Couture Weddings 2012

Photo by Clinton James

Inspiring Style For Puget Sound Brides

Annual 2012

Real Weddings

Historic Hotels

Sweet Details

Tips from theWeddings Pros 2012 Couture

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& N. State St., Coutureweddingsmag.com 66 1400

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Table of Contents Features Must Haves

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Guys’ Style

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Wedding Album

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The Engagement Party

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Cloe Designs

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Designer Profile

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Real Weddings Amy & Bennett Heather & Wes Brandy & Ryan Bev & Jeff

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Edible | Sweet Details 100 Botanical | Divine Florals 102 Destinations

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Little White Book

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Finishing Touch

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Photo this page by Ryan Duclos

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MUSTHAVES

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Laura Mercier Bridal Collection Individually priced Nordstom.com

Silk Ruffle Caplet French Knot Couture $115.00 frenchknotcouture.com

Spelled Evening Pumps Paris Hilton Shoes $99.00 Macy’s

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GUYSTYLE

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“Aaron” Oxford To Boot New York $295.00 nordstrom.com

“Pasini Movie” wool suit “Bulldog” Sterling Silver Cufflinks David Donahue $150.00 nordstrom.com

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WEDDIN G AL BU M

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Here’s to the start of a new journey from our readers

1

Lauren & Jake July 3, 2011 Fleming Photography

2 3 4

Kori & Gary July, 2, 2011 Clinton James Photography

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Keith & Adena September 3, 2011 The Snap Sisters

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Lindsay & Thomas April 30, 2011 Tonic Design Studio

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Matt & Lynette October 1, 2011 Tonic Design Studio

Brook & Nicole May 7, 2011 Duclos Studios II

Chad & Sam August 27, 2011 Clinton James Photography

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FROM T HE PROS

Planner Q&A

Spotlight on the Engagement Party

When in the wedding planning timeline should an engagement party take place?

I recommend you plan the engagement party within eight weeks of the engagement. This gives the couple time to celebrate and announce to their extended friends and family, and you to prepare a realistic time frame for planning.

How many people – and who – should be on the guest list?

Tally Rabatin, owner of Totally Unique Designs in Bellingham, has found a niche for her interior design business in the planning and design of special events, including weddings.

Rabatin is the perfect blend of consummate hostess, trendsetter and organizational queen to create a memorable event.

Here, we talk to her about the “warm up” to the big day, the engagement party.

An engagement party can be as large or as small as your bride and groom wish it to be! Engagement parties can be girls-only or co-ed, and is a great opportunity for friends and family to meet and greet prior to the wedding events.

If you are planning an event that is more than a potluck, I recommend you follow invitation protocol and give people a four-week lead time. This will ensure that you are able to prepare your menu based on RSVPs, and also assure that significant guests are included. The invitations should be a preview of what the event experience will be like. For this party we used magenta on card stock for the invite to preview this girls-only themed luncheon.

Is there traditional etiquette to be aware of?

I always think that you should follow your manners more so than follow a set standard of traditions. Traditions change and evolve over time, and we should embrace the new and the old alike. However, manners should always be followed, and starting with RSVPing for events!

How do we set the mood?

Deciding what type of a party you want will naturally define your event’s timeline. If you want a light and casual engagement party that is social, keep your event before 4 p.m. Events starting after 4 p.m. imply cocktail hour – and food. As you go later in the evening, it also implies a less formal atmosphere. The atmosphere of your event should mimic the time of day, and we kept the colors bright and light for this midday luncheon. Following the sky color is a good way to determine your color tone, and morning to midday events should be in the lighter color spectrum while evening events tend to be darker.

How can the couple make the party uniquely their own?

Adding elements that are unique to the couple will make the day their own. Consider making the theme of the event coincide to the way the couple met. If they met at a park walking their dogs, consider an outdoor party location that is dog friendly! Also, food helps to add personality to an event. Creating dishes that compliment a story, or fulfill a theme genre can be a fun way to put personality into an event.

