Happy 1st Anniversary to the Wallas!

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I want to wish Chris and Dianna the hap, hap HAPPIEST 1st Anniversary ever!! (OK, technically this is one day late, but it is the thought that counts, right?!) She is a knitwear designer, photographer, writer, illustrator and owner of Paper Tiger. He is a musician, producer and plays guitar for Death Cab for Cutie. Together they are THE smitten kitten, in love, 'what it is all about' couple and I absolutely ADORE them!!
 
The couple had an intimate, Scandinavian inspired wedding at the Swedish Cultural Center.  It was an ideal February day in Seattle - no rain, gray skies, slightly chilly.
 

The lovely bride Dianna knitted her bouquet and bolero. Let me write that again in case you read it wrong - she knitted them herself!! She is SO frick'n talented!

 
Their bridal party was SO fun and SO supportive and maybe most importantly, they had an awesome dance party! :) Chris's Death Cab band mates and his best friend Beau stood by his side and and Dianna's besties started their laughs early on while getting ready at the Four Seasons. All day happy tears and giggles with them!
 

 
Each table name was a flag from Sweden. Similar flags hung throughout the space at the cultural center. They used reds and blues which are the predominate Scandinavian colors.
 
Helen from Cake Envy designed their cake using elements from their invitations that Dianna had created (I mentioned she is crazy talented right?!). They also had a Norwegian ring cake called Kransekake from Larsen's Bakery. So good!!
 
 
Again, I'd like to say HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to one of the most lovely couples I've ever had the pleasure of 'working' with:) To see more pictures of their day please visit my Clutch Events facebook page.

Faboosh Vendors!
Photographer – The AMAZING Jenny Jimenez
Caterer – StumblingGoat
Desserts – Larsen’s Bakery & Cake Envy (no longer in business) 
Florist – LaurieKearney
Invitations– PaperTiger (Bride)
Transportation – Butler Valet
Hair/Make up – Erin Skipley
Officiant/Music – DJ Corey Duncan
Rentals – Glassybaby
Gown – Jcrew (vintage, sorry!)

Wedding Day Emergency Kit List!

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There are a few things I never leave behind when heading to an event.
My timeline - check!
A change of shoes - check!
My phone (duh) - check!
My nalgene bottle - check!
And last, but not least - my emergency kit - CHECK!
It doesn't matter what the occasion is, where it is held at or how many people/vendors attend, someone WILL need something out of my kit.

My E-Kit is a one stop shop of must have items and a treasure trove of 'I would have never thought of using that' bag of tricks!

My most common used item is a lighter. No shocker there, 99% of weddings have candles. But my favorite random item to have handy is chalk! Chalk is great for hiding red wine spots, dirt scuffs or your Great Aunt Edna’s favorite lip stick shade! The powder in chalk is absorbent, kind to your fabric and best of all white so it blends with nearly all white & ivory wedding dresses! I think I utilized my chalk about six times this past summer!

Below is my entire checklist of items that comes with me to every event...I was never a girl scout, but I'm definitely prepared:)


Addy & Joe Marry it Up!

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I met Addy, the lovely bride, seven years ago at a NYE's party I hosted. Her best friend's husband was the captain of my softball team, Here For the Beer. A run in like that is the best kind of 'blast from the past' to have!

What made it even better was that she and her fiance Joe are such a GREAT couple! They adore each other! As a planner you see so many different kind of couples. Each are unique in the way they interact with each other. It is fun to get the googly-eyed for each other couple:)

Photographer Jeremy Leffel took Addy, Joe & their bridal party to Volunteer Park for pre ceremony photos. It was one of the nicest days of the summer, not to mention the hottest! Addy's bouquet and flowers were done by Aria Style - I loved the bright colors!


 
This Picture on the camel cracks me up!
 
I love the wall art at OSP! It makes for such an amazing backdrop!
 
