Weddings in the San Juans 2019

Weddings

2019

in the San Juans

A supplement to the Journal, Sounder and Weekly In partnership with the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

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he San Juan Islands are among the most desired to tie the knot. A premier vacation destination, with incredible views, a variety of venues, activities for guests and farm-to-table cuisine, getting married in the San Juans is guaranteed to impart lasting memories.

No matter when your wedding takes place, the islands can accommodate you. The summer months are the perfect time for an outdoor ceremony, and indoor venues provide an ideal setting for spring, fall and winter weddings.

From flowers to cakes to officiating services and lodging, there are businesses here to meet your every wedding need.

Within these pages you will find a sample of what San Juan, Orcas and Lopez islands have to offer.

For more info, visit: ♥ visitsanjuans.com ♥ sanjuanisland.org ♥ orcasislandchamber.com ♥ lopezisland.com

Contributors Publisher: Colleen Smith Editor: Mandi Johnson Advertising Sales: Colleen Smith and Cali Bagby Copy editing: Joanna Massey Advertising Design: Shane Watson and Tate Thomson Cover Photo: Robert S. Harrison Photography

Publication Information The Islands’ Sounder 217 Main St., Eastsound, WA 98245 P: 360-376-4500, F: 888-562-8818, www.islandssounder.com The Islands’ Weekly 217 Main St., Eastsound, WA 98245 P: 360-376-4500, F: 888-562-8818, www.islandsweekly.com The Journal of the San Juans 640 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250 P: 360-378-5696, F: 888-562-8818, www.sanjuanjournal.com San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau 640 Mullis St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250 P: 888-468-3701, info@visitsanjuans.com

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

Planning your wedding

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edding planning can be an exciting undertaking, but couples who have already walked down the aisle can attest that wedding planning also can be stressful. Ensuring all of the details come out right can prove overwhelming at times.

Hiring a wedding planner is one way to alleviate some of the stress associated with wedding planning. Here are some of the tips and tricks professionals rely on when planning weddings.

Make guests the first priority

Even though it may seem like weddings should be geared around couples tying the knot, many wedding planners advise couples to focus on accommodating their guests. Having a handle on the number of people who will be attending, any of their specific needs (allergies, mobility issues, etc.), providing a comfortable environment (addressing bugs, weather, seating shortages) and knowing how much space guests will require can make choosing a venue that much easier.

Rent what you don’t have

Renting rather than purchasing items is a great way to save money. Wedding planners do not stockpile items such as tables, chairs and decorations. Instead, they rely on rental companies to provide what is necessary. According to Minneapolis-based professionals The Wedding Guys, even couples working with small budgets can enhance or elevate their weddings by working with rental companies.

Flush out foliage

Wedding planners know that flowers cost a great deal of money, especially flowers that are not native to the region where couples are getting married.

The process of making arrangements can be time consuming. Also, many flowers no longer produce strong scents because they’re bred for longer stems and a lengthy vase life. Interspersing potted plants with arrangements that are lighter on blooms and heavier on filler can help a cost-conscious couple stick to budget.

SEE PLANNING, PAGE 5

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PLANNING FROM PAGE 4 Trust vendors’ advice Wedding vendors tend to know each other and can be good sources of information. A wedding photographer, for example, may be able to tell couples which reception venues photograph particularly well, and a reception manager may know which DJs or bands are best at getting guests on the dance floor.

Negotiate before signing the contract

Wedding planners understand that vendors may be more willing to offer perks or extras rather than adding up a-la-carte pricing before the contract is signed. This way they secure the reservation on goodwill. Negotiating for more later on may be difficult.

Get organized

Organization is key. Brides- and grooms-to-be may want to enlist friends or relatives with a flair for organization to help with details.

Planning checklist 10+ months before  Throw yourself an engagement party.  Select your wedding party, and ask them to join you on your big day.  Start the guest list.  Start a wedding planning folder, binder or Pinterest board.

your partner.  Register for gifts.

SEE CHECKLIST ON PAGE 6

San Juan Island Grange Hall

 Set a budget.  Consider hiring a professional wedding planner or consultant.  Research photographers, florists, bands, DJs, caterers or other vendors you may be considering.  Secure the venue for the date of your wedding.

Eight to nine months before  Buy your dress.  Secure your vendors.  Book entertainment.  Some venues come equipped with caterers, but if yours does not, meet with caterers and pick yours.  Secure lodging reservations for out-of-town guests, and you and

Beautiful harbor view Four blocks from ferry 152 First Street North, Friday Harbor

360-378-6632 www.grangehallrental.com

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

CHECKLIST FROM 5 Contact rental companies if you intend to rent anything for the ceremony/reception.

