Couture Weddings 2017

Inspiring Style for Puget Sound Brides

Real Weddings Couples tell their stories

Solid as a Rock Geology-inspired styled shoot

Slow Flower Power Farm-to-bouquet flowers

Elegant Invitations Beautiful styles

Majestic... where history meets luxury

360.299.1400 | 419 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA | Majesticinnandspa.com Photos by Suzanne Rothmeyer and David Clumpner

STYLISH WEDDINGS

Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center features over 11,000 square feet of recently renovated event space and 132 comfortable guestrooms. Enjoy incredible meals for any occasion with two on-site restaurants plus robust catering options.

Whether you’re throwing a 500-person wedding party or an intimate bridal shower brunch, our full-service event team will take care of all the details so you can focus on what matters most. We offer preferred room block rates for your entire wedding party and exclusive package pricing with our local wedding partners.

Four Points Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center TO LEARN MORE OR START PLANNING TODAY CONTACT KANAMI FUJITA AT 360 392 6540 OR KANAMI.FUJITA@FOURPOINTSBELLINGHAM.COM

of the

2016

BEST

NORTH

WEST

GOLD

©2016 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Four Points and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

President/Publisher Lisa Karlberg

Editor In Chief Frances Badgett

Art Director Dean Davidson

Account Executives Babette Vickers | Dominic Ippolito Melissa Sturman

Graphic Designer Mariah Currey

Graphic Design Assitant Amy Page

Inside Sales | Marketing Assistant Taylor Joliffe

Editorial Assistants Asher King Catherine Torres

Photography Sheila Carson | Courtney Bowlden Kamrin Dishman Olivarria Katheryn Moran | Joe and Patience Thompson | Clinton James

Office Management Jenn Bachtel

Corporate Office K & L Media, Inc. 909 Squalicum Way, Ste. 110 Bellingham, WA 98225 northsoundlife.com

Inquiries & Subscriptions info@northsoundlife.com 360.483.4576x4

Cover Image © Joe & Patience Photography

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Couture Weddings 2017 Welcome to Couture Weddings.

Contents

In these pages, you have everything

Must-Haves

you need for your

Bride 4 Groom 6

big event. From elegant invitations,

Real Weddings

custom bridal wear, Connie & Kevin

17

Kenny & Olivia

23

Lauren & Jeremy

35

Hilary & Joel

41

Features Slow Flower Power

8 13

Beyond Tea

21

Solid as a Rock: Styled Shoot 26 Sweet Sounds

38

Elegant Invitations

44

Planning Tools Checklist 51 Budget 52 Š Katheryn Moran Photography

to wedding day bliss, we’re here to accompany you

Tailored to Perfection

Venue Listings

farm-fresh flowers,

53

through your special day.

CITRUS BLOOM LEATHER WALLET $90, selfridges.com

DE LA VINA ANKLE $120, teva.com

RFID PASSPORT CASE

Bride

$55, fossil.com

MUST-HAVES

RUCK SACK – MOSS

These adventure essentials will help you honeymoon in the great outdoors with style and panache.

$298, loyalstricklin.com

KERBSIDE VIOLET SOLID PERFUME $16.95, lushusa.com

WOOLLY MAMMOTH BONE KNIFE $189.99, huckberry.com

BATH SALTS SET $32, herbivorebotanicals.com

4 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

At Memorable Events and Catering our passion is to create a personalized menu to fit your picture perfect wedding. We provide only delicious homemade cuisine from hand selected cuts of meat, international cheeses, the best fruits and vegetables and local artisan breads.

360.441.7244 |melissa@memevent.com | memevent.com

ADDISON 1000 MILE WINGTIP BOOT $ 269.99, wolverine.com

EDISON WALLET – ESPRESSO $140, loyalstricklin.com

Groom MUST-HAVES

Time to unwind with your new bride.

Whether you’re out in a cabin in the woods or camping by a stream, you’ll have everything you need for a rugged weekend.

TREE RANGER BEARD OIL $25, beardbrand.com

HERBAL DEODERANT 10 YEAR HOODIE – FOREST

£23, aesop.com

$89, huckberry.com

WINSTON SET $25, harrys.com

SPECIAL EDITION ARTISAN TRAVEL KIT $76.99, fossil.com

6 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

WHATC O M S O U ND

BELLINGHAM’S PREMIERE MUSIC, DJ, AUDIO & VISUAL MUSIC PROVIDER

PROVIDING DJ SERVICES, SOUND SYSTEMS, DANCE FLOORS, LIGHTING, KARAOKE, SPEAKERS, MONITORS, SCREENS AND PROJECTORS FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT.

360.733.5516

WHATCOMSOUND.COM | INFO@WHATCOMSOUND.COM

© Ashley Louise Photography

Slow Flower Power WRITTEN BY KAITY TEER

T

he farm-to-table movement has transformed more than just the culinary world. The growing number of farmerflorists means it’s simpler than ever for couples to source local blooms for everything from bouquets and boutonnieres to centerpieces, garlands, and flowers crowns.

