Issue no. 4 - Summer 2018
Homestead Barn at
Homestead Barn at Dover Bay Resort is the perfect place for your wedding. Our 1930’s barn has that rustic charm you’ve been looking for.
Park Road Photography
Watch the sun set over the lake from the porches of our 1, 2 and 3 bedroom bungalows. Swim in the lake or heated salt water pool, relax in the hot tub and park your boat at our marina. Live it up on the Lake! Call today to tour our barn and resort: 208-263-5493
Letter From the Editor My job exists because of you. Because you and your love are looking for something— whether it’s a photographer or makeup artist for your wedding, or searching for the perfect bridal bouquet inspiration— Apple Brides exists because of amazing, creative couples in love in the Inland Northwest. We’re always working toward making that search easier, and better, for you. We’ve revamped our website to be easier to navigate and bring you more of the wedding inspiration you want. To make it easy to find the best vendors in the area for your wedding. As a part of that, we’ll be moving to publishing our magazine once a year instead of twice— right at the beginning of every year, when most couples are searching for that something the most. We’re always working hard behind the scenes to continuously better help all the brides and grooms out there and we’re always proud of the work we do, but we’re especially excited about our newly redesigned website and the future of the magazine. We hope you’re as excited as we are about everything Apple Brides has to offer and, as always, please get in touch with us if there’s something you want to see or can’t find. We love hearing from the people that are the reason behind what we do! Thank you for making it all possible, Jessica English
Staff Credits Editor in Chief: Jessica English Sales Manager: Melissa Persling Production Assistant: Patrice Sutton
Design & Layout: Julia Derosier Front Cover: Carley Jayne Photography Back Cover: Jacie Van B. Photography
Classic Glam Black & White Wedding Mount Vernon, WA
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his stunning wedding is the definition of black tie gorgeousness! We love the true black and white color palette and couldn’t love this perfect venue more. All the thoughtful details just come together beautifully in this wedding and we’re enamored with the fresh take on a classic color wedding palette. Not to mention, we’d totally wear those bridesmaids dresses again and again!
Vendors Photographer: Irina Solovey Venue: Grand Willow Inn Dress: Hailey Paige Hair: Three Little Birds Salon Bridesmaid Dress: Lulu’s Ring: Norman Silverman Catering: Grand Willow Inn Makeup: Bride Florals: Bride
Woodsy Intimate Sunrise Elopement Camano Island, WA
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his enchanting, sunrise elopement is so quintessentially Pacific Northwest! These two were surrounded by 8 loved ones for their ‘I do’s’ in the misty woods of Camano Island State Park. The bride wore wellie boots and the groom wore mixed plaid prints, and we’re head over heels for how gorgeous the whole day turned out. If a big white wedding isn’t tugging at your heartstrings, this elopement is the perfect example of how an intimate wedding doesn’t have to mean hitting the courthouse or skipping the thoughtful details. Sometimes, simplicity really is sweetest!
Vendors Venue: Camano Island State Park, WA Dress: June Bridals Wreath: DIY Suit: Men’s Warehouse Scarf: H&M Photographer: Jacie Van B. Photography
Just Engaged? Start Planning!
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o you’re engaged! Now what, right? How do you jump into the planning process? Where do you start? What happens next?! Don’t panic! We’re laying out how to get started— from announcing your engagement to selecting your squad.
First up— announcing your engagement! The
MOST exciting part, right? However, in this day and age full of wonderful technology and dozens of ways to communicate, you might want to have a plan in place. Here are a few things to think about before you let everyone know “I said yes!”
Keep it to Yourselves, Just for a Little While Even if it’s just for a couple of hours, take some time to revel in this blissful time together. There is something really special about having a big secret that you can’t wait to tell everyone. Take the time to enjoy your engagement, just the two of you. Maybe even come up with a plan to tell certain people, how you want to answer questions (oh, there will be questions!), or to decide a general plan of what you want. Don’t feel pressured to make an announcement right away if that’s not your style – keep it all about you and your spouse-to-be.