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CCloeTheDesigns sprinkles on top of your wedding reception

By Kimberly Cauvel/ Photos courtesy of Suzanne Fogarty Photography

The wedding that started it all

Cloe founders Joe and Claire Wilbur

Claire Wilbur describes her own wedding as “a gigantic sundae with chocolate syrup, sprinkles and five cherries on top.” Using this analogy, she refers to traditional, predictable weddings as “vanilla.” In maintaining traditions, the vanilla may be just the thing, but weddings should have a personal, flavorful touch; like dressing it up with chocolate syrup, sprinkles and cherries to transform it into a tasty treat.

Claire, co-owner of Cloe Designs, calls it “an element of surprise.” Cloe, a literal merger of Claire and Joe Wilbur (and pronounced like glow), was built on the premise of lighting up even the most traditional weddings. “You can still be traditional,” Claire says. “Just do something quirky – something that represents you.”

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Claire and Joe wed on New Year’s Eve 2010. “I didn’t want to take away from New Years – I wanted to have the party,” Claire recalls.

The Wilbur’s fashioned almost their entire wedding themselves, including the design, venue arrangement and a majority of the decor. A major piece of their wedding design was the idea of lounge seating – comfortable, relaxed spaces with plush furniture instead of rigid, individual chairs.

In addition to the signature lounge seating, they also had a large dance floor and pool table to complete the party feel. They chose an “old Hollywood glamour” theme using vintage styles in black, white and red. “I wanted to give people a chance to go all out and dress up,” Claire says.

A year before their wedding, Claire and Joe spent New Year’s Eve together and made lists of personal goals they hoped to accomplish during the upcoming year. After Joe proposed, he revealed his original list, which included the goal “propose to Claire.” At their wedding, the Wilburs incorporated this personal touch by providing cards, envelopes and a drop box where their guests could leave self-addressed letters to themselves, listing goals they intended to achieve over the next year. Prior to New Years 2011 the Wilbur’s sent the letters to be revisited by their wedding guests.

FRO M TH E P RO S

Soon after her own wedding, Claire designed a friend’s wedding, which solidified her direction toward establishing Cloe Designs. The business became a reality early in 2011, and the first clients pursued the Wilbur’s after seeing photos of their self-designed wedding online.

Claire always had an interest in design and started experimenting with decor as a young girl. Now, she embraces her creative side through event planning, interior design, refurbishing used and antique furniture and decor, and more. She says the most fulfilling part of her work through Cloe Designs is surprising people and making their dreams a reality with the final presentation.

Cloe – Creative and Personal The ultimate goal of Cloe Designs is to add a “creative and personal touch” to each wedding. “Your wedding should reflect who you are,” Claire says.

Since embarking on Cloe Designs, Claire says the chandeliers she offers have been extremely popular, and lounge seating has become a regular request – both signature features of Cloe Designs. The lounge couches originally used for the Wilbur’s wedding are white, coupled with customized pillows designed to fit specific wedding events.

Claire is also working on getting access to customized couch covers to add the option of changing the color of the couch.

Claire says Cloe Designs is beneficial for event planning in a variety of ways. For one, it can add spice with unique design elements, but it can also reduce expenses and lower the environmental footprint of the event. For example, Claire says, “If people are doing a big wedding, flowers are so expensive. There are so many other elements you can use.”

Claire also reiterates the idea of reducing the impact of an event by reusing rentals and refurbished pieces of furniture and decor – two of her specialties. “I love the idea of instead of producing more stuff, using what we’ve got,” she says.

As a two-in-one business for event design and rentals, Cloe Designs offers a range of services from providing decor elements to handling the entire event planning process. In pursuit of her passions, Claire runs Cloe Designs in addition to working her day job for Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes. As partners in the business, Claire describes herself as the visual artist and Joe as doing the paperwork and heavy lifting behind-the-scenes. “I just kind of tell him where to put things,” she giggles jokingly.

Joe is also an artist of sorts, however; a musician who builds guitars from scratch. His music, both live and recorded, has been played at weddings including his own.

He has a day job as well, managing Pacific Party Canopies in Bellingham. In collaboration, Pacific Party Canopies houses a Cloe Designs display, and Cloe Designs uses Pacific Party Canopies for design projects.

