Cultural Celebration | Tacoma Art Museum | Jay + Monique

Photographer: Peterson Pictures // Ceremony-UW-Tacoma // Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs // Reception: Tacoma Art Museum & Debora Moore-Arboria exhibition // Ceremony Mandap & Decor: Elegant Mandap // Lunch provided by Sunanda Patel w/ BAPS // Caterer: Curry & Kabab // Rentals: American Party Place // Henna: The Preet’s Artistry // Bride Hair and Makeup: Magdalena Ayon // Bridal party- Cynthia Obertubbesing and Chroma Salon // Florist: Dandy Flower Co. // Photobooth: Styron’s Photography // Cake: Pasteles Finos Del Angel

2019 kicked off when I met our wonderful couple, Jay and Monique. As busy as their lives were between work and travel, they also had a vision, for us to help plan and execute their dream wedding. With family and friends traveling from all over the world to come celebrate the union of these two, Jay and Monique wanted to keep it a vibrant celebration, spanning over several days.

Their wedding was focused on celebrating the Indian customs and traditions, yet reflecting their individual personalities, sense of style, and blending their cultures. Over the course of planning and working with many vendors, Jay and Monique prepared for a busy weekend of festivities with their loved ones.

A couple days before their big wedding, they hosted a beautiful Mehndi (henna) ceremony at their home, followed by a Garba ceremony of dancing and singing at UW-Tacoma. With little to no sleep, the next day was the big day!

Jay and Monique came together under the elegant mandap for their Hindu wedding ceremony, where symbolic sacraments and rituals took place. Following the hour and a half ceremony, was an Indian cuisine for lunch, then all guests and bridal party traveled down to the Tacoma Art Museum, where they gathered for cocktail hour/reception, greeted with a traditional Indian welcome dance to get the party started.

Fun fact, upon arrival to the museum, we snuck Jay and Monique away where they got permission from the artist herself, Debra Moore to take private pictures in her Arboria exhibition. It was such a special and unique gift for them to enjoy! From the jewel tones, metallic decor and details, clothing, traditions, and Indian food, Jay and Monique did not want us to miss a beat. We loved bringing it all together for a beautiful, sacred union of marriage.

The Woodsman | Eatonville, WA | Clarissa + Tom

My husband and I worked directly Lori throughout our planning and even after our wedding! Lori handled everything we could have needed and more (things we didn’t even know about). With an hour plus drive between us Lori was so flexible and accommodating for meetings in person (which were a blast) and was always available and responsive through email, text, phone calls. Lori helped guide us to the majority of our vendors, she has so much experience and insight that we didn’t have to waste time vetting folks; you can trust her recommendations!! She holds the vendor accountable so you don’t have to and even makes sure your contracts are fair and cover your butt ;)!

Lori and Elegant Affairs day of work was amazing! I enjoy creating and if I thought I could do it all myself I would have, but thankfully Lori totally understand what I wanted after thorough and thoughtful questions and planning and built a confidence in me so that I could focus on the important things on my wedding day. I didn’t think about anything except enjoying and celebrating our love the day of because I knew Lori would fiercely deliver - and she did!!!

I could on forever but bottom line is This is a vendor you can trust and you’ll have fun working with to boot!
Clarissa + Tom, The Woodsman, July 27, 2019

Photographer: Melissa Kilner Photography || Videographer: Munaco Pictures || Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs || Florist: Oak + Fig Floral || Venue: The Woodsman || Caterer: Gallucci’s || Band: Blue Wave Band || Dessert: The Confectional || Rentals: Cort + Yay! Parties & Co. || Beauty: Off White Beauty || Restrooms: Royal Restrooms

I first met our bride Clarissa years ago when she lived in Puyallup and became friends with my sister and I was thrilled when she called me a year before her big day to help her plan.

When we originally met, their vision was totally different where we ended up and it was the best decision these two made. Using a venue owned by her best friend’s parents in Eatonville, the bride gave an ode to her South Sound roots with this incredible barn and talk about an incredible view of Mt. Rainier.

Designing their wedding was based around one of our previous weddings where we used rectangle tables lined with greenery and Ginger jars, a nod to that bride’s Norwegian background. So as to recognize the groom’s heritage, we used Polish jars containing beautiful white florals and foliage.

Besides the reception design, we loved what Shane from Oak + Fig Floral created for the ceremony. Truthfully the arbor design was a last minute change as the venue was able to move their arbor and Shane created this beautiful floral hoop. The rug from Yay! Parties & Co. was the perfect accent piece to add a pop of blue.

For me, I love when brides go traditional with a blusher veil. I love how dramatic and romantic it looks and Clarissa was the true definition of bridal beauty.

This day was so much fun and the weather could not have been better fro guests to enjoy lawn games and dance the night away to the Blue Wave Band. I mean when a reception starts with a vodka shot escort card you know you are going to have an amazing time.

Summer Church Wedding | Tacoma, Washington | Sophia + Mitchel

When my previous wedding planner quit halfway through the year, I was panicked not having anything booked or any help and it was 7 months until the wedding! I got in contact with Lori Losee and I am SO SO grateful I went with this company. Lori made sure I felt confident and relaxed but also was very organized and I knew exactly what had to be done. She was so helpful and we were able to create the most BEAUTIFUL day. I am so grateful for this woman and the company Elegant Affairs. They did an amazing job and I would recommend them to every couple!
Sophia + Mitchel, Tacoma Elks, July 20, 2019

Here is a link to their Wedding Video!

Wedding Photographer: Unique Moments Photography || Wedding Planer: Elegant Affairs || Florist: Oak + Fig Floral || DJ: BAM Entertainment || Ceremony Location: St. Patrick Catholic Church || Reception Venue: Tacoma Elks/Allenmore Golf Course || Caterer: Chef Sunshine Catering || Wedding Cake: Harbor Cakes || Videographer: Mario Gonzalez || Linens: American Party Place || Chairs + Draping: Cort Party Rental || Wedding Dress: The Wedding Bell

What would happen if you found out after you already sent out your save the dates that the venue you thought your wedding planner had secured didn’t have your wedding booked? This is exactly the nightmare that happened to Sophia + Mitchel. Not only did their wedding planner make promises he couldn’t delivered, but he up and left this young couple without any notice and just disappeared and that’s when Elegant Affairs stepped in.

Sophia reached out to out to us 7 months before her wedding and we immediately jumped into action after hearing what had happened to them and wanted to make their fairytale wedding come true. Luckily their venue was still available as well as the caterer they wanted. Assembling a great vendor team, we made the rest of the planning a breeze for Sophia who was getting ready to graduate from Gonzaga.

We made the most out of time we had with Sophia when she came home on school breaks and weekends to finalize every last detail of her two-venue wedding including creating a who new vision for her reception that Shane with Oak and Fig Floral completely nailed.

Over the short time we spent together, I just fell in love with these two and developed a great bond and friendship with. I was honored to have been asked to play a role in their wedding ceremony that I will never forget.

Sophia + Mitchel, you two were such a dream to work with and the love you two share is what all couple to strive for and I cannot wait to see what you two can really accomplish both personally and professionally.