At Triple Wren Farms in Ferndale, Sarah Pabody grows flowers and blueberries on the 22-acre farm she shares with her husband and children.

“Choosing local flowers is one way our couples make the beauty of the Pacific Northwest part of their wedding,” Pabody said. “They can show family and friends what they love about living here.”

Last year, Pabody provided floral services for forty-two weddings in Whatcom County. Couples inspired by the region’s natural beauty often ask Pabody for arrangements that incorporate local foliage, culinary herbs, and evergreens in addition to specialty cut flowers. Raspberry foliage, green … continued on the next page

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9

blackberry clusters, magnolia leaves, oregano and rosemary stalks, and cedar branches are all materials Pabody has used recently in her designs.

True to their enthusiasm for the Pacific Northwest, some of Pabody’s couples even request evergreens mixed into summer bouquets. Pabody said, “I think foliage is really coming into its own right now. While many brides continue to request soft, romantic, big-bloomed bouquets, I’m seeing many more requests for bouquets that are mostly green and offer an abundance of textures and fragrances.”

Pabody offers three wedding packages in order to make locally grown flowers accessible at a variety of price points.

Couples with a DIY-attitude can purchase blooms in bulk and rent vases and jars directly from Triple Wren Farms. Pabody even offers public and private workshops on floral design, which have become an in-demand activity for bachelorette parties.

Brides and bridesmaids can visit Triple Wren Farms to harvest flowers and make flower crowns.

Another popular option is what Pabody calls a “hybrid wedding.” Couples can choose to make their own flower crowns and bouquets, for example, but hire Pabody to furnish the

ceremony and reception florals. Pabody is also available for fullservice floral design, and other area florists also source their blooms from Triple Wren Farms.

“The flower farming community is so generous, and always willing to offer help and advice,” Pabody said. “It’s good for our environment and for our local economy. My business is stronger if I’m surrounded by other like-minded farmers who want to see more brides and grooms choosing locally grown flowers.”

Paul D’Agnolo of Foothills Flowers Farms in Van Zandt — a one-acre flower farm he operates with his wife, Sadie Beauregard, whom he met while they were both farming on Bainbridge Island — offered a similar perspective. He said, “The farming community here in Whatcom County is a tight-knit group that works together and supports a lot of young farmers.”

Like Pabody, D’Agnolo and Beauregard offer couples a variety of packages that range from buckets of fresh-cut flowers for DIY weddings to full-service floral designs. They celebrate the growth of the slow flower movement. When locally-grown flowers and foraged ingredients are included in your celebration, “it’s a way of honoring nature and showing it amazing reverence,” D’Agnolo said. “You can’t match it.” ♥

© Ashley Louise Photography

10 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

Couture Weddings 2017

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© Sarah Postma Photography

© Joe & Patience Photography

Toni Lynn Photography

Tailored to Perfection: Working with a Seamstress WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT

Y

es, there are nightmare stories, those terrible situations that simply don’t happen with a ready-made dress from a shop — the dressmaker who left in a pin, or finished the dress two hours before the wedding, or the dress that came out completely wrong. Yes, those things happen. But often, an experience with a custom dressmaker or tailor is made or broken by the bride or groom. How much detail, how appropriate the fabrics for the design, how specific the design can all influence whether or not you’ll be floating on a cloud of tulle or tripping over loose strings from a dangling hem. … continued on the next page

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There are many advantages to having a dress made — it can be hundreds of dollars less than buying one; the fit will be perfect; you can customize your look and get exactly what fabrics and whatever style you want. There are downsides, and retail might offer a bit more security in terms of exchanges and returns, but overall, a custom dress (or tux) may be just the thing for you.

The first thing one should do is find a dressmaker or tailor who comes highly recommended, and if you’re going for traditional attire, someone who knows dressmaking and tailoring specifically for bridal wear. There are skills in beading, applique´, and embroidery that only someone who had successfully created several dresses would know. If you want a simpler dress with a simpler design, you can work with someone less specialized.

A good second step is to work far enough ahead for any eventuality. Don’t expect perfection right away — wedding attire needs to be fitted and refitted, even if you’re working with a pre-made dress. Detail work like beading and embroidery take time. Your dressmaker is under pressure to deliver on your schedule, so they will try to meet your deadline. Keep in mind that allowing them enough time to do quality work (and not have a huge rush on a tight deadline) is respectful of their craftsmanship and time. And if you end up with a disaster on your hands, you have time for replacement.

The next thing to work on is the design. If your dressmaker is a designer, then you’ll want to make sure your communication is open and clear. Look at photos of work they’ve done. Create a digital style board using Pinterest or photos you find on web pages. If you’re working from a pattern, you’ll want to consult with your seamstress about the right fabric for the 14 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

design — thick fabrics like white velvet can be notoriously difficult to work with. The next step is to select the fabric. Some seamstress and tailor shops have a selection of fabrics they prefer to work with. Again, communication is important.