Tell Your Closest Friends and Family This is where you try to think of everyone that may be hurt finding out about your enagement via social media. (Not to say that you have to tell EVERYONE!) Feel free to delegate someone to be your “good news bearer” if you have a lot of family or friends that would want to know. Keep in mind, those closest to you would love to hear from you in person, or if that’s not possible over video chat. There is nothing better than getting to see the joy on your faces as you share the news! The more personal you can make it, the better.
Announce it On Social Media (Or don’t – you do you!) In the digital age, most couples want to make an announcement about their engagement on social media. After you’ve told your VIPs, think about how you might want to do this. Do you want to do something big, elaborate, or clever? Or you do want to keep it low key? You can go the traditional route of “Can’t wait to marry my best friend!” or try something cheeky if that’s more your style. The key is to keep it true to you and your partner. Again – don’t feel pressured to make your announcement some big thing.
Next up— grab your gals! Or guys, whatever floats your wedding boat. Let your future bride squad know how important they are to you and figure out who you want standing next to you on the big day. Family members, future in-laws, childhood friends… the options are endless! And if you included everyone you loved, you’d have your entire guest list in your bridal party. So how do you narrow it down? We’re sharing a few tried and true tips to help you decide.
1. Think About What You Want Your Bridal Party to Be Choosing bridesmaids is a deeply personal decision, and it should definitely be given some serious thought. Before you start weeding through your closest confidants, take a moment to envision your day and who you want standing by your side. The people you choose for your bridal party will be your support throughout your entire planning process and wedding. Think about whether you want to have a large bridal party, or keep it intimate. Do you want to include people from a variety of your friend groups?
2. Pick Your Must-Haves Most people have a few non-negotiables. Whether it’s your sister, your BFF from college, your soon to be sisterin-law or even your dog, make sure to start with your VIPS. Have your fiance do the same. Establishing your must-have bridesmaids is essential to starting the wedding planning process!
3. Consider Your Finace’s Potential Wedding Party Now, you don’t HAVE to have equal numbers on each side of your wedding party, although many couples choose to! You need to sit down together and decide whether this is important to you. Start thinking about how you would pair people together to walk down the aisle. It may help you make some decisions once you start to put everything together!
4. Don’t Rush It!
handle the heat, that rules out about 40% (a fourth!?) of the year right there. Start by picking a season or two There is no reason to rush this decision! If you’re unsure you’d like to get married in. if you want to include someone, sit on it for a while. Then, identify the definite ‘no’ dates, and major Consider pros and cons of adding them to the bridesmaids holidays (unless that’s what you’re going for!) Unless crew. Think about how the whole wedding party will get you want to have a holiday wedding, those dates, and along and if it’s a good fit. those close to them, are probably out. Similarly, rule out any dates that you don’t want to overlap with, birthdays, 5. Don’t Choose Anyone Because You “Feel family anniversaries or other days of major importance Like You Should” to you. Unless you’re into the romantic vibe that getting married on the same day as your grandparents gives off, in This goes for unreliable friends, people who chose to which case, you’ve probably found your date! have you in their wedding, or estranged family members. You want your bridal party to be your rock on the wedding Steer clear of busy season, whatever that is for you. day and througho ut the entire wedding planning. If Most wedding industry vendors wouldn’t think to get someone will add additional stress or unhappiness to the married personally during the summer, which is peak process, leave them out! You can give important people wedding season. Similarly, if you’re a teacher, maybe different, less-involved tasks such as reading during the skip the major back to school rush in September, or avoid ceremony or helping greet people at the ceremony. Spring if you work in landscaping. You get the idea. Keep in mind, your wedding party is for you and your spouse. It is entirely up to you who you do or do not invite up to the altar with you. Want to have 12 ladies in your bridal party? Heck yeah! Inviting a few guys to join you on the “brides side?” We don’t judge! Want to skip a bridal party altogether? You do you. We cannot emphasize this enough, just do whatever feels right for you!
