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

Intimate Seattle Hotel Brunch Wedding | Gabby + Ryan | The Charter Hotel

Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs | Photographer: Savanna Marlee Photography | Florist: Oak and Fig Floral | Beauty: Pacific Brides
Venue: Charter Hotel | Dress: The Dress Theory

Thinking about having a brunch wedding? Yes, a million times yes!

The recipe for a perfect wedding is, a rooftop intimate ceremony, brunch foods, and the most adorable couple and that’s exactly the ingredients for Gabby + Ryan’s April wedding.

I first met Gabby when she reached out 9 weeks before her wedding to her college sweetheart. Immediately when we started working together, I knew there was something very special about these two that had both relocated from the East Coast to Seattle and needed the finishing touches for their perfect wedding.

Working with a boho-inspired theme, I knew Shane with Oak and Fig Floral would know exactly how to pull off the vision for this wedding. What Shane created was so dreamy and perfection for both the outdoor ceremony and guest tables.

For these two, it was all about the details they wanted to focus on to create a memorable event for their guests, especially for those that this was their first trip to the Emerald City. For the brisk, yet sunny morning, the blankets that awaited guests at their seats was the perfect favor.

After these two said I Do, guests moved inside for cocktail hour with an incredible mimosa bar and appetizers before sitting down to enjoy the most incredible brunch complete with the two most amazing desserts.

The best part of having a brunch wedding is when you are all done at 1pm it was time to retreat back to their rooms for a quick change before hitting the town to celebrate with all their friends and family.

Gabby + Ryan, thank you for having us be part of your big day. We loved working with you on your beautiful wedding. We wish you all the best and love!

Lori
Seattle Wedding Planner with Elegant Affairs

Love conquered COVID | Thais + Jack | Mountain View Manor

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!”