Rewarding new life Claire and Joe went to Anacortes High School together, but Joe says it took several efforts during post high school run-ins to get Claire’s attention. He later proposed in May 2010, aboard a Kruger Escapes sail boat with Suzanne Fogarty Photography capturing each moment. Claire was unknowingly lured into the perfect proposal scene with an invitation to do couples “modeling” for Kruger Escapes and Suzanne Fogarty advertising.

“Our lives haven’t stopped since we got engaged. It’s been an absolute whirlwind,” Claire says.

Operating the business no doubt contributes to that whirlwind, but has been worth the effort. “It’s been hard,” she says of running the business, “but it’s always been really rewarding … I never knew I could do so much.”

Moving forward, Claire hopes to open a storefront location in the near future. For more information, visit the website at cloedesigns.com.

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FRO M TH E P RO S

Designer Profile

Terri Hilferty for Justin Alexander Terri Hilerfty, a designer for Justin Alexander wedding gowns, visited Alicia’s Bridal in Bellingham in February to showcase the Justin Alexander 2013 line – a chance for area brides to get a sneak peak at next year’s fashions.

Hilerfty has known Alicia’s Bridal owner Pam Needham for nearly 10 years, and views Pam and her staff as a valuable partners in helping her know what West Coast brides are looking for in a gown. Couture Weddings sat down with Hilerfty to find out more about her work as a designer and getting the perfect gown.

How did you get started designing wedding gowns?

I worked my way up from stock girl at age 14 at a store in Philadelphia.

At 19 I went to a second store where I learned to sew early on from our seamstresses who were all from Italy. After I had my first daughter I wanted to get out of retail sales and started designing full time.

What inspired your new collection?

Justin Alexander has three designers, Tony Mentel from London, Jose Dias from L.A. and myself. Each of us has our own style and inspiration. Generally, you’ll see a modern twist on a vintage feel – lace, beads, hand-pleated fans and ruffles. Many of the dresses echo 1950s couture.

Is there a design aspect that make a gown distinctively Justin Alexander?

Justin Alexander and our sister company Sincerity are based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and it gives all our gowns an international flaire. In Germany, our biggest selling county, we’re seeing touches of color added to traditional dresses as well as boning in the bodice. Our dresses push the envelope of fashion, but it’s affordable fashion. We have dresses that are designed to fit every shape.

What advice can you give a bride when searching for that perfect gown?

If a bride runs to the mirror excited to see the dress she’s in, that’s a sign she loves it. When trying dresses on, I tell the girls to trust their bridal consultant and try on many different sillouetes; don’t just settle on one style you think you’ll like. Find a dress that fits your body style and makes you feel wonderful.

Is there a particular trend for 2012 that brides should consider?

Ball gowns and mermaid-style dresses are big in 2012. Also, dresses tend toward the extremes, either lots of beads and detail or simple and clean. Pops of color and gowns in taupe also are popular.

–Hilary Parker Couture Weddings 2012

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Real Weddings Four Seasons, Four Beautiful Brides Winter - Amy & Bennett Spring - Heather & Wes Summer - Brandy & Ryan Autumn - Bev & Jeff

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REAL WEDDINGS | Winter

Amy & Bennett December 04

By Carly La Plant/Photos by Stephanie Stremler

One late September evening during the peak of corn harvest, Bennett Tjoelker prepared a unique proposal for his girlfriend, Amy. Working on his family’s farm, Bennett cut out a small section of the cornfield and set up a candlelit table with roses, sparkling cider and a dazzling engagement ring. After trudging through the field in heels, Amy was shocked to come upon Bennett’s romantic scene. She said “yes,” and their two-month engagement began.

With little time to plan, Amy accepted her mother Lee Mobley’s help and unique decorating advice. By the time Dec. 4, 2010 rolled around, the venue, Faith Community Church in Lynden, was transformed into a glimmering winter scene. Tiny snow-covered trees held white lanterns at the end of each row. Crisp evergreen trees lined the back of the stage. Candles flickered while a video of falling snow projected onto the wall. “It was like you were look-

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ing out the window at a snowy evening,” Amy recalls.