Addy & Joe held there ceremony outside at the Olympic Sculpture Park's pavilion. Afterwards guests walked around the park and hung out in the grass - a perfect Seattle day!





They couldn't decide on just one cake - and really, why try!?! They chose cakes from four different Seattle bakeries. Six cakes and six flavors, yum! Aria Style did the flower arrangements on top!



Addy, who works at the EMP designed all of their paper. Their invite package was beyond rad!!






Thank you to Addy & Joe for letting me be a part of your wedding!!
 
Vendors who are awesome!
Ceremony/Reception Venue - Olympic Sculpture Park
Caterer - Taste
Photography - Jeremy Leffel Photography
DJ - DJ Joy
Florist, Linens - Aria Style
Dessert - King Fish Bakery, Bakery Nouveau, North Hill Bakery & Dahlia Bakery
Photobooth - 321 Foto

Thank you!!

Cindy & Sunny Get Married!!

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Cindy & Sunny's wedding was the perfect 'Seattle scene'. Picture summer time on Lake Washington on Mercer Island, it rained all morning and stopped just in time for the sun to come out and the chairs to dry before the ceremony, phew!
 
The couples colors were chartreuse, pink and grey - a Clutch Event's favorites!!
 

 My favorite picture of Sunny getting ready!! Michael Tallman Photography was so great to work with!! I love all of these shots!
 I loved Cindy in her birdcage veil!! She was such a BEAUTIFUL bride!!



 The boys had custom made converse in gray and green - too cute!
 Cindy's dad and his pal's provided Model A's that the bridal party entered into the processional with, so fun!!


 The couple used famous NW vintage postcards for their table assignments.

 The couple's beer choice?? Rainer! They also had chicken and waffles from Skillet for dinner - yum!



 Brian from Good Times had the party rock'n! This was a group that was ready to party and they did not disappoint!!

 I loved this exit! Cindy changed into the cutest party dress for the reception and the sparklers made the perfect send off!! Congrats Sunny & Cindy!!


Vendors who rock!
Venue - Mercer Island Community Center
Caterer - Skillet!
Photographer - Michael Tallman Photography
Music - Brian Waltz with Good Times DJ Service
Floral - Anita Baker, Washington Floral
Hair & Makeup - Wild Root Salon
Rentals - Grand Events

Teeth & Beer!

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Super cute dental student meets brew master hippy at University of Connecticut...no really, picture East Coast 'preppy' (in the best way possible) and the captain of the ultimate Frisbee team (again, in the best way - sorry Steve, that's a guess - but am I right??)...They bonded over their relaxed attitudes, dive bars, love for dark beer and a sarcastic sense of humor...they fell in love, finished school, moved to Seattle where she is a dentist and he is a master brewer at Elysian...meet Holly & Steve in all of their awesomeness glory!

Fluert of West Seattle did all of the floral arrangements...I love the broach and lace!
Why yes, those are teeth molds - they held down the programs in the summer breeze! I love fun personalized touches like this!


This group of groomsmen was F.U.N! I love some east coast humor and they delivered! Plus look how dapper they look in their suits!! The kelly green and hues of blue color palette came through perfectly in there shoes and tie combos! Such a great group of guys!!

I love old man hands....and really, how cute is grandpa's tie?!

Officiant Quinn Russell rocked the ceremony...this may be the part where she talked about the engagement...Steve put the ring on his tooth as she was going to floss his teeth (remember, she is a dentist!) and her reaction, 'what the shit is that?!'....I love it!!

 The ceremony was held in a field at Volunteer Park, the weather was ideal for a July Seattle day.



 Seriously, could she be more gorgeous?! And she is as nice as she is cute!! For realsies.
And then you add Stephen, such an awesome guy!! And I feel like I've said awesome 1,000 in this blog already, but I can't help it. It is the perfect word for this wedding. I mean look at them. You can't help but smile when you see these pictures!!