Lastly, now that you’ve made the big announcement and gotten your group together, start with the very basics. Pick a date! Not to stress you out, but picking a wedding date is kind of a big deal. It’s one of the few details that will, literally, stick with you for the rest of your life. So how do you decide? Sit down with your soon-tobe-spouse and start down this list. It’s not as daunting as it may seem! Start by narrowing down seasons. If you absolutely can not, in any way, shape or form,
Get romantic with it. If all else fails, consider the day you met, or started dating. Or maybe there’s numbers that have certain significance to you, or are extra cool, like 12/13/14. Or perhaps you like the idea of getting married on the Summer Solstice, or first day of Winter. Think outside the box!
You have enough to worry about
Why let transportation be one of them? Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties Airport, Hotel, Wedding and Reception
Dreamy Cherry Blossom Engagement Greenbluff, WA
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e can almost smell the blossoming trees in this romantic engagement session! Set in an orchard on Greenbluff, it doesn’t get much more romantic than frolicking with your love surrounded by beautiful flowers. Floral for Spring? Always groundbreaking after a long Winter!
Vendors Photographer: Katya Higgins Venue: High Country Orchard The Couple: Mike and Rachel Shamberg Stylist: Dana Muchow Florals: Garden of Eden Floral Design Dress: Velvet Bride
Romantic and Warm Styled Shoot Puyallup, WA
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e love the feminine, soft color palette of this wedding inspiration shoot juxtaposed with the modern, geometric glam details! Everything from those gorgeous chairs to the outdoor chandeliers to the groom’s snazzy bowtie, we love this inspiration shoot. A fresh take on the soft pink colors we see so much of, these burgundy and mauve tones are fitting for any season.
Vendors Photography: Kirsch Photography Venue: Rock Creek Gardens Coordination/Florist: Chloe Nicole Weddings + Events Rentals: CORT Party Rentals Specialty rentals: Yay! Parties Linens and velvet ribbon: Party Crush Studio Bakery: Sweet Things by Eh Dress: Brides for a Cause HMUA: Paper Dolls NW Stationery: Elizabeth Loves Paper Jewelry/ring: Silver and Quill Ring Box: The Mrs. Box Silk Ribbon: Hey It’s Oh So Pretty Mens accessories: Knotty Tie
Wedding Planner or Venue Coordinator? Why Having Both is a Good Idea
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e hear this frequently from brides– “I don’t need a planner, my venue provides that!” The difference between these two vendors gets blurry often, even to other vendors! It’s hard to know who will really do what when you’ve never planned a wedding before, and the internet is ripe with horror stories of all types.
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he reality is they do different things, and both can serve you well. Today, we’re breaking down the differences, and talking about when both types of professionals can come in handy during the planning process.
Venue coordinators work for the venue, planners work for you. Both professionals will have the best interest of the overall event in mind, of course. Everyone wants things to run smoothly! Ultimately though, venue coordinators are there for their venue and the planner is there for you and your fiancé. Ashley, of Ashley Graham Events, who previously worked as a venue coordinator at several venues and is now an independent planner said, “A wedding planner is there every step of the way during your planning process. They handle every single little detail and take the stress and pressure off of the bride, groom and their families. A venue coordinator is great, but isn’t there during your planning process to make sure you have covered your bases prior to the wedding. They work for the venue and are there to make sure the venue services run smoothly on your wedding day. I always recommend hiring a professional planner who knows all of your wedding details and will focus on you and your needs on your special day.” One stays on site, the other follows the event. If you have a ceremony in a church or a field, and your reception at a venue, who’s managing your ceremony? You might think your ceremony will be just fine on it’s own, but having someone to manage the flow of all aspects of your big day is important. A venue coordinator stays on site, a planner will follow all aspects of your big day.
