Throwback from February 2009 Featuring Melissa & Eddy (Mt Lake Terrace, WA)

I had the privilege to work with Melissa & Eddy to plan their Valentine's Day wedding celebration earlier this year. Melissa & Eddy were referred to me by a past couple I served. It's always a treat to have a former client pass my name along to a friend or co-worker -- it's a great feedback for me!

Melissa & Eddy are chefs who met on the job and whose friendship grew. They are from two different cultures (she is from the states while he is from Latin America) so I was able to reflect this into their celebration. Melissa & Eddy wanted to also incorporate Eddy's first language, Spanish, into the celebration. After our initial planning session and many variations on how we could do this, Melissa & Eddy decided upon having their wedding vows in their native languages. I would be saying this portion of their ceremony in both English and Spanish!

Melissa' mom and stepdad hosted their celebration in their Bothell, WA home. It was so wonderful to watch so many of their family and friends pulling together to make their wedding celebration and reception fantastic. As I had mentioned earlier, this bride and groom are chefs. Can you imagine what the food at their reception was like?? FABULOUS!! Co-workers (who were also friends) of theirs helped with the cooking and serving of their buffet-style reception. On the menu was prime rib with au jus, rich chicken and tortellini in an alfredo sauce, shrimp ceasar salad, and platters of fresh fruit and vegetables. Another friend of theirs created their wedding cake. It was a full house of guests and Melissa & Eddy put their entire celebration together for under $1K. Another thrifty couple!

I wanted to share this particular wedding because it's a great example of how different cultures were displayed, the couple was hands-on in the preparation of their ceremony & reception , they were blessed with family and friends who helped with details and preparation, and all without this couple going into serious debt.

Congratulations, Melissa & Eddy! Many blessings and years of happiness to you and your family.

Oh The Weather Outside

"April showers bring May flowers" is how the saying goes, but sometimes the month of April gets a little extra support from months January, February and March. Rain comes down in varying speeds, from a light misty rain to rain that isn't letting up anytime soon. As I enter my thirteen year in the wedding business, I think about the many times the rain showed up as an uninvited guest.

When you are looking at different venues, consider several things. One is what time of year are you getting married and two, does the venue have a "plan B" you can utilize. It is amazing how unpredictable the weather can be in the Puget Sound. The last few days is a prime example -- upper 70s one day with the next day being fourteen degrees colder! The connection? Even in the summer months, you never know how extreme our weather can be.

 Floral Hall in Everett, WA is a long standing favorite city park venue of mine. Over the years, I have done events there. From a reception only to a family reunion or even a celebration of life Floral Hall is an affordable rental option.

The wood features are beautiful. It definitely can give off that older, rustic feeling or a Pacific Northwest vibe. I have had couples who have done a country chic theme to rustic and almost nothing but country theme while other times, the rich wood features have complimented a room full of stringed white lights or delicate paper lanterns.

The location is close off of the freeway and has access to a neighborhood Safeway at the bottom of the hill, should you need any last minute or forgotten items. It is very popular venue so I suggest giving yourself plenty of time to schedule your event. If you would like to have a chance to view Floral Hall, you can attend a free open house on the first Tuesday of every month (except for holidays).

Handfasting

The tv series Game of Thrones has been very instrumental in weddings I've done lately. The connection? The scene where Robb Stark marries Talisa. (I only know the character names because enough couples have referenced it -- I've never seen the show.) However, I was a younger person when the movie Braveheart came out and that was the first time I had seen handfasting.

Whether you are of Celtic decent or wish to feature an age old practice into your celebration, there are several different ways to incorporate it into your celebration! I have incorporated this practice several times during my thirteen year career. Ask me how I can make this tailored for you.

Haggens Market Street Catering

Wedding receptions are usually the source of a majority of a couple's budget. There's food, beverages, cake, dessert and candy bars...... the possibilities are endless! I am often asked about different food and beverage options that I can suggest. With many clients financially backing their own events, I realize and appreciate that there are budgets to work with. One of the options I like to suggest is Haggens Market Street Catering.

Here in Western Washington, Haggens is often known for their presence as a grocery store. But did you know that they offer catering options? From food service only to onsite preparation and full service wait staff, there are an array of options to choose from. I have personally worked with and tasted their food, from bbq to summer favorites, and have found their quality of food and customer service to be great. 

Want to learn more and see some of their menu options? Check them out at www.marketstreetcatering.com

Decidio -- A Great Wedding Vendors Resource

Looking for someone to take your photos? How about some bakeries who specialize in gluten free or unique cakes? Try out www.decidio.com where you can narrow your search.

Stilly Brook Farm in Arlington, WA

Stilly Brook Farm is one of my all time favorite wedding venues! 

It has sentimental value to me, as it was where I got married. Back then, it was known as Countryside Meadows and under previous ownership. In 2016, I had the chance to work at this venue as both a wedding officiant and as a wedding coordinator for a few different couples. It was then that I had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside Terri Lundquist, one of the new owners. She and her husband David, have done some great updates and maintained the beauty and ambiance of the property that drew me to it so many years ago. 

If you are searching for a picturesque, country chic venue, with a high level of personable and upbeat service, I encourage you to check out Stilly Brook Farm! Here you can choose to have a wedding year round with the different options they offer. From the outside venue options to the beautiful, century old wedding chapel, to the many photo opportunities to the friendly smile and service Terri provides makes this venue a high contender in my books.