Six to seven months before Order invitations.

Order your marriage licenses.

Plan the seating arrangement.

Purchase gifts for the wedding party and parents.

Two to three weeks before Assign wedding-day tasks and after-ceremony tasks.

Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses.

Pick up your dress, or arrange to have it delivered.

Plan the honeymoon.

Check wedding-day weather.

Send “Save the Date” notices.

Find and secure an officiant.

Book the florist.

Create a schedule for your big day.

Arrange transportation.

Four to Five months before Book the restaurant or venue at which you intend to have rehearsal dinner.

Follow up on the wedding invitations.

Order the cake.

Schedule hair and makeup appointment.

Three months before Finalize your flower arrangements and food menu.

One week before The men should go for a final fitting and pick up their formal wear.

Determine wedding-party positions during processional, ceremony and recessional.

Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, disposable cameras, favors and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer, reception site manager or wedding planner.

Deliver welcome baskets to hotels; make sure to include names and delivery instructions.

The day before Have checks written out and set aside for vendors. Remember to tip!

The night before

Order any welcome baskets or wedding favors.

Rehearsal.

Print wedding stationery, such as menus or programs.

Give your marriage license to your officiant.

Two months before Mail out invitations.

Meet with your photographer.

Touch base with all vendors.

Review the set list with the musical entertainment.

One month before Reach out to anyone who hasn’t responded to your RSVP. Have the final gown fitting (hopefully).

The day of Present parents, and each other, with gifts prior to the ceremony.

Give wedding bands to the best man and the maid of honor for the ceremony.

Give the best man officiant’s fee envelope to be handed off after the ceremony.

After the wedding Send thank you notes to guests and vendors.

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Wild hair day?

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wedding is a tough time to experience a bad hair day.

Clothing styles, time of day and weather all can dictate a wedding hairstyle, but ultimately one of the most important factors in a wedding hairstyle is finding a stylist who understands you and can exercise your vision. A patient, understanding stylist who is open to viewing different photographs and drawing inspiration from various places, as well as running through a few trial styles, can help brides (and grooms) look their best.

In fact, trials are a must to ensure that a chosen style will work with your hair texture. If you plan to get your hair colored, professionals recommend doing so about three weeks in advance of the big day so it looks natural and any potential snafus can be remedied beforehand.

Your stylist may suggest a light trim prior to the wedding so that the ends are fresh and healthy. And since you’re putting your faith in a qualified stylist, trust their expertise and vision. Keep an open mind to their suggestions. You may fall in love with one of the options you hadn’t considered.

Robert S. Harrison Photography

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

HANDCRAFTED CERAMICS

Personalized wedding favors Votives, champagne cups, centerpiece vases Charlie MacPherson at (540)846-5931 or charliemacpherson@hotmail.com

claybycharlie.com

Artisan Gifts San Juan Memorable giftboxes for the wedding party, made by hand in the San Juan archipelago islands.

www.artisangiftssanjuan. com/weddings 360.298.8008 360.298.8008

A symbol of the new horizons ahead for the happy couple exchanging vows. Revenue from the Lighthouse Special Events Program contributes to the maintenance and support of this historic beacon.

For more info visit: FolksSJI.org or call (360) 378-5154

Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

San Juan Island

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Robert S. Harrison Photography

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any wedding professionals and planners who pride themselves on making every wedding unique and memorable reside on San Juan Island. Caterers, DJs, florists, musicians and photographers abound. There are high quality restaurants, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, entertainment and more are available to accommodate you and your wedding.

Venues

♥♥ Roche Harbor (Seattle Bride Magazine’s “Best Northwest Destination Wedding Site”) ♥♥ Brickyard ♥♥ Island Inn ♥♥ Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes ♥♥ Valley Church ♥♥ Pelindaba Lavender Farm ♥♥ Snug Harbor ♥♥ Tucker House Inn ♥♥ Friday Harbor House ♥♥ San Juan Island Grange ♥♥ Sculpture Park ♥♥ Winery and Vineyard ♥♥ Golf and Country Club ♥♥ San Juan County Park ♥♥ San Juan Island National Historic Park ♥♥ Lime Kiln Lighthouse

Things to do

• Art museum and galleries • Charter boats • Farmers Markets • Fishing holes • Golfing • Historical museum • Horseback riding • Kayak, moped, bike and car rentals • Miles of hiking trails • Numerous parks • Paddleboarding • San Juan Island National Historical Park • The distillery • Theater and music • Vineyard • Whale museum • Whale watching • Zip linging

Resources: www.visitsanjuans.com; www.fridayharbor.com/island-weddings

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

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How to handle rain on your wedding day

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Three Ponies Photography

rides and grooms fear the prospects of rainy wedding days. But even couples who have contended with everything from a few drops to an all-out deluge on their wedding days look back fondly on the ceremonies and receptions. In fact, how couples handle any precipitation can affect how happy the festivities are. Here are some tips to cope with wedding rain: ♥♥Have a rainy day game plan. Rain affects outdoor weddings more than any other type of ceremony or reception. If the goal is to exchange vows outdoors, work with the venue to make this possible with a tent or gazebo.