A planner manages more than just logistics. Both vendors will likely have a hand in the layout and day of logistics of your big day. A planner will also be involved in the design plan, color selection, coordination of aesthetic elements and assist in the overall details of the event. Knowing how much assistance you want in those areas will determine who can assist you the best in all aspects of planning. Jeanine, the owner and coordinator at Foxwood House, a venue in Newport, told us about how she loves working with planners and her brides. “For our wedding venue, because we do not hire anyone to help us and there is always more to do then the bride realizes we now require brides to hire a wedding planner. We don’t sit down from the time we get up in the morning at 6 am until things are all cleaned up and put away around 1 am. We do the set up of the tables, chairs and linens. Most of my day is running to get something for somebody….You name it, we do it. The list goes on. The wedding planner does so much that I cannot do while being pulled in every direction…This is one reason we keep our venue price low. We want our brides to have the wedding of their dreams with out going over budget. Wedding planners are one of the most important vendors for any wedding.” Who manages ALL your vendors? A venue coordinator is likely well versed in handling a rental company’s load in and load out needs, knowing where the florist needs to be and where a DJ can plug in. But who’s managing your hair and makeup artists, checking on you at the hotel you’re getting
ready at and picking up those last minute sparklers you had to have? A planner will assist in coordinating all vendors involved in your big day, and managing off site errands as well. A venue coordinator focuses on the pieces specific to the venue, since they know the space like the back of their hand. Managing those tasks can also help free up your planner to focus on other details, which creates a cohesive working dynamic and can be helpful for everyone. A wedding planner is always within reach. They are there, in part, to tell you when things will be occurring throughout the night, and managing the flow of those things. Often, a venue coordinator will stay until the meal is served, and then leave, handing things over to a banquet captain. Although the venue coordinator will always do their best to keep things going smoothly, they won’t be there to load up your gifts, find that lost guestbook, and to make sure great aunt Helen has that special handkerchief you bought just for her. A venue coordinator will, however, manage their in-house catering staff, make sure their staffing is running on time and related needs that come up, like blowing a fuse or needing to dim the lights. Accessibility! Venues often book up to a hundred events in a season. Their coordinators are slammed! They’re managing a TON of moving pieces and events, which means they might not always get back to you immediately, or be as accessible as you may need. A planner is hired to focus specifically on you, and be at your beck and call (if that’s what you paid for!). Don’t get us wrong, both types of vendors are fantastic, and important to the overall scope and flow of an event, especially large weddings. You may decide you want a planner, or you can DIY without. You may decided a venue coordinator is a deal breaker at a venue. It’s all about doing what’s right for you and your soon-to-be-spouse, whatever that looks like. Knowing the difference between the two often confused vendors is the first step to making an educated decision.
Sweet Jewel Toned Outdoor Wedding Spokane, WA
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t’s hard not to love a wedding with pizza, but the gorgeous merlot bridesmaids dresses, sparkly accent details and one sharp looking groom really seal our love for this gorgeous soirée! We adore how the oxblood details look bright, yet deeply rich and jewel toned. They provide the perfect accent to an otherwise neutral palette of ivory and grey. Ice cream and donuts ended this sweet party in the perfect way!
Vendors Photographer: KC England Venue: Cannon’s Edge Caterer: Veraci Pizza DJ: Complete Events Pumpkin Donuts: Harvest House Ice Cream: Brain Freeze Invitations: Vista Print Dress: Allure Bridals Calligraphy: Bride Flowers: Dawn Green - Friend of the Bride
Paying For Your Wedding- Who Picks Up The Tab For What?
