Inspiring Style for Puget Sound Brides
E
vangeline A STYLED SHOOT
Real Weddings Upgrading Old Traditions After the Party Venue Listings
CONTACT OUR EVENT PROFESSIONALS
Imagine The Possibilities
SilverReefCasino.com Ferndale, WA 360-383-0777 SilverReefCasino.com • GolfLoomis.com
SCHEDULE A WALK-THROUGH TODAY!
Make Any Occasion Unforgettable
GolfLoomis.com Blaine, WA Sales@SilverReefCasino.com
President/Publisher Lisa Karlberg
Editor In Chief Becky Mandelbaum
Art Director Dean Davidson
Staff Writer/Photographer Lara Dunning
Account Executives Devan Ballard | Kristy Gessner Mia Sperandeo
Graphic Designer
Spend more time with your guests and leave the cooking to us. From convenient On-the-Go platters to Full Service event planning, Market Street Catering by Haggen can take care of all the details.
Mariah Currey
Photography Clinton James Photography Courtney Bowlden Photography Katheryn Moran Photography Kymberly Janelle Photography Sarah Joy Fields
Editorial Coordinator Lindsey Major
Editorial Assistants Tyler Kendig | Anelyse Morris Mysti Willmon
Office Management Jenn Bachtel
Corporate Office K & L Media, Inc. 432 W. Bakerview Road, Suite 101 Bellingham, WA 98226
Inquiries & Subscriptions info@northsoundlife.com northsoundlife.com 360.483.4576 x4 Cover image by Sarah Joy Fields
360.647.4325
www.marketstreetcatering.com • 210 36th Street, Bellingham ©2019 Haggen • 191029-08
2 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
Couture Weddings 2020 Planning a wedding can be stressful, which is why we hope this issue
Contents
of Couture Weddings will offer inspiration and
Must-Haves Bride 4 Groom 6
help you strategize your big day. In the following pages, you’ll find
Real Weddings
everything from how to
Brinn & Cody
10
Cole & Sydney
14
Lauryn & Joel
24
Elizabeth & Greg
30
modernize old traditions to what to do with your wedding dress and party decorations after the
Features Upgrading Old Traditions
guests have gone home.
9
In our Real Weddings
Styled Shoot
18
section, recently wed
After the Party
28
Lasting Image
40
Planning Tools Venue Listings
couples share their stories, offering memories, insight, and
35
practical tips. The styled
Š Katheryn Moran Photography
shoot is pure fun, with plenty of images to get your own ideas flowing.
BIODEGRADABLE CONFETTI theconfettibar.com, price varies
BELLA BELLE MAISIE EMBROIDERED T-STRAP FLATS BHLDN.com, $190
KLEENEX ON-THE-GO target, $2.29
‘CATHERINE’ JEWELED HAIR COMB nordstrom.com, $115
Bride MUST-HAVES
Everyone wants to look beautiful on their wedding day, but it’s more important that you have fun and enjoy the experience while you’re in it. Once all the prepping and pampering is done, make sure to toss some confetti, snap a picture with friends, and swap out those heels for some dancing shoes. — Becky Mandelbaum
ASHWAGANDHA STRESS RELIEF HERBAL SUPPLEMENT moonjuice.com, $38
CANON IVY CLIQ INSTANT FILM CAMERA Best Buy, $99
4 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
Get Rewarded on Your Special Day.
Earn 1.5 points for each dollar spent with a WECU Choice Visa. Choose from travel rebates, car rentals, hotel vouchers, cash, or gift cards. Or use those points toward your honeymoon! WECU is here to help make the best day of your life magical.