Some dressmakers require a written contract. This agreement should protect you as well against any kind of damage on the dressmaker’s part. It’s not a bad idea to get it all in writing with notes. Tuxes are more straightforward. Any suitmaker can likely make a quality tux. But all the rules apply — good communication, a good design, fabric that matches the design, and a reputable tailor can make a big difference. When the big day comes, you’ll know that the dress or tux you wear is entirely yours, an instant heirloom. And that’s a great feeling.

WHERE TO FIND Check your local theaters. Costumers are often excellent with the kinds of details and fabrics you’d want for a wedding dress.

Any group of costumed folks (Renaissance Fair or Society for Creative Anachronism folks) will know where a good seamstress is. This is also true of the Steampunk movement — many of these folks make their own costumes and have skills working with different materials in creative ways.

ALL THINGS ATTIRE The Simply Organized Bride has an extensive list of dressmakers, tailors, ateliers, and other resources for all your wedding attire needs. ♥

thesimplyorganizedbride.com

Your Country Venue Unique, to Compliment Your Love !

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Indoor Seating

Full Service Catering

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BelleWoodFarms.com

Real

WEDDING

2017

Connie & Kevin JULY 2, 2016 PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY BOWLDEN | WRITTEN BY ASHER KING

I

t wasn’t love at first sight for Connie and Kevin. The couple met while studying optometry at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, MA. Connie, a Taiwanese Canadian, is outgoing, friendly, and instantly found Kevin attractive. Upon learning the Taiwanese American from California lived just a floor beneath her, Connie set out to become his friend. Reserved and serious, Kevin found her friendliness a bit overbearing, but quickly adjusted his thinking and looked forward to their lengthy conversations. Then he began missing Connie when they were apart. The couple began dating soon after Kevin confessed his crush, and continued a long distance relationship when Connie moved … continued on the next page

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to Federal Way, Washington and Kevin to Reno, Nevada to complete their residences.

Toward the end of their residences Kevin visited Washington during Memorial Day weekend. Being outdoor enthusiasts, Kevin planned a hike for them to Mirror Lake in Snoqualmie Pass. While taking in the surroundings, Kevin tucked a flower behind Connie’s ear then fiddled with his camera tripod and the camera timer. Connie readied herself for a picture with her boyfriend, only to see him get down on one knee and propose.

The couple was married on July 2, 2016 at the Sanders Estate, just outside of Seattle. Connie wore a Maggie Sottero Sybil dress with customized off-shoulder detailing. The romantic ball gown featured delicate lace accents, an illusion v-neckline, and lovely deep-v backline. Kevin channeled classic gentleman in a Hugo Boss tuxedo with a black bowtie for the ceremony. The couple changed outfits for the reception: Kevin traded his black bowtie for a champagne bowtie and Connie donned a custom-made red lace Qipao with plenty of gold jewelry. She wore a round pendant carved with a phoenix and dragon hand that had been passed down from her grandmother, and a gold flower necklace which Kevin’s parents gifted to her, as Taiwanese tradition dictates.

18 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

The clothing aligned with the couple’s desire to pay homage to their Taiwanese roots. They incorporated traditions like a tea ceremony during the reception where the bride and groom serve tea to their respected elders. A harpist played during the ceremony, another traditional detail in many Asian weddings.

Personal details made this wedding unique and special for everyone in attendance. The Sanders Estate offered an intimate garden setting for the outdoor ceremony with a tent to house the reception. Inside the tent, red accent lights twinkled among tables draped in white tablecloths with coral napkins and gold accents.

Decor consisted of glass paperweights and bowls the couple made themselves at the Seattle Glass Blowing Company. A slideshow told their individual stories and revealed their story as a couple through photographs. Instead of a traditional guest book, guests found pictures of themselves with the couple on a collage wall. Then they wrote messages on the back of the photos. Tables were titled not by number, but by places the couple had visited together. As entertainment for the guests, Connie and Kevin danced both a waltz and a tango which they had practiced for months leading up to the wedding. It was one of those weddings filled with love and happiness, not just between the couple, but among all the loved ones in attendance. ♥

FOOD BLUE RIBBON

DRESS MAGGIE SOTTERO SYBIL FROM NEW BEGINNINGS BRIDAL STUDIO

HAIR & MAKEUP Christy K Make up

VENUE Sanders Estate

ACCOMMODATIONS SHERATON FOUR POINTS NEAR SEATAC

VIDEOGRAPHY PIXEL DUST WEDDINGS, DANI WARNER

PHOTOGRAPHER COURTNEY BOWLDEN

MUSIC CEREMONY: HARPIST HEATHER DONOVAN RECEPTION: SEAN ANTONIUS

ANYTIME.

WINTER FASHION MISHA COLLINS Supernatural Actor

CATHY WATSON

Wonder Woman

A LOOK BACK 2016 in Review

DECEMBER 2016 DISPLAY UNTIL DECEMBER 31 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

1612_BA-NSL_1_Cover.indd 1

11/23/16 3:12 PM

WINTER FASHION MISHA COLLINS Supernatural Actor

CATHY WATSON

Wonder Woman

A LOOK BACK 2016 in Review

DECEMBER 2016 DISPLAY UNTIL DECEMBER 31 $3.99 US • $4.99 CAN

1612_BA-NSL_1_Cover.indd 1

11/23/16 3:12 PM

ANYWHERE.

Beyond Tea: Alcohol-free reception drinks WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT

W

e all know that for many wedding guests reception equals free drinks, but there are always people in any given group who don’t want to imbibe. Providing alternatives to champagne and signature cocktails is about more than just setting up some twoliter bottles of ginger ale on a card table — you want these guests to feel as included and as welcome as the rest of the partiers.

It’s also nice to have those alternatives available for guests who are drinking, who might want to cut some of that alcoholic indulgence with a few sips of seltzer.

The most important step is to make sure that your alternative drink selections are as thoughtful as your wine and champagne selections. If you’re getting good cases of wine and sparkly for the drinkers, provide a few high-end alternatives for the nondrinkers. Stones Throw Brewery makes an excellent ginger ale and Chuckanut Brewery makes a great root beer. A few kegs of those and your sober guests will be delighted.

Receptions these days are featuring more and more mixologists who craft signature cocktails for the happy couple and guests. To ensure your non-drinkers are comfortable, create virgin versions of the signature cocktails, or have the mixologist make up a cocktail just for them. The dance floor won’t be any less crowded. Most non-drinkers know that cocktails mean mixers, and that’s usually a pretty great thing for them, but it doesn’t hurt to put a little extra thought into making the event inclusive.

Last, remember that the success of your reception doesn’t lie in what it looks like or whether or not there’s an amazing flash mob, but in whether or not your guests’ memories are as happy as yours. One step in that direction is making sure you’re including the needs of as many guests as possible in your choices. Yes, it’s your day, but it’s their day, too. ♥

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Real

WEDDING

2017

Kenny & Olivia APRIL 30, 2016 PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAMRIN DISHMAN OLAVARRIA | WRITTEN BY ASHER KING

B

eneath the Leopold Ballroom’s iconic disco ball and brilliant glass chandeliers, Olivia walked across the blush pink and navy carpeting to the aisle to meet her soon-to-be husband, Kenny Ableman.

But before those fateful steps brought them to the altar, they first had to find each other.

Olivia and Kenny met each other through mutual friends as teenagers, ages 17 and 19 respectively. Their paths split for a time, with Kenny going to Alaska and Olivia attending school in Bellingham. But the two kept contact and, eventually, they came back together. When Kenny’s relationship came to an end, Olivia said she sneaked in.

The results were not instantaneous, however.

“It was like a young game of cat and mouse,” she said. One that the two eventually won. They had discussed engagement and marriage before, but when the time came, Kenny still managed to take his beloved by surprise. After she finished working a long day, Olivia returned home, ready to rest.

Kenny wasn’t having any of that, and invited her out to see the Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma.

“We never do anything spontaneous,” he said. … continued on the next page

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And so the couple went, Kenny nervous and Olivia, at least for a time, oblivious. Beneath the pouring rain and surrounded by holiday lights, Kenny proposed to his sweetheart. Despite describing herself as not being a crier, she shed a few tears that night, overwhelmed with the idea that they were finally taking the next step.

But the two didn’t rush immediately into marriage, instead waiting a year to begin planning. When they finally did begin their process, it was a mad dash to the finish line, having decided in January that they would wed in April.

Thankfully, some of the process went quickly. Olivia went to David’s Bridal knowing that she wasn’t a poofy ball-gown kind of girl. She came out within an hour, having selected a tea-length, A-line dress with both lace and sparkles.

The venue came with a bit more of a struggle. Having elected to get married in the midst of April Showers, they knew they would need to select an indoor venue. After checking out many venues, a woman at one of the venues suggested the Leopold.

It was just what the future Mr. and Mrs. Ableman ordered.

The Ballroom was large enough to comfortably host both the ceremony and the reception, without the trouble of rearranging it. The carpet, unlike some of the other venues they had looked 24 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

at, was muted, rather than loud. And those colors became the colors of the wedding.

After having attended a number of weddings themselves, the couple had a clear idea of what they wanted out of their big day. They did what they could to keep the wedding familyoriented, a concept important to both of them. That meant having a special drink, a mix of Crown Royal Canadian whisky and Coke, which they called “The Jim.” It was named after Kenny’s close grandfather, who had passed away.

The wedding staff was comprised of both professionals and companions alike. Friends of the couple served as the DJ and the bartender, while Zeina Evan’s company, Ever After Events, provided coordination, food, decoration rentals, and a staff to keep it all together. Their photographer, Kamrin Dishman Olavarria, was, as Olivia described it, a dream.

“Both of us are camera shy and awkward. The pictures don’t reflect that.”

From their wedding, the two took their first steps into their lives together, with their first stop being Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Now, the couple is planning taking further steps walking into a new beginning. Their first step in that? Starting with beginning a family together. ♥

“It was like a young game of cat and mouse.”

FOOD EVER AFTER EVENTS

DRESS OLEG CASSINI

HAIR & MAKEUP KARIBOU SALON/SELF-DONE

VENUE THE LEOPOLD BALLROOM

ACCOMMODATIONS THE CHRYSALIS

SOLID AS A ROCK A STYLED SHOOT

PHOTOGRAPHER: KATHERYN MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE: THE LEOPOLD CRYSTAL BALLROOM COORDINATOR: MOMAD PRODUCTIONS FLOWERS: POZIE BY NATALIE EVENT RENTALS: RUSTIC EVENTS RENTALS STATIONERY: NOTEWORTHY INK CAKE: GATHERED CONFECTIONS COCKTAILS: SARA GALACTICA HAIR: JL DOES HAIR 26 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

MAKEUP: SARAH RORVIG DRESS/SUIT: BELLE BRIDAL MODEL: MEGAN STARR MODEL: JEN GEORGE DISTILLERY: CHUCKANUT BAY DISTILLERY JEWELRY (RINGS): J&J JEWELRY CO. FURNITURE/PROPS: WANDER BALLOONS: SPRUCE AMARO (BITTER LIQUEUR): THE WOODS SPIRIT CO

BEYOND PEONIES THESE EARTH-INSPIRED WOODLAND TONES OF MOSS AND SUCCULENTS CREATE THE PERFECT ROMANTIC MOOD. 28 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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ON THE ROCKS THE GEOLOGICAL THEME IS CARRIED THROUGH THE GEODES, ROCK CANDY, AND SIGNATURE COCKTAILS. 30 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

STATIONERY THAT ROCKS COOL BLUES AND WARM EARTH TONES BRING THE GLITTER OF CRYSTAL TOGETHER WITH WEDDING MAGIC. 32 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

Real

WEDDING

2017

Lauren & Jeremy JUNE 25, 2016 PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE & PATIENCE | WRITTEN BY CATHERINE TORRES

W

hat happens when two people from the Pacific Northwest attend a small Christian college in Iowa called Dordt College? Well of course they find one another and fall in love. Jeremy grew up in British Columbia, just across the border from where Lauren grew up in Washington. They passed each other on the small Dordt campus, never taking notice of each other until the fall of their junior year. Their circle of friends finally began to include the same people. Slowly they found themselves spending more and more time with one another, and simply enjoying their time together.

… continued on the next page

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The Pacific Northwesters moved back home after graduation. In June 2015, Jeremy planned a canoe trip to Alouette Lake in B.C. Attempting to make it a group event, Lauren was disappointed all her friends were “busy” that day. The couple rented a canoe and explored a quiet stretch of the lake’s shoreline. They set up a picnic and Jeremy suggested taking a photo with the mountains in the background. He propped up the camera, turned on the video record setting, and stealthily pulled a ring from his bag before joining Lauren in the shot. From there Jeremy listed all the reasons why he loved Lauren, why she’d make a wonderful wife, and if she’d be his for the rest of their lives.

They were married in front of friends and family in the Third Christian Reformed Church in Lynden on June 25, 2016.

Jeremy’s three sisters took turns playing music for the ceremony.

Lauren wore a form-fitting Mori Lee chiffon georgette gown complete with embroidery on the bodice and intricate crystal detailing on the shoulder straps, neck, and back lines. She was a stunning bride alongside Jeremy’s classic tuxedo. After the ceremony the guests moved to Beard Road in Whatcom County to Lauren’s parents’ old chicken farm. Their converted hatchery 36 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

served as a perfect venue for their effortlessly elegant Pacific Northwest wedding.

Personal details included the couple’s favorite desserts, bumbleberry cobbler for Lauren, and pecan pie for Jeremy. A collage of family wedding and engagement photos lined the walls while speeches from parents and friends, and customized songs and dances performed by the bridal party set the tone for an entirely family affair. Jeremy’s sister and brother-in-law MC’d and DJ’d the couple’s playlist of indie and punk music for the night. Even the decor was styled by Lauren’s aunts, the owners of Grandiflora in Lynden, WA. When reminiscing about her wedding day, Lauren quickly recalls the smiles on all her guests’ faces. The couple set out to provide a wonderful time for their guests, and they certainly delivered. An open bar flowed all night, corn hole on the lawn offered a break from dancing, while outside the hatchery comfortable couches and bistro tables allowed friends to chat under the stars. It was one of those weddings where everyone wishes the music will never end. For Lauren and Jeremy it was just the beginning of their love story. ♥

DRESS MOIR LEE

VENUE THIRD CHRISTIAN REFORM CHURCHBEARD ROAD, WHATCOM

LODGING THE INN AT LYNDEN

CATERING FAIRWAY CAFÉ BARBS PIES & PASTRIES

MUSIC FAMILY DJ-ING WITH CUSTOMIZED PLAYLISTS

HAIR & MAKE-UP LAUREL BOSMAN

© Courtney Bowlden

Sweet Sounds: Your Wedding Music WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT

I

t just so happens that the best scenes in movies happen at Wedding receptions. Think of The Godfather, or Godfather II, or Wedding Crashers. Okay, maybe not, but music can be a whole new layer of expression at your special event and the heart and soul of a great day.

CULTURE There is a wealth of great music from many different cultural traditions out there, from lilting Irish melodies for the ceremony itself to rousing sambas for the reception. If you or your beloved has cultural ties to a particular nationality or tradition, working traditional, or culturally inspired music into the ceremony and reception can make for a meaningful touch.

RECORDED VS LIVE Simple is sometimes better. Recorded music offers the security of knowing exactly what music goes where and when (which is important during the ceremony) and wipes away all of the uncertainty of performers, their quality, and the proper conditions for performance. You don’t want a brass ensemble on a windy, sandy beach, for example. A d.j. for your reception can 38 CoutureWeddingsMag.com

also keep the dance floor hot while you’re busy having fun and visiting with family and friends.

WHAT TO CHOOSE: CEREMONY So many couples go with Ave Maria or Pachelbel’s Canon in D, and though they are lovely, they are a bit done. A few months before your ceremony, strike up Pandora and type in Brahms or Strauss. You’ll get a lot of exposure to beautiful, lyrical classical music that can be appropriate for your big day — and you may learn something, too! Bear in mind that “Here Comes the Bride” is a march, so slow marches are completely appropriate. If there’s a special song you two share, that’s totally appropriate, too. Just remember that music sets the tone for the ceremony, so make it a memory you’ll want to keep.

WHAT TO CHOOSE: RECEPTION

© Sheila Carson © Sheila Carson

The bride’s dance with her dad may be a tradition we can skip, but if you’re keeping it, something sweet that has meaning for both of you is a nice touch. The bride and groom also dance to “their” song, which can be really moving, unless it’s Nickelback.

LIVE MUSIC: CEREMONY A simple string trio or quartet can be a lovely and elegant way to start the ceremony. A reputable trio has likely played a few weddings in their day, and might have a repertoire they recommend. A soloist at a piano can also be quite nice. If you have musical talent in your family, this is a great way of including them in your ceremony.

LIVE MUSIC: RECEPTION Our area boasts a lot of great bands, and many of them play a versatile enough set list that you can make it really fun. There’s also the option of having a band for the first hour or two, then switching to music you choose on your smartphone over wireless speakers. Whatever you decide, live bands can bring a lot of energy and excitement to your reception.

SECTIONS: Prelude: Music while guests are settling in and waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Processional: The ceremony’s beginning It is customary to intersperse music into the ceremony, sometimes before and after the vows, but there aren’t any rules.

Recessional: This is where couples often inject a little humor or start up the flashmob.

FAVORITE LOCAL BANDS: Strangely and Friends: Good ‘ol timey accordian and banjo. Fun and antics for the whole family.

BandZandt: Rock-n-Roll, east Whatcom style.

The Walrus: Classics with a nice, jazzy twist, The Walrus plays The Beatles, The Cure, Jefferson Airplane, and more.

SpaceBand: Funk, pop, rock, rap and much more. Very upbeat and dancey. ♥

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Real

WEDDING

2017

Hilary & Joel JULY 18, 2014 PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLINTON JAMES | WRITTEN BY CATHERINE TORRES

T

he story of Hilary and Joel’s romance is a series of serendipities. The two grew up in Washington only a few miles apart, but didn’t even meet until they were adults living in San Diego attending different schools: Hilary working toward a career as a nurse practitioner and Joel garnering a degree in business. It all began in 2006 with a friend’s wedding in Costa Rica. Hilary’s sister, Kirsten, and her now husband, Levi, met at the destination wedding. They began dating and taking trips to San Diego where Kirsten would call Hilary to hang out while Levi called his friend, Joel. The foursome enjoyed one another’s company a few times a year. Hilary and Joel developed a flirtatious friendship, but kept dating other people. Finally Hilary and Joel began spending time together as friends without Kirsten and Levi. Their other relationships fizzled out, but their friendship blossomed into romance.

On the day of Hilary’s ten-year high school reunion in July 2013, Joel left the house for a few hours claiming to go to the grocery store. Later that day the couple boarded the Bainbridge-Seattle Ferry to the reunion along with a few friends. It turned out earlier that day, Joel had visited Hilary’s father to ask for her hand in marriage. He gave his blessing. Joel proposed on the Washington State ferry that day, just as Hilary’s father had proposed to her mother on a Washington State ferry so many years before. … continued on the next page

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They were married on July 18, 2014 in Roche Harbor in the San Juan Islands. Hilary and Joel wanted a venue that they could visit year after year, creating memory after memory in one special place. The laid back setting was perfect for their decor of vintage style birdcages and rustic floral arrangements filled with dusty rose and soft violet colors. Even the bridal party was laid back in simple cream colored suits and dresses of the bridesmaids’ choosing. Hilary stood among the dusty rose, cream, and lavender fabrics in a stunning lace Paloma Blanca dress with a with removable sleeveless lace bolero jacket, allowing her wedding dress to have two styles.

Including family was important to Hilary and Joel on their wedding day. Hilary’s grandfather, a former Federal Judge, performed the ceremony while her uncle sang and played guitar.

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Hilary’s mom harvested lavender from her garden for fragrant sachets for the guest favors. An old love letter from Hilary’s grandfather to her grandmother was on display for guests to read and a collection of old family wedding photos tied the themes of family, love, and vintage together.

It wasn’t all seriousness during the wedding though, music and entertainment were at the forefront of Hilary and Joel’s wedding planning. DJ Tony Schwartz kept the party going, Joel made a shot ski that received plenty of use, even the grandparents partook in a shot, and a photo booth captured silly faces. Guests signed the backs of photo strips from the booth, turning the fun memories into the couple’s guestbook. Looking through the wedding photos, anyone can see this couple pulled off a perfectly elegant, yet playful celebration of their love. ♥

CATERING ROCHE HARBOR, MCMILLIANS RESTAURANTI

HAIR & MAKEUP AFTERGLOW SALON AND SPA

VENUE ROCHE HARBOR GARDENS

LODGING ROCHE HARBOR

MUSIC DJ/MC TONY SCHWARTZ, PUGET SOUND SOUNDBOOTH

Elegant Invitations: Stationery WRITTEN BY FRANCES BADGETT | SAMPLES PROVIDED BY SPRUCE

S

ending your invitation in the mail is your introduction to your guests — the invitation they will put in an album or place in a special box for safekeeping. Whether you’re making a bold statement against tradition or keeping with a classic look and feel, your wedding really begins with the invitations.

Prior to the printing press, wedding invitations were delivered by a town crier, who walked the streets announcing the nuptials of the couple.

Anyone in the vicinity garnered an invitation. Along came moveable type, and town criers were retired.

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PRESSING NEED Letterpress is a form of printing in which the words or designs are pressed into soft paper, creating an impression of the words or design in the paper, giving the letters texture. Similar to engraving, a plate puts pressure on the paper to create the letters, but instead of pressing them into the paper, the letters are raised. Thermography is similar in that it has an embossed feel, but a powder is applied to the invitation, which is then heated, creating the embossed feel.

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ENGRAVED, SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED Metal plate engraving (mezzotint) became the standard, and remains the same process it was in the 1700s. Engraving has the advantage of immediately projecting elegance and history, a kind of timelessness. Engraving is done by hand, and can be very expensive (up to $5 an invitation). Thermographs are more common, and are a way of printing in which the ink is not carved into the invitation (as with engraving) but printed. Lithography was introduced in the late 1700s and brought fine inking to the marketplace without the cumbersome practice of engraving.

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A TOUCH OF FOIL Foil stamped invitations are bright, bold, and a great choice for couples who want a little shine in their invitation wardrobe. Foil stamping can look elegant and classic or sassy and modern, depending on how it’s used. Often couples-to-be have a choice of yellow gold, silver, copper, or rose gold. Choice of paper is important, as you want the foil to stand out both in texture and in shine. This style is a particularly great choice for weddings in the holiday season.

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FLAT PHOTO FINISH Flat printing is digital printing on paper, and probably the most common type of invitation sent these days. It allows couples the ability to incorporate photos and customize fonts and design.

It’s also a nice way to personalize and create a statement. Many couples seek out flat printing precisely because it is a statement against tradition. It can be very well done.

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the 1960 Airstream Bar for your next event

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Stunning Venue Exquisite Cuisine Exceptional Service Convenient Location Event Planning Support Full Beverage Service Ample Free Parking Lodging Packages & More!

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mcintyrehall.org 2501 E College Way, Mount Vernon

NORTHWEST WEDDING EXPOS

JANUARY 2017 TACOMA WEDDING EXPO TACOMA DOME EXHIBITION HALL JANUARY 7- 8, 2017

EVERETT WEDDING EXPO XFINITY ARENA JANUARY 21-22, 2017

MARCH 2017

TACOMA SPRING WEDDING EXPO TACOMA DOME EXHIBITION HALL MARCH 25-26, 2017

SEPTEMBER 2016 TACOMA FALL WEDDING EXPO TACOMA DOME EXHIBITION HALL SEPTEMBER 9 -10, 2017

EVERETT FALL WEDDING EXPO XFINITY ARENA SEPTEMBER 16-17, 2017

BELLEVUE FALL WEDDING EXPO MEYEDENBAUER CENTER SEPTEMBER 24, 2017

www.bridesclub.com

Checklist 12 MONTHS

Announce your engagement Set the date for your ceremony Select engagement & wedding rings Decide on your wedding style Discuss and set a budget Book a site for your ceremony and reception Visit clergy and discuss ceremony Select wedding attendants Select wedding dress and accessories Select a photographer Select a videographer Select musicians Select a florist Register with a bridal registry Choose a caterer Select a master of ceremonies

10–6 MONTHS Establish a guest list Select and order attendants’ gowns Select and order men’s attire Order wedding invitations and stationery Make reception plans Mothers-of-the-bride and groom select their dresses Plan your honeymoon and obtain passports

6–3 MONTHS

Order your wedding cake Book your limousine and transportation Make accommodations for out-of-town guests Meet with your hair and makeup stylist Order your wedding certificate Groom’s family to make arrangements for rehearsal dinner

3–2 MONTHS

Address wedding invitations Choose attendants’ gifts Arrange special music selections Plan the bridesmaids’ luncheon Ask relatives to assist at the ceremony and reception Write thank you notes as gifts arrive Open a joint savings and checking account Name your fiance as a beneficiary to your insurance policy and will Make wedding favors

2–1 MONTHS Arrange final fitting of your gown Arrange final fitting of your attendants’ dresses Confirm with photographer, musicians, florist, caterer, limousine services, and bakery Confirm with hair and makeup stylist Select groom’s and bride’s gifts Meet with clergy on ceremony details

7 DAYS

Make a final check with clergy, florist, and caterer Confirm with reception facility Meet with photographer and videographer Pack honeymoon trousseau Arrange head table seating Reconfirm honeymoon arrangements Make certain attendants have their instructions Pick up wedding and attendants’ gowns Notify caterer of final guest count

1 DAY Get a manicure and pedicure Attend wedding rehearsal Provide ushers with list of guests

WEDDING DAY Appointment with your hair and makeup stylist Allow three hours to dress and relax Enjoy your special day

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Budget GROOM Groom’s Attire $ Shoes $ Accessories $

Groomsmen’s Attire $ Groomsmen’s Gifts $

× ( × ( × ( × ( × (

) = ) = ) = ) = ) =

$ $ $ $ $

BRIDE Wedding Dress Hair & Makeup Shoes Accessories Bridesmaids’ Attire Bridesmaids’ Gifts

$ $ $ $ $ $

× ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × (

) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) =

$ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

× ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × ( × (

) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) = ) =

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

WEDDING Caterers Centerpieces & Favors Coordinator Chair covers & Linens Entertainment Event Design Flowers Invitations Jewelers Master of Ceremonies Officiants Photo Booth Photographers Transportation Venue Videographers Wedding Cakes Wedding Favors

TOTAL WEDDING COST

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$

Venue

LISTINGS Find the perfect place for your big day, from intimate settings for small affairs to big enough for all the cousins. We include banquet halls, historic manors, and romantic seaside resorts all in one place with all the information you need to book your event. Your search begins here.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Fox Hall Breathtakingly elegant and uniquely vintage, the Crystal Ballroom in the heart of downtown Bellingham is beyond compare. Featuring soaring ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and original 1920s architecture, the Crystal Ballroom provides a stunning backdrop for any ceremony or reception.

1224 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360.406.4702 leopoldcrystalballroom.com

The ideal venue for your wedding ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, and engagement party. It is affordable, customizable, and includes set up/tear down, making your day hassle-free!

Call us today to book your event.

1661 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham 360.676.7700 facebook.com/foxhallbham

Bellingham Featuring northwest contemporary style the Four Points By Sheraton Bellingham Hotel and Conference Center is the perfect place to say I do. Whether you desire a small intimate gathering or a larger formal affair our experienced staff can service all your needs and insure your dreams become reality.

714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham | 360.671.1011 | fourpointsbellingham.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

From the cozy living room with fireplace to the beautiful terrace overlooking the San Juan Islands, The Chrysalis Inn & Spa on Bellingham’s waterfront is your dream destination for intimate weddings.

804 10th Street, Bellingham 360.756.1005 Thechrysalisinn.com

A charming outdoor venue on beautiful Lummi Island Gorgeous gardens, sprawling lawns, fabulous floral design and fresh locally sourced cuisine. All with sweeping views of Hale Passage and Mt. Baker.

2272 North Nugent Road, Lummi Island 206.940.3023 CarriageHouseGardens.Events

Your Wedding, Your Way! your home for special events

© Everlasting Photography

© Katheryn Moran Photography

1650 Baker Creek Place, Bellingham bakercreekplace.com | 360.671.4247

At Baker Creek Place you can have your wedding your way for the most affordable price in Bellingham. From an intimate wedding to 200 guests, have your celebration in our beautifully secluded wooded setting, perfect for your “do it yourself” wedding.

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© Courtney Bowlden

“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.”

— William Shakespeare

The Perfect Venue...

Just For You!

Set in the spectacular Northwest countryside, North Bellingham Golf Course is the perfect venue for your wedding. With breathtaking views of Mt. Baker to the east, stunning sunsets to the west & panoramic views of the greens, there is no better place to celebrate your special day.

9 Restaurant offers a diverse catering menu, with everything made in-house from scratch. We provide you with a variety of options to completely customize your menu for your rehearsal dinner, wedding, and/or reception.

NORTH BELLINGHAM GOLF COURSE & 9 RESTAURANT 205 W Smith Rd, Bellingham | 360.398.8300 | northbellinghamgolf.com

360.621.5158 | Joeandpatience.com | info@joeandpatience.com