However, if the weather is especially foul and windy, move it indoors. ♥♥Invest in golf umbrellas. Couples who live in notoriously damp climates can purchase golf umbrellas, which tend to be larger than the average umbrella, and keep them stationed in decorated stands to ease transitions between wedding sites and keep everyone as dry as possible. ♥♥Wear waterproof cosmetics. Women in the bridal party, including the bride, can ask their makeup artists to use durable, waterproof products. This can help salvage beautifully composed looks should some drops begin to fall. ♥♥Know vendors’ rain policies. Some live musicians will not play in damp weather. Florists may need to make accommodations for arrangements blowing in the wind. Couples need to understand what they’re responsible for and what may be covered if a weather event occurs. Wedding insurance may help cover the costs of nonrefundable cancellations. ♥♥Move past it quickly. It is okay to get upset if the weather turns for the worse. But don’t dwell on it. Guests will sense negative energy, and couples should set the tone of sticking it out despite a little adversity — which can be a good lesson for the marriage as well. ♥♥Embrace the rain. While a couple probably won’t wish for rain, there are some benefits to overcast skies, say the wedding professionals at Brides magazine. Flowers are less likely to wilt in rainy conditions. In the absence of bright sunlight, outdoor photographs can really pop. Rain is romantic and may compel couples and their guests to cuddle close.

Don’t let rain on a wedding day become a drag. With preparation and perspective, couples can handle rainy wedding days.

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

Forever’s first dance

Robert S. Harrison Photography

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first dance song at the wedding reception often sets the tone for the upcoming festivities and can exemplify just how newlyweds feel about each other. Couples may agonize over which song to choose, but there are many different resources available that can help couples narrow down their options. Spotify, the popular streaming music service, has compiled a list of the most popular wedding songs for 2018, based on global respondents. Their top pick was “Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran, a song that many might suspect was composed with wedding dances in mind. Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” Etta James’ “At Last,” John Legend’s “All of Me,” and Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” filled out the remaining top five spots on Spotify’s list.

“Let us help you find the best island resources”

OrcasIslandChamber.com 360.376.2273 • info@orcasislandchamber.com

Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

orcas island WEDDING

VENUEFLORAL

EVENT CATERING DESIGN

MAPLE ROC KF ARM. C OM 3 60.298.4 218

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

Orcas Island

Robert S. Harrison Photography

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otted with small hamlets, world-class restaurants, boutique shopping, cultural events and activity tours, Orcas Island is a rural haven. Scattered among the forests and along the pristine shores are a variety of quaint and lovely bed-and-breakfasts and hotels. Wedding guests can entertain themselves by browsing the artisan pottery, jewelry or art at the many galleries. Professional Orcas Island-based wedding professionals are at your service such as planners, experienced wedding photographers, talented local musicians, wedding officiants or salons offering personalized hair, skin and makeup services.

Venues

♥♥Deer Harbor Community Club ♥♥Deer Harbor Inn ♥♥Doe Bay Resort ♥♥Inn at Ship Bay ♥♥Odd Fellows Hall ♥♥Outlook Inn ♥♥Rosario Resort & Spa ♥♥Spring Bay ♥♥The Beach Bungalow ♥♥The Lodge ♥♥The Orcas Hotel ♥♥Turtleback Farm Inn ♥♥Victorian Valley Chapel ♥♥West Beach Resort

Things to do

• Art galleries • Brewery and winery • Farmer’s Market • Farms • Golf Course • Historical Museum • Horseback rides • Public beaches • State Parks • Theatre and music • Three public parks • Turtleback Mountain • West Beach Resort • Whale watching

Resources: http://orcasislandchamber.com/weddings-events http://orcasisland.org/weddings/

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

An intimate gathering

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By Colleen Smith

or years I’ve read testimonials from both locals and visitors about their experience planning a wedding on Orcas. I’ve also attended about half a dozen ceremonies on the island, and I know many of the business owners here. So I felt pretty prepared to start the process of my own nuptials.