This was the day that I met Jenny of JennyJ Photography. We talked for roughly 35 seconds before we basically simultaneously said, 'how have we not met? How are we not friends yet!?'...cut to 2013 and we have three weddings together, hooray! I obsess over her photos! They are unique, artsy, creative...her point of view blows me away!!  

Th reception was at 415 Westlake and the super fly team of Skillet catered the event. Two words for you people, chicken & waffles! Ok, one more word...PIE!! So delish!
Holly was the visionary of her style. She used a burlap runner and DIY lace curtains underneath a plethora of collected glass vases. The uber talented mother of the groom sewed each napkin in different blues/greens materials to complete the look.





 Of course they served beer from Steve's brewery!! A pour of 'Happily Ever After' please!
This picture is included solely because the bestman is a hottie - you're welcome ladies. Plus his speech was hilarious, he's not just for looks.
So I know I talk about how awesome the dance parties are at a lot of my weddings. And it is true, there are epic dance parties that happen throughout a a solid wedding season....but this takes the ultimate cake. Sophisticated Mama DJ'd the shit out of this wedding. I'm talking every single person had sore feet the next day kind of party. When I say that the photographers, the catering staff, the DJ's, the bartenders and myself were ALL dancing behind the bar together, I'm not kidding. It was ridonculous.
Shortly after this picture was taken the bride and her aunt had a Michael Jackson dance off. Amazeballs!

And to end this blog post I will leave you with these two pictures....try and tell me they didn't have an insane time at their wedding!!?!? THANK YOU Holly & Steve for letting me be a part of your wedding!!!!!

Rad vendors include....
Photographer - JennyJ Photography
Ceremony Music - The Elderly
DJ - Sophisticated Mama
Ceremony Location - Volunteer Park
Reception Venue - 415 Westlake
Florist - Fleurt
Caterer - Skillet
Ice Cream Cart - Blue Bird Ice Cream
Officiant - Quin Russell
Hair & Make-up - Vain
Transportation - First Student
 

Kelli & Matt's Shindig!!

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What can I say about Matt & Kelli....they are a goooood time! They are the laid back, let's have fun, easy going, awesome couple!! If you are 'a couple' they are the couple that you want to be friends with and if you are single, you want to be their third wheel. For their awesome family and friends (I LOVED their moms!) they planned a wedding first and a  great party as a close second.
 
Their ceremony was at the Magnolia United Church of Christ and their dinner/reception was at the Palace Ballroom. Side note - the Tom Douglas tasting was to die for!


 
 
See what I mean?! They had this much fun all day and night!
The bride's gorgeous dress was custom made and her flowers were done by Elizabeth Designs.


Their yummy dessert bar was all provided by a culinary genius bridesmaid! And their signature drinks spruced up the joint, hers was a French 75 and his was a Colonel Collins.
 Going back to the fun factor....did I mention they  had whiskey favors?!?! Cause they did:)
 Oh, and just another fun tidbit...they did their first look at the Smoke Shop in Ballard. If you've been there you know how rad it is. The bridal party meandered through Ballard for their group shots.


 
Thanks for being so great Matt & Kelli! I loved working with you!!
Check out my facebook page where I posted a ton more photos from their big day!!

Vendors to Note!
Church - Magnolia United Church of Christ
Reception - Palice Ballroom
Photographer - Diana Rothery Photography
Florist - Elizabeth Design
Desserts - Jenn Meek
Officiant - Ed Morrison
DJ - DJ Pros (Dubre Hayes)
String Quartet - Encore Four
Hair/Makeup - Pacific Artistry



Statement Jewelry

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Accessories are sometimes an after thought when a bride is shopping for her overall wedding look, but my advice is turn something standard into something inspiring! A big statement piece can be fun to add to your wedding day attire! Whether your gown is simple and you need a wow factor or others are so elaborate that a bit of sparkly detail is just the eye catching detail you need to perfect your look!

I'm highlighting five of my favorite bejeweled brides below. Some are family pieces that have been passed on throughout the generations, others are must haves that were pined after for months and others are impulse purchases that make the ensemble perfectly put together!