Staying true to the season, Amy’s bridesmaids wore silver, knee-length dresses with fur shawls and soft white gloves. Instead of flowers, they carried lit lanterns. After the flower girl tossed bits of faux snow onto the ground, Amy walked down the aisle in a flowing ivory wedding gown with a sweetheart neckline and decorative beading.

The reception featured simple table centerpieces: delicate branches embellished with snowflakes and glowing tea lights. Guests ate a chicken parmesan dinner with sparkling cider and cake before the Tjoelkers headed off on their Maui honeymoon.

Amy’s advice to future brides is this: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. I don’t remember the plates, silverware or even, really, what we ate. I just remember having great time, taking pictures and spending time with family and friends.”

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Details

DRESS Galina CAKE Cheryl Wynstra CATERING Dutch Mother’s Family Restaurant, Lynden

FLORIST Haggen, Cindy Hilt LOCATION Faith Community Church, Lynden

INVITATIONS Amy’s design, printed

by Thomas Print Company

PHOTOGRAPHER Stephanie Stemler Photography

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REAL WEDDINGS | Spring

Heather & Wes June 25

By Hilary Parker/Photos by Ryan Duclos

When Wes and Heather Rush said their vows in June of last year they handed out old horseshoes for good luck.

The horseshoes were procured by Wes’ aunt, a horse trainer at Emerald Downs racetrack, but this lucky-inlove story goes deeper than that. The couple dated in college, but went their separate ways after graduating to pursue their careers. Three years later, they renewed their relationship, barely skipping a beat.

Location for the wedding was a top priority for each of them. The couple chose to marry in Cle Elum, Wash., where they originally started dating. It was also an ideal mid-point for the two families: Heather’s family is from Bellingham; Wes’ from Chelan. A big, red barn became the backdrop for a country, yet classy, affair.

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Heather arrived to the ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage. In traditional fashion, the bride and groom did not see each other before the ceremony. Heather was truly excited to see Wes: “Everyone tells me I literally ran down the aisle.”

After the outdoor ceremony, everyone moved to the barn to enjoy a barbeque buffet with ham, barbequed chicken, cornbread, mashed potatoes and salad.

A highlight of the reception turned out to be the photo booth. Filled with props such as hats, sunglasses and feather boas, guests got one photo strip for a keepsake and a second copy went into Heather and Wes’ guest book. These photos have turned out to be some of their most treasured memories from this pictureperfect wedding.

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Details

DRESS David’s Bridal CAKE Lisa Robinson, Chelan CATERING Ritter Farms FLORIST Patty Summers LOCATION Ritter Farms, Cle Elum INVITATIONS Megan Martin PHOTO BOOTH Emerald City Photo Booth PHOTOGRAPHER Duclos Studios II

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REAL WEDDINGS | Summer

Brandy & Ryan September 18

By Hilary Parker/Photos by Stacy Jacobsen

Brandy and Ryan Christiansen’s relationship started out on a fun-filled adventure, and their life together has continued on that theme.

The two met in college on a geology field trip to Hawaii, where they hit it off and discovered they were practically neighbors. “We actually lived within 10 minutes of each other growing up, but never crossed paths,” Ryan said.

A few months later on their first official date, the couple went to the Western Washington State Fair in Puyallup. Four years later, they returned to the fair to celebrate their wedding day.

“We didn’t want to get stressed out before the wedding, so we went to the fair,” Brandy remarked.

The couple and their wedding party – dressed for the wedding – spent a couple of hours on the rides, playing carnival games and snacking on fair food before heading

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to her grandfather’s farm in Spanaway for the ceremony.

The ceremony had a rustic, country feel, with hay bales for seating and homegrown sunflowers in the bouquets. The farmyard animals got involved, too, with the couple’s dogs serving as ring bearer and flower girl.

Brandy rode down the aisle on her horse, Vanity.

After the ceremony, the wedding party adjourned to Brandy and Ryan’s home for the reception in their barn.