The only obstacle we faced was timing. After being together for nearly eight years and engaged for three, we decided rather suddenly to make our commitment legal.

Thanks to a friend who offered her gorgeous waterfront property as the venue, we decided to go for a Sept.

1 wedding, which left us about six weeks to get it all together.

We kept it very, very small (about 25 people) and asked attendees to bring a potluck dish. I organized most of the details myself like online invitations, table settings, decorations (thanks to local retailers and Etsy), an iTunes playlist and main courses of salmon and crab,

Three Ponies Photography

caught by my husband-to-be from the Salish Sea. I was very lucky to have family and friends who offered their incredible talents as bakers, singers, musicians, jewelers and organizers to ensure all the pieces fell into place. A close friend became an officiant to lead our ceremony, which was atop an outcropping of magnificent rocks in the ocean.

The color scheme was rainbow and the attire was casual. I wore zebraprint converse sneakers, which came in handy when traversing the slippery beach.

Cindy Morgan and her team at the Nest created flower arrangements centered around succulents and bright colors; Liz Guerry at Three Ponies Photography covered the day; and the American Legion provided chairs and tables.

No one said I was crazy for wanting to pull off a wedding in just over a month, and the day was magical and filled with love.

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~ 11 WATER VIEW GUEST ROOMS ~ DINING, WINE & SPIRITS ~ PRIVATE EVENTS & WEDDINGS 326 Olga Road ~ Eastsound, WA 98245 (360) 376-5886 or (877) 276-7296 ~ shipbay@rockisland.com ~ ~ www.innatshipbay.com ~

Taking you to the most scenic and unique wedding venues Lighthouses, remote islands or with the whales on our boat

Whale Watching, Kayaking and Fishing Charters

Outer Island Excursions www.outerislandx.com

outerislandx@hotmail.com (360) 376-3711

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

What does it all cost?

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any couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. The wedding planning advisor CostofWedding.com indicates the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. Seventh Heaven Event Catering states that in Canada the average wedding costs around $30,000. Such costs can vary greatly depending on couples’ preferences, including where they hope to tie the knot.

By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs.

• Reception site According to The Knot, couples can expect their receptions to eat up the largest chunk of their wedding budgets. Wedding reception venues may cost between $10,000 and $15,000. The average price for catering per person is roughly $70. Bar service may be around $2,000 for a three- to fourhour party.

• Cake Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate designs, and thus more expensive than an average cake, so they will cost more than birthday cakes. According to Statistics Brain, wedding dessert

will come in around $390.

• Music The Knot says wedding bands cost around $3,500, which is more than twice as much as hiring a DJ ($1,200). Soloists or ceremony musicians may cost around $650.

SEE COSTS, PAGE 21

WEDDINGS REHEARSAL DINNERS

4.25 x 2.25

SPECIAL EVENTS JUNE thru SEPTEMBER

WWW.ORCASFARM.COM

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Rent the

Orcas Chapel

for your special day

For more information about our beautiful, centrally located chapel in Eastsound on Orcas Island, call 360-376-6683, email office@oics.org or visit www.oics.org

Sandy Playa, oďŹƒciant & Carl Burger, music

www.weddingsonorcas.com • 360-376-5531

Photo by Steve Horn

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

Lopez Island

ith pristine beaches, beautiful backgrounds of rolling hills and a general laid-back feel, Lopez Island is a perfect destination for a special wedding day. Lopez is also the closest of the ferry-served islands to Anacortes, making it a quick trip for you and your loved ones.

Although Lopez Island’s year-round population is around 2,400 people, you’ll find many lovely venues, photographers and musicians to make your ceremony one to remember. There are also a wealth of accommodations, from camping to bed and breakfasts and fun resorts.

Venues

♥♥Center Church ♥♥Edenwild Inn ♥♥The Galley ♥♥Grace Episcopal Church ♥♥Lopez Center ♥♥Lopez Island Vineyards ♥♥Lopez Islander Resort ♥♥Mackaye Harbor Inn ♥♥Woodmen Hall

Things to do

• Beaches • Golfing • Historical Society and Museum • Lopez Village • Odlin County Park • Spencer Spit State Park • Vineyard and Winery • Whale watching • Wildlife

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• Historical Society and Museum • Wildlife • Odlin County Weddings in the Park San Juan Islands 2019 21 • Spencer Spit State Park • Wedding gown Gowns cost COSTS FROM PAGE 18 • Whale watching around $1,100 and a veil or head• Golfing piece to be roughly $120, accord• Wedding planner Wedding ing to the Association of Bridal • Vineyard Wineryof $1,300, planners costand an average Consultants. said Thumbtack, • Lopez Villagea company that • Photography and Video Preservmatches professionals with people who require their services.

