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!

Robyn + Keith // August 13, 2012 // Private Home // Whidbey Island, WA

Robyn and Keith knew they didn’t want a typical wedding…they didn’t need that.  They just wanted to share the day with their closest family and friends.  They didn’t want traditional.  The bride didn’t want “the dress” as well as she lost her father a few years back and knew that she didn’t want traditional because he wouldn’t be there to walk her down the aisle or dance the father-daughter dance with her.  So Keith and Robyn decided they just wanted a celebration.  And a celebration it was!

The wedding was held at Keith’s parents house over looking the water - what a BEAUTIFUL backdrop for the ceremony.  There were about 100 guests that were treated to a Backyard Hawaiian BBQ.  Since Keith and Robyn would be leaving shortly after their wedding to honeymoon in Hawaii, they figured that would be a great theme.  Bright colors, leis and great food - what more could you ask for?!?

Robyn’s brothers walked her down the aisle and stood for her while Keith’s daughters walked him down the aisle and stood for him.  See…non-traditional.  The ceremony was short and sweet, but full of a lot of love.

Decor was kept simple, white tablecloths, coconut shell centerpieces stuffed with colorful cake-pops as favors, sea shells and leis.  The groom made a wooden wishing well for people to put their cards/gifts in and the bridal bouquet and corsages were made by a friend.

The food was FANTASTIC.  It was a buffet style setting of make your own sandwiches, assorted salads and sides and fresh crab legs. YUM.  Cupcakes, with an island look were displayed for all to see and enjoy after dinner.  The bride and groom had a BIG cupcake to cut and share.  The event was exactly what Keith and Robyn wanted, relaxed, low key and non-traditional.

A great time was had by all that attended and Robyn and Keith were very happy with their low key celebration.

VENUE// PRIVATE HOME, WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHER// AMANDA ALDER, FRIEND
CATERER// FAMILY, COSTCO
CAKE// FAMILY FRIEND
FLOWERS// FRIEND OF THE BRIDE
HAIR// BELLA VITA SALON AND SPA, ANGELA RILEY
INVITATIONS + PAPER PRODUCTS// COSTCO

Miss Elliott Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser // August 27, 2011 // Maple Valley Community Center // Maple Valley, WA

Miss Elliott - let me tell you about this precious little girl.  I was introduced to Miss Elliott in 2010.  I had known about Miss Elliott for about four months before I got the chance to meet her.  This little girl was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a terminal disease, at a very young age.  By the time I got the blessing of meeting her, her tiny little body had already started to regress.  It was heartbreaking, but I wouldn’t change knowing Miss Elliott for anything.  She has touched more lives and more people in her 4 short years of being on this Earth than most do in their 75+ years. This fundraiser is an event I will never forget.  Miss Elliott’s mother, Becky Benson, is such an advocate for this terrible disease, for spreading awareness, and now keeping Miss Elliott’s name alive.  She made it her mission to throw a wonderful event, raise money for Miss Elliott’s final expenses (which we all knew would come way too soon) and to donate the remaining money raised to the National Tay-Sachs and Allied Disease Association. We had many people step up to volunteer in any way possible.  Procuring items for the silent auction baskets, creating and printing forms, donating tablecloths, gathering money at the event, running the 50/50 raffle, cooking and serving food, you name it…someone wanted to volunteer for it!  It is such a blessing to live in a place where I am reminded daily that there is good in the world and people do want to help.

It was a turn out of 100-150 people.  A lot of the faces were people who knew the family or had met them previously, but we did get some attendees that had read about the event in the local paper.  It was a full house!  We kept the event simple.  White table clothes, vases with faux flowers, and coloring pages and crayons to keep the kids entertained.  We wanted to make sure the focus of this event was Miss Elliott and Tay-Sachs, not the wow factor or the decorations.  It was impressive how many baskets there were to raffle off and everyone seemed to enjoy their plate full of spaghetti, salad and bread.  It was a successful event and raised $6,000! I was honored to play a role in this event and I am even more honored to have been able to know Miss Elliott - even if it was just for a short time.  Miss Elliott gained her angel wings in February of 2012 and she is missed dearly, everyday.

To learn more about Tay-Sachs please visit http://www.ntsad.org/

To learn more about Miss Elliott please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elliottbenson

VENUE// GREATER MAPLE VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER. MAPLE VALLEY, WA
CENTERPIECES AND DECORATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
CAKE// DONATED BY KINGSLEY DIMENSIONAL DESIGNS
EMCEE// JEREMY WEAVER, UNCLE TO MISS ELLIOTT
BASKETS// DONATED FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES + FAMILIES
MANY VOLUNTEERS HELPED MAKE THIS A SUCCESSFUL EVENT

Julie + Kyle // September 4, 2012 // Sodo Park, Herban Feast // Seattle, WA

Julie and Kyle held their beautiful wedding at the amazing Sodo Park Herban Feast venue on a warm and sunny Saturday afternoon in September.  This venue sits in the industrial part of Seattle and while  industrial inside it has a very romantic feel about it.