Brandy’s uncle made a Western-style bar to serve drinks in the barn, and a backyard barbeque of kabobs continued the down-home theme. A homemade wedding cake, baked by Brandy’s aunt, was the perfect finishing touch.

Much of Brandy and Ryan’s wedding was hand made, home grown or handed down. Brandy and one of her bridesmaids made her veil, hand-sewing lace to match her dress. Brandy’s engagement ring belonged to her grandmother, as did her pearl earrings. Brandy arranged her own flowers and the table centerpieces.

The couple stresses that family and friends helped out all along the way to their big day, and their memories of the wedding are much richer for everyone’s involvement.

As the night drew to a close, fireworks colored the sky, as the couple set off for their next fun-filled adventure as husband and wife.

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Details

DRESS David’s Bridal CAKE Bride’s aunt CATERING On their own FLORIST On their own LOCATION Family farm INVITATIONS Michael’s PHOTOGRAPHER Stacy Jacobsen

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Questions to ask when selecting a

CAKE

DESIGNER How long have you been creating wedding cakes?

Are wedding cakes your specialty?

Online Wedding resources Bridal shows Wedding Planning Guide

TheSimplyOrganizedBride.com 360.527.8542

What types of wedding and groom’s cakes do you make?

How far in advance should I order my cake?

Do you specialize in any flavor, style or size?

What cakes are best for outdoor receptions?

Will you make extra sheet cakes?

If so what is the cost?

Can I request that each layer have a different flavor?

Do you offer cake tastings?

Do you charge for delivery?

When will you deliver and set up the cake?

Will your staff serve the cake?

Do you supply the cake topper?

Do you supply the cake knife?

Can you supply boxes for the groom’s cake?

What is the deposit? When is it due?

What is the balance and when is it due?

What is your cancellation policy?

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REAL WEDDINGS | Autumn

Bev & Jeff

November 19

By Elisa Claassen/Photos by Tania Shepard

“I was single for almost 20 years before we found one another,” Beverly Kidwell said. “Needless to say we feel more than blessed to have found one another.”

Having met in the workplace and been friends for several years before dating in their 40s: “It wasn’t until a year before we married that we recognized how perfect we were for one another. I always had a great deal of respect for him and knew he was a good man, but little did I know that the love of my life was right under my nose all those years.”

Jeff involved Bev’s parents in hi proposal: down on his knees at a Alaskan lodge atop a bluff with a stunning view – complete with a custom-made ring. Then, Bev had six months to plan her own version of a fairy-tale wedding.

Sahara roses, burgundy calla lilies and green cymbidium orchids accented the rustic, but elegant event with a “Life is a Journey” theme. Jeff, who is a cyclist and triathlete, was

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represented by the presence of his fat-tire bike throughout an assortment of images from their dating life and as a miniature topper for their cake.

A kids’ table offered giant multi-colored lollipops, candies, games and coloring books – just for them. Adults enjoyed homemade Alaskan blueberry jam, a tribute to Bev’s home state, with their menu choices.

“I wanted to feel like a princess, be surrounded by those I love most and celebrate the beautiful gift of marriage,” Bev said.

Attended by six friends and family on his-and-her sides of the aisle, four ballet-inspired flower girls, one ring bearer and 210 guests at beautiful Hidden Meadows in Snohomish for their fall vows, the evening ended with a unplanned dance to Taylor Swift’s “Today was a Fairytale.”

“Everything went according to plan … it was everything we dreamed of,” Bev said. “It was meant to be. My vow for 2011 was to live passionately and love completely. That more than came true. We celebrated life with family and friends, traveled, visited wine country and enjoyed the outdoors.”

