Real Wedding: Eric + Jasmine July 25, 2015

Never in all of our weddings have we ever experienced as much emotion as we did for Eric + Jasmine's July Wedding. This truly magical couple who had been together for a decade experienced a lot in the months leading up to their wedding and it was their love that got them through the tragedies that struck Jasmine's family. First it was the death of her uncle then the sudden death of her father, planning a wedding can be a difficult thing for anyone but from the support of her family and from Eric, wedding day came and we knew both of these important men in her life were indeed present.

A truly beautiful moment before the ceremony started was seeing Jasmine's mother carrying a candle and placing it next to her husband's photo and his framed military frame. Then it was watching Jasmine with her strength as she walked down the aisle along with her father's spirit. In that moment, it was clear that indeed her father was there holding his daughter's arm as she married her best friend. This along with her Father/Daughter dance when her uncle stepped in, there wasn't a dry eye in the venue and once again the love in that room was so powerful.

So as you can see family was the true theme of this wedding. From helping with details to Jasmine's aunt creating an unbelievable dessert bar including a stunning wedding cake to the support system for these two was incredible and we were so lucky to be part of this journey that we began with them over a year before.

When it came to the details, the couple has a few requests with the most important being ecologically friendly and to incorporate purple and lavender. From the purple bridesmaid dresses to the purple flowers to the lavender bridesmaids bouquets, we loved the decor. As far as decor for the chapel at Holy Names, we kept it simple to really highlight the natural beauty and the sunlight streaming in the windows this is why this all girls school in Seattle is one of our favorites. When it came to decor of the rustic Beaver Lake Lodge in Sammamish, we used floral bouquets and lavender bunches on top of wooden rounds to really match the couple's theme.

It was truly a magical day and thank you Eric + Jasmine for allowing me to be part of your day and I am grateful for our friendship.

Vendors                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Ceremony Venue: Holy Names Academy                                                                                                                                                                           Officiant: Deacon Jack Luz (of Mary Queen of Peace)                                                                                                                                                       Reception Venue: Beaver Lake Lodge                                                                                                                                                                                 Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs                                                                                                                                                                                      Photographer: L. Clawson Photography                                                                                                                                                                           Videographer: Turning Leaf Productions                                                                                                                                                                           Caterer: Herban Feast                                                                                                                                                                                                         Desserts: Rita Stincer (bride’s aunt)                                                                                                                                                                                     Flowers: Issaquah Farmers Market                                                                                                                                                                                     Floral Crown: Rachel of Elegant Affairs                                                                                                                                                                             Hair + Make-up: Rachel of Elegant Affairs                                                                                                                                                                       DJ: Stephen Morton                                                                                                                                                                                                           Rentals: AA Party Rental + Elegant Affairs                                                                                                                                                                     Coffee: Espresso Elegance

Video by Turning Leaf Productions: Eric and Jasmine's wedding highlights. What a beautiful wedding and wonderful people too!

A Look Back at 12.13.14

Today I wanted to look back at one of our favorite weddings from 2014 and what better day to reminisce then on Angela + George's 1st Wedding Anniversary today.

I first met this incredible couple a few weeks after the 2014 Seattle Wedding Show when the bride's ultimate goal was to meet me at the show, I knew from that moment I had a great couple who entrusted me with their Winter Wonderland themed wedding at The Kelley Farm.

And what a theme it was! From an all white color palette with a hint of silver, this couple really thought of it all. From the hot chocolate bar to the Christmas tree guest book to the incredible dessert table to even an appearance from Santa. And we can't forget the snow machines. If we couldn't make actual snow happen, we had it made as guests walked in. It served as a perfect backdrop as the bride and her father emerged to the delight of their nearly 300 guests.

Speaking of decor, we loved everything. From the baby's breath floral balls that were attached the ceiling to the flowers and candles down the aisle, not to mention the handmade runner that was nearly 75ft. long. The bride and her bridesmaids hand-glued every single white rose petal. Due to the last shipment of petals being caught up in customs, there even might have been still some gluing the day of the wedding.

But this couple who had everything planned down to the fine details were taken for a surprise at the end of the night when the groom's mother had planned a fireworks spectacular  across the valley from her house.

Vendors
Venue: The Kelley Farm
Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs
Photographer: Corliss Photography
Videographer: Dark Ek Videography
Caterer: Mama Stortinis
DJ: Leujam
Hair: Nicole Huizenga
ashes: Lash Out Loud!
Dessert Table: Better Than a Boyfriend Bakery
Florist: Orting Flowers
Rentals: Elegant Affairs, A Tailored Affair, AA Party Rental and American Party Place

To end today's walk down memory lane, we would like to dedicate this post to the bride's father who passed away a few months later. Mr. Brown this is for you.

Real Wedding: Nina + Ryan

I first met Nina + Ryan August of 2013 when they served as "sponsors" for another couple of ours. Flash forward a year later when this beautiful couple contacted me regarding their wedding at the picturesque Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo. By the time their June 2015 wedding arrived they were the fourth friend out of their gal pal group (all meeting when there were students at Stadium High School where I also attended, but a few years earlier) that had chosen Elegant Affairs as their wedding planner.

What really stood out with this couple was just how prepared they were. Securing nearly all of their vendors before even booking Elegant Affairs it was really working on the fine details which was the fun part. Since the bride had to work overseas for weeks/months over the year it was imperative to get as many items done as possible.

We loved that Nina + Ryan worked so well with each other and were equally involved in making their special day personal and unique. And let me just say just how picture perfect this couple was on Wedding Day and it showed through the smiles, tears, laughter and the memories made.

One of my most favorite parts of my job is dessert tasting. It's such a hard job but a wedding planner has to do it. I was lucky enough to accompany this couple up to Wallingford to meet with MayLing from Better Than A Boyfriend Bakery for an amazing tasting. From chocolate dipped alcohol infused strawberries to brownies, coconut macaroons to whoopie pies not to mention the five kinds of cakes to taste from there was no way this couple could go wrong.

The couple selected a great dessert menu that their guests thoroughly enjoyed.

Vendors:
Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs
Venue: Kiana Lodge
Photographer/Photo Booth: Carino & Co. Photography
Flowers: Seattle Floral Design
Offiicant: Annarie Juhlian
DJ; Otto-Matic  Mobile Music
Videographer: Seat of the Pants Productions
Dessert: Better Than a Boyfriend Bakery
Wedding Dress: Paisley Bridal
Groom & Groomen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Paper Products: My Party Perfectionist
Hair: Sinia Sotolongo from Adriana's Salon
Make-up Danielle Martin and Aja Jefferson
Accomodations & Transportation: Clearwater Casino
Lawn Games: Weathered Nest Designs

As the night progressed and guests moved into the Lodge for dancing for more festivities we were in love when Nina changed into her "reception dress" for a truly party reception.