Waterfront Wedding | Lacey + Colton | Tacoma, WA.

Photographer: Momentsverse Photography  | Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs | Venue: West of the Waterway | Caterer: Galluccis | DJ: Tony Schwartz | Florist: Dreyer House Florals | Cake: Celebrity Cake Studio | Transportation: British Motor Coach

We started our 2023 Wedding Season off in February, with a beautiful celebration joining a family of three together as one. Tiphany was thrilled to work on this wedding with them and immediately connected with their family from the first meeting. It was always a family affair with this couple, and she loved the meetings where they all joined in and gave their input.

Lacey and Colton have a 5 year old son, Peter, who was truly a joy to be around from day one. He was just over the moon for his parents, and couldn’t wait to be involved in the festivities. Some may feel differently about this, but Tiphany personally loves a wedding in which kids attend and are a part of it. It can really kick the celebration up a notch!

Lacey and Colton chose a perfect waterfront venue as their backdrop for the day, and we loved getting to work there and create for the first time! West of the Waterway in Tacoma will be up there as one of our favorite venues from here on out. The space is perfect for an intimate event, and with Gallucci’s Catering at the helm, we knew it would be a night to remember. Lacey and Colton and their family chose the perfect classic, but understated décor to let their florals shine. The florals of this day were a showstopper and had to have their moment with a walkway of greenery and babies’ breath down the aisle to the handmade (for this day!) arch by Dreyer House Floral. We love an arch that can go from ceremony to reception, and that’s just what this one did, without even having to move it! We set the head table directly under the arch, and built the tables and dance floor around it to create a spotlight on the couple and their wedding party.

 Lacey and Colton chose to have a fun interactive evening, joining their guests in their whole celebration from the wedding games, hosted by DJ Tony Schwartz, to a family toast that is done at every wedding of the groom’s family. The evening really picked up as the dance floor opened up with Peter leading the way. The little guy stole the dance floor, showing off all his signature moves! The night concluded with a Light Wand Exit outside in front of the waterfront with Lacey and Colton stepping into a vintage car from British Motor Coach to make their getaway.

 We love getting to see families come together, and this wedding was no exception. Congratulations Lacey, Colton, and Peter!

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 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.

Backyard Wedding | Brianna + Colin | University Place, WA.

Photographer: Breanna + Kevin | Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs | Florist: Oak and Fig Floral | Catering: Act 3 Catering | Cake: Celebrity Cake Studio | Rentals: Cort Party Rental

I think the award for my most resilient couple of 2020/2021 would be Brianna + Colin.

Not only did they have to change their wedding not once, but twice they were also dealt several curveballs along the way. From finding out their original date of April 25, 2020 that we had been planning for over a year would not happen, the two decided to elope at one of their favorite places, Lake Chelan on their original date. They then decided to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary on April 24, 2021 with their family and friends. We switched locations due to the wedding size mandate only to have to switch to the couple’s home with only weeks to go because the venue notifed us they could not accommodate a wedding.

But this couple never once let all these obstacles deter them from finally having their dream wedding. The couple beautifully landscaped their backyard to accommodate their 30-person vow renewal ceremony.

And as you know, weather in the PNW can be unpredictable, so last minute we decided to bring in a tent and that was the best decision that was made since Mother Nature decided she wanted to take part of this celebration, but then by the time it was time to eat, she allowed the sun to come out.

Due to the guest limit at the time, the couple decided to have a drive-by wedding celebration for about 20 guests. It was so great to see just how loved this couple was, including several people flying across the county to celebrate.

Following the parade, the couple renewed their vows before eating a beautiful meal catered by Act 3 catering.

The best surprise that not many guests knew about at the time of the vow renewal was that the bride and groom were keeping a little secret. They were hiding a top secret wedding guest who will be making an appearance in a few months. We are so excited for their family to expand! Congrats!

Lori
Tacoma Wedding Planner

Keeping the Peace Amongst your Vendor Army

You’ve chosen your vendors and the day of your wedding is fast approaching; there are a lot of little kinks to be worked out and you want to keep the peace with your vendor team while also voicing your opinion. This can be tricky but we’re here to help! Don’t sacrifice your vision because you’re afraid to speak up. Your vendors are there to support you and make your dreams come to life. They are willing to stick with you through the thick and thin of the planning process. If this isn’t their philosophy, they shouldn’t be your vendor (of course, your demands should stay within reason—if your florist is unable to persuade live butterflies to sit delicately on your bouquet while you walk down the aisle, you need to rethink a few things)! In the following scenarios, please act accordingly.

Undesirable centerpiece floral arrangements. You want your centerpieces to be on point, but you also want your florist to want to help make this happen. You need to harvest good relationships with your vendors, so instead of panicking and getting angry, mention that you want to try something different. Ask to see the new arrangement and say “oh, I almost like that better, what do you think?” Ask for their opinion and work with them.

Food discrepancies. If you go to a tasting and the food is not up-to-par, don’t criticize outright. Help your caterer help you! They want to make your day special with the right food. Let them know that you enjoy their food and gently nudge them in the right direction. For example; “this filet mignon is great, but I’m concerned some of our guests will want something a little more well-done. What do you think? Can we try that?”

Makeup preferences. There’s nothing worse than being self-conscious at a gathering because you don’t feel confident in your outfit, hair or makeup choices. When you go for a trial run of your hair and makeup (which we highly recommend you do), always start the conversation with, “yes, I really like the direction you’re going! Can we do (insert preference here) instead? I want (insert the look you’re going for here). I’m really loving the (insert what you like most here).” Keep the peace and let them work their magic honing in on your preferences.

Ceremony/reception changes. As with all your other vendors, if you’ve hired a wedding planner, communication is key to success. As a wedding planner, we want you to have the most beautiful, wonderful and flawless event that we can make happen. Therefore, we need to know what you like and what you don’t like. All of our ladies at Elegant Affairs know that when you voice your opinion, it’s our responsibility to listen and offer guidance, structure and deliver a flawless execution. Be straightforward with your planner; explain your vision in detail and quickly let her know what you do and don’t like. We will be there to correct and fulfill your needs!

Don’t sit quietly if you have differing opinions with a vendor. This is your big day, and therefore it should be tailored to your taste. There are good ways and poor ways of going about building a relationship with your vendor team. Remember to stay positive and highlight everything you like before letting them know what you want to change; work with them, not against them, and let it flow. Now, at ease soldiers, and keep those relationships healthy!