Susan + Peter // July 12, 2015 // Bybee Blueberry Farm // North Bend, WA

An outdoor wedding in Washington, the weather could go any which way, right?!?  July 12, 2014 hit 100° for Susan and Peter’s wedding.  It was HOT, but that didn’t matter.  Susan and Peter were ready to get married and have the wedding of their dreams!

Susan and Peter got dressed on-site and were troopers in the heat taking phots with their bridal party and families, all around the farm.

The ceremony and reception were held at The Bybee Blueberry Farm in North Bend.  The ceremony had been planned to be held outside of the tent and even with the hot sun blazing that is where it was held.  The spot for the ceremony has a beautiful unobstructed view of Mt. Si and that is what Susan and Peter wanted.  It was a quick ceremony, but very sentimental and heartfelt.

Under the big white tent was where the reception space was set.  Guest tables were adorned with cream tablecloths, a burlap square, a mason jar wrapped with burlap and filled with purple and white flowers and a small frame that asked guests to facebook and instagram photos of the day.  At each place setting was a small kraft bag that had been hand stamped and stuffed with a homemade cookie.  Just a little thank you for celebrating the day with Susan and Peter.  Susan and Peter chose to have a small sweetheart table for themselves.

Guests enjoyed a yummy spread of American food with the option of Thai food as well.  Following dinner, were toasts from the wedding party and parents and then onto the cake cutting.  It was a beautiful cake with an array of different desserts for the guests to choose from.

While guests enjoyed dessert, the couple shared their first dance.  A very sweet few mintues between the new husband and wife.   Susan then thought we were having a 20 minute break before we started the rest of the traditional events.  Little did she know, she was in for a meaningful surprise.  Peter had put together a touching video that he wanted to share with her.

After the video, a short break followed before the bouquet and garter toss.  Although the tossing crowds were small, they were all in!

Then the party begin.  While it was pretty hot for people to really get down with their dance moves, everyone still was having a great time.  Catching up, laughing, having some drinks and a few that busted some moves.  Susan and Peter ventured off with their photographer for a few more perfect photos.

 Congratulations Susan and Peter.  Despite the crazy hot weather, it was a beautiful wedding and as I said that day, you two are CHAMPS!  Also, I JUST found out they are expecing a little one this month (October 2015) so congrats to that as well!!

VENUE// BYBEE BLUEBERRY FARM, NORTH BEND, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// PL PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING + BARTENDING// CHRISTIE’S CATERING
CAKE// BELLEVUE SAFEWAY
FLOWERS// LEE’S FLOWERS – FAMILY
DJ// DJ SLY-RICHARD GARCIA – FRIEND
OFFICIANT// PASTOR DONALD MCELVANEY
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// SALON BELLA DEA, ANDREA GILNER

Kaycee + Andy // June 20, 2015 // Bybee Blueberry Farm // North Bend, WA

75° and sunny was the backdrop for Kaycee and Andy’s wedding at the Blueberry Farm in North Bend, WA. Perfect.

Let me back up to where we began…

I met Kaycee and Andy at the end of December 2014.  We met at a Starbucks in Auburn, for a short consultation where we went through what they were looking for in their wedding day and how I could be of service to them.  We hit it off well and shortly thereafter I became their wedding coordinator.  It was fun working with and getting to know Kaycee and Andy.  Both very sweet people.

We jumped right into the coordinating process and I immediately got a clear vision of what Kaycee and Andy wanted and expected on their special day.  Rustic chic with a fun enjoyable party.  Kaycee already had her ideas in mind for decor…mason jars, wood boxes, burlap and lace with colors of coral, cream and burlap/tan.  Gorgeous.  And her vision truely came to life and the photographer did an amazing job capturing Every. Little. Detail.  Kaycee and Andy are both very creative people, so they had many specially made DIY items throught the venue.  I loved it!

My mother in law and I spent the evening before and the morning of the wedding setting up.  Kaycee, Andy, immediate family and bridal party got ready on-site and took GORGEOUS pictures around the farm, while we were getting the venue set-up finished.  Not only are Kaycee and Andy creative, so is Andy’s mother and aunt.  They assembled all of the centerpieces and decor flowers that morning!

Details are what made the decor and set-up of this venue so unique.  They thought out every little thing, every little sign and every little area that needed to be decorated.  It also helps when the photographer, as I said before, has a wonderfully creative eye.

The ceremony starterd at 3:00 pm sharp.  It was a beautiful set-up in the field with Mt. Si directly behind them.  They brought in two wine barrels to set the ceremony space and adorned them with 2 large floral arrangements that would later be transferred to the head table.  Lining the aisle were small shepherds hooks with beautifully arranged hanging mason jars.  The ceremony was short and sweet with words of wisdom, sentiment and love, as well as a sand ceremony to represent their two lives joining as one.  After being pronounced husband and wife, Kaycee and Andy walked down the aisle, hand in hand, full of smiles, off to sign the marriage license.

