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. 

Codi V Photography

Codi V Photography is owned by Codi Villalobos. She is a photographer who provides "on location, custom photography, serving the greater Puget Sound area of Washington State". Codi and I had the chance to work together during a wedding that took place last summer on Camano Island at the Camano Island Inn. You can imagine my excitement to be able to run into a friend of mine, fellow football player, and cheer coach miles away from our homes in Marysville! Being able to have the chance to work with a friend is always such a treat.

After a few hugs (and probably some high fives in there too) I got right to work as I checked in with bride Christine. She and her husband-to-be, Rhett, chose the intimate setting of the Camano Island Inn for their wedding celebration. The background of their venue included a traditional wedding circle and overlooked the beautiful bay. 

Below is a sample of her work and some photos from the day.

Congratulations Rhett & Christine!

Happy 2017!

2017 marks the beginning of my thirteenth year as a full time wedding professional here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I remember when I began in 2005 and am simply amazed with the work that I have been blessed to have done, the couples and their family and friends that I have worked with, and the experiences I have had. Being able to blog about my journey can only light a small flame to the overall experience that I have had as a wedding officiant and event planner.

I have seen many changes throughout the years. I remember when "the place to be" was in Seattle or the East side of King County. Not anymore! Snohomish county has made a name for itself. No longer do bridal couples have to flock south or east to have an amazing event. Thanks to the Snohomish Wedding Guild, this has been possible. They are in their ninth year of supporting the wedding vendor community and the bridal couples they serve. The resources their website alone offers is a great wealth of knowledge to any coordinator, bride, groom or any other individual who is helping plan a wedding. 

Fellow wedding professionals David Anderson (of DA Productions) & Melissa Miksch (of Melissa Miksch Photography) have been extending the invitation to me for years to come and attend as a guest of theirs. I attended the January meeting with them and had a great time! Not only was it a chance to spend some time with these great vendors (who have also become friends of mine) but I was able to check out a new-to-me venue. (More on this venue in my next blog.)

At the end of the night, we were treated to some very tasty cupcakes.....one in my favorite flavor of Amaretto! I couldn't leave the moment without taking a pic of the three of us. Notice David and I included our yummy cupcakes in the shot?