Kristina + Brian // December 15, 2018 // Steakhouse9 Homestead Golf Course, Lynden, WA

I have known Kristina since she was a little girl. I didn’t know her well as she is a handful of years younger than me, but we knew her family from living in the same neighborhood and would see them around the neighborhood and at functions. Kristina had been in two weddings and was set to be in a third as a Bridesmaid when she contacted me to be her wedding coordinator.

We went right to work and started planning Kristina + Brian’s dream wedding. The wedding was set to take place in mid-December so it was fitting to design the wedding with a classy Christmas style. Kristina loves the Holidays. I met with Kristina + Brian at their venue up North in late April so I could see what we were working with and help with ideas. The venue was holding a vendor fair the same day so we got to talk with some potential vendors for their event. The space was different and unique, and I was excited to get started in helping them pull together a beautiful Christmasy wedding!

Flash forward 8 months and December 15th had arrived. My husband assisted me with this wedding and we were able to do a lot of set-up at the venue the evening before after rehearsal, which is so rarely the case. We got started with the final set-up around 11 am on wedding day. The space would first be the ceremony space and quickly flipped into the reception space following the ceremony. The ceremony was set with white drapery, twinkle lights, Christmas trees, wood crates, lanterns, greenery, and all things you would envision for a classy Christmas setting.

The ceremony kicked off at 4 pm and was short, sweet, and sentimental. Once the new husband and wife kissed and descended down the aisle, the guest were ushered out into the lobby for a space flip and my team and the catering team went to work. The ceremony backdrop was used as a backdrop for the head table, as was the ceremony decor. A handful of reception tables had already been dressed and set in the hallway so that made for a speedier transition. Those were brought into the reception space while the other tables were set up, dressed, and decorated with a wood round, greenery, flowers, and a candle. Simple but classic.

While we flipped the room, guests grabbed drinks, caught up with old friends and new ones, and did an after-ceremony sparkler tunnel for the newlyweds. Guest were soon asked to find a seat and Kristina + Brian were introduced to the reception and kicked it off by starting the buffet line. Following dinner, were toasts by a select few, the cake cutting, first dances, and the bouquet and garter toss. Once the traditional items were over, the dance floor opened up and was instantly packed.

Thank you Kristina + Brian for letting me play a role in your beautiful wedding day. It was a fun weekend! I always enjoy coordinating a wedding for someone I have known over the years, makes it a little more special!

VENUE// THE DESOTO AND COOPERS HALL, PORTLAND, OR
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// MOSCA STUDIOS
CATERING// THE ART OF CATERING AND COOPERS HALL
BARTENDING + STAFFING// THE ART OF CATERING AND COOPERS HALL
FLOWERS// SEA OF ROSES
BAND// THE BLUE WAVE BAND
DESSERT// PETUNIA’S PIES + PASTRY
OFFICIANT// JOSH COBUN - NEW HEIGHTS
DRESS// NORDSTROM BRIDAL

Janelle + Titus // September 8, 2018 // St. Paul's Church + Hood Canal Pavilion, Port Gamble, WA

Janelle contacted me in November 2017 about their upcoming wedding in late 2018. They lived in DC and would be planning from afar. I orginally met Janelle when she was a bridesmaid in a wedding I coordinated in 2016. Impressions and word of mouth are my biggest marketing material and I was excitied to work with Janelle again, this time as a bride.

I met with Janelle + Titus when they were in town for the Holiday’s. The meeting went well and we set off on planning a wedding! Janelle + Titus had a completel vision in mind and was looking for help in pulling their wants and needs together while being budget conscious. Janelle is from the PNW and Titus if from the East Coast so they wanted to make sure to combine the feel of both coasts in their wedding design to make all of their friends and familly feel welcomed. They wanted their guests to walk away “having felt taken care of, appreciated and a night they will never forget.” Janelle knew she wanted a simple but elegant wedding with muted garden colors, soft florals and candles. She is a DIY’er and you could see those little thoughtful touches throughout the wedding.