• Transportation The Knot notes that budgeting between $400 and $500 for transportation might be wise.

pez Island

Hall

adition 1898

ial day, building tables, ettings

ing wedding-day memories costs around $2,800 for video and photography services, based on data from Statistics Brain.

Woodmen Hall

Be part of a Lopez Tradition Hosting events since 1898 Offering for your special day, Beautifully renovated building and grounds, Commercial Kitchen, tables, chairs, linens, place settings

l lighting m rates und

Stage with professional lighting and sound system Reasonable rental rates Available year-round

ator for cing

Call the event coordinator Roxy Webb for availability and pricing: 360-468-3092

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

Wedding Services and Venues Members of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau Caterers All Islands

www.downriggerssanjuan.com www.cakesbyfelicitations.com www.cohorestaurant.com www.sanjuanislandcatering.blogspot.com

♥♥Downriggers ♥♥Cakes By Felicitations ♥♥Coho Restaurant ♥♥Island Cooking Company

Orcas doebaywinecompany.com eastsoundliquorandwine.com www.thekitchenorcas.com

♥♥Doe Bay Wine Company ♥♥Eastsound Liquor & Wine ♥♥The Kitchen

Entertainment San Juan

♥San ♥ Juan Safaris Wedding Activities

www.sanjuansafaris.com

Event Rentals All Islands

♥♥Orcas Events ♥♥San Juan Shindigs

www.orcasevents.com www.sanjuanshindigs.com

Florists San Juan

♥♥Camas Designs

www.camasdesigns.com

Orcas www.nestflowers.com

♥♥Nest

For the Bride San Juan

♥♥Lavendera Massage ♥♥The Spa at Earthbox

www.lavenderamassage.com www.earthboxspa.com

Ministers and Celebrants All Islands

♥♥Didier Gincig

www.orcasweddingsofficiant.com

Orcas ♥♥Sandy Playa

www.springbayonorcas.com/weddings

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Photographers All Islands ♥♥Robert S. Harrison Photography ♥♥Orcas Video ♥♥Satya Curcio Photography

www.islandweddingphoto.com www.orcasvideo.com

Orcas

www.satyaphotography.com

Planners All Islands

www.islandsweddingsandevents.com

♥♥Islands Wedding and Events

Orcas ♥♥Cloud 9 Events

www.cloudnineevents.net

Transportation San Juan

♥♥Friday Harbor Jolly Trolley

www.fridayharborjollytrolley.com

Venues San Juan

www.fhbrickworks.com www.fridayharborcruises.com www.fridayharborhouse.com www.folkssji.org

♥♥Brickworks ♥♥Friday Harbor Cruises ♥♥Friday Harbor House ♥♥Friends of Lime Kiln Society Lighthouse ♥♥Island Inn at 123 West ♥♥Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes ♥♥Pelindaba Lavender Farm ♥♥Roche Harbor Resort ♥♥Saltwater Farm Weddings ♥♥San Juan Island Grange Hall ♥♥San Juan Island Yacht Club ♥♥Snug Harbor Resort ♥♥Tucker House Inn

www.123west.com www.lakedale.com www.pelindabalavender.com www.rocheharbor.com www.saltwaterfarmsji.com www.grangehallrental.com www.sjiyc.com www.snugresort.com www.tuckerhouse.com

Orcas

www.doebay.com www.innatshipbay.com www.oddshall.org www.orcasislandwhales.com www.orcasong.farm www.outlookinn.com www.pebblecovefarm.com www.rosarioresort.com www.turtlebackinn.com

♥♥Doe Bay Resort and Retreat ♥♥Inn at Ship Bay ♥♥Odd Fellows Hall ♥♥Orcas Island Eclipse Charters ♥♥Orcasong Farm ♥♥Outlook Inn ♥♥Pebble Cove Farm ♥♥Rosario Resort and Spa ♥♥Turtleback Farm Inn

Lopez ♥♥Lopez Center for Community and the Arts ♥♥Lopez Islander Resort ♥♥Woodmen Hall

www.lopezcenter.org www.lopezfun.com www.woodmenhall.org

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Weddings in the San Juan Islands 2019

Robert S. Harrison Photography

• Luxury wedding design • Bespoke bouquets • Centerpieces and decor • Day of coordinating

Visit www.nestflowers.com or call 360-376-4580 / 18 Haven Road, Eastsound Photo credit: Jenn Tai