2024 Year in Review

As we wrap up another incredible year, our hearts are brimming with gratitude for the love, support, and unforgettable memories we’ve shared in 2024. This year has been nothing short of magical, filled with breathtaking weddings, countless joyful moments, and incredible collaborations with our cherished clients and vendor partners.

Every wedding we’ve had the honor of planning and executing has been a testament to the love stories that inspire us daily. From intimate ceremonies nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest to grand celebrations that dazzled under twinkling lights, 2024 was a year to remember.

To Our Clients: Thank You for Trusting Us with Your Love Stories

To our amazing couples: Thank you for inviting us into one of the most special seasons of your lives. Your trust, creativity, and love for one another have fueled our passion and reminded us why we do what we do. It’s been a joy to see your dreams come to life—from the first consultation to the final send-off.

We’ve celebrated with you during golden-hour ceremonies, danced alongside you at vibrant receptions, and teared up during heartfelt vows and toasts. Each wedding has left a unique mark on our hearts, and we are so honored to have been a part of your journey.

As we reflect on this past year, we’re reminded of the countless smiles, heartfelt moments, and cherished memories we helped create. Your kind words, glowing reviews, and heartfelt testimonials have meant the world to us, and we’re endlessly thankful for the opportunity to be part of your day.

To Our Vendor Partners: You’re the Dream Team Behind the Magic

To our incredible vendor partners: Thank you for your dedication, creativity, and unwavering support. From florists and photographers to caterers, DJs, and venues, you are the backbone of every wedding we plan. Your talent and expertise elevate every event, and it’s always a pleasure collaborating with you to create extraordinary celebrations.

We are in awe of the stunning floral arrangements, the mouthwatering menus, the beautiful venues, and the jaw-dropping decor that brought our couples’ visions to life. Your commitment to excellence and willingness to go above and beyond are what make these weddings so unforgettable.

Whether it was working together to create seamless timelines or brainstorming creative solutions for last-minute challenges, your partnership has been invaluable. We can’t wait to team up with you again in 2025 to continue creating magic for our clients.

2024 Highlights: Weddings We’ll Never Forget

Looking back on 2024, we’re filled with pride at the beauty and joy of the weddings we were honored to plan. Some highlights include:

• A stunning winter wedding featuring a cozy candlelit reception and a magical snowfall that felt straight out of a fairytale.

• A vibrant summer celebration that incorporated bold florals, a live band, and a breathtaking sunset ceremony.

• A heartfelt autumn wedding with moody, rich color palettes and a reception under a canopy of twinkling lights.

Every couple brought their own unique style and personality to their wedding day, and it was such a joy to see those visions come to life.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Let’s Create Something Extraordinary

As we turn the page to 2025, we’re filled with excitement for what’s to come. We’ve already started planning some incredible weddings and are thrilled about the trends and creative ideas we’ll be incorporating into next year’s celebrations.

If you’re planning your 2025 wedding and haven’t booked your planner yet, now is the time! While our calendar is filling quickly, we do have a few openings left, and we’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, we’re here to ensure your day is as seamless and joyful as possible.

A Final Thank You

To our clients, vendor partners, and everyone who supported us in 2024: Thank you for making this year truly unforgettable. Your trust, collaboration, and love have been the foundation of everything we’ve accomplished.

Here’s to a new year filled with love, creativity, and even more magical moments. Let’s make 2025 the best one yet! Cheers to the future, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

With gratitude,
The Elegant Affairs Team

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 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.

The Best Winter Wedding Send Off Ideas

Are you planning to add a send-off to your winter wedding? Or are you just wondering what in the world is a send-off? A send-off means your grand exit. Believe it or not, send-offs or grand exits are historical and hold roots throughout the centuries. In Roman times, guests would throw grain or rice as the couple left to symbolize fertility. As a Royal Tradition, leaving in style is a must in England. Prince William and Princess Kate drove off in a gorgeous Ashton Martin departing from Buckingham Palace.

The grand exit is a symbol that represents the couple’s transition into married life and the new life they will build together. It is a time to celebrate the couple's excitement and send them off with memories. These are the perfect ideas to end the night and the photos will be magical. It’s also a great way to signal to your guests that the wedding reception is over, without having to kick anyone out. Winter gives us some additional send-off ideas that utilize the chilly air and magical white, wintery landscape. So, let’s get into the best winter wedding send-off ideas! 

Streamers or Tinsel
Deck the halls.. With tinsel streamers! This is a fun, yet safe way to send the happy couple off to their honeymoon or night on the town. The best part is they are affordable, can be an easy DIY project for you and your wedding party, and leave little to no mess. Streamers or tinsel also are the perfect sparkle in your photographer’s camera! We love how they are captured in wedding photos. This is also a safe place to find the tackiest, shinest, streamers in all the land. They also require little setup and are perfect for kids and adults. 