I spent about 8 months planning with Janelle + Titus and before we all knew it, September 8th had arrived. My team arrived and started set-up at the reception venue around 11am. Once the reception space was set-up we were able to get into the church to set-up the ceremony space. The short and sweet ceremony kicked off at 4pm. Following the ceremony, guests were ushered outside to wait for Titus + Janelle to make their grand exit from the church. In the meantime, Janelle + Titus signed the marriage license upstairs in the church and rang the church bell to celebrate the start of their marriage.

By 4:45, Janelle + Titus made their way outside to their waiting guests where they cheered for the newlyweds. Janelle + Titus lead their guests the short walk from the church to the reception pavilion. The guests enjoyed a cocktail hour while the bride and groom took family and bridal party photos. Around 6pm, the bridal party and Janelle + Titus were introduced into the reception tent and kicked off the buffet dinner line. Following dinner, was toasts by loved ones and the cake cutting. While guests enjoyed cake, Janelle + Titus snuck out to get some evening light sunset photos. Guests were also invited to make their way over to the pavilion once they were done with their cake to welcome Janelle + Titus back from photos and cheer them on for their first dance as husband and wife. They also took this time to each dance with their parent. After that, the party really got started. Before they knew it, the party was coming to a close on their beautiful wedding day. Janelle + Titus, it was a pleasure getting to know you both and work with you in planning and executing your big day!

VENUE// ST PAUL’S CHURCH & HOOD CANAL VISTA PAVILLION, PORT GAMBLE, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// DAYS AND NIGHTS PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING// SUNSHINE CATERING
BARTENDING + STAFFING// SUNSHINE CATERING
FLOWERS// BIXBY + PINE
DJ// GORDON SOUND
CAKE// HARBOR CAKES
OFFICIANT// MATT BREYSSE - FAMILY FRIEND

Sarah + Chris // August 4, 2018 // DeSoto Rooftop + Cooper's Hall, Portland, OR

Sarah is a planner at heart. MAJOR planner. But she also realized that she wanted to enjoy the planning process and her wedding day and in order to do so she knew it would be a good choice to hire a planner/coordinator. Sarah was a birdesmaids in a wedding in 2016 that I coordinated and then a guest at another wedding I coordinated a couple weeks later! I was told at the 2nd wedding, by the bride and groom, that a little birdie told them that soon Sarah would be engaged and planning her own wedding. They were right and just a few short months later I received an email from Sarah. I was the first she contacted, before setting a date or a venue - she wanted to hire me and I felt so blessed that I had made such an impression.

Sarah + Chris spent about a year and a half planning their wedding. Sarah had a vision and was determined to create it. She wanted the ceremony to be “set” in a secret garden and for that same feel to flow over into their reception…but in the middle of a city {Portland}. As Sarah said it best in her blog “nothing too over the top with just enough pomp and circumstance to make it feel extra special.”

Sarah + Chris originally wanted to have their wedding in wine country but after looking into the logistics and keeping their traveling guests in mind, they settled on a roof top ceremony at The DeSoto followed by a reception at their favorite local winery, Coopers Hall, in Portland. In getting to know Sarah + Chris better throughout the planning process, I think this was a great choice. It really rounded out their personalities while incorporating everything they love in life, good food, good company, beautiful things and views, and love.

After working with Sarah + Chris for a year and a half on planning their special day, it was wedding week. Being a 3-4 hour commute from me, I headed down to Portland on a Tuesday evening and had a final meeting with Sarah + Chris at both venues on Wednesday. Just a final touch base and walk through to make sure we were set and ready to roll on Wedding Day. Wedding Day arrived and my team hit the ground running with set-up at noon and were wrapped and ready for the ceremony by 4pm when Sarah and party arrived.