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t’s one of the trickier parts of wedding planning– the budget. Who pays for what, traditionally? These days, it really depends on what stage of life you’re at with your soonto-be spouse, your parents and what kind of wedding you want to have. We’re laying out who typically picks up what tab, and why. In the past, the majority of the bill is footed by the bride’s family. This includes her wedding dress, gifts for the bridal party, and big ticket items, like the venue, photographer and catering. However, nowadays, these costs are often split with the soon-to-be married couple, or even with the groom’s family, if possible. Traditionally, the groom’s family is responsible for his attire, the bride’s wedding ring, the wedding officiant, wedding floral, any alcohol there may be at the wedding and the rehearsal dinner. They also often pay for the honeymoon, which is a large ticket item as well. More and more couples are paying for their honeymoons themselves, or using a ‘honeymoon registry’ to help pay for their trip. How you pinch pennies for that beach getaway is up to you, but you may consider delaying it for a few months for quite a few reasons! As for the bridal party, they’re typically responsible for their own attire and other costs, although many couples will offer to pick up the tab, or a portion of it, as a gesture to say thanks for standing beside them on such an important day. How you handle your ‘maids and groomsmen is up to you, but it’s always appreciated to have some of the costs taken care of, as being in a wedding party can get expensive! The maid of honor and other bridesmaids typically coordinate and throw the bachelorette party and wedding shower for the bride, and the groomsmen throw the bachelor party for the groom. Regardless of who ends up paying for what parts of your wedding, it’s important to have a frank conversation about budgets and expectations with both sets of parents, or whoever will be contributing financially to your wedding, so everyone is on the same page and knows their help is appreciated!
www.peoneview.com 509.481.8178
Amorous & Edgy Styled Beach Elopement Fox Island, WA
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e can officially say we’re suckers for a badass bride in leather, because these two are tugging at our heartstrings hard! This couple had been married a while but didn’t have a traditional white wedding and relished the opportunity to dress up, pop open champagne and frolic on the beach like newlyweds. In true rainy Pacific Northwest beach fashion, this shoot is filled with tons of soft, yet edgy details that are perfect to pull your own wedding ideas from. We love this subtle rock and roll wedding inspiration!
Vendors Photography: Carley Jayne Photography Design/Florals/Rentals: Rock & Stone Weddings Hair and Makeup: Pacific Brides Cake: Sift & Gather Calligraphy: Ink & Sable
5 Things Your Wedding Planner Wants You to Know
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hen you get engaged, it’s natural to get caught up in the excitement surrounding the thought of planning the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. However, with a wedding comes expectations, and constraints. It can be difficult to maintain a budget and your sanity while counting down to the big day. Hiring a planner is a hugely helpful way to ensure your vision comes together perfectly, and you stay on budget (maybe even save money!). Not to mention, you can actually enjoy your own big day instead of stressing! That said, planners can make the magic happen because this isn’t their first rodeo. They understand the ins and outs of planning a large scale event and what it takes. Today we’re laying out some important advice that wedding planners want you to know.
1. You Shouldn’t DIY Everything. While DIY is a nice way to add a personalized touch
to a wedding and stay within budget, it’s not realistic to think that you and your bridesmaids are going to make center pieces, favors, decor, signage AND the napkin swans yourselves. You have enough on your plate, as does your bridal party. Setting out to do-ityourself on every aspect of your wedding is setting yourself up for failure, and animosity from those you recruit to help at all hours of the night. Find an event rental company or event stylist that has on hand the items with the look you want to achieve. Renting is a good way to cut costs and ensure you get the vision you want. 2. On That Note, Limit Your Time on
Pinterest.
We said it. It creates unrealistic expectations,
sparingly to develop your initial concept but then work with professionals like your planner or florist to refine your design so it reflects you.” 3. Have Realistic Expectations.
Your wedding should be everything you’ve dreamed of, and your planner is there to help make that happen. However, they can only work in the constraints you give them. That beautiful flower wall you saw (on Pinterest) can not be achieved with the same grandeur for under $100. You don’t have time to DIY 300 favors and sleep. You can’t expect steak with a $10 per person catering budget. Planners help you achieve your wedding dreams, realistically. 4. In Case You Hadn’t Figured It Out Yet
and We Have to Spell it Out, Hire a Planner!