Guests were invited to grab their favorite drink, play some yard games and find their seat for the evening.

Tables were beautifully set with a cream linen, various burlap and lace runners and varying mason jar/wooden box centerpieces.  They wanted a bit of an eclectic feel.  At each place setting was a small jar of homemade jam to “Spread the Love”.  The head table was also set with a cream linen, wedding party bouquets and the large ceremony floral arrangements.

Dinner was served as soon as the bride and groom were introduced into the reception.  Following dinner, were heartfelt toasts by the matron of honor, best man, father of the bride and mother of the groom.  Each toast was very sentimental.  After toasts, the couple cut the first piece of pie.  The pie looked delicious and was displayed in a very fun fashion!

First dance as husband and wife followed the pie cutting along with the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance.  I think watching these dances is one of my favorite parts of a wedding.  It is a moment for me to watch these couples and kids and their parents just be in the moment.  The moment of one of the most special days of each of their lives.

Next came time for the bouquet and garter toss.  Kaycee, Andy and the DJ had to do a little bit of convincing to get those singles onto the dance floor.  But once the singles were ready they dove into action!

After all the traditional wedding events were checked off, the dance floor became the place to be.  I got to stand back and watch each guest smile, laugh and enjoy the afternoon.  Kaycee and Andy were able to sneak off for some more photos with awesome sunlight during this time.

Before we knew it, the Layman wedding was coming to a close.  The couple ventured into the back areas of North Bend for some final photos with their photographer, which resulted in some great shots along the river.

Congratulations Kaycee and Andy.  It was a beautiful wedding and a great pleasure to get to know you both!  I look forward to watching you both grow in love and marriage!

VENUE// BYBEE BLUEBERRY FARM, NORTH BEND, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// J. SOLTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING// NEW YORK CATERING
BARTENDING// CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
PIES// REMLINGER FARMS
FLOWERS// FARMERS MARKET AND DOWN TO EARTH FLORAL
DJ// GREG MCGUIRE
OFFICIANT// PASTOR MICHAEL MOWRY – FAMILY FRIEND
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// SALON BELLA DEA, ANDREA GILNER
INVITATIONS// DESIGNED BY ANDY, GROOM
GUESTBOOK, SIGNS, JAM// DESIGNED AND CREATED BY KAYCEE, ANDY AND ANDY’S MOM

Kaela + Ben // June 27, 2015 // Lake Wilderness Lodge // Maple Valley, WA

Kaela and Ben are two of the sweetest people you will ever meet.  Emphasize sweet.  And so are their families.  This couple was truly meant to be together and you can see that with the way they look at eachother and the love they radiate for one another.

Kaela has been my little sisters’ (twins) nanny for a couple years.  I hadn’t met Kaela yet when I was hired to coordinate the wedding, but I knew my sisters’ ADORED her and Ben, so I couldn’t wait to meet them both.  When we finally met, I could see right away why my sisters’ loved them.  Again, sweet, kind, caring and they both have huge giving hearts.  We met up for the first time in January 2015 to talk about where they were in the planning process and go over what I had to offer.  The meeting felt like old friends catching up.

When we met for the first time, the wedding was five months away, but before we knew it Kaela and Ben’s wedding day had arrived.  They had an early afternoon wedding ceremony time of 1:00 pm, so set-up of the venue started promptly at 8:00 am.  Remeber how I said the couple has the sweetest families?  Well, they do.  I had a great group of family show up to help with set-up since we had a small set-up window.  This was a 250 person wedding, so every inch of the venue was utilized.

While we were setting up Kaela, Ben, immediate family and the bridal party were taking pictures around the property.

Since it was a really nice June day, we held the ceremony outside in front of the lake.  On a day like today, we were thankful it was an earlier wedding, so we wouldn’t be outside at the hottest part of the afternoon.  But, don’t get me wrong, it was definitely still hot!  A white arbor sat in front of the lake adorned with a beautiful flower swag Kaela made.  The aisle was lined with tulle and every other row was decorated with another DIY floral piece.  At the begining of the aisle were tall shepherds hooks with streamers blowing in the breeze.  The ceremony was about 20 minutes long and ecompassed what Kaela and Ben are looking for in their marriage, faith, trust and love.

Following the ceremony, guests were asked to head inside, grab a drink and find a table.  Each table had a coral tablecloth with different blue fabric squares in the center.  A mason jar wrapped with burlap and blue and white twine sat in the middle with gorgeous white and coral flowers.  Along with nuts and M & M’s to munch on, the guests each could take home and enjoy a specially made wood burned magnet to remember the day.

The sweetheart table had a white tablecloth with a blue and white chevron runner, bud vases with white roses and the bride and bridesmaid bouquets.  Simple and sweet.

