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

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

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