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