Insured by NCUA
Chat Online: wecu.com Call Us: 800-525-8703
BLACK COTTON POCKET SQUARE WITH PURPLE FLOWERS
TRENCH WARFARE ANTIPERSPIRANT + DEODORANT (SANDALWOOD & AMBER)
oliverwicks.com, $39
dukecannon.com, $10
KIEHL’S OIL ELIMINATOR 24-HOUR ANTI-SHINE MOISTURIZER FOR MEN Sephora, $27
Groom MUST-HAVES
WEDDING DATE ENGRAVABLE ROUND CUFFLINKS Ox & Bull Trading Co., $150
When you’re watching your soonto-be partner walk down the aisle, it’s important to feel prepared. These wedding must-haves will help you stay fresh, on-time, and looking good, so you can focus on what’s really important: staying in the moment. — Becky Mandelbaum
CEREMONY PAISLEY BOW TIE thetiebar.com, $19
TISSOT SAVONNETTE POCKET WATCH tissotshop.com., $275 6 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
The Pacific Northwest’s Premier Historic Event Venue 3 6 0 - 6 4 7-14 4 4 / I N F O @ L A I R M O N T M A N O R . C O M lairmontmanor.com - facebook - instagram
Low Prices | Wide Selection | Best Service
TRE AT TH E H AP P Y COUPLE TO SOME TH ING UNIQU E S h o p On l i n e o r I n -S to r e To da y !
This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children.
218 N. Samish Way, Bellingham | 360.393.3459 TroveCannabis.com | Open 8am – 11:45pm Everyday
Inspiring Style for Puget Sound Brides
ANYTIME. Eastmeets West A STYLED SHOOT
REAL WEDDINGS Couples tell their stories
CAMPING, VINEYARD, ISLAND OR URBAN? Washington State Honeymoon Destinations
WEDDING ALTARS Picking a Fitting Altar for Your Ceremony
Inspiring Style for Puget Sound Brides
Elegant
APPLES
ANYWHERE. COUTUREWEDDINGSMAG.COM
BARNS, FARMS AND THE BAY Northwest Destination Weddings
IN-SEASON BLOOMS How to Pick Right-Time Flowers
REAL WEDDINGS Couples tell their stories
CW_2018_1_Cover.indd 1
12/11/17 2:40 PM
Something New UPGRADING OLD TRADITIONS WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM
BRIDES WEAR A WHITE DRESS The Tradition: For centuries, cultures have associated the color white with purity and innocence. While this may be one reason white dresses have clung on for so long, another explanation dates back to 1840, when Queen Victoria wore a white dress to her wedding with Prince Albert. The beloved royal couple’s wedding received ample coverage, and the trend stuck… for a long time. Before this, many brides simply wore their nicest dress, regardless of the color. The Upgrade: Not only does white stain easily, but it’s also not very exciting, flattering, or versatile. The color is so tightly associated with weddings, you’re unlikely to wear it again to a different occasion. For these reasons and more, many women are choosing to forgo tradition and opt for colorful dresses. Why not wear a dress you truly love? After all, it’s your wedding — your dress should be whatever color you feel best in.
DAD WALKS THE BRIDE DOWN THE AISLE The Tradition: The custom of a father “giving away the bride” dates back to the days when women were considered the property of men. Even if you love your pops, this may not be an attitude you want to perpetuate at your big day. The tradition also poses problems for brides who may not have a dad, or who might simply feel more comfortable walking with someone else. The Upgrade: Why not have whoever you want walk you down the aisle? In some cultures, both parents walk their daughter down the aisle. If this feels more appropriate, why not? You can also ask a brother, sister, best friend, or even go it alone. There’s also no rule saying you can’t walk down the aisle with your partner-to-be.
FLOWER GIRLS ARE… GIRLS The Tradition: Flower girls date back to ancient Rome, when young girls attending to the bride walked beside her bearing wheat and herbs, objects meant to symbolize prosperity and fertility. Over the centuries, flower girls have come to symbolize the bride’s transformation from innocent child to wife. Creepy much? The Upgrade: If the symbolism of losing your innocence and purity isn’t something you want to convey, metaphorically or otherwise, at your wedding, why not opt for a flower grandma?
Or flower boy? Or flower friend? Anyone can scatter flowers. While we’re on the subject, why not scatter something other than flowers? What about leaves? Or tree moss? Or confetti? If you haven’t picked up the theme by now — this is your day. You can do whatever you please.
