Allie + Cameron // July 15, 2017 // The Kingston House // Edmonds, WA

I got the pleasure of meeting Allie + Cameron when I coordinated Sarah + Colin's wedding in August of 2015.  I didn't get to know either well then, but I remember how sweet and helpful they both were at Sarah + Colin's wedding (the weather was very unfavorable that day).  When Allie contacted me to coordinate their July 2017 wedding, I was excited to get to know them better individually and as a couple.

We met in March to get the ball rolling.  They were in a good place with their planning and just needed help with the smaller details and pulling everything together.  Their vision was a weekend spent on the venue property with their bridal party, with family and friends staying near by at other hotels and a big fun gathering on the wedding day.

I visited the venue with Allie + Cameron in early June and I could see why they felt The Kingston House was the perfect spot to get married.  It has multiple location for the ceremony and reception.  They chose to get married in front of the pond with the reception above  at the building and patio space.  A smaller wedding with about 110 guests.

July 15 started out as a bright a sunny day.  My assistant and I boarded an early ferry to make sure we arrived on time (we made the early ferry so I also got to do a little shopping on Bainbridge -score!).  We arrived at the venue about noon to start set-up.  Set-up was fairly simple.  The florsit took care of most of the ceremony decor and table centerpieces while I sat out the little details that make a wedding personal.  

The ceremony space was already set with an arch and white chairs were set in the morning by the staff.  The florist adorned the arch with sunflowers and greenery and hung vases of flowers off shepherd hooks to line the aisle.  White paper fans were set at the beginning of the aisle to keep guests cool on this warm summer afternoon. 

The reception space was set under a large white tent.  Long rows of tables were set with a burlap runner, wood rounds, florals, table numbers in small vintage inspired frames and a sunflower seed pack sat at each place setting as a small token of appreciation for sharing in this special day.  Around the reception space, we also set-up the Polaroid guest book table, the gift table and collaborated with the florist on the escort display table.  With a few extra florals, catering was able to adorn their buffet as well.

The ceremony started around 4:20pm with a full crowd to watch the exchange of vows and rings.  A good friend officiated the ceremony and gave a quick glimps into Allie + Cameron's life and the love they have for one another and everyone surrounding them.  It was short, but sweet.  A cocktail reception followed the ceremony in the lower tent while Allie and Cameron had some down time to relax and enjoy the first moments as husband and wife.  

Once the band was set-up and ready, the Bride and Groom were introduced into the reception and went right in to leading off the buffet (which was a fatastic spread).  Following dinner were toasts.  The toasts were very heartfelt and loving, with some jokes too.  The Bride had recently lost her father, but these toasts gave anyone who didn't know him a chance to get to know him and see how big of a part of Allie's life he is.  A doughnut cutting followed the toasts.  Allie + Cameron didn't have this announced as they wanted it to be a more personal moment shared between them.  The doughnut display was a big hit among the guests.

The first dance was a special moment shared by husband and wife (and always a favorite of mine) and the last quiter time of the evening.  Allie + Cameron flipped the bouquet and garter toss and got the guys onto the dance floor first for the garter toss, followed by the girls for the bouquet toss.  They did this because they has the band play the song for the bouquet toss which then led straight into open dancing.

It was at that time that my coordinating services came to a close.  I gave my hugs, said my goodbyes and we were on our way home.  What a gorgeous Washington wedding day it was.  And from what I heard the evening, dancing the night away under the starts, was just as fantastic!

Congratulations Allie + Cameron.  Thank you for choosing me to coordinate your wedding.  I look forward to getting to know you both more!

VENUE// THE KINGSTON HOUSE, KINGSTON, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// SAMANTHA MCFARLEN PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING AND BARTENDING// CRESCENT MOON CATERING
DESSERT// COUNTRYSIDE DOUGHNUTS
FLOWERS// DIAMOND CUSTOM FLORAL
BAND// THE SLACKS
OFFICIANT// KYLE LORENSON, FAMILY FRIEND
GUEST SHUTTLE// BIG WOODY LIMOS
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// HANNA MUZAR

Anna + Tyler // August 6, 2016 // Private Home // North Bend, WA

Anna reached out to me from a recommendation from her aunt.  Her aunt gets her hair done by my sister in law.  Her husband also went to high school with my husband.  We met about 6 months prior to their wedding and got right into planning.  They were holding their wedding at the groom's parents house, which has a gorgeous flat back yard and is beautifully landscaped making it the perfect spot for Anna's vision of a rustic chic, but casual wedding and party!

Anna is a very sweet girl with quite the silly side.  Tyler is very quite until he gets to know you.  Anna had a vision and was pulling it together well, but just need a little help finalizing a few odds and ends and making sure nothing was forgotten.

Fast forward to wedding day.  It was a perfect sunny North Bend Day - mid to high 70 was the forecast.  My husband and I showed up at noon to start set-up.  So much of the decor had already been set out by family.  We jumped in to help finish setting up the tables and adorn them with a tablecloth, home made wood boxes that were filled with garden flowers and a heart table number.  Simple, but made such a statement.  The guest book was set on a old re-purposed dresser.  It was designed as a message in a bottle.  Each guest could write a message on a slip of paper and put it in the bottle.  Tyler and Anna will then read the message at a later date.  Hand drawn chalkboards were strategically set around the venue with fun phrases/sayings.  An old car sat in front of the house, adorned with garden flowers.  The thought and design of the decor was done so well.  

Photos started around the property at about noon.  The photographers style fit in perfectly with the rustic chic Anna was looking for.  As well as they were all just having a really good time while taking photos which helped let so much of  everyone's personalities shine through.  Anna and her girls were in hiding by 3:30 pm, when guest started to arrive.  We held the ceremony a bit due to late arrivals, but got started about 4:15 pm.  It was a short ceremony, but fit them perfectly.  After the ceremony, the guests were asked to grab drinks and mingle while the ceremony space was reset for the reception.  It was a quick transition because so many guests jumped in to help move tables and chairs.

Once the space was flipped and guests had found their seats, Anna and Tyler were introduced into the reception and dove right into the breakfast buffet.  Super yummy from what I heard.  While guests enjoyed their breakfast for dinner, Anna and Tyler made their way around the tables to say hello to everyone.  After the buffet, toasts were given by the maid of honor, a groomsman and the bride and groom gave a heartfelt thank you to their guests for joining them to celebrate their union.  The toasts lead into the cake cutting which ended with a smashed piece in the grooms face and the bride running off to avoid the same.  After a brief break to clean the dance floor, Anna and Tyler had their first dance, which led into a money dance.  They started the dance each with a parent and then guests were invited up to break in, give the couple some cash and share a dance.  The money dance finished and Anna and Tyler went right into the bouquet and garter toss.  Anna did a traditional bouquet toss, but little did Tyler know, he was in for a surprise when he went digging to find the garter.  Out he pulled some baby blue granny panties.  His face was priceless because he thought he would be pulling a garter out to wrap around a football and throw.  Anna looked just as surprised as he did to keep him fooled.  Once he tossed the granny panties a football with the garter did come out for the actual garter toss.  One more request from the bride and groom was a bridal party game of flip cup.  The guys on one side and the girls on the other.  They stated with a shot of fireball together and then into a round of flip cup...ultimately the guys one.  The minute the dance floor opened, it was filled!  The dance floor was full all night, with Anna owning it most of the night.

Once my duties were over, my husband and I were lucky enough to be guests and enjoy the party.  Anna and I fell right into a friendship the minute we started planning together.  She is someone I feel like I have known my whole life!

Thank you Anna and Tyler for allowing me to help plan and coordinate your wedding as well as enjoy your special day.  I will enjoy watching you marriage flourish, your boys grow-up and our friendship continue.  I look forward to the good times!

VENUE// PRIVATE RESIDENCE, NORTH BEND, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// FARM HOUSE SISTERS PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING// THE MOOSE CATERING COMPANY
DESSERT// NEW YORK CUPCAKES
FLOWERS// COUNTRYSIDE FLORAL AND GARDEN
DJ// INJOY ENTERTAINMENT, WAYLON
OFFICIANT// CHERYL WEBER, PERSONAL FRIEND
RENTALS// NATIONAL EVENT PROS + VINTAGE AMBIANCE
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// CHARINA MALINAK
MAKE-UP// FLAWLESS BEAUTY BAR
BARTENDING// SELF SERVE BAR

Sarah + Keenan // September 3, 2016 // Willows Lodge // Woodinville, WA

Sarah and Keenan reached out to me through Wedding Wire well over a year in advance from their wedding date.  They were booked at Bell Harbor International Center and using a nautical theme to bring the whole day together.  They booked my day of coordination package with clean-up.  Sarah and Keenan live in California, so it was important for them to have a coordinator that would help keep them on schedule with planning and have good communication with their vendors.  They noticed in 3 months (December-February) of planning, the venue was not very responsive to them when they were trying to coordinate their rentals.  Come the end of March, Sarah and Keenan received a phone call from the venue that no couple ever wants to receive, let alone 5 months before your wedding date.  The venue they had selected, within the center, would no longer be available for their wedding date as the Port of Seattle and the cruise commissioner were moving up the remodel date.  After trying to work with the venue on spicing up the new location, Sarah and Keenan decided to cut ties and find another venue.

Willows Lodge happened to have a cancellation a week prior on the date Keenan and Sarah needed, so plans were set to move their wedding to Woodinville.  In the end, this venue ended up working out to be perfect venue and really fit Sarah and Kennan better.  Sarah and Keenan are such sweet and vibrant people and compliment each other so well.  Such jokesters they are!  I met with Keenan at the venue when he was up for a visit in June to finalize the catering menu, but I didn't get a chance to meet Sarah until two days before the wedding.  Most of our planning had been via email.

Switching your venue 5 months prior to your wedding can be very stressful, but with a great event manager at the venue, Jenn, re-planning went great.  Since Sarah and Keenan had their other vendors in place, we had the time to concentrate on redesigning their theme and decor and planning out the venue set-up and food.  Sarah and Keenan switched from a nautical theme to lavender and herbs with the lavender color being most prominent and enhanced with ivory, sage and gold.

Willows lodge does 2 events in a day.  Sarah and Keenan had the afternoon slot which means our set-up didn't start until 3:00 pm with a 5:00 pm ceremony.  Right at 3:00 pm the lodge started the room flip and my assistant and I worked right along side them with our set-up of flowers and decor.  Set-up went on as scheduled.  While setting up, pictures were taking place around the grounds.  Willows Lodge is not only a beautiful place for a wedding, but a gorgeous place for photos.  The guest table were set with an ivory tablecloth, gold charger, a lavender cookie at each place setting for a favor and a vase with lavender surrounded with votive candle holders and a table number.  Out in the courtyard sat the guest book table, gift table and escort card table.  The escort cards were handmade folded cards adorned with a sprig of lavender clipped on.

Sarah, Keenan and the bridal party were in hiding by 4:40 pm.  During this down time, they signed the marriage license and Ketubah.  The Ketubah was then taken out to be displayed during the ceremony.  Sarah is Jewish and Kennan is Polynesian so it was very important that both of their religions/cultures be a part of their ceremony.  The ceremony started at 5:00 pm and was a beautiful blend of both Sarah and Keenan.  Following the ceremony, Sarah and Keenan went for some more photos while the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour and were encouraged to find their escort card to direct them to their table for the evening.

Once each guest had found their seat for the evening, Sarah and Keenan were introduced into the reception and went straight into their first dance as husband and wife.  Following their first dance was the HaMotzi prayer and bread cutting, which lead into a buffet dinner.  The HaMotzi bread was served to each guest to enjoy with their dinner.

Once each guest had made their way through the buffet a short slideshow was played which led into toasts.  Toasts were given by four people, The matron of honor, best man, mother of the groom and father of the bride with a surprise toast from one of the groom's brothers.  These toasts had the guests laughing and aahhhing over sentiment.  Toasts turned into the cake cutting and the cake cutting turned into the father-daughter dance and a choreographed mother-son dance.  Since incorporating each of their religions was a big focus of the night, Sarah and Keenan finished the traditional events of with a Hora and asked that all guests please join them on the dance floor, which I believe almost every person did! Once the Hora came to a close the dance floor opened and everyone had a great time dancing to great music.  Around 9:30 pm; late night snacks of breakfast sandwiches and hash browns were brought out (on request of the groom).  Come 11:00 pm, the guesst filtered out and the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison came to a close.

Thank you Sarah and Keenan for letting me be a part of your special day!  I really enjoyed getting to know both of you!