Sparklers
Sparklers are a classic. I can’t tell you how many send offs we’ve done with sparklers. And the best part is they look absolutely magical in the winter months! The good news is during the summer our team and I are on the lookout while the sparklers are in guests hands. We have a bucket on hand filled with water and are prepared for anything that could resemble a fire. But in the wintertime, due to the cold weather and snow, fire is less of a concern, but you should still keep an eye out on the twinkling lights. If you do choose sparklers for your grand exit, opt for the longer sparklers – like the 22 inches. The 12 inch can get a little scary, and depending on your number of guests in attendance, it may take a long time to light. There is also a difference in quality between the sparklers you get from the fireworks store and wedding sparklers. And, if you have a large attendance of guests, we’d skip the sparklers or talk to your photographer about a faux exit, because chances are the sparkler will not stay lit by the time everyone has lit their sparkler!

Glow Wands
Okay, so maybe you’ve been to Disney on Ice and seen or purchased glow wands for your littles. Glow wands are a perfect addition to your winter send off. The LED is perfect, because it’s less prep work and will show up beautifully in your photos. You’ll want to make sure that it is truly dark outside for the effect to fully take place, but these are a great, non-mess, kid friendly option that will create a beautiful, yet fun send off!

Bubbles 
Bubbles are not overrated. Did you know that bubbles actually capture light and photograph beautifully? If caught with the right exposure, bubbles can actually mimic snow! Bubbles are an affordable option and fun for all ages during a send off. They are mess free, float beautifully and can photograph well. This is the perfect option for a whimsical bride and groom who want little hassle when it comes to a send off. Just grab some bubbles and get blowing! 

Cold Sparkler Machines 
This is a modern way to send off - and you’re probably wondering what cold sparkler machines are. They give the same effect as the allure of a firework, but unlike fireworks, you won’t need a permit or license. You can rent these machines or purchase your own (although we recommend renting for a more budget friendly option.) They create sparkler sparks, and are perfect for lining your grand exit. The photographs are truly STUNNING and can be set up prior to your grand exit for planning purposes. 

Getaway Car
There is nothing quite as timeless as exiting your reception and entering your getaway car. If you’re looking for an affordable way to exit that is quick, leaving your wedding venue by car is a great opportunity to thank and say goodbye to your loved ones. In turn, they get to cheer you on as you embark on your new married adventure. Your family and friends can also decorate your cans and don’t worry there are many modern options that don’t involve cans dangling from the bumper. 

We love a good send off and we recommend that you take a moment to think about how you want to be sent off on your newlywed journey. Whether you want to dazzle down the aisle with sparklers or streamers of tinsel or opt for the timeless getaway car, take the time to research and plan what works for you and your partner. Be sure to consult your venue to ensure your send-off plan is approved and doesn’t break any rules or regulations. If you are planning to use sparklers, be prepared with plenty of lighters and a safety plan, including somewhere to put the sparklers out. Don’t forget to talk with your photographer and you can even incorporate a faux exit with you wedding party and immediate family to ensure those photos are secured. But, don’t forget to have fun with it – this is the send-off that celebrates you and your spouse on your new journey! 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 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.

Upcoming Trends for the Winter Wedding Season

We are so excited for the magic that the winter season brings. There is something truly magical about the season. We don’t know whether it is the crisp weather, the occasional PNW snow fall, or maybe it’s all the Hallmark Christmas movies that we’ve been watching. But, winter has arrived and we look forward to seeing what the season, and our couples, have to offer! Winter is elegant and romantic all wrapped up in a cozy blanket. If you’re planning your winter wedding, or maybe you’ve got your upcoming winter nuptials, we’ve collected our top ten favorite wedding trends for the 2024 season.

And hey – if you’re a 2025/2026 bride or groom, we’re sure these trends will stay timeless for the following season. So, pour yourself a hot cocoa, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and let’s check out trends to look for this winter wedding season. 

#01: Capes 
This season we expect to see our brides wearing accessories that not only serve as a fashion statement piece, but are quite functional in the chilly weather. We have noticed brides are venturing into the world of capes! And we are not talking about Superman’s cape, but an elegant statement cape, whether made of velvet, shimmering organza with delicate crystal stars, or silk – we are HERE for the capes. If you’re still in the fitting stages, or are on the lookout for a dress, ask the bridal boutique or seamstress if they are able to customize a cape for your wedding dress. It not only is a statement piece, but gives an ode to timeless early 20th century fashion. 

#02: Faux Fur 
We’re sticking with the key word faux for this next wedding trend and furry accessory. Faux fur is perfect for the winter season. Much like the cape, it is practical for the winter temperature but adds a touch of glamour. We are expecting to see faux fur down the aisle with fur jackets, wraps, shawls, and even a cloak coat. Faux fur adds romance and we’re expecting many brides to opt  for them for not just themselves, but for their wedding party. 