I want to take a moment to say that all of the wedding vendors nailed Sarah’s vision. From her casual but formal hair and make-up style, the creative and intensive garden florals at both sites, to the delicious food and desserts. The photos turned out absolutely stunning and the band was phenomenal. Needless to say that they nailed it, they were also a dream to work alongside on their wedding day. It was a perfect day - a laid back black tie wedding of sorts.

The ceremony started at 4:30 and was short and heartfelt. Following the beautiful ceremony, Sarah + Chris signed the marriage license and then trapsed around town for the bridal party and couples photos. You see, Sarah + Chris decided not to see each other before the wedding. Sarah envisioned the first time Chris seeing his bride for the first time on their wedding day, was as she walked down the aisle towards him and their future together. While photos were taking place, the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour on the rooftop of The DeSoto with drinks and appetizers. When Sarah + Chris finished photos, they joined the cocktail hour for a little bit of mingling until guests were shuttled over to the reception space, Coopers Hall.

Sarah + Chris were welcomed into their reception with a lot of love and went right into their first dance before joining their guests at long farm house tables for a family style dinner. All of the food at their dinner was sourced locally and seasonally. Following dinner were toasts by lifelong friends and family and then on to the father-daughter and mother-son dances. Music for the evening was provided by a 7-8 piece band that was phenomenal. After the traditional dance, Sarah + Chris cut their cake. Sarah LOVES sweets. They had a small cake which was a vainlla cake with buttercream frosting and a mixed berry compote and fresh local berries inside. The dessert bar had strawberry cupcakes with vanilla cake and strawberry buttercream frosting and “Thin Mint Brownies”. Let me tell you, the desserts went quick and there WAS NOT a crumb left.

Then the real PARTY started! The band reved up and everyone danced the night away. Last call was at 11pm and the evening wrapped at 11:30pm with Sarah + Chris being wished off through a tunnel of sparklers and they drove off into the night is Chris’s dad's old classic car.

Sarah + Chris - it was so fun to get to know you both on a deeper level and am grateful for your friendship. I look forward to watching you continue to grow in your love and envy your travels! I can’t wait to come see you guys again in Portland!

VENUE// THE DESOTO AND COOPERS HALL, PORTLAND, OR
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// MOSCA STUDIOS
CATERING// THE ART OF CATERING AND COOPERS HALL
BARTENDING + STAFFING// THE ART OF CATERING AND COOPERS HALL
FLOWERS// SEA OF ROSES
BAND// THE BLUE WAVE BAND
DESSERT// PETUNIA’S PIES + PASTRY
OFFICIANT// JOSH COBUN - NEW HEIGHTS
DRESS// NORDSTROM BRIDAL

Jenna + Dalton // July 28, 2018 // The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, Snoqulamie, WA

I was recommended to Jenna + Dalton by a past mother of the bride from a wedding back in 2014. When I met with Jenna and her mother, about 9 months before the wedding at a wine bar, I knew we would work well together. Both Jenna and her mother are very sweet women.

The wedding was being held at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge and Jenna had her big picture-perfect wedding designed in her head, but she needed help with a few final recommendations and making sure it all came together just as she envisioned. We met a couple of times, exchanged many emails and pulled everything together for her and Dalton’s big day.

On wedding day, my team arrived about noon to start set-up. It was a beautiful summer day {not too hot} and the mountain was out in all its glory giving the perfect backdrop for Jenna + Dalton’s wedding ceremony. The ceremony space was kept simple as the beautiful outdoor space spoke for itself. The aisle was adorned with white flowers and blue ribbon and a small sign sat at the beginning of the aisle. The ceremony started at 5:30pm, ran about 30 minutes and was followed by an outdoor cocktail hour with drinks, appetizers and yard games while Dalton + Jenna snuck off to sign the marriage license, have some quiet time as the new Mr. and Mrs. and snap a few more photos. Before the cocktail hour ended they decided to join the party and mingle — they are VERY social people.

Jenna + Dalton were introduced into the reception around 7pm and went right into their first dance to kick off the evening. The grandfather of the bride said a prayer to start dinner and guests enjoyed a wonderful buffet of yummy food. Following dinner, toasts were given by a handful of close family and friends. By the toasts, you could tell how loved Jenna + Dalton are. The cake cutting followed toasts and led to the opening of the dessert bar. Jenna has a MAJOR sweet tooth, so the dessert bar was full of all different types of desserts. It was REALLY hard not to want to sample one of everything! The father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, shoe game and bouquet/garter toss followed suit and soon after the dance floor was open and packed. These guests loved to dance!

At the end of the evening, Jenna + Dalton were seen off by their guests with sparklers and whisked away by limo. According to Jenna, it was the perfect evening. Thank you Jenna and Dalton for letting me be a part of your special day! I look forward to watching your love continue to grow and seeing you around town now that you will be living in my neck of the woods!

VENUE// THE CLUB AT SNOQUALMIE RIDGE, SNOQUALMIE, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// LOGAN WESTOM PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING// THE CLUB AT SNOQUALMIE RIDGE
BARTENDING + STAFFING// THE CLUB AT SNOQUALMIE RIDGE
FLOWERS// TWIGS AND FLOWERS BY DESIGN
DJ// BUGSIE PRODUCTIONS
DESSERT// HOLLYWOOD BAKED GOODS
OFFICIANT// DEBBIE BOYCE - FAMILY FRIEND
DRESS// I DO BRIDAL

Taryn + Sam // July 15, 2018 // Woodland Meadow Farms // Snohomish, WA

I met with Taryn and her mother in February.  Taryn was recently engaged and in the beginning stages of planning, but she knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding day.  Bohemian, relaxed, greenery and just the best day ever. I was looking forward to working with such a lovely bride. Not only was Taryn lovely, but the whole family, the groom Sam and his family were all great!

I met Taryn + Sam out at their venue in April for a planning walkthrough meeting.  Woodland Meadow Farms is such a beautiful space for a garden wedding.  Very natural with a lot of different ways to set up your event.  We walked through the space to discuss set-up and fine-tune their ideas.

5 months of planning went quick and before we knew it, it was wedding day!  Set-up started about 11:00am and went very smooth due in big part to Taryn's organization of her decor as well as a great vendor team.  Wood farm tables were set under the white tent for the reception and white chairs were set under strung cafe lights for the ceremony space which would later become the dance floor.

Taryn + Sam went with 3 varying height glass candle holders in the middle of each table surrounded by greenery.  The head table was set with a greenery garland with some peek-a-boo flowers for a pop of color.  The alter in the ceremony space was adorned with a gorgeous garland which would then be reused for the head table centerpiece.

The ceremony started at 3:30pm and was thankfully pretty shaded by then (it was a 90* day).  It was about a 30 minute ceremony followed by another 30 minutes of guests mingling and finding a seat for the reception.  Taryn + Sam were introduced into the reception about 4:30pm and went right into dinner, a Mexican buffet - their favorite!

Following dinner were the traditional wedding items.  Toasts were followed by the cake cutting.  After the cake cutting guests got to dine on Krispy Kreme donut holes that were set in cones and displayed in antique coca-cola crates.  Guests were then invited to join the couple around the dance floor for the first dance, father-daughter dance, and mother-son dance.  The bouquet toss wrapped up the traditional items and the dance floor was open!  Guests enjoyed dancing the evening away!

Taryn + Sam were whisked away at the end of the evening by a classic car and their dream wedding day came to an end.  Taryn and Sam, thank you for letting me be a part of your dream wedding.  It was a beautiful day and I wish you all the happiness in the world!