VENUE// WILLOWS LODGE, WOODINVILLE, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// MARISSA RICK PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING AND BARTENDING// WILLOWS LODGE
CAKE// BORCHINNIS BAKERY
FLOWERS// WHOLESALE FLOWERS ASSEMBLED BY BRIDE AND BRIDAL PARTY
DJ// HEADSMILE PRODUCTIONS
OFFICIANT// JESSICA GREEN, PERSONAL FRIEND
RENTALS// PALISADE
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// SORRIDA SALON
MAKE-UP// FLAWLESS BEAUTY BAR
RENTALS// WILLOWS LODGE

Lindsay + Tyler // August 27, 2016 // Palisade Restaurant // Seattle, WA

Lindsay contacted me about 6 month before her wedding and I had to let her know that while I was available for her wedding date, I wasn't available for her rehearsal, but if she wanted I could design a custom package for her and they would orchestrate their own rehearsal.  Her and Tyler were okay with this plan and away we went with planning!

Lindsay and Tyler choose the Palisade Restaurant for their intimate wedding.  They rented the Alani Room, which has beautiful view of the marina for the reception and the ceremony would be held outside in the courtyard.  The mauve, navy and soft silver colors that Lindsay chose complimented the venue and a late summer wedding so beautifully.  Most of the set-up for wedding day was done by the venue.  I arrived on-site at 2:30 pm for my part of set-up.  The florist arrived shortly after me to adorn the guest tables with beautiful arrangements and set up the ceremony alter which consisted of rust colored pillars topped with beautiful arrangements in large glass vases and small clear vases with baby's breath lined the aisle.  My assistant and I added transparent silver chair ties to the end aisle chairs to soften the aisle.

Lindsay, Tyler and bridal party arrived at 3:15 pm to start photos.  Photos were taken around the grounds, on the docks and featured the beautiful views that surrounded us.  Their photos, which you will see below, are stunning.

Lindsay and her girls went into hiding by 5:30 pm when guests started to arrive. The ceremony started at 6:15 pm.  The weather was perfect and the ceremony was short and sweet.  Following the ceremony,  guests were treated to a cocktail hour with appetizers and a lavender cocktail.  During this time, the Bride and Groom had a little bit of time to relax, enjoy the moment and sign the marriage license.  Once the guests were let into the reception room and found their assigned table, the Bride and Groom were introduced into the reception as Mr. and Mrs. Gagnebin.  Once introduced, they gave a quick welcome and thank you, which lead right into a very tasty buffet dinner.  Dinner was accompanied by soft music from a live band.

Once dinner wrapped up toasts started.  Each toast was very heartfelt and you could see how much this couple is loved and supported by their family and friends.    After toasts was the cake cutting.  This cake was so beautiful - it was almost hard to watch them cut into it.  I meant to get a piece as it was lavender flavored, but totally forgot.  I'm sure it was just as delicious as it looked!  Following the cake cutting, was the first dance.  Lindsay and Tyler took a few dance classes and had a perfectly choreographed first dance as husband and wife.  The first dance lead into the father-daughter dance which was a very special moment watched closely by the groom and his father.  Once the dances were over, the guests were invited onto the patio for the bouquet and garter toss - and you know how those go!  After the traditional items came to a close the dance floor was open and filled up fast.

It was then my time to say goodbye.  This was such a wonderful wedding to be a part of.  Thank you Lindsay and Tyler for hiring me as your coordinator.  I cherish the friendship we have created!

VENUE// PALISADE RESTAURANT, SEATTLE, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// INSPIRE BY DANIELLE
CATERING AND BARTENDING// PALISADE RESTAURANT
CAKE// BAKED
FLOWERS// FLOWER LAB
BAND// BOB GULLEY, PERSONAL FRIEND
OFFICIANT// TERRY JAMES, PERSONAL FRIEND
RENTALS// PALISADE
HAIR// CHARINA MALINAK
MAKE-UP// FLAWLESS BEAUTY BAR
TRANSPORTATION// SUPREME LIMO SERVICE

Rebecca + Nick // January 23, 2016 // Within Sodo // Seattle, WA

Becca and Nick are extended family in a sense.  Nick's younger sister, is my sister in law.  Becca reached out to me about 10 months before the wedding saying that while she thought she would be able to handle planning her wedding herself, she was now overwhelmed and wanted to meet to talk about my packages and what I offer.  Becca is from Saipan and would be having a fancy wedding there in December.  Her and Nick also wanted to have a second wedding in Seattle since this is where Nick is from and a lot of their friends and family wouldn't be able to make it so far to celebrate with them.