This amazing wedding was captured by Michael and Amber with Jen and Jody Photography and not a single picture was missed!  Michael and Amber have a great eye for detail, fun shots and always being on top of the best shot available.

The bride knew she wanted warm fall colors as she was having her wedding day right at the end of summer.  It was a formal event, using colors of deep red, orange, yellow and brown with a pop of a rich purple.  So pretty.

The venue itself is very industrial rustic inside, so Julie kept the rustic feel throughout her entire wedding.  The ceremony was decorated with simple decor including off-white draping, a leafy arch, hurricane vases and candles lining the aisle.  The bridesmaids wore matching red dresses with black heels and the groomsmen were in traditional black tuxes.  After the ceremony, while the room was being transferred over to the reception area, the guests were treated to a cocktail hour with passed appetizers and a Washington Apple hand crafted cocktail (displayed in the coolest metal drink tree)!  The guests were seated at round tables adorned with brown table clothes and red napkins at each place setting.  In the center of each table was a square vase with a gorgeous arrangement of flowers in warm fall colors encircled with votive candles.  Throughout the room, there was up-lighting on the draping which gave the room a nice warm glow.  The guests were kept entertained by the photobooth which also doubled as the favor for the evening.

The catering was also through the venue and was fantastic and the presentation was incredible.

Julie and Kyle has decided on a simple white three tier cake adorned with flowers.  The look of the cake was perfect for the feel of the venue and the wedding.

This wedding was simply beautiful and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.

I am so thankful that Julie and Kyle trusted me with their wedding day.  I have known Julie since 7th grade so it was an honor to play such a key role in their wedding.

VENUE// SODO PARK HERBAN FEAST, SEATTLE, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// MICHAEL + AMBER, JEN AND JODY PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING// HERBAN FEAST
BARTENDING// HERBAN FEAST
CAKE// CELEBRITY CAKE STUDIO
FLORIST// HERBAN BLOOM
DJ// BEN TSENG, FRIEND
PHOTOBOOTH// 321 FOTO
PROJECTOR AND SCREEN// BLUE DANUBE PRODUCTIONS
INVITATIONS// COSTCO

Melissa + Ryan Wedding // August 10, 2013 // Bybee Blueberry Farm // North Bend, WA

The weather looked a little iffy and I was holding my breath that the sky wouldn’t open and down pour.  Today was not the day for that.  Thankfully, this Saturday, in August, was a perfect day for a wedding.  The sky changed between looking happy and very angry at times, but very little rain came down.  Melissa and Ryan’s wedding was PERFECT in every way possible.

Melissa and Ryan are a very special and genuine couple.  I knew from the first time I met Melissa I was really going to enjoy getting to know them as a couple and as individuals.  They both have such big hearts and I can see why so many people love them.

To me, this picture below truly captures the love they have for each other.  And the beautiful backdrop makes for a gorgeous picture.

Not only are Melissa and Ryan so genuine to everyone they encounter, but they truly are just a fun couple.

The wedding was at the beautiful Bybee Blueberry Farm.  This venue was a perfect fit for the casual rustic feel Melissa wanted for their wedding day.  By the time I came on board to work with Melissa and Ryan, they already had a good idea of what they wanted their day to be about: family and friends.  I remember Melissa saying to me “this will be the only time I have everyone I love under one roof.  I want my wedding day to be about that love, not just about Ryan and I.”  I thought that was one of the sweetest things a bride to be could say.

The cermony was quick and sweet, but the first thing I noticed was the love in Melissa’s eyes as she walked up the aisle to her groom.  Then I looked at Ryan and he had the same look in his eyes as he waited for his bride.  Melissa’s dad was also beaming as he walked his daughter to her future.  You could see how proud he was.

The centerpieces were made up of wood rounds, soup can table numbers, a small mason jar with coffee beans and a candle and a turquoise mason jar full of fresh market flowers which sat on a burlap runner and a brown tablecloth.  Melissa knew she wanted her flowers to look like fresh picked bouquets and by using the market flowers and putting the flowers together with family and friends she easily achieved that look.

Homemade signs were strewn around the venue just adding to the rustic feel.  As were old windows and doors.  A giant bronze trough sat by the bar to hold water and fun lemonades that were available to guests in 4 different flavors.  Between the ceremony and reception guests mingled, took photos, filled their mason jar glass and munched on the Chex mix from the Chex mix bar while the ceremony site was transformed into the reception venue.  Every little detail was thought of and created perfectly: a refurbished mailbox for cards, hay bales for guest to sit on in the field while watching friends play bean bags, music favor gifts, bubbles for the kids, and everything in between.

The food was wood fired pizzas and a salad.  Very yummy.  The dessert wasn’t a traditional cake, but the bride and groom had asked family and friends to bring their favorite dessert.  I think every person they asked brought something becuase the custom made dessert table was full to the brim!

The toast these two receive could not have been anymore true and heartfelt.  Listening to those that spoke about them really grasped the sincerity and passion these to surround their life with and how giving they both are.

Melissa and Ryan didn’t want to be the center of attention so while they started their first dance just the two of them, they shortly invited their bridal party out to dance with them.

The father-daugther and mother-son dances were two of the sweetest I have seen.  You could just see the joy in each parents face as they danced with their child.

One of my favorite elements of Ryan and Melissa’s wedding: they incorporated their last name everywhere. Sommer became Sommertime (aka Summertime)…adorable right?!?

I hope you enjoy the pictures and can see from them that this couple is truly meant for each other and surrounded by so much love!  Congrats Melissa and Ryan!  I am still honored that you chose me to be a part of your wedding day!

I will leave you with one last photo.  Remember the iffy weather I first wrote about…well because of that weather Melissa and Ryan got this GORGEOUS sunset off Mt. Si.

VENUE// BYBEE BLUEBERRY FARM, NORTH BEND, WA
COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// JULIANNA RENNARD, RENNARD PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING// POMPEII PIZZA
DESSERT BUFFET// FRIENDS AND FAMILY
FLOWERS// FARMERS MARKET – ASSEMBLY BY THE BRIDE, FRIENDS AND FAMILY
HAIR// BELLA VITA SALON AND SPA, ANGELA RILEY
BAND// SAMMY STEELE
OFFICIANT// BUCKY – FRIEND
BRIDES ATTIRE// CYNDERELLIE’S CLOSET
GROOMS ATTIRE// MEN’S WEARHOUSE
INVITATIONS// DESIGNED BY BRIDE AND GROOM
WOOD SIGNS AND DECOR// DIY BY BRIDE AND GROOM

Cheyanne + Dan Wedding // July 21, 2013 // Pickering Barn // Issaquah, WA

Dan and Cheyanne were married on a warm summer afternoon in July at Pickering Barn in Issaquah, WA.  Cheyanne is Southern and knew she wanted a Southern feel to the wedding.  The couple chose Pickering Barn because of the barn feel, as well as it is close to where they will be settling down and they wanted to be able to drive past their wedding location and tell their children that this is where “us” started.  How sweet.

Their day was captured wonderfully by William Bigelis.  The wedding was done in colors of blues and greens with a pop of yellow.  The ceremony decor was kept simple as the outdoor setting was beautiful without having to add much decor.  White chairs were set out for the guests with 3 free standing white shepherds hooks and small black lanterns lining each side of the aisle.  Upon each chair sat the program for the ceremony, which had a blue barn on the front, to tie in the setting. The bridesmaids were in black lace dresses and cowboy boots and carried in bright bouquets with sunflowers.  The groomsmen were in traditional black tuxes.

To bring in the Southern country feel, wood rounds were used as centerpieces with a burlap runner, a small black lantern and a mason jar full of fresh garden flowers.  In the garden flowers was a small chalkboard with a table number.   A large white louvered door was used to present the table numbers for each guest.  Dan and Cheyanne chose traditional white table clothes, but added a pop of color with green napkins hung over the table at every place setting .

To add a little excitement to the day-an alarm went off in the building after the power went out.  A fire truck had to be called to the building to turn it off-but when the opportunity arises who doesn’t want a picture with a firefighter and Cheyanne went for it-it will be a fun story down the road.

Thankfully the power outage was quick however, the groom had also come down with a dabilitating migrane.  The groom had to step out of his own wedding to try and recover.  Cheyanne handled all of this well and with good spirits.  We rearranged the schedule and opened up the dance floor for awhile and when the groom was back out his feet we started right  back up with the toasts follwed byt the cake cutting and straight into the dances.  The dance floor was then reopend for the guests to dance and the evening finished of well!

It was such a pleasure to work with such a fun-loving, easy-going couple and I was honored to watch their wedding day come to life.

VENUE// PICKERING BARN, ISSAQUAH, WA
COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// WILLIAM BIGELIS OF WILLIAM BIGELIS IMAGERY
CATERING// COHO CAFE
CAKE// ALYSSA PRATNER – FRIEND OF THE BRIDE
FLOWERS// FARMERS MARKET FLOWERS WITH ASSEMBLY BY BRIDE, FRIENDS + FAMILY
HAIR// BELLA VITA SALON AND SPA, ANGELA RILEY
DJ// BRANDON GROCE – FRIEND OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM
RENTALS// SWEET BUFFET LADY
BRIDES ATTIRE// DAVID’S BRIDAL
TUXES// MEN’S WEARHOUSE
INVITATIONS + PROGRAMS// DESIGNED BY THE GROOM, PRINTED BY SWIFTY PRINTING & DIGITAL IMAGING, INC.