YOU EAT WEDDING CAKE AT THE RECEPTION The Tradition: Once again, the Ancient Romans set the stage for this sugary custom. Although Roman couples didn’t have wedding cake, they did eat a sweet scone-like cake for good luck. The essence of this tradition carried on, evolving over the centuries. In medieval times, people stacked cookies in a tower while the newlywed couple tried to kiss over it. In the 17th century, couples celebrated with meat pies. Tiered cakes became in vogue in the 18th century. The Upgrade: With food allergies and sensitivities abounding, it can be hard to find a cake for everyone to enjoy. Plus — although it may sound crazy — but not everybody likes cake. If cake isn’t your favorite, why not offer up a different treat, or even a buffet of various goodies? Cupcakes, macarons, pies, and donuts all make excellent options. For a more interactive dessert, try a build-your-own sundae bar or crepe station.
THE HONEYMOON COMES AFTER THE WEDDING The Tradition: The origins of the honeymoon are somewhat contested. One story explains how, in ancient Europe, the calendar was organized by moon cycles. After a wedding, a bride and groom would receive a month’s supply of honey mead to help them relax, get a little tipsy… and work on conceiving a child. Another theory is that men who kidnapped their brides would whisk them away for weeks or months — to hide out from the bride’s family. The Update: Planning a big trip is a lot of work, especially if you’re already burned out from planning a wedding. Many couples are choosing to take a mini-moon — a shorter getaway following their wedding — and then plan a proper honeymoon a few months or even a full year later. This gives you plenty of time to recover from the wedding, plan a vacation, and celebrate the first months of your marriage in a more relaxed state of mind. Another bonus? You get two trips instead of one. ♥
Couture Weddings 2020
9
Brinn & Cody SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 PHOTOGRAPHY BY KYMBERLY JANELLE PHOTOGRAPHY | WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM
B
rinn and Cody Hollander met in 2018 while training for their first full-distance triathlon. Over many miles of swimming, biking, and running, the two got to know each other. “It was good incentive for me to get better because she was (and still is) much faster than me,” Cody says. “I really loved her work ethic and enjoyed spending time with her whether we were training or going to grab dinner. Plus, she just looked so dang good in a swim cap.” A year later, the two were planning a trip to Bend, Oregon when a big snowstorm hit. Brinn was worried about traveling in bad weather, but Cody insisted they stick to their plan. On the way home, the reason for his insistence became clear; he stopped at a snowy cliff near the Columbia River and proposed. He then … continued on the next page
Couture Weddings 2020
11
… surprised Brinn with a trip to the winter-wonderland village of Leavenworth. “I called her work a month or so ahead of time and secretly requested the day off for her,” Cody says. “I think that it was a nice surprise when I told her that we were going to go to Leavenworth instead of going back to work the next day.” Soon after the couple’s engagement, Brinn’s parents — Margie and Greg — noticed a cottage near their home on Lake Whatcom was for sale. “As Gary and I approach retirement we’ve decided to downsize,” Margie explains. They’d admired the cottage for decades, so they decided to buy it, knowing that before they made the cottage their home, they would transform it into the perfect wedding venue for Brinn and Cody. Over the next seven months, Margie, Greg, and Brinn’s aunt Susan worked tirelessly to convert the run-down structure into something suitable for a wedding. The cottage was in a pretty dire state of disrepair, with a leaking roof, rotting deck, water pump issues, open gaps in the walls and floors, and doors that let the wind howl through. While Greg tackled the technical issues, Margie and Susan worked on revamping and decorating the cottage’s interior. “Both Susan and I enjoy the ‘thrill of the hunt’ when it comes to vintage shopping,” Margie says. The pair went to garage sales and thrift stores to find attractive vintage seating and lighting pieces, such as the “chandelier bouquets.” “We were most pleased by how the cottage transformed into a ‘shabby chic’ venue!” Margie says. Although the renovation took months of dedicated effort, Brinn’s family enjoyed lots of fun and laughter along the way. “It 12 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
was a true labor of love,” Margie says. “So it really didn’t feel like work.” It all paid off that fall when Brinn and Cody married at the site. While the reception was held in the cottage, the ceremony took place outdoors, with the lake in the background. Instead of walking down an aisle, Brinn boated into the wedding and walked down the dock with her father. Cory and Brinn then walked together to the arch where their officiant waited. “I totally forgot that the ‘you may kiss the bride’ part of the wedding is like the grand finale, so I kissed her two or three times on the way to the arch. Oops,” Cody says. Once the pair was officially hitched, weddinggoers celebrated with woodfired pizzas from Övn Wood Fired Pizza in Fairhaven, cake from Nancy at Saltadena Bakery, and blackbottom cupcakes from The Bagelry. Toward the end of the reception, a late-summer storm began to roll in over the lake. Fortunately, the rain held out long enough for partygoers to admire the brewing weather while still celebrating outside. When the rain finally started to pour, Brinn and Cody decided to soak in the moment. “Cody and I went out to the end of the dock and let ourselves get drenched watching the storm all around us,” Brinn says. “It was the perfect end to a perfect day that I will never forget.” When asked about the best part of his night, Cody says, “Above all of the amazing details of our wedding day, my highlight was just knowing that I was going to get to spend the rest of my life with Brinn. ♥
DRESS
ALECIA’S BRIDAL (PATTY ROBISON ALTERATIONS)
VENUE
PRIVATE RESIDENCE: 1930s LAKE WHATCOM COTTAGE
CATERING
ÖVN WOOD FIRED PIZZA, SALTADENA BAKERY, THE BAGELRY
MUSIC
RAY KAMADA RECOMMENDED STRINGED TRIO
HAIR
ASHLEY STEINBACH
MAKEUP
LAUREN MAE BEAUTY
Cole & Sydney JUNE 2, 2019 PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY BOWLDEN PHOTOGRAPHY | WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM
S
ydney was a sophomore at Northwest University in Kirkland when she heard that one of the new freshmen in the school’s choir had a great singing voice. She also heard that he was attractive, but had a girlfriend back home in Olympia. “When I met him, I initially thought he seemed a little too full of himself, but was still intrigued,” Sydney says. Despite this intrigue, she kept a distance. It wasn’t until a few months later, when she and Cole were placed beside one another in choir, that the two slowly struck up a friendship. During this time, Sydney learned that Cole was going through a breakup. “Every step I made after that was extremely cautious because the last thing I wanted was to be a rebound, but there was just something between us. I had never had that initial connection … continued on the next page
Couture Weddings 2020
15
… with someone before. He made me laugh more than anyone ever, and I just had a feeling that it was right.” Five years later, Sydney’s sister, a professional makeup artist, was planning a shoot with a photographer friend, Courtney Bowlden. Sydney’s sister did her makeup and her hair, then the group went around town taking pictures, supposedly for her sister’s website. After taking a photo, Courtney showed it to Sydney. In the background was Cole — proposing. The two married at Swiftwater Cellars in Cle Elum, where they often went while dating. “I loved that it was a winery, had a romantic, and rustic feel. The views are breathtaking and I loved that it could be a place for everyone to gather for the weekend and spend quality time together,” Sydney says. For the rehearsal dinner, they rented a nearby house and hosted a laid-back barbecue for friends and family. On the big day, Sydney wore a simple Sarah Seven dress from The Dress Theory in Seattle, a diamond pendant from her mother, a bracelet from BHLDN, and shoes from Nordstrom. “The florals were by Carol Allmand…she did absolutely amazing and made my Pinterest board mash-up come to life! My mom surprised me and had gardenias put in my bouquet because she had them in hers… I had no idea and they looked amazing!” The wedding itself was a musical affair. “Music is really important to both Cole and I, so we chose everything! We even made a road trip playlist for our guests to listen to on the drive up.” The couple selected various songs to play throughout their ceremony, including songs by Ed Sheeran, Tori Kelly, and Lauren Daigle. As Sydney walked down the aisle with her father, a friend sang “Love Me Tender” by Elvis. 16 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
Music carried over into the reception, where they were introduced to “Feels Like the First Time” by Rascal Flatts and had their first dance to “Still Fallin’’ by Hunter Hayes. “Who knows if it even happened, but Ariana Grande’s “Honeymoon Avenue” was supposed to be our exit music,” Sydney says. At the reception, guests enjoyed chicken marsala and pasta with salad, wine from Swiftwater Cellars, and eight different kinds of cake from Deru Market in Kirkland. Because the couple is gluten-free, Sydney’s grandmother also made a special pie for them to cut. For Sydney, one of the best moments of the night came during cocktail time. “We just had 20 minutes to ourselves, sat, ate, drank, and freaked out together.” The speeches from family and friends were also a bright point. “We admire our parents and friends so much, and I feel like you could hear a pin drop in the room — they had everyone’s attention! Everyone truly killed it,” Sydney says. To show their gratitude, the couple spent a portion of the night going from table to table, visiting guests. “We missed sunset hour pictures because we were doing this, but it was so worth it to be in the moment and hug all of those people who came to celebrate us.” This feeling of gratitude has carried on months after the wedding. “We could have eloped and saved money ... and it still would have been amazing and meaningful, but it was having all of the people who helped shape us, teach us, and love us all in the same room together that made the day so special. We were so thankful!” ♥
DRESS
THE DRESS THEORY
VENUE
SWIFTWATER CELLARS
CATERING
SWIFTWATER CELLARS
MUSIC
JAMES NYLANDER
HAIR
ALISE BUCKNER
MAKEUP
LAUREN MAE BEAUTY
E
vangeline A STYLED SHOOT
VENUE Gracewood Manor
CAKE Antler Baking Company
DRESSES Belle Bridal
PHOTOGRAPHY Sarah Joy Fields
RENTALS Wander Event Rentals
JEWELRY Heidi Hull Designs Bridal
PLANNING, DESIGN, & STATIONERY Blake Design Studio
MAKEUP ARTIST & MODEL Sarah Rorvig
FLORALS Olio Flowers + Plants
HAIR Jessica Rae Friedman
DESIGN ASSISTANT Steve Stuth
Couture Weddings 2020
19
20 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
Couture Weddings 2020
21
22 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
Couture Weddings 2020
23
LAURYN & JOEL AUGUST 24, 2019 PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHERYN MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY | WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM
Y
ears before Lauryn and Joel ever met, Joel’s mother, Alana, predicted they would get married one day. Lauryn, a massage therapist, became quick friends with Alana after they set up a weekly massage trade. Alana would often joke about Lauryn and Joel one day meeting and falling in love. Lauryn assumed they were just joking — she’d seen photos of Joel as a teenager and was not impressed. Little did she know, Alana was serious. So serious, in fact, that she persuaded Lauryn to work with Joel on a music project, thus setting the wheels in motion. “My mom often mentioned Lauryn, but honestly I always just pictured some lady around my mom’s age and was never sure why she wanted me to meet her so badly,” Joel says. Lauryn is a classical pianist, and Joel was an amateur audio recording engineer, so the plan was for Joel to record Lauryn … continued on the next page
Couture Weddings 2020
25
… playing. Although a year of radio silence followed their initial meeting, Joel eventually asked Lauryn to meet up again. “I asked Lauryn out to dinner to discuss business. No one believes me when I say this part, but I swear those were my only intentions: business and food,” Joel says. Talking business turned into grabbing Thai food, a growler of beer, and heading to Locust Beach in Bellingham. After dinner, they built a bonfire and began playing their ukuleles. At one point, a passerby walked up and asked if they were on a date. “I remained silent, curious to hear how Joel would respond,” Lauryn says. She was pleasantly surprised to hear him say yes. Despite the romantic conditions — bonfire, music, the water at night — Joel didn’t make a move until later that evening when he dropped Lauryn off at her house. “He came over to me for another hug,” Lauryn says. “He then asked if he could kiss me, which made an impression (a gentleman with courage!), and we had a super magical kiss.” Three years later, on September 1, 2018, the couple returned to Locust Beach. “I noticed [Joel] didn’t eat much food, and seemed a bit nervous,” Lauryn says. She had a feeling he might propose, but didn’t want to get her hopes up. Eventually, after they walked far down the beach, Joel played Lauryn a few songs. Then he began singing a song she didn’t recognize; a love song that ended in a proposal. “My heart exploded with joy and I believe my response was, “Fu** yes!” Lauryn says. A little less than a year later, Joel’s mother’s prediction finally came true. Lauryn and Joel married at Alana’s house, the place where Joel had grown up and where Lauryn and Alana had met all those years before, during their massage trade. The house sits on five acres of wooded land off Britton Road in Bellingham. Formerly an orchard, the property still boasts plenty of fruit 26 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
trees as well as a pond full of lily pads and a garden everyone worked to build. “We put hours upon hours (as did parents, friends, and family) making that property sparkle for our wedding day, and it was glorious,” Lauryn says. On the big day, Joel and his brother arrived to the ceremony in Joel’s VW bus. Meanwhile, Lauryn waited in the woods with her dad, brother, and sister. “Hearing the huge cheers erupt from the crowd [when Joel drove up] gave me a real boost of confidence, made me realize this is really happening!” Her dad then walked her to the pond, where the ceremony took place. She recalls the moment she turned the corner and looked out to find a sea of familiar faces — some of them smiling, some crying — all welcoming her to the ceremony. Everything went smoothly from there, save for a few minor bloopers. “My sister and I totally forgot to carry our bouquets for the ceremony … I didn’t realize it until I was up at the pergola, and I heard someone say flowers. Then I realized we had both forgotten to carry them! I thought about running back but decided the show must go on.” After the ceremony, guests filled up on pizza from Pizza’zza and six different kinds of cake, all courtesy of Pure Bliss. “If we could give any advice to any couple getting married, get more cake than you think you need! It’s totally worth having leftovers later,” Joel says. After the party, once everyone had gone to bed, Lauryn and Joel took their first stroll as a married couple. They went down a trail illuminated by tiki torches and reflected on their night. “It was so quiet, dark, and magical,” Lauryn says. “We got to the fairy meadow and couldn’t hear a sound. In silence, we looked up at the stars and reveled in the splendor of our special day.” ♥
DRESS
I DO BRIDAL
VENUE
PRIVATE RESIDENCE: “THE MAMA’S”
CATERING
PURE BLISS, PIZZA’ZZA
MUSIC
BABY CAKES, ONION THE MAN
HAIR
SHILOH KOVAC
MAKEUP
BREANNA SANDERS
After the Party WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR WEDDING SUPPLIES AFTER THE BIG DAY WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM
Y
ou’ve spent months carefully selecting the perfect dress, the tastiest food, and the loveliest flowers, all to make sure your wedding is an event to remember. But what happens when the day is over? While the memories and photos from your wedding will last for decades, the food and flowers — not so much. And the dress? Chances are high you’ll never wear it again. Rather than letting perishable leftovers go to waste or watching your dress gather dust in your closet, here are some ideas — most of them generous, some of them playful — for what to do with leftovers when the party is over.
THE DRESS Donate it: The NICU Helping Hands’ Angel Gown Program and Brides Across America are two organizations that want your wedding dress. The Angel Gown Program turns wedding dresses into beautiful infant gowns used in burial services and final photos. In addition to making gowns, Helping Hands also provides support for grieving families. Bridges Across America supplies free 28 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
wedding dresses to military and first responders. Sell it: Give your dress a second life with someone else who will love it just as much as you did. There are plenty of second-hand dress websites that will bring your good taste and happy memories to another bride-to-be. Convert it: You love the way your dress looks and fits, so why not change it into something you’ll wear again? Have a tailor convert it into a cocktail dress or summer gown.
THE FOOD Share it: When the party’s over, encourage friends and family to fill a take-home container of leftover food. Guests go home happy and you go on your honeymoon knowing no food went to waste. You can also offer food to the band, the catering staff, the photographer, or anyone else who helped make your day special. Donate it: At least a week before the big event, call your local homeless shelter, soup kitchen, fire station, or hospice
center to see if they accept prepared food donations. Designate a friend or family member to deliver the food once the party’s over. Freeze it: Chances are, you’ll be too busy mingling and celebrating at the reception to really sit down and enjoy the food. If you have the freezer space, make yourself some meals so you can re-taste your big night for weeks or even months to come. Make sure to save a slice of wedding cake to enjoy on your first anniversary.