Becca's vision for her second wedding was simple and she stressed that to me.  Their first wedding would be very fancy and dramatic so she wanted exactly the opposite in Seattle.  The venue she chose, Within Sodo, speaks for itself and doesn't need much decor as you don't want to take away from its beauty.  Its an architect/interior designers dream with exposed beams, wood and brick.  Becca is in school for interior design so it was a very fitting choice.

We got to planning right away and I helped guide the way for Becca.  She was definitely serious when she said simple.  No flowers, no ceremony decor, minimal reception decor, I really wondered how this would look, but it was perfect and so very much Becca.

I arrived at the venue on wedding day at 3:00 pm for set-up.  Rental tables and chairs were already delivered and set-up so my husband, assistant and myself jumped into setting the tables.  The tables were long rows of rectangular banquet tables adorned with a cream tablecloth, a napkin at each place setting and a full row of clear glass votive candle holders in a straight line running the length of the tables, some of the tables were four, eight foot long tables pushed together!  When Becca told be she wanted the candles I thought no big deal.  Boy am I glad my husband was there to put the candles out in a perfectly straight line!  Catering came in later to finish the tables with a water glass and silverware at each place setting as well.  Simple, yet a very dramatic effect.  The only other decor was a bronze and glass card box for the gift table and the photo guest book. S-I-M-P-L-E.

Becca and Nick arrived at the venue with the bridal party at about 5:oo pm to finish some photos at the venue.  The brick walls and wood panels offered some amazing backdrops.  It never hurts when the couple could easily be models!  By 5:30 pm, Becca and the girls were in hiding and doing hair and make-ups touch up.

Ceremony started a little after 6:00 pm.  The groom, 6 girls, 9 guys and the bride with her parents were ushered down the aisle for a short ceremony, because Becca and Nick really wanted to get to the party!  After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed some beverages while the couple finished up some photos with family and catering broke down the ceremony space to set-up the dinner buffet.  Once the guests were seated, the couple was introduced for the first time in the states as Mr. and Mrs. Martindale.  Guests were treated to a fantastic dinner by Act 3 catering.

Toasts followed  dinner from the matron of honor (the groom's sister in law), the best man (best friend of the groom), and the mother of the groom.  The couple said a quick few words to their guests as a wrap-up.  Becca and Nick didn't feel the need to partake in the normal traditional wedding tasks, as they had done all of that at their December wedding.  I suggested a first dance for their guests to enjoy.  After their first dance, they dance floor opened and the dessert of baby cakes were served.  Becca had her timeline designed for about 3 hours of dancing, which to most seems like a long time, but Becca, Nick and their guests got down until the very last song at midnight.

Thank you Becca and Nick for letting me be a part of your special day!  I look forward to watching your marriage grow!

VENUE// WITHIN SODO, SEATTLE, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// T AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING// ACT 3 CATERING
DESSERT// CUPCAKE ROYALE
BARTENDER// THE BOWTIED BARTENDER
DJ// SG MOBILE DJ
OFFICIANT// CHRIS GARCIA, PERSONAL FRIEND
RENTALS// PEDERSENS RENTALS AND SWEET BUFFET LADY
HAIR// CHARINA MALINAK
DESSERT// CUPCAKE ROYALE
MAKE-UP ARTIST// SEPHORA
TRANSPORTATION// UBER

Anna + Michael // September 13, 2013 // Salish Lodge and Spa//Snoqualmie, WA

Anna contacted me in July 2013 through a site called Thumbtack that I had JUST signed up for.  Her and Michael were having a small intimate wedding at the Salish Lodge in two months and were in need of a day of coordinator.  I was very interested in coordinating their wedding for a couple reasons. 1 – It’s a wedding and I love weddings! 2- Right in my back yard. 3- I had been really wanting to coordinate an intimate wedding, as well as one at the Salish Lodge.  I sent off a quote and Anna, along with her parents, set-up a meeting with me at the Lodge and I was hired!  Once I met Anna and her family, I was hoping they would hire me.  Anna was so very sweet right from the beginning and I knew we would have a great time finishing the the planning and coordinating her and Michael’s wedding.

All of the little details were finished and coordinated over the next two months and before we knew it, wedding day was upon us.  The Salish Lodge and Down To Earth Floral handled a lot of the set-up, so I was on-site mid afternoon to finish the details of set-up: setting out placecards and favors, guest book and the bird cage for cards, the water ceremony and finessing anything that needed finessing to make sure both the Hidden Terrace and the Atrium were as the bride had envisioned.  Throughout the morning and early afternoon the ladies and gentlemen spent their time getting ready and taking gorgeous photos around the Salish Lodge property.

Ceremony was set to start at 4:30 pm.  It was a warm fall September afternoon and the sun was shining brightly over the falls, which happen to sit right below the Hidden Terrace where the ceremony was taking place.  The ceremony was short and sweet.  After the ceremony guests were escorted to the Atrium for the reception.

The Atrium was set with four guest tables.  It was a small intimate affair.  Centerpieces were tall woodland arragements with sticks decorated with blue orchaids and moss.  Each place setting was adorned with a jar of honey (from the Salish Lodge honey bees) which acted as a name tag and a small bag of candies.  

While guests mingled and found their seat for the evening, Anna, Michael, the officiant and their maid of honor and best man signed the marriage license in the Library.

Guests enjoyed a sit down plated meal (which looked and smelled delicious).  While guests were finishing up dinner, Anna and Michael snuck out of the reception to take some stunning photos around the Salish Lodge property, as the sun was setting.

Once Anna and Michael returned to the reception, toasts, cake cutting and dances took place.  With an intimate  wedding, these moments seem to make everyone in the room tear up!

Once the traditional items of the evening were done, my night came to a close.  I said my goodbyes and left.  From what the rest of the pictures show…it looks like they had a little fun!

Thank you Anna and Michael for letting me be a part of your special day!  It was so fun getting to know you both – you both are very special and sweet people who make a wonderful couple.  I can’t wait to watch your marriage grow!

VENUE// THE SALISH LODGE AND SPA, SNOQUALMIE, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// SELECT PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING AND BARTENDING// THE SALISH LODGE AND SPA
CAKE// THE SALISH LODGE AND SPA
FLOWERS// DOWN TO EARTH
OFFICIANT// JEREMY JAHN – FAMILY FRIEND

Sarah + Colin // August 29, 2015 // Hidden Meadows // Snohomish, WA

I met Sarah for the first time in January 2015.  I had been recommended to Sarah by Susan Beaty (the mother of the bride from a 2014 wedding) to be their day of coordinator.  Sarah is a very very sweet girl and our first meeting went great.  I couldn’t wait to dive into Sarah and Colin’s wedding details!

Sarah also plans events for a living, so she knew what she wanted and how to achieve it.  Lists, spreadsheets, diagrams – I was in planner heaven!  We dove right into planning and I loved the vision Sarah had for her wedding day.  Navy and gold – one of my new found favorite color schemes, glamour, sparkle – sooooo pretty!

I first visited the venue with Sarah and three of her bridesmaids in March.  I always like to see a venue early on in the planning process, incase the couple has questions or needs ideas and advice – it really gives me a better understanding of the whole vision.  Between Sarah and her three girlfriends, they had a lot of wonderful ideas, a ton of DIY projects and a great overall vision.  I also fell in love with the space.  Rustic chic and put together well.  It has a great history as a family farm turned venue, which is HOT in the wedding industry right now.

Months of planning and meetings went by and before I knew it, Sarah and I were at our final walk through of the wedding venue.  It was a beautiful warm Tuesday evening in late August.  Sarah and I met out at the venue and finalized the last few details.  Like most summer brides, Sarah had this vision of a gorgeous sunny wedding day – however, the forecast had a different idea.  Both of our weather apps were showing 100% chance of rain.  No biggie.  The venue has a gorgeous indoor location for the ceremony, that comes with your rental (awesome), and the reception space is also covered.  Sarah was bummed, but dealing well with the idea and had her rain back-up plan in place for set-up and ceremony, if needed.  No matter what, I assured her it was going to be a beautiful day and over and above everything else she was marrying her best friend.

Rehearsal dinner was held at the Seattle Yacht Club.  Right as the rehearsal started, outside, it started to rain, so inside we went.  Rehearsal went great and I left them for the evening to celebrate.

The next morning I woke up to a very stormy Saturday.  A little bit of panic started to set in when I received a text from the maid of honor that roads were blocked by flooding and downed trees so I may want to leave early to get to the venue by 3:00 pm.  I let her know I would be there on time and everything would be fine, because truely, rain or shine, everything will be fine.

I left my house about 1:45 pm and it was a mess to get to Snohomish.  I had been watching the traffic and the backroads from my house to the venue, were still the best option.  It was definitely a trek.  I pulled into the venue parking lot an hour later and could hear the generators running.  The power was out.  I had a feeling while I was driving there that this would be the case, as the storm had definitely hit harder in Snohomish.  A moment of quiet oh no’s and deep breaths in the car and off I went. I had to remain calm to keep everyone else calm.  I was met by the father of the groom who was all smiles and just said “oh well, it will still be a great day!” Great attitude!  I also got similar smiles and sayings from the rest of the parents and family that were gathered in the ceremony space.  I asked one of them how Sarah was and as I expected, she was a little stressed.  I peeked my head into the bride’s room to let her know I was there and that I would dive right into helping finish set-up.  Things had gotten off to a rocky start with getting to the venue, power going out mid updo’s, winds not allowing for some decor to be set out, but I assured her again “everything will be just fine.”  I was so very thankful Sarah and Colin had groomsmen that were on top of it.  They had decided, when the power started flickering, to run to Home Depot and rent enough generators for the venue to have the important areas and things lit up.

I jumped in with the set-up crew, who had already done so much, and was truely impressed with Sarah’s vision.  The space was beautiful.

Pictures got off to a late start because of the weather and power outage, but finished with no problems and ahead of schedule.  The rain had let up, so Sarah and Colin were still able to get outdoor pictures and the sky was awesome for the photos.

Ceremony time was quickly approaching, but because of the weather, guests were having a hard time getting to Hidden Meadows.  We delayed the start by 30 minutes.  Right before the ceremony started, the lights came back on!  GREAT timing weather Gods.

The ceremony went beautifully and we were able to make up some of the lost time!  Guests were moved into the reception space while Sarah and Colin spent a few minutes in the grooms' room as husband and wife.

After the guests had found their table, grabbed a drink and settled in, the bridal party was announced by couple.  For the first time, Mr. and Mrs. McElroy were introduced into the reception.  They ran through a tunnel they bridal party had created.  The father of the bride gave a quick thank you and the buffet was opened.  I was impressed with catering.  Even with the challenges of cooking by generator, they provided a full and tasty meal!

Following dinner were heartfelt and hilarious toasts.  Each toast was carefully written out and you could tell this couple has a lot of love surrounding them.  After toasts, was the cake cutting (almost to pretty to cut into) and then the first dance, father-daughter dance and mother-son dance.  Three beautiful moments.

After this round of traditional items, we took a break to allow guests some time to chat, grab a drink, relax and dance, while Sarah and Colin took some extended family photos, before moving onto the bouquet and garter toss.  More than most weddings, Sarah and Colin’s single friends and family were ready for these tosses and it was quite funny to watch!

By 9:00 pm, the dance floor was back open for the guests to show off their moves and it was defintiely packed with Sarah and Colin right in the middle.  By 9:30, catering was back to work setting up the nacho bar or as Sarah had called it in planning…the drunk food bar.  How fun!

As guests left, they got to choose from different homebrew options that Sarah and Colin had made, bottled and labeled in the months leading up to the wedding.  What a special treat!  Before Sarah and Colin left, we snuck them off for some fun photos with large balloons and sparklers (not together!). So fun and entertaining to watch as Sarah and Colin posed (and laughed) – in the pouring rain.  It was in this moment, that I could really see the love they each have for one another.

At 11:00 pm, Sarah and Colin made their grand exit and the town car swept them away.  Despite the weather giving us some challenges, it was a very successful and fun event!  Each guest made the difficult and long trek to be there and each vendor worked extra hard to make sure each of us delivered an unforgettable to day to the new Mr. and Mrs. McElroy.

Congrats again Sarah and Colin!  It was a joy getting to know you both through this process and I can’t wait to watch your love and marriage grow!