As soon as Mr. and Mrs. Church were introduced into the reception, lunch was served.  The couple chose lasagna, salad and french bread.  With a short time at the venue we had to move things along quickly.  Once everyone had a plate of food we moved into toasts.  Each toast was heartfelt and showed exactly who this couple is.  Very loving selfless people.

Toasts turned into cake cutting, followed by the first dance.  A sweet moment where everyone could see a couple madly in love.  The father-daughter dance was beautful to watch, as was the mother-son dance.  Although, that one turned into fun!  After a couple slow dance moves, the mother and son busted it out! Following those dances, the bride and groom got down to dance with the flower girls.  It was the cutest thing.  After dances, came what most single people either love or dread, the bouquet and garter tosses. That varies at every wedding. The dance floor was then opened for everyone to get down and boy did they.

About 30 minutes later, the day was coming to a wrap and the new husband and wife were on their way out the door to begin their life as Mr. and Mrs. Church.

Congratulations Kaela and Ben!  It was a beautiful day!  I wish you nothing but the best in you new adventure together!

VENUE// LAKE WILDERNESS LODGE, MAPLE VALLEY, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// LAURIE ASCANIO PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING// ATHENS PIZZA AND PASTA
BARTENDING// NAOMI EDIE
FLOWERS// ALICE OCTAVIA FLORAL SHOPP
DJ// SOUND SATIONAL MUSIC
BAKER// HILLCREST BAKERY
OFFICIANT// PASTOR PAUL DELASHAW
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// FAMILY FRIEND
INVITATIONS// WEDDING PAPER DIVAS
GUESTBOOK// ETSY

Erica + Matt // February 15, 2015 // Courtyard Marriott // Tacoma, WA

Erica and Matt. A very easy couple to discribe.  Hilarious, genuine, easy going.  That is also what they wanted their day to encompass.

I met Erica and Matt in April of 2014.  Erica was an easy going bride that knew what she wanted and Matt was quiet and kind of stood back at the first meeting.  The couple was looking for simple.  The most important things to them on their wedding day was love, support, food and well, booze.  They didn’t care so much about choosing colors or expesive flowers and centerpieces.  In Erica and Matt’s lives, less is more.  Erica didn’t want a bridal party and Matt just wanted his brother standing with him.  Simple truely was the theme.

Erica got ready on-site at the hotel and Matt got ready at his parent’s house.  Pictures before the wedding were done around Tacoma being that it was a BEAUTIFUL February day.

Since the wedding was on Valentines Day, we did turn their ‘no colors’ into classic black and red.  This came about because Erica had a black sash on her dress and the few flowers she was having would be red roses, so black and red just made sense.

The ceremony was held in 1/3 of the ballroom.  No decor.  Simple.  The couple really just wanted to make this legal and have a great party.

Follwing the ceremony guest were invited into the reception space to grab a drink and find a table while Erica and Matt had their first drink and cigar as husband and wife.  Shortly after, Erica and Matt were introduced into the reception.  Guest tables were adorned with black tablecloths and a red napkin folded over at each place setting.  The centerpieces were a red sqare napkin with a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine for the guests to enjoy that evening.  At each place setting was an etched stemless wineglass for guest to drink from and take home as their favor.  The sweetheart table also had a black tablecloth and red napkins, as well as a black square vase that held Erica’s bouquet.  The vase sat on a red beaded round placemat and 4 tea light candles were lit around it to finish off the centerpiece.  Simple and stunning.

Heavy appetizers were served for dinner, along with a fully stocked bar.

Following dinner were toasts, given by the best man and father of the groom.  Both toasts had the entire room erupting with laughter.  Next up, cake cutting.  Erica and Matt chose a bakery that could make a normal wedding cake on the outside, but with traditional Fillipino Ube cake inside.  It was AMAZING!  Light and fluffy and an awesome purple color.  After the cake cutting was the first dance, which was a very sweet moment for the couple.  Following the first dance, was the mother-son dance.  After all the traditional sentimental items, the party really began and the dance floor filled up immediately.

Like I said, what this couple really wanted out of their wedding day was a memorable and fun party.  And boy did they get their wish.  Quite a party it was!

Congrats Erica and Matt!  It was SO fun working with you both and I can’t wait to watch your love and marriage grow and get to know you both better!

VENUE// COURTYARD MARRIOT TACOMA, TACOMA, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// ARDORLIT PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING// PACIFIC GRILL
CAKE// DESPI DELITE BAKERY
FLOWERS// LUND FLORAL
CEREMONY MUSICIANS// ARCOBALENO STRINGS
DJ// INJOY ENTERTAINMENT
OFFICIANT// CELEBRATION CEREMONIES, REVEREND BOB WILLIAMSON
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// INDIGO 253, SUSAN PACK
INVITATIONS// VISTA PRINT

Breakfast At Tiffany’s Themed Bridal Shower // July 21, 2014 // Private Residence // Fairwood, WA

I’ve known Laura since she was five years old-I used to babysit her and her brother.  I can’t believe the time has come for her to get married.  Along with a wedding, comes a bridal shower(s) and I jumped at the chance to plan one for a wonderful young woman that I have watched grow up.  What a special honor.

I knew immediately I wanted to have the shower theme be based around something classic.  Who is more classic than Audrey Hepburn?  So that decided the theme: Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  I was able to plan this shower with Laura’s aunt Nancy, mother Susan and my mother Sue.  We had a GREAT time.

I hit Pinterest, as I knew I wasn’t the first to use this theme, but I was curious about all the different party ideas and options that were out there.  And there were a TON.  I gathered all my thoughts and ideas, made lists, printed pictures and got the planning underway.  I presented my ideas to the planning committee and we decided what would be best for this shower and got to work.

My mom and I spent an entire day running around to different stores gathering anything that reminded us of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and everything in the colors of Tiffany blue, black, sliver and white.  My car was FULL.  It was so fun.

We purchased and customized the invitations off of Etsy and they were perfect.  I found white envelopes with a sparkle silver flap at Michaels and finished the look with a custom Tiffany blue stamps-yes, I HAVE to create a full package.  On the invitation, we suggested the guests wear black and white, which EVERYONE did!  With the invitation we included a ‘Whishes for the Soon to be Mrs.’ card for each guest to write their wishes and advice for the Bride to Be and bring to the shower.

We had a full house with 26 guests, Laura is very loved!

As guests arrived, they were given a strand of pearls for a game that would run throughout the shower.  The guests were not allowed to say Laura, Grady, wedding or beautiful.  If another guest caught someone saying any of those words, they could steal a strand of pearls.  Whoever had the most pearls at the end of the shower was the winner.  Of course, we had two winners (thankfully we had a back-up prize)!  Also upon arriving, family and friends were offered a big ‘diamond’ ring, a pair of black sunglasses and a tiara (remember Audrey Hepburn style) to wear during the shower and take home with them.  We also played ‘Guess the Pearls.’ There was a large martini glass filled with pearls.  Each person made a guess at the number of pearls in the glass.  After everyone had taken her turn, we revealed the winner.  There were 737 pearls and the winner guessed 732!  Most guesses were under 300.

After arriving, playing the first game and mingling, guests also helped themselves to the beverages.  We had a table full! Red and white wine (the labels were in Tiffany blue of course), champagne and assorted fruit and fruit juices for mimosa’s and a basil lemonade.

The shower started at 2:00 pm, but we still had a brunch theme for the food.  3 casseroles, fruit, and croissants filled the food table.  So SO yummy!  Once everyone arrived and had a bit of time to mingle and play a couple of games, we opened up the food table.  Once everyone was done eating, we moved into a quick and simple game.  We handed out Tiffany blue scratch tickets with a big diamond on them.  Each guest scratched the tickets at the same time until one card revealed WINNER! Quick and simple, but enjoyed by all.  From the scratch tickets, we moved into our final and most difficult game…’Match the Famous Couples.’  Each lady was given a card with 20 famous men and 20 famous women. They were asked to match the famous man to the famous woman they may have dated or been married to, young and old, and possibly not currently together.  We thought we made it difficult-apparently not! Five guests got all 20 right!  So…onto our tie breaker.  The five first round winners were given a second sheet with 10 famous men and 10 famous women to match up.  This time only one person got five couples right-we had a WINNER!

Once games were over, the bride opened gifts.  Laura and her future husband were well stocked!  After gifts, we mingled a little more as our beautiful afternoon came to a close.  Upon leaving, guests were offered a box of macaroons (in a Tiffany blue box tied with ribbon!) and a choice of Tiffany blue or soft pink nail polish.  They were thrilled with their favors.

Everyone, especially Laura, had a great time.  I am so honored that I got to be a part of throwing her a beautiful bridal shower and I am really looking forward to coordinating her wedding in less than two months!

Congrats on your engagement Laura and Grady!

Laura + Grady // August 16, 2014 // The Hollywood Schoolhouse // Woodinville, WA

Where has the time gone?!?  It feels like just yesterday I was 13, Laura was five and I was babysitting her.  Now I was helping plan her wedding!  This was a really special wedding to me.  I have known the Beaty’s for 18 years.  I have watched Laura grow up.  I was very honored when they asked me to coordinate the Beaty-Dillon wedding.  What a fun adventure!

Laura is a grade school teacher so The Hollywood Schoolhouse was a perfect fit for the ceremony and reception.  I love the look and feel of the building.  Wood and brick accents make the best backdrop for photos!  The grounds around the venue are kept up beautifully.  Laura knew what she wanted, but didn’t want to do a whole lot of the planning.  However, her mother, Susan, loves planning!  So Susan dove right in to bring Laura’s ideas together.

Laura knew she wanted a whimsical garden feel to the day with hints of her profession intertwined.  Her vision turned out more beautiful than I could have imagined.  The venue already set the perfect backdrop and she brought in apple green, coral and cream accents with her colors.  Laura and her mother fell in LOVE with this amazing book arch they found at the Seattle Wedding Show and they complemented it with big bundles of baby’s breath.  It was the perfect look in front of white sheer curtains for Laura and Grady’s ceremony.  Laura and Grady each had four attendants standing with them, two handsome ring bearers and the most adorable little flower girl.  The girls wore knee length chiffon dresses, different styles, in gray and the guys were dressed in gray suits.  Laura was a stunning bride in her long lace strapless gown and cathedral length veil.  She wore her hair up with simple and elegant make-up and jewelry.  Laura is definitely not five anymore!

The ceremony was a perfect 20 minutes.  Their good friend officiated and it was beautiful and heartfelt.    Wonderful words of wisdom and advice.  Laura and Grady also had two close friends play and sing their ceremomy music.  Following the ceremony was a cocktail hour outside so we could transition the ceremony into the reception.  It was a beautiful sunny 75 degrees.  The guests enjoyed the bar and passed appetizers while the new husband and wife enjoyed some quiet time upstairs signing the marriage license and taking a breather before the reception festivities.  As soon as the room was transferred over, guests were invited in to find their escort card.  The escort cards were printed on a cream paper to match the invitations and programs and each one was inserted into a decorative binder clip and stood in a tray of silver decorative pebbles.  Once each guest found their table and got their drink of choice, the bride and groom were introduce into the reception.  The tables were adorned with white linens, a large round mirror, painted white books, glassy baby’s, thin vases with flowers and a painted white wooden apple with a pencil holding the table number.  Very creative and perfect.  Each place setting had homemade jam, the bride’s moms specialty, for the guests to take home and enjoy.

To kick off the reception, Grady’s brother Conor and his wife hosted a little game.  They would hold up a sign with a word or phrase and if it pertained to you, you were asked to stand.  After standing, Laura and Grady tried to guess what was on the sign based on who was standing.  This was very fun and a great way to get the guests involved.  Following the game was dinner.  It was a lovely array of food that everyone seemed to enjoy.

After dinner, were some heartfelt toasts from Kristina – maid of honor, Conor – best man, Shannon – matron of honor and Mark – bride’s father.  Each toast was thought out well beforehand and very meaningful to both Laura and Grady.  This couple was definitely surrounded by a room full of love.  From toasts, they moved onto the cake cutting.  Laura and Grady chose a small cutting cake and to serve their guests cookies and milk for dessert, a favorite for the couple. The first dance was next and Laura and Grady danced to a song sung by Annie and Jonah, long time family friends.  It is the first wedding I have ever planned or been to that has done something like this.  Following the first dance, was the father-daughter dance and then the mother-son dance.  I had to hold back tears through each dance.  I don’t normally cry at weddings…but, this one almost brought on the tears a few times.

Then, the traditional event all the singles had been waiting for…or not.  The bouquet and garter toss.  First up, the bouquet toss.  Laura and Grady are still in their early twenties, so they had a good crowd to throw into.  A good friend of Laura’s happily caught the bouquet.  Grady took the guys outside for a garter toss…with a soccer ball and a good friend of his was the lucky guy to catch it.  Everyone seemed to want to catch the bouquet and garter.

With the traditional events done, it was time for everyone to get their party on and show off their dance moves.  Everyone was very eager to get out on the dance floor.  The DJ, Yoshi, was phenomenal and really kept the crowd going.  As fast as the party started, it came to an end and before anyone knew it we were sending Laura and Grady off through a tunnel of sparklers.

What a fabulous day.  What an honor to be asked to play such a big role for someone so special to me.  Laura and Grady I wish you nothing but the best in this adventure and I can’t wait to see what life has in store for you!

VENUE// THE HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// MATTHEW LAND STUDIOS
VIDEOGRAPHY// LANCE WATTS FILMS
CATERING// THE HOLLYWOOD SCHOOLHOUSE
CAKE// BELLEVUE QFC
FLOWERS// BEE’S FLORIST
CEREMONY ARCH// LOLA CREATIVE
DJ// YOSHI WITH BUGSIE PRODUCTIONS
OFFICIANT// SETH THOMAS – FRIEND OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM
CEREMONY MUSICIANS// MICHAEL AND ERIN – FRIENDS OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM
HAIR// JAMIE HAWKES
MAKE-UP// MAKEUP BY JUSTINE
INVITATIONS, PROGRAMS AND OTHER PRINTED MATERIAL// DESIGNED BY DJ MORGAN, LETTERPRESS BY CORBIN WATKINS

Kyle + Scott // October 5, 2014 // Tibbetts Creek Manor // Issaquah, WA

Fall, pumpkins, leaves…some of the Bride’s favorite things.  When her boyfriend Scott proposed, in a pumpkin patch, in 2013, she knew she would have a fall wedding with the colors orange and green.  No question about it.  When I met Kyle and Scott for the first time, I could tell they were a fun couple, but I didn’t know HOW much fun they would be.  I got my first email from Kyle in March 2013 (I remember it clearly because I was sitting on a boat headed out to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef) and they were interested in finding out more about how I could be of service to them.  We scheduled a meeting after I was back from Australia.  The first meeting went great.  Very fun, had a great grasp on their planning and just needed a little more guidance and day of coordination!  We got to work immediately.

Kyle and Scott had already chosen Tibbets Creek Manor as their venue.  They had fallen in love with a big apple tree to get married in front of on the back lawn.  Unfortunately, about 2-3 weeks before their wedding, the tree came crashing down during an early fall storm.  Kyle was heartbroken.  We flipped the ceremony location 180 degrees and held it in front of a wooden fence and some wild growth behind it and it was beautiful.  The ceremony spot was adorned with a white arch which was decorated with tulle and sunflowers.  Around the arch were pumpkins and leaves.  Very pretty and fall feeling.  It ended up being a GORGEOUS fall day.  Light breeze and perfect temperature!  Ceremony started at 1:00 pm.  The brides maid of honor was also the officiant.  The girls were in chiffon bright orange dresses and the guys were in a light gray suits.  The ceremony was short and sweet and little did the bride know, her groom had a special surprise in store for her.  The bride had picked out the ceremony music, but I received a call a couple days before from Scott letting me know there had been a change in the recessional music, but not to let Kyle know.  So naturally I asked for the back story.  Early on in their relationship they were watching one of Kyle’s favorite movies ‘Love Actually’ and during the wedding scene ‘All You Need is Love’ plays and everyone sings and claps along.  Kyle mentioned how she would love to have this happen at her wedding.  Well, Scott remembered and made it happen.  After they were presented as Mr. and Mrs. the music started.  That’s when it clicked for Kyle and you could see the joy spread across her face.  The new Mr. and Mrs. stood there facing their loved ones and waited for the chorus.  As soon as the chorus started the entire crowd started singing and clapping along while Kyle and Scott walked down the aisle, hand in hand, with big smiles!

Scott, Kyle, bridal party and family went off to finish pictures while the guests were served drinks and found their escort cards, which were paper pumpkins displayed pn a pumpkin patch board that the bride created.  Shortly after finding their seat, the guests were told they could grab some food.  Kyle and Scott had purchased platters of food from Costco for a light lunch.  After photos and signing the marriage license, the bride and groom were introduced in the reception and we moved right into toasts which were short, sweet and very heartfelt.

After toasts came the rest of the traditional events…cake cutting, first dance, father-daughter dance, mother-son dance (Scott danced with his mother and step-mother), and the bouquet and garter toss.  Little did the groom know, his bride had a surprise for him planned for the garter toss.  Again, a couple days before the wedding, I received a call from Kyle letting me know that she was changing the song Scott had picked for the garter toss.  She wanted to put on a little bit of a show and had prepared a rap, but that was all the information she would give me.  I was anxiously awaiting this moment.  As soon as the garter toss was introduced, the music started…Salt ‘n’ Pepa’s ‘Whatta Man’ and man can Kyle belt it out!  I had no idea and her performance was incredible!  She had the whole crowd singing along and of course she ended with”…I finally found somebody that can make me laugh (Ha ha ha), You so crazy, I think I wanna have your baby.” Scott had to contain his laughter before he could turn around and toss the garter.  This performance was too perfect!

At that point, my coordination had ended for this event.  I said my goodbyes and left the venue.  From what I heard, it was an enjoyable rest of the afternoon with everyone they love.

Congrats again Kyle and Scott!  I am so excited to watch your love grow as well as your little family!  I found out shortly after the wedding, they are expecting their first child!  So…congrats on the new addition also!

VENUE// TIBBETTS CREEK MANOR
COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// SUNKEN PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING// COSTCO PLATTERS
CAKE// SAFEWAY
CUPCAKES// COSTCO
FLORIST// FAB FLORAL, LAURIE HENDERSON
OFFICIANT// TASHA SOINE, MAID OF HONOR
BARTENDING// CHEYANNE HATCH
RENTALS// SWEET BUFFET LADY

Lauren + Kevin // September 15, 2013 // Pine Lake Community Center // Sammamish, WA

This wedding holds a special place in my heart for many reasons.  Kevin and Lauren are my brother and sister in law and I got to be involved in planning from day one-my first complete planning wedding!  It was a great learning experience and a perfect day.

