravaganza.

Their celebration began on Thursday when guests were invited to a henna party.

Henna plays an integral role in traditional Indian weddings. Before the wedding ceremony, the bride (and occasionally their guests and bridesmaids) often have intricate designs painted on their hands, arms, and feet. This practice originated in India and the Middle East and remains an important part of the wedding process.

Kate started her henna at 6 am and due to the intricate design on her hands and feet, the process is very time-consuming and took nearly 6 hours. Her henna turned out beautifully and even got stunning as the weekend went on

One tradition that Kate followed was having Neil’s name hidden within the complex mehndi design on her palm. It took some time, but Neil did find his name. It was so much fun seeing him search for his name

To officially welcome all of their guests to their wedding, Neil + Kate hosted a tasty summer boil. It was the perfect way to start the festivities.

On Friday, guests were treated to an incredible Indian Dinner followed by the Sangeet.

A sangeet is another prewedding event that consists of dancing, singing, and celebrating for the couple and their closest relatives and friends. This extravagant celebration often happens the night before the wedding ceremony.

Guests were dressed in traditional Indian clothing, and it was such a colorful sight. All of the sangeet performances were so much fun and I love how every group was so creative in creating the best performance.

After some concern of weather, when Wedding day arrived the weather was the perfect backdrop for the morning Indian ceremony.

After photos, lunch, and a quick outfit change, the Western Ceremony was next. Again, like with the Indian Ceremony, Neil and Kate opted to wait to see one another until the ceremony.

As we were waiting to get started, I was with Neil, and he was starting to feel all the feelings of the day. He decided to just let his emotions come through and he was such a beautiful sight. I think a combination of waiting for this moment for nearly two years and knowing he was going to marry his best friend.

Neil walked down the aisle with total confidence and then seeing his face when he first got a glimpse of his bride was a total tearjerker. These two have a love that is so powerful and was incredible to witness.

After a beautiful ceremony, officiated by the bride’s Aunt Peg, the nuptials concluded with the kiss that ended all kisses.

One special moment that still makes me tear up nearly 7 months later is when Kate had a private moment with her grandmother. Kate surprised her by showing off her bridal bouquet and the special photo charm attached. The photo was of her grandfather who passed away a few years ago. And to see the reaction Kate’s grandmother seeing her husband’s face was so beautiful. There were so many happy tears it will be a memory I will forever treasure.

The only thing that Neil + Kate really wanted to do for their wedding was to fully embrace their venue, Alderbrook and that included an oyster bar. It was a great interactive station during their cocktail hour.

As the day turned to night the real party got started with not 1 but 2 first dances embracing both of their cultures before heading inside for an all-out dance party.

 Having Neil + Kate choose us to be part of their wedding is something we will never forget. We have developed a lifelong friendship and I cannot wait to see them again and celebrate once again

Congrsts Neil + Kate, I love you two so much and I wish you two all the happiness.

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 16 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.