VENUE// WOODLAND MEADOW FARMS, SNOHOMISH, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY// SAVANA MAYFILED PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING // CAFE RIO LYNNWOOD
BARTENDING + STAFFING// PARTY ON THE ROCKS
FLOWERS// JVC FLOWERS
DJ// SG MOBILE DJ
DOUNUTS// KRISPY KREME
OFFICIANT// BRYAN HALFERTY
DRESS// I DO BRIDAL

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

Mindy + Nate // February 18, 2017 // The Great Hall at Union Station // Seattle, WA

Mindy and Nate - how to describe this couple and these individuals?  Kind, loyal, generous and a ton of fun!  Mindy and Nate were recommended to me by a past bride (Mindy was also a bridesmaid in her wedding) and I'm so glad we hit it off.  We started working together about 6 weeks before the wedding.  Mindy has worked on the event side of things in the past, so she was very organized and ready to go when we had her first meeting.  I just helped her fine tune some details and pull the final day together.

We had out first meeting at Starbucks and talked a lot of wedding, but also had some good laughs.  It felt to me like two old friends getting together to catch up.  The more Mindy talked about her needs, wants and overall vision of her day, the more excited I got for their wedding.

Mindy and Nate chose The Great Hall at Union Station for their venue.  With its vintage look, tall ceilings and classic style, it fit the bill perfectly for the Great Gatsby style Mindy wanted.

The bride, groom, bridal party and family spent the morning getting ready in Bellevue and then made there way into Seattle for photos.  I arrived on-site at 2:00 pm to start my set-up with the stars of the show arriving arround 3:00 pm.  

The hall was gorgeous.  It was seperated with soft white draping to create a ceremony space and a reception space.  The ceremony space was adorned with gold chavari chairs, two potted trees with hanging crystals to create the alter and floating candles lining the aisle.  Soft and romantic.  The reception space was set with a simple cocktail tables by the bar, guest tables adorned with white table clothes, alternating high and low floral centerpieces, gold chargers with a white draped napkin and a menu card at each place setting and the headtable which was off set with large vintage benches and the bride and grooms sweetheart table.  The venue itself is so pretty you really don't have to do a lot of decor.

The ceremony started at 5:00 pm and was short and sweet in front of about 150 of the most important people in Mindy and Nate's lives.  From the ceremony, everyone moved into a cocktail hour full of drinks, appetizers and mingling.  After the reception space was flipped and finalized, Mindy and Nate were introduced into a room full of adoring friends and family and stepped right into their first dance, a beautifully choreographed routine.

Following the first dance was a formal sit down dinner.  The food looked (and smelled) amazing!  Heartfelt toasts followed dinner, along with the father daughter dance and the mother son dance.  Mindy and Nate were very in the moment during each traditional event and you could tell they were trying to take each moment in fully.  Fropm the looks of the rest of the evenings photos, it seems Mindy, Nate and there guest had a great evening of dancing!  

Minday and Nate were sent off into the evening as husband and wife through a tunnel of sparklers and were driven off into the night in a white vintage car.

Mindy and Nate are two of the nicest and most genuine people I have met in my journey as a wedding planner.  I absolutely loved working with them on their wedding day and I can't wait to watch their love grow and get to know them better!  Congrats!

VENUE// THE GREAT HALL AT UNION STATION, SEATTLE, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// MATTHEW LAND STUDIOS
VIDEOGRAPHY// AMANDA MUCHMORE
CATERING AND BARTENDING// JEWEL HOSPITALITY
DESSERT// CUPCAKE ROYALE
FLOWERS// RAVENNA BLOOM
DJ// BB SANTIFUL
OFFICIANT// ROD ALLEMAN, FAMILY FRIEND
RENTALS// JEWEL HOSPITALITY
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// LESLIE RIDGE AND CHELSEY MATLEY
VALET// RED CARPET VALET
TRANSPORTATION// SHUTTLE EXPRESS AND BRITISH MOTOR COACH

Katie + Tim // September 9, 2016 // The Olson Mansion // Maple Valley, WA

I have known Katie since we were in middle school.  We grew up on the same club gymnastics team.  Over the years our moms grew close as friends as well.  So when Katie and her mom started planning Katie and Tim's wedding, it just made sense they would ask me to coordinate the wedding.