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Details

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Restuarant and Catering

FLORIST Ring Around the Rose DESIGNER Pink Blossoms Events LOCATION Hidden Meadows, Snohomish

INVITATIONS Valerie’s Invites PHOTOGRAPHER Azzura Photography

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EDIBLE

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Sweet

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Photo by Stephanie Stremler

Photo by Azzura Photography

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BOTA NIC AL

Divine Floral

Photo by Fleming Photography

Photo by Ryan Duclos

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Photo by Love Study Photography

botanical

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A Wedding for the History Books

By Zachoreli Frescobaldi-Grimaldi

Historic hotels provide elegant, and affordable, venues for your big day

A

usterity is certainly one strategy to weather the current unpredictable economic storm. Around the globe nuptial-planning couples pare down guest lists, scale back on photography and might even forgo a caterer in favor of a backyard barbeque. Austerity, however, needn’t condemn your wedding festivities to ill-equipped, bleak or lifeless facilities. Wedding or commitment ceremonies are lively, colorful, community celebrations. Across the Northwest, many affordable, elegant and singularly picturesque venues help squeeze the most value from any matrimonial budget. Three of these venues, the Outlook Inn on Orcas Island, Maryhill Museum in Goldendale and the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River, Ore., are also deep-rooted in historic tradition.

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D E S TI N AT I O N S

O utlook Inn

Orcas Island

Why we Love it Classic country comfort Beautiful views of the bay and gardens from guestrooms Great local day hikes for guests Beach property across the street Endless photo opportunities Multiple venues for ceremonies Trained culinary experts on site

C

onstructed in 1888 just above the beach at Eastsound Bay, the Outlook Inn has had several incarnations.

Long before the inn was established in 1920, the building housed a jail, dance hall, post office and even a general store.

Second generation owners Adam and Sara Farish have made the Outlook Inn an unmistakably family-run business. The pair first met at the hotel when they were five years old. In 2000, they were married at the Inn. Adam’s father purchased the Inn in the 1960s and it was passed on to Adam and Sara in October 2001. Sara practically grew up at the Inn, where her mother has worked for nearly 35 years. Both of Sara’s parents, Yuko and John, live on the property year-round, while Adam and Sara’s brother-in-law, Jon, is the general manager. The three-acre property includes the original inn and three additional buildings: the comfortable East Wing, the thoroughly modern Luxury Bay View Suites and a small chapel.

Fourteen bed and breakfast rooms in the main building comprise the original guest accommodations. Although guests share common bathrooms, these cozy rooms are comfortably appointed with antique and vintage furnishings. Each guest room preserves the minimalist hardwood, wrought iron and porcelain fixtures original to the building. Unfettered views of the bay or gardens make a stay in these accommodations an unforgettable experience.

The more contemporary two-story East Wing provides guests comfortable accommodations. Spacious rooms have bay and garden views, private bathrooms and large, comfortable beds. These rooms are terrifically affordable options for guests on a budget. The ground floor suites offer quick garden access for guests with children.

The Luxury Bay View Suites will easily satisfy the most demanding guest. For instance, Suite 56 boasts an enormous Jacuzzi tub, full-size shower, wall-mounted towel warmer, wet bar, king-size bed, private balconies and a gas fireplace in the comfortably furnished living room. Perhaps the most memorable characteristic of these luxurious suites is the remarkable views of the bay, the islands and the distant mountains. Few moments compare to waking up just as orange, crimson and soft-blue hues of dawn reflect on the sea. In the solitude of morning, on the private balcony, hot cup of coffee in hand, seals barking in the bay, birds calling in the distance and the sky ablaze: There is no better way to start the day.

Beyond the buildings, a wooden bridge arches across a little pond on the edge of a grassy meadow. When walking across the meadow, the inn’s “environmental control officer” – Adam and Sara’s five-year-old daughter, Kiyomi – has a simple request, “Please, be careful. Don’t step on the frogs.”

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Tall hedges shelter the weathered A-frame chapel in the northwest corner of the meadow. Constructed of three- to four-inch-thick cedar, the chapel has a story all its own.

The small pioneer cabin was originally built in the late 1800s in Bellingham. In 1968 Adam’s father purchased the cabin, moved it to the present location and carefully restored it. The ambience of the cabin’s interior makes it a romantic spot for a private ceremony. More public ceremonies are easily accommodated on the chapel’s porch.

A sturdy chuppa made of local Madrona tree branches cap the two steps leading to the porch.

The meadow’s expansive lawn easily accommodates 200 chairs in addition to several tents for outdoor receptions. Always dreamt of a beach celebