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