VENUE// HIDDEN MEADOWS, SNOHOMISH, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// EYLANDER PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING AND BARTENDING// TRAILS END CATERING
CAKE// ALICIA STACY – FRIEND
FLOWERS// LISA DUNTON AND KATE MCDONALD – FRIENDS
DJ// INJOY ENTERTAINMENT – DJ WAYLON
OFFICIANT// JOHN LEPTICH – FRIEND
DECORATING SERVICES// PROP GALLERY
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// FIREFLY AVEDA SALON
TRANSPORTATION// ACES CAR SERVICE

Ashley + TR // August 22, 2015 // Admirals House // Seattle, WA

Ashley reached out to me in early 2015 after I had submitted a quote to her request for a wedding coordinator through Thumbtack.  I learned early on that she was in her 1st year of Law School while planning a wedding.  I was impressed and once I met Ashley and got to know her more, I knew I was impressed for a reason.  I was hired by Ashley before we actually met in person, but once we met in person I was truly so glad she chose me to handle their wedding day!

Ashley and TR have dated since high school, even though they attended different high schools.  You can easily see why their relationship lasted through high school and college.  The love they have for one another is undeniable and it shows.  They both have a fun sense of humor, a radiant glow about them and Ashley an addiction to coffee (the minute I found this out I knew we would be friends), which TR fully supports!

Ashley knew what she wanted for their wedding.  She didn’t want a traditional reception.  Since their venue was an old home, she wanted the feel to be more “dinner party like.”  Her colors were pinks, peach, greens and gray.  Vintage flair with a classic feel.  A fun, memorable, stress free night was her big vision and I was there to help with that.

August 22nd was a perfect Seattle day.  I arrived on-site for set-up and the grounds just felt alive.  Ashley and her maids were upstairs getting ready and I got to work.  Everything was coming together beautifully.

Pictures were started around the grounds and Ashley and TR looked fabulous and so in love.  Guests started to arrive and Ashley was hidden away with anticipation of the ceremony time soon approaching.

Ashley had her grandfather walk her down the aisle to the stairs in front of the arbor.  Ashley wanted to walk herself up the stairs to meet TR, to start their lives together.  The madly in love couple exchanged their vows below a beautifully decorated metal arbor, while friends and family admiringly watched.  Cheers erupted and the happy couple walked back down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Cummins.

While the new Mr. and Mrs. finished photos, the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with delicious munchies and drinks, time to catch up and mingle to meet new friends.  You could see in this time that Ashley and TR surround themselves with people who are full of love, fun energy and good conversation.  Once catering had the food stations ready, Ashley and TR were introduced into the reception and were greeted with a love from every person in attendance.

Food stations were opened inside the house.  After time to eat, toasts followed.  Toasts were given by the maid of honor, best man, mother of the bride and parents of the groom.  In these toasts, you could really see the love and admiration the people speaking have for this young couple, as well as the love and admiration that Ashley and TR have for them.  Ashley and TR wrapped up the toasts with thanks to their guests for being there with them, to share in their special day.

Following toasts, the couple cut the cake.  The cake was a gorgeous buttercream creation adorned with the most beautiful flowers and surrounded by macarons.  Since the the cake was in a small front room, guests were invited to also watch the cake cutting through the front window.

The cake cutting led into the first dance as husband and wife, the grandfather-granddaughter dance and the mother-son dance.   It is always in this moment that I fall in love with weddings all over again.  Every single time.  There is just something about these special intimate moments that get me and I know I am in the right place.

The bouquet and garter toss was held outside and followed by open dancing, both inside and outside. Fun was had by all the guests on a warm, sunny, perfect Seattle summer evening.

Ashley and TR, it was a blessing to work with you on your wedding day.  I look forward to watching your love and admiration for each other continue to grow as you finish school and start your life and husband and wife.  Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day!

VENUE// THE ADMIRALS HOUSE, SEATTLE, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// KIANA MCCRACKIN PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING AND BARTENDING// KASPARS SPECIAL EVENTS AND CATERING
RENTALS (TABLES, CHAIRS, LINENS, DANCE FLOOR, GLASSWEAR AND DINNERWEAR)// ABC RENTALS COORDINATED BY KASPARS
CAKE AND MACARONS// ALEXANDRAS MACARONS
FLOWERS// RHONDA KING – FAMILY FRIEND
DJ// KENDRICK BARNES
OFFICIANT// RANDY ROWLAND
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// SALON MAISON
PORTABLE RESTROOMS// ROYAL RESTROOMS
VALET SERVICE// SHUTTLE EXPRESS
TRANSPORTATION// BRITISH MOTOR COACH

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