Katie, Lori and I met at the venue on an open house day in March to walk the property and talk about Katie and Lori's ideas and wants for the wedding day.  This gave me a good feel for the overall vision of the wedding.  We proceeded over the next few months to plan and check items of the to do list.  We met again at the venue about a week and a half before the wedding to finalize plans and make sure we had everything in order.

Katie and Tim wanted a somewhat traditional wedding, but also a memorable party for their family and friends.  Katie's family goes to church at The Olson Mansion so the venue easily fit the bill of what they were looking for in a venue.  It is an old barn that has been completely and beautifully re-done inside with an attached courtyard.  As long as the weather stayed nice the ceremony was to be held outside in the courtyard with the reception in the barn.

Myself and a team of family members showed up at 2:00 pm for set-up.  Set-up included everything from tables and chairs to decor.  It took about 15 of us to set-up the venue from top to bottom in 2.5 hours.  There were a lot of details, but the final look was perfect.  The ceremony space was decorated with wine barrels and flowers.  It is already a pretty outdoor space and doesn't need much in the way of decor.  The reception tables were set with a navy tablecloth, a coral runner, a tin box with flowers, three mercury votive candle holders and table numbers.  Each place setting was set with a silver charger, white plate, coral napkin folded with a pocket to have the silverware placed into and a cookie favor.  The navy, coral and silver colors complimented each other nicely.  Each white wedding chair was also tied with a coral chair tie.  For the guestbook, there was a photo to sign and wooden hearts for each guest to write a message to the couple and put in a keep sake box.  There was also a sweet memorial of pictures for Tim's father who passed away a few years prior.

While set-up was happening photos were taking place around the venue.  the Olson Mansion sits on a golf course and provides some stunning back drops.  By 4:30pm, the bride and bridesmaids were in hiding as guests were starting to arrive.  The groom, groomsmen and family mingled until the ceremony was ready to start. 

The ceremony started at 5:00 pm.  It was a beautiful evening for an outdoor ceremony.  The ceremony was short, but sentimental.  Following the ceremony the guest were asked to head into the reception barn for a cocktail hour.  45 minutes later the bridal party and the bride and groom were introduced into the reception and started off the buffet.  While Katie and Tim's guests were finishing dinner, the bride and groom left the venue to take some beautiful sunset photos.

Once guests were finished eating and the sunset photos were wrapped, the toasts started.  The matron of honor, who we both also did gymnastics with, started them off, followed by the best man, the bride's father and the mother of the groom.  Tim and Katie then said a few heartfelt words to thank their guest for sharing their special day with them.  Once toasts concluded, Katie and Tim cut the cutting cake which signaled the opening of the dessert bar.  The guests had an array of desserts to choose from.  The cake cutting led into the first dance, the father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance.  I think the formal dances might be one of my favorite parts of a wedding.  You can just see the love between the couple and each of their parents shine through.  The last of the traditional items was the bouquet and garter toss and then the dance floor was opened and the guest had a great time dancing the evening away.  Katie and Tim's wedding came to a close by 10:00pm and they weren't sent off into the night by glow sticks to their awaiting town car.

Katie and Tim - thank you for making me such a big part of your wedding day.  Katie - it always means so much to work with someone I grew up with.  Congratulations on your marriage and I look forward to watching it grow.

VENUE// THE OLSON MANSION, MAPLE VALLEY, WA
DAY OF COORDINATION// CASSIE RENAE EVENTS, LLC
PHOTOGRAPHY// SELECT PHOTOGRAPHY
CATERING AND BARTENDING// B DAZZLED CATERING
DESSERTS// THE SWEETSIDE
FLOWERS// MARIBETH ST. PIERRE, FAMILY FRIEND
DJ// SG MOBILE DJ
OFFICIANT// KERRY KNIGHT, FAMILY FRIEND
RENTALS// PALISADE
HAIR AND MAKE-UP// PERSONAL FRIEND
MAKE-UP// FLAWLESS BEAUTY BAR
RENTALS// AMERICAN PARTY PLACE

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