You’ve heard it before – do you really want your mother directing the caterers where to go while you’re getting ready, and your soon to be father-inlaw cleaning up linens while everyone else celebrates your union? No. Friends and family are guests, and should be allowed to enjoy the day as such. The same goes for the bride and groom! You deserve to focus on the first look, not the first vendor to arrive. A planner is there to take care of all the logistics from inception to the “I do”s, so that you don’t have to worry. Apple Brides’ preferred vendor, Robyn of Red Letter Mistakes will happen and things will go wrong. The Event Planning agrees. “Pinterest is a great resource beauty of it is that no one will know except you, your planner and maybe your groom. If there’s a cardinal for ideas, however it is also very overwhelming. It’s easy to pin something you like, but before you know it rule of event planning, it’s to roll with the punches. Brides should take the same advice: if your florist you have a wedding board full of pictures that are of shows up with ranunculus instead of peonies, or other people’s weddings. It’s better to use Pinterest disjointed theme ideas and breeds copying, instead of trying to achieve an original event that reflects the couple. Unless you have an incredibly specific idea you’re looking for, such as lanterns lining the aisle, just limit your time on Pinterest. The stars in your eyes will fade when your planner points out that your wedding board is an eclectic mix of nautical decor, rustic venues and glam invite options. Strive for originality and cohesiveness.
your bridesmaids have different earrings, no one will notice – unless you point out the mistake. So roll with it! Don’t sweat the small stuff. This day will be over before you know it, and wouldn’t you rather spend it relishing in the moment than yelling at someone? 5. Pick Your Big-Ticket Items. Too often brides want a $70,000 wedding on a $7,000 budget. It’s just not possible! You get what you pay for. One of the first questions a bride and groom should ask themselves when they begin the planning process is what is most important to them. For example, maybe it’s the venue and photographer. So plan to spend big bucks on those and scrimp in other areas. Unless you have an unlimited budget, you’ll have to pick your battles.
Sophie from Soirée Event Design notes the importance or prioritizing. “Looking at the overall budget is too much, you have to sit down and decide what’s a top priority and what isn’t. Make a list of the items you need and one that you want. Learn
to compromise, number your top priorities 1-10 (1 being lowest and 10 highest on your list) and have your significant other do the same then compare and execute. This is a good jumping off point when looking at the big picture. For example, if you both decide your photography is the highest priority and favors are low on your list, skip the favors and go for the high quality photography. This is your day, decide what’s most important to you!” Every wedding, and couple, is unique. It’s important to find a planner that understands your vision, and you mesh with well. Each planner, and bride, has their own experiences and input to contribute to the wedding planning journey. When you combine the two, you get a truly remarkable event to signify the beginning of an even more remarkable chapter!
Light & Airy Sentimental Winery Wedding Spokane, WA
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e LOVE the meaningful details in this gorgeous, airy wedding! Tons of lush greenery and huge trees set the perfect backdrop for this special day. The groom is a firefighter, and tributes to his bravery can be seen throughout the wedding and even his proposal! The bride shared their story with us, saying, “Because he’s a firefighter, his interest in walking to the fire station under the Bay Bridge wasn’t out of the ordinary. As his sweaty palms were practically dragging me down the Embarcadero, he drew my attention to my left where there was a fireboat cruising out in the bay. He then pointed to my right where 3 people were walking towards us holding a sign that said “Marry Him”. By the time I realized the 3 messengers were my best friends from LA, SF, & NYC, Garrett was down on one knee. When he asked me to be his wife, I said the only word that came to mind, “Absolutely,” and as he slipped the ring on my finger the fireboat began spouting water.”
Vendors
Photographer: Katlyn Marie PhotoArt Videographer: Max Yuryev Venue: Arbor Crest Winery Wedding Planner: Laurel and Fey Florals: Rose and Blossom Spokane Bride’s Dress: Hayley Paige Bridesmaid’s Dresses: BHLDN, Hayley Paige Occasions, Adrianna Papell Hair and Makeup: Kiss and Makeup Veil: Jennifer Leigh Veils Cake: Sweet Dreams Bakery Spokane Catering: Black Tie Catering Groom’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse and Jos. A Banks