With a tight budget, we had to get creative.  We dove into Pinterest for inspiration and ideas and created a lot of DIY projects.  But, the end result was just what Lauren had envisioned: Vintage Rustic Chic.

Lauren and Kevin held their wedding at the Pine Lake Community Center on a gorgeous end of summer day in September.  The weather was perfect and the ceremony was held outside as planned.

Lauren and Kevin met and fell in love while working at the local pizza joint, Frankie’s Pizza, so what was more perfect the choosing the owner, Chris Garcia, to officiant their ceremony.  The ceremony decor was kept simple with hurricane vases lining the aisle with candles and clear ornaments stuffed with baby’s breath hanging in the archway where they were married.  Lauren is a hippy at heart and knew she wanted a soft warm vintage feel on her wedding day.  She chose to go with a Vintage Rustic Chic theme and used coral and gray as her main colors with accents of soft pink and cream.  The beautiful bride wore her mother’s lace wedding dress (how special) and a flower halo while the bridesmaids got to chose their own dress in a coral color.  The groom and groomsmen were dressed in gray, slacks and a vest, while the groom wore a gray suit.

Following the ceremony was a cocktail hour with beer, wine and appetizers (you know, the comfort food type)!

The reception was held inside the clubhouse.  The clubhouse was a great open space with high ceilings and wood columns.  The guests were seated at three long tables.  Cream tablecloths adorned each group of tablse with a long burlap table runner down the center.  Double stacked books with mason jars wrapped in lace and stuffed with a candle sat on the guest tables along with varying sized mason jars, candle holders and bud vases.  The flowers were in the cream and pink colors which added a very soft feel to the room and the mass amounts of candles made the room glow.   At each place setting was a small brown paper craft bag that had been hand stamped with a couple dancing.  Inside were Hershey Kisses, just a little ‘thank you’ from the bride and groom. The bride and grooms table sat up on the stage and was adorned with the bridesmaids baby’s breath bouquets, the bride’s bouquet and bud vases.

Many of the tables had burlap signs hanging in front of them with fun slogans to bring out more of the shabby chic feel.  The guest book was made from an old frame found at a thrift store.  We attached coral colored ribbon in rows and has small cards the guests could write on sitting next to it.  The guests could then hang the card onto the ribbon with a small clothespin.  This alternative guest book went great with the vintage theme.

The food was supplied by Frankie’s Pizza (remember the couple fell in love while working there) which was perfect for this wedding.  Who doesn’t love pizza?!?  Following dinner were a handful of toasts given by friends and family that have been apart of the bride and grooms lives both individually and together.

The cake was designed by Pure Bliss Bakery out of Bellingham and was gifted to the bride and groom.  It was a beautiful 3-tiered cake frosted in ombre’ pink to go with the different coral and light pink colors you saw around the venue.  We set it upon a silver cake stand and surrounded it with cream dahlias which really added to the softness of the table.  And boy was it delicious!

The first dance as husband and wife was a special moment, followed by the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance.  Following the dance was the bouquet and garter toss.  The bride realized she had forgotten her garter, so we put together a makeshift garter with extra baby's breath.  The guest were moved outside for the tosses.  Then it was time to hit the dance floor.  The floor was full ALL NIGHT LONG until the very last song.

This wedding was such a fun and beautiful wedding and it was so wonderful to be a part of.  I am so excited to have Lauren as an ‘official’ sister and watch their family grow!

VENUE// PINE LAKE COMMUNITY CENTER
WEDDING PLANNER AND COORDINATOR// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// AUNT + UNCLE OF THE GROOM, STEVE AND CAROL WOODY
CATERING// FRANKIE’S PIZZA
CAKE// PURE BLISS DESSERTS
FLOWERS// DOWN TO EARTH, DAHLIA BARN, FLOWERS ASSEMBLED BY CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
DJ// BRIDE’S UNCLE, CLIVE BROCK
OFFICIANT// CHRIS GARCIA, BROTHER IN LAW
HAIR// CHARINA MALINAK
RENTALS// SWEET BUFFET LADY

Champagne Brunch Bridal Shower // July 21, 2012 // Private Home // North Bend, WA

When I heard I was gaining a little sister I knew I wanted to host a bridal shower for her.  I enlisted my two big sister’s help and we got to planning.  We decided on a bright, multicolored champagne brunch to be held outside at my house.  I hit Pinterest for ideas and away the planning went.

We kept the invitations simple.  Brown craft paper printed with bright colors, postcard style, were sent out to family and the bridal party.  We decided to use craft paper to top the tables with bright pink table skirts.  There was a long table for guests to sit, eat and play games.  Down the center of the table were wine glasses and martini glasses flipped upside down with a flower underneath and a brightly colored candle sitting on top and small glass dessert dishes with blue hydrangeas.  At each place setting was a water bottle with a custom label.  We also had vases of colorful flowers sitting around and bright polka dot balloons!