Heather's rouged gown was simple and elegant and added this amazing wow piece in her pearl beaded necklace.


Christie had been looking on Etsy for months before she finally purchase the golden beauty. The best excuse to buy a faboosh piece of jewelry is your wedding right?!? Plus it worked perfectly with her JCrew dress!!
 

Four generations of women in Stacey's family wore her necklace! Her great, great grandfather bought it for her great, great grandmother and it has been worn in family weddings ever since - I  love it!!

 





 Sometimes it isn't about the story, but about the colors! Addy & Joe's wedding was on September 3rd and had the nicest weather of the summer! The sun rays bounced off Addy's floral necklace - it created all sorts of sparkly color goodness!
Terra's JCrew golden chain link bracelet blended in perfectly in her Indian inspired nuptuals. The picture with her and her grandmother's hands is one of my all time favorites!!


Ashley & Cheyne's June Wedding

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This June I had the BEST TIME working with one of those couples who you absolutely love as soon as you meet them. Swoon worthy bride Ashley came to me with an eye for style, a personality that charms, a passion for fun parties and most of all, giddy smile of love for her fiance, Cheyne. I absolutely adore Ashley & Cheyne...I think you can see why:)

Their nuptials took place at the ever so fabulous SODO Park...the bride wore a STUNNING lace Monique Lhuillier gown and show stopping Christian Louboutin heels. Cheyne was a total dreamboat in a steel grey suit and a lei fresh from his native state of Hawaii.


 
A huge event bonus was that I got to work with Sea Studio!! Sally Honeycut and her hubby make an amazing photog duo! Plus they are as nice as they are talented!



 
The ethereal pinks, peaches, creams & yellow florals were put together by the uber talented McKenzie Powell. Each arrangement looked amazing adorned with greenery and gold. I mean seriously, can we look at that arch?! Faboosh!! Not to mention the gold mercury classes complimented the bamboo linens perfectly!
 

 New Renaissance created the below two tiered tasty delight. The love bird favors and custom serving ware was ordered from esty.






Thank you Ashley & Cheyne for being so wonderful! It was a joy to be a part of your wedding experience!
 
Check out more of my favorite pics on my Clutch Events facebook page!!

Amazeball Vendors who collaborated on this event are....
Event Space & Cater - SODO Park /Herban Feast              
Photographer - Sea Studio
Florist - McKenzie Powell floral & event design                
Photobooth - Atomic Photobooth
Linens - Choice Rentals                                                       
Cake - New Renaissance
DJ - Adam's DJ Service                                                       
Hair - Jamie O'Neill Salon          
Make-up - Flawless Beauty Bar

GHGH Countdown!!

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Get Hitched Give Hope is One Month Away!!!

Ladies & Gentleman!!! Step right up to the 5th Annual Bridal Auction and Gala where you can get gorgeous goods for your wedding while giving back!

Brides, grooms and guests will indulge in sips and sweets while they shop for fabulous wedding goods and services, mingle with some of Seattle's hottest wedding vendors, and give to a great cause! We'll have amazing appetizers, raffles, auctions a DANCE PARTY and surprises, so put on your party shoes!



Get Hitched Give Hope proceeds benefit the Dream Foundation, which delivers final dreams to those who have been given terminal diagnoses, and the Youth Survival Coalition Seattle, which provides education and support to young woman living with breast cancer.

Please join us for an AMAZING event! Here are the details!!

When - Thursday, November 8th at 6PM
Where - The Fabulous Four Season Hotel Seattle
How - Buy a ticket online now - www.gethitchedgivehope.com
You heard right - We are having a vintage circus theme!! I'm so frick'n pumped! Oh, but what to wear...definitely getting all dolled up...top hat? Why not! Glitter & glam? Sure! Bow ties? YES PLEASE! You get the idea!

See you at the circus!!!