This is the wedding I affectionally call, The Last Wedding. Sean and Sarahbeth were the last, wonderful couple I got to work with before retiring. 

They called me back in December for their event: my first and only weekday wedding. I was so excited to work with them because they thought outside the card box when it came to certain details. But you’ll see that in upcoming posts – I’ve invited newlywed, Sarahbeth, to blog and share her wedding experience. I can’t wait for the first post!

Without giving too much away, I’ll simply say that they exchanged vows in beautiful Hovander Park in Ferndale, Washington, with their young son. The weather was perfect and the giving of a certain blue feather was touching. I loved how we were able to welcome a new season and a new family all in the same day.

We were also able to transform a functional, lovely space to a wedding space – someplace for their 50 or so family and friends to enjoy. I personally had a great time decorating the pavillion. Here are a few pictures I snapped that day. Professional photos to come!

Vendors Used: Photography: Jen Martin Studios | Venue: Hovander Park | Officiant: Heidi Fish | Caterer: Moveable Feast | Cake: Mount Bakery

200 Pillows For an Outdoor Wedding

And here is a beautiful reason to make them via Oh Happy Day and Stanlee Gatti

Picnic

But I think I found the exception to the rule here. Grey Likes Weddings had a fantastic post. The colors are gorgeous, but the it was the picture of the dress that got me. A perfect example of when to use a clear plastic hanger – when you’re background is just so awesome, you don’t want to cover it up. Thanks Greys!

Image via SimpleSong, Inspiration via Design Mom

Wouldn’t this be amazing at a summer wedding?

Professional photo credit goes to the lovely Karen from K. Fenton Photography on all images except for the ladybug on a stem, which was taken on our wedding day by About the Day, and the smash cake photo which was taken by the wonderful Jessica Peterson of One Tree Photography. All other photos were taken by me after the event.

Having a January baby means getting creative. Outdoor parties in the middle of winter  just aren’t an option in the Seattle area. And between us, Emmeline has four sets of grandparents and scores of family and friends that love her. Our place, while lovely, wasn’t going to hold more than 16. Our initial guest list was a whopping 60. There’s also a matter of cleanup. Having that many people in our home meant that it A) had to be spotless beforehand and B) was going to be a disaster afterwards. So decided to combine a family vacation at the resort with a first birthday party and a family reunion of sorts.

The vendors I used and helped me make this awesome:

One Tree Photography – milestone photography | Tulalip Resort – Evergreen Room, catering, smash cakes | K Fenton Photography – photo booth and event photography | Barbara Neely Designs – paper goods | A Cupcake Named Desire – mini cupcakes | Ruby Jewel Treats – mini ice cream sandwiches, variety | Pom Love – 24 paper poms in gray area, smoke, slate, white & black – and scarlet and true red | Cosa Bello – felt party hat | Heidi and Finn – Pinafore pattern | Ikea Seattle – grey daisy fabric | Crafty Planet – Echino raspberry ladybug fabric | Goose Grease – little ladybug figurine | Paisley in Paris – satin flower hair pin |Twig and Thistle – green li’l tweet baby quiz and red pencils | Lil boo & co - ladybug scribblers | Say Oh Happy Day - felt ladybug invitations | Wusketeer – ladybug pouch | Airport Love Story – lady the bug ring | Hair Swirls 1 – ladybug hair swirls | HeyYoYo – grey stripe paper straws | Amazon/WeddingStar – classic round place card holders

Update: I was on the front pages of Catch My Party!

So when it came time to design my daughter’s first birthday, I knew a board would be a must. Oh if I was simply having cake and a few people, I might not think much of putting one together, but as an event coordinator (and more recently, professional bridal consultant) this first birthday party would be no small thing.

Interestingly enough, inspiration boards for non-wedding events are hard to come by. So I contacted Kim Vallee of At Home with Kim Vallee. She’s known for her great finds and inspirations, and I definitely need some of that when it came to putting together a sophisticated ladybug theme.

Click here to read and see more. Thank you so much Kim!

And for other great children’s events and ideas from Kim, click here.

Cotton Candy :: local company, Sweet Nothings creates all natural cotton candy. The one I sampled last weekend was made with maple sugar. Just think, all the fun of fairy floss without the massive stained mouths and hands…white wedding gowns rejoice!

Shaved Ice :: Sure there are shaved ice vendors, but do all of them show up in a vintage VW bus? Myke’s does. Bring a bit of fun (that also looks good) to your carnival with some ice.

Kettle Corn :: The smell of kettle corn can ensnare you from a mile away and draw you in. Warm and sweet, this treat might just be perfect for a later summer wedding where fall is only slightly in the air. My current favorite is Whistle Stop Kettle Corn.

Hot Dogs :: Renowned local hot dog gurus, Hemplers are hard to get a hold of retail, but if you can get them to cater to your event, expect applause. Oh yes, these are some good dogs.

For more carnival treats, check out this inspiration board on Snippet & Ink, this one from Bliss Event Group, this one from Grey, Likes Weddings, this one from Intimate Weddings, and finally this post on My Creative Invitations.

Almost all the vendors listed above can be found on the Bellingham Farmers Market website. Don’t forget to check out your local farmer’s market some great finds!

Image source: Snippet & Ink

Bonus: it’s better for the environment without even trying and you get to enjoy creating all the empty wine bottles.

Hmmmm…I wonder if there’s a clever way to put the quiz on your wedding planning website. Not too subtle of a hint I suppose.

So I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled onto Cocktails and Details, and read a great post on wedding trends and concepts. I’ve seen lists like this before, but what makes this one so cool is that she includes more than this year’s trends like Princess Diana and The Wedding Planner (nope…still haven’t seen that one)….people and concepts that really shaped the wedding world. Great list, Terrica!