Upon arrival, guests were asked to sign a champagne bottle.  Lauren would get to take the bottle home to enjoy and when she popped the top she would think of everyone at the party.  Each guest could also choose a brightly colored ring to wear for the afternoon.  As favors, each guests was given a small colorful hand sanitizer from Bath and Bodyworks.

Food was a brunch buffet style and all bite size.  Fruit skewers, quiches, mini doughnuts and bagels were set out to enjoy.  There were polka dot plates and napkins and purple silverware adorned with rhinestones.

The main attraction was the mimosa bar.  Champagne, three flavors of juice and three choices of fruits made for fun palette pleasing drinks.  Each girl got a champagne glass with their name, a fun colored straw and were let loose to make their drink.  I think this was everyone’s favorite part of the afternoon.

We played a couple games for some entertainment.  Chrissy hosted the game ‘how well do you know the bride?’ She had a series of questions for everyone to answer and who ever got the most right was the winner.  I hosted the ‘make your own veil game.’  Lauren wasn’t wearing a veil on her wedding day, so I thought it would be fun to incorporate a veil into her shower.  Each girl was given a couple sheets of white tissue paper, a roll of toilet paper and 15 minutes to create a veil.  After the 15 minutes were up, each girl had to walk the catwalk one by one for Lauren to judge the veils.  Lauren picked a winner and she got to wear the veil for the rest of the afternoon!  It was a lot of fun to watch the girls craft the veils and strut their stuff down the runway!

For gifts, we went a different route than normal.  On the invitation we suggested a gift card of choice to shower the bride.  The gift cards ranged from Target (where the couple was registered) to restaurants and cinemas.  It was a great array of cards and I think people enjoyed the idea of something different that an actual gift.

It was a fun afternoon with a wonderful group of women!

Ahoy! It’s a Boy! Baby Shower // March 10, 2013 // Private Home // North Bend, WA

I got to throw this shower for one of my very best girlfriends that was expecting her second child, baby boy Tristan.  I decided to go with the theme Ahoy! It’s a Boy! and turn my house into all things nautical.  For those of you that know me, I can be a little over the top-but it’s ok-I plan parties-it’s expected…right? This time of year was the SEASON for nautical…boy did I time that well!  Or should I say boy, did Kelli time that well ;).  I found the cutest invitations on Etsy with red envelopes and found the perfect nautical stamps on Zazzle.  Yes, I paid more for this, but c’mon I needed the complete package.

Next up was decor…burlap flags, strings of flags in blue, yellow, red, and orange with nautical cutouts (thanks Cricut), a clothes line of baby clothes (which were then given to Kelli as a gift)…all in the nautical theme, sea shells, a life ring, and much more.  OH! I  can’t forget the polka dot balloons (in the theme colors of course), the whale balloon and the sailboat balloon.

Then-games…we wanted fun, but not cheesy.  Game 1: the classic do not say game. The chosen words were Kelli, baby, mom and Tom.  Each guest was given some blue clothes pins and if another guest caught them saying one of the off limit words and called them out, they had to hand over a clothes pin.  The guest with the most clothes pins at the end of the game won!  Game 2: Guess the date.  I made a calendar that was framed as a keepsake for Kelli.  Each guest got to pick a date (1 guest per date), stamp the date and write their name.  Once baby Tristan was born the person closest to the birth date was mailed a surprise!  Game 3: How well do you know the mother to be?  I asked Kelli a series of questions and she gave me the answers.  At the shower, each person got a game sheet and took a guess at each question.  We then let Kelli answer each question and whoever had the most correct answers won the prize!  Game 4: diaper raffle.  With each invitation was a diaper raffle ticket.  If you wanted to participate, you simply brought a pack of diapers and your name was entered in the drawing! Finally wishes for baby - although this wasn’t a game, it was more of an activity.  Each guest was asked to complete their wishes for baby on a custom sheet of paper. Kelli got to keep all of the sheets to share with Tristan when he is older.

For the food and drinks, I wanted to stay within the nautical theme as much as possible.  I did a tray of gold fish crackers, a martini glass for each guest with blueberries, a dollop of whip cream and an orange slice sailboat, shrimp, small “life ring” bagels with assorted cream cheeses, and other snacks.  The food was a hit!  Each guest got a mason jar wrapped with twine and a name tag and had the option of using a stripped straw if they pleased for their beverage.  Available to choose from were nautical wrapped water bottles, mimosas, wine, beer and a basil lemonade to fill their mason jar.

Favors were also tied into the theme.  There were skewers of salt water taffy in the colors of the event, small jars of sea salt, and chocolate suckers in the shapes of different sea animals.

I was so HAPPY with the way everything came together and it was so fun to watch one of my best friends be showered with LOVE. We got to welcome Tristan into this world in the middle of May-and he is just the cutest little bug.  He joins his ADORABLE big sister Makenna!