THE FLOWERS Share it: Let local guests or hired staff take home flowers to brighten up their home. Encourage guests to gift the flowers to someone else in their life, to keep the wedding love going. Donate it: Check to see if there are any organizations that donate flowers to hospitals, nursing homes, or homeless shelters in your area. Some organizations will even pick up your flowers after the reception. If no organization exists in your area, ask a guest to help deliver the flowers directly to a hospital or wherever people might need an extra smile. ♥
Follow us on
@CoutureWeddingsMagazine
Elizabeth & Greg JULY 13, 2019 PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLINTON JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY | WRITTEN BY BECKY MANDELBAUM
W
hen Elizabeth was nine years old, her mother took her to the gardens at Lairmont Manor. When Elizabeth asked what went on at the gardens, her mother explained that people sometimes got married there. Despite her age, Elizabeth decided that one day she, too, would grow up and get married in the gardens. On July 13, 2019, her dream came true when she married her husband, Greg. “The Lairmont was such a magical venue,” Elizabeth says. “The gardens and architecture are so beautiful that I was able to keep the decorating to a minimum.” Although Elizabeth and Greg are both Washingtonians (Elizabeth grew up in Snohomish County and Greg was born in Seattle), Greg spent much of his childhood traveling around the world. His mom worked for the U.S. Embassy, which took them to Greece, Russia, and South Korea. Luckily for Elizabeth, Greg eventually landed back in Washington for college. He and Elizabeth met in 2010 through … continued on the next page
Couture Weddings 2020
31
… mutual friends at Western Washington University. According to Elizabeth, Greg had to ask for her number three times before she gave it to him. Clearly, his determination was worth it. In Greg’s eyes, he and Elizabeth were destined to be together since the beginning. “We watched The Jungle Book on our first date and I think that was what finally convinced her that we should spend the rest of our lives together,” Greg says. “I mean ‘Bear Necessities’ just brings people together I guess.” When they first started dating, Elizabeth told Greg she didn’t care how he proposed, so long as it was a complete surprise. Greg took her words to heart, and proceeded to spend more than a year convincing Elizabeth he didn’t want to get married any time soon. She believed him, which made it even more shocking the day she came home from work to find flower petals on the porch and a hand-made crossword on the kitchen table. A lover of crosswords, Elizabeth got to work solving the puzzle, only to discover the question “Will you marry me?” hidden among the clues. At this point, Greg presented Elizabeth with his grandmother’s ring. When it was time to start planning for the wedding, the couple made an intentional effort to use as many local businesses as they could. Thanks to Elizabeth’s childhood premonition, they already had their venue. The dress, however, had a bit of a false start. “My dress was a special story because I actually bought an entirely different style in April of 2018 from Brides for a Cause. And then one day, in March 2019, I was shopping for a bridesmaid’s dress at Gown and Glove and I saw it: the dress 32 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
I always imagined! I was very lucky because the shop owner allowed me to do a direct trade with my other dress. It was meant to be!” True to their word, Elizabeth and Greg created a hyper-local wedding. On the big day, guests enjoyed pizza from Gusto Wood Fired Pizza, beer from Boundary Bay Brewery, DIY flowers from Free Range Flowers, and live music from Bellingham-based band Baby Cakes. “The last song Baby Cakes played was ‘Dancing Queen’ which is my grandmother’s favorite song (and only one she will dance to). So she got up and we boogied! Eventually, the whole family got in a big hand holding circle around Greg and I until the song was over. It’s a memory I will treasure forever!” Elizabeth says. When Greg recalls the day, one moment that stands out is the first look. “We had talked about not doing a first look, but I am so glad we did! When she tapped me on the shoulder and I turned around and saw her in her dress for the first time, it finally completely dawned on me that we would spend the rest of our lives together, and I have never been happier than that moment.” After the reception, the couple headed out with friends to their favorite Bellingham bar, The Beaver Inn, to keep the celebration going. “It was so fun wearing our wedding garb downtown!” Elizabeth says. Today, the couple live happily in Bellingham’s Geneva neighborhood, where they have a cozy house and a big yard for their beloved dog, Mae, to run around in. ♥
DRESSES
GOWN AND GLOVE BRIDAL CONSIGNMENT
VENUE
LAIRMONT MANOR
CATERING
GUSTO WOOD FIRED PIZZA, BOUNDARY BAY BREWERY
MUSIC
BABY CAKES
HAIR
SUSAN WILLIAMS AT JUNIPER HILLS SALON
MAKEUP
TAMARA CANTU
l
CEREMONY, CELEBRATION & ACCOMMODATIONS ALL UNDER ONE ROOF! JOIN US FOR OUR AWARD WINNING PROPERTY & SERVICE
BOOK, EARN AND REDEEM REWARDS WITH BONVOY 714 Lakeway Drive | Bellingham, WA 98229 | (360) 392-6501 Events@FourPointsBellingham.com | Marriott.com/BLIFP
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.