#03: Bring on the Velvet
Can we just say that we love velvet – SO much. Velvet is a statement and can either be a statement piece or a subtle nod to the trend. Velvet bridesmaids dresses add romance and texture to your wedding attire. The dresses tend to stand out more and will pop in your photography sessions. Velvet has hit the wedding industry hard this year, and we forecast that it will not be going anywhere for the 2025 season. If you’re wanting to incorporate velvet in other ways, renting or creating your own velvet draping, tablecloths, or runners, are a beautiful way to incorporate this trend. Velvet can be bright or moody and is perfect for any theme! 

#04: A Formal Attire 
We’ve been seeing a rise in formal attire with not only the wedding party but with an overall formal theme. Formal dress is fun for the wedding party and for wedding guests. I don’t know about you but we sure love a reason to get dressed up in a formal gown. If you’re opting for formal attire, be sure to clearly address this on your wedding invite and share a link to your wedding website. On your wedding website you will want to ensure that you describe what formal attire looks like. Are you requiring suits? Or are you wanting to go for the classic black tie with tuxedos? For the ladies, ensure you dictate whether you want floor length or cocktail, and if you do plan on a formal affair, plan on your start time being in the evening. We suggest no earlier than 4:00PM with a formal affair. Black tie or any formal fashion is timeless and classic. This is truly something that will never go out of style.

#05: Moody Color Palettes
This winter season we are forecasting to see moody color schemes, such as emerald greens, navy blue, burgundy, and even burnt copper. The good news about selecting these hues, is that the colors will truly add depth and dimension to your overall wedding theme and photography. These colors tend to be more flattering, and honestly is a great selection for all skin tones. You can incorporate these colors from the wedding party attire to accent decor pieces throughout your event. You can even select florals in these hues! The moody hues will radiate warmth throughout your ceremony and reception. It is the perfect juxtaposition to the cool winter landscape. 

#06: Warm Lighting You seriously cannot go wrong with candles and candlelight glow at your winter wedding. This truly creates a magical atmosphere and is budget friendly, as long as your venue allows open flame (be sure to check that contract!). Candlelight can vary from glass vases and pillar candles, to taper candles arranged on tablescapes. There are endless options in on types of candlelight, as well as the color selection of candles. We are big fans of the classic white or cream colors, but do love the idea of selecting colors that match your theme – I mean can you imagine burgundy or emerald candlesticks!? If you are choosing to go in the direction of ample candlelight, select candles with varying heights to create dimension. 

#07: Bold Lips and Makeup
This past spring and summer season, we saw a lot of dewy makeup looks as well as subtle shades of pink. This winter season we are expecting to see dramatic looks such as dark, deep lips and bold eyes. We hope to see berry colors, rich plums, and deep reds. If you do want to dive into the bolder makeup look, ensure that you do several trials of different lip shades and eyeshadow bases to ensure that your makeup will last throughout the day! We highly suggest making them a part of your routine for a full day to ensure it lasts and doesn’t disappear post dinner etc. 

#08: Quality Details 
We expect to see couples choose quality over quantity. This includes selecting a menu specific to tastes and farm to table, rather than a large menu size. It also means that we are expecting to see smaller guest lists this winter, to create an intimate setting. Couples are starting to explore the idea of intimate weddings more, and we expect to see more of these kinds of experiences. This is an experience for couples and their guests and most are opting for quality events. 

#09: Vintage Details 
As the items at the top of our list feature vintage fashion, we expect to see winter couples opt for timeless, thrifted, or vintage decor and accents. We expect that couples have hit their local swap meet or favorite little thrift store and will include vintage picture frames, taper candle holders, a wide variety of crystals, and candelabras to create romantic tablescapes. Along with the capes and faux fur accessories, delicate fabrics will be selected which will create the perfect feeling of nostalgia. 

#10: Dried Flowers
While many ouples select fresh blooms, we are expecting to see an increase of sustainable dried blooms. Dried flowers are a great option to add texture and add a vintage flair to your wedding day. And even if you’re not wanting full bouquets of centerpieces of dried florals, you can add dried florals to any arrangement. Some of our favorite preserved florals include: german statice, asparagus plumosus fern, weeping willow, coastal dune grass, thistles, heather, craspedia billy, and lavender!

We are so eager for the upcoming winter wedding seasons and we’ve already been crafting and planning with our winter couples. If you’re planning a late winter wedding, don’t worry - there is still time to add some of these winter trends to your big day! This season embrace the vintage details, with both decor and wedding day attire, explore warm candlelight and dried floral arrangements, and explore moody and rich color schemes. We can’t wait to finally jump into some winter weddings – are you?!

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 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.