Monday, November 30, 2015

Valerie & James' Ballard Rooftop Wedding!

Valerie Leonard & James Barrington - the two of these people make up the best dang couple EVER! Yes, they are gorgeous looking, but in addition they are SO FUN to be around! They have that quick witty banter that is usually only heard in Hollywood comedies and they have so much adoration and support for one another, it leaves you with the feeling, 'gosh, I could really be nicer to my husband'...at  least for me anyway;)

James is the owner of several of Seattle's best food trucks and Valerie recently took over the catering side to their Hallava Falafel truck. (See my last blog post where the Hallava Falafel truck catered!) Together they make the best team in and out of business! The two got married this September in their neighborhood of Ballard at the Olympic Rooftop at the Hotel Ballard.

The uber talented Marissa Maharaj was their photographer and began snapping at the Ballard Inn where Valerie & her ladies got ready for the day.

James & Valerie's first look was in downtown Ballard and then they took off to the locks for some outdoor photos. So gorg!
Eleanor of bash & bloom created all of the centerpieces, ceremony arch and personal flowers for the day. Valerie was a bridesmaid in her wedding earlier this year and it was so fun to have us all back together again for the day:)
The ceremony was hilarious & heartfelt! Comedian and family friend, Pat Cashman of The 206 officiated the wedding under the Olympic Rooftop's crystal chandeliers and skylights.
After a cocktail hour in the Ballard Hotel guests came upstairs to an amazing family style dinner from Stoneburner. So good!! The weather was a perfect sunny day in Seattle and the glass doors were open to provide a gentle breeze to the guests!
After dinner guests enjoyed heartfelt speeches, delicious desserts and a few surprises during the first dances. As a surprise to the bride Valerie's dad hired professional dancers to interrupt their dance to bust a move. Guests got to partake a bit and that opened up the dance floor - so fun!
 
Thank you Valerie & James for letting me be a part of your wedding!! Drinks at Targy's soon please;)
 
Here are the amazing vendors who partook in the day!
Photographer - Marissa Marahaj
Florist - bash & bloom
Officiant - Pat Cashman
Make-up - Chelsey Matley
Rentals - AA Party Rentals

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Eleanor & Matt's WithInSODO Soiree!

It is always so much fun to be a part of a wedding when you are friends with the couple before they get engaged. And it is super fun to be a part of a wedding when it is an industry pal. Eleanor & Matt's wedding check both of those boxes:) I have worked with Eleanor for many years, she is an awesome florist and the owner of bash & bloom. Matt is the owner of Wood Shop BBQ which is an amazing food truck that caterers events.
 
Eleanor and I first got to know each other when we did a style shoot together a few years ago. Helping her set up that day was her new 'man friend' Matt. They had just begun dating and Matt was beyond helpful and adorable. A few months later I saw them at a Rewind concert and it was the night they officially became 'boyfriend/girlfriend'.  I was randomly along in their mini milestones and so when Eleanor asked me to be their day of coordinator I was totally honored!!
 
To know them is to be friends with them. That fact made the wedding so much more special because every vendor that participated is close to the couple. Shane Macomber took these amazing images. Matt's business partner in his food truck was a groomsmen and his truck Hallava Falafel catered the reception. Carla of Honey Crumb Cake Studio baked the cakes and Eleanor's flower friends brought her hanging instillation visions to life!
 
Eleanor's two piece dress was inspired by Monet's garden. She wore a removable tulle skirt with a copper belt to tie it in all together during the ceremony and then went short for the dance party!
Matt is an accomplished word worker and made Eleanor's engagement band.  Eleanor had Matt's ring commissioned by the amazing Michelle Lenae. His band has a mountain range engraved that is special to the couple.
Being a florist, flowers were a huge part of Eleanor's day. I mean how perfect is her hair?! Kelly Sullivan from Botanique created her bouquet. Shane caught the moment perfectly when she saw her bouquet for the 1st time!!
The couple had their first look in Pioneer Square. It was a gorgeous May day in Seattle!
Such a fun (and not to mention gorgeous + handsome) bridal party!!
Spin it girl!! Seriously, that dress was so awesome!!
Jeni Nelson of Magniflora executed the hanging chandelier above the bar. It was my favorite piece of the reception - so pretty!!
Matt made this wine box that they wrote notes to each other and nailed shut during the ceremony. Very rad!
Eleanor's mom made them a patchwork quilt for their wedding that they stood in front of during the ceremony. How special is that?! The look was complete with a green garland and paper art from Celeste Cooning.
Wedding favors included coffee & BBQ rub from Matt's Wood Shop BBQ company. Taylor Shellfish served oysters and the Calf & Kid had cheese towers for guests to enjoy during cocktail hour.
This was Eleanor seeing her reception space for the first time. I LOVE this picture!! Her team hung the greens and flowers from grate like gates from Vintage Ambiance.
Eleanor's reactions are the best right?! Here, she and Matt are taking a look at their cakes. Carla created a wood grained cake (perfect for Matt) with fondant copies of their dogs on top! And then of course there had to be a flower cake for Eleanor! Matt carved the cake pedestals himself as a thank you to Carla. He is amazing!
Bamboo Beats rocked the reception! Such a fun dance party!!
 THANK YOU to the both of you for letting me be a part of your wedding!!! You are awesome!!
Here are the amazing vendors who participated in Matt & Eleanor's wedding!
Photographer - Shane Macomber
Venue - WithInSODO
Bartender & Staffing - The Invisible Hostess
Flowers - Bride's Bouquet - Botanique
                Reception - bash & bloom team
Hair and Make up - Off White Make up & Hair