Couture Weddings 2020
35
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Lombardi’s specializes in exceptional Italian & Pacific Northwest cuisine, customized menus, and uncompromised attention to detail, service and quality. Private rooms available for rehearsal dinner parties, intimate weddings and receptions in a charming setting for 16–70 guests. The Knot – “Best of Weddings” Winner 2019–2020 21 Bellwether Way, Bellingham Marina 360.714.8412, lombardisitalian.com Catering/Banquet manager: 425.595.5001
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. The Chrysalis Inn & Spa Bellingham, Curio Collection by Hilton 804 10th Street, Bellingham 360.756.1005 Thechrysalisinn.com
BARNSTAR – Historic Event Venue
5295 South Church Road, Ferndale 360.961.1590, barnstarevents.com barnstarevents@gmail.com
36 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
Barnstar is a gorgeous historic barn set on 120 private acres. With soaring ceilings and its expansive space, Barnstar is more cathedral than barn. The interior is chic, rustic and elegant filled with curated vintage furniture and decor. Our farm is surrounded by pastures, flower gardens and incredible views of Mt. Baker making it a beautiful setting for your special occasion.We also offer Full Event Planning and Floral Services. Let us take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your amazing day! Open May-October, shown by appointment. Check us out on Instagram @barnstarevents
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
5984 North Darrk Lane | 360.724.0239
The Skagit has what you want for a unique, festive and memorable wedding celebration not too far from home. Our on-site catering staff will ensure that every detail of your function is exactly as you wish. Whether you’re planning a lavish celebration or an intimate gathering, you and your guests will enjoy our luxurious accommodations, delicious dining options, and the excitement of our fun filled casino.
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 and panoramic views of the greens, there is no better place to celebrate your special day. Off-site catering available. 205 W Smith Rd, Bellingham 360.398.8300, northbellinghamgolf.com info.nbgc@gmail.com
Couture Weddings 2020 37
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Transit Shed Event Center
Located beside Cap Sante Marina overlooking Fidalgo Bay, the Seafarers’ Memorial Park building is ideal for smaller weddings or your reception.
Historic Pier One overlooks the Guemes Channel providing breathtaking views and the perfect backdrop for your wedding and reception.
601 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, WA 98221 360.293.3134 | events@portofanacortes.com portofanacortes.com
100 Commercial Avenue, Anacortes, WA 98221 360.293.3134 | events@portofanacortes.com portofanacortes.com
© Celina Meza Photography
© Karla DeCamp Photography
Seafarers’ Memorial Park Building
Your Wedding, Your Way! 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.
your home for special events
1650 Baker Creek Place, Bellingham BakerCreekPlace.com | 360.671.4247
38 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
NORTHWEST WEDDING EXPOS WINTER 2020
SPRING 2020
JAN 11 TO 12 - Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall
MAR 21 TO 22 - Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall
FALL 2020 SEPT 5 TO 6 - Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall SEPT 27 - Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
•
© Clinton James Photography
Love consists of this: two solitudes that meet, protect and greet each other. — Rainer Maria Rilke 40 CoutureWeddingsMag.com
TULALIP ESCAPE TO A DESTINATION OF
PREMIUM LUXURY Indulge in Washington’s premier AAA Four-Diamond resort with eight restaurants, a luxurious spa and world-class shopping.
60 MINUTES SOUTH OF BELLINGHAM
888.272.1111 | T U L A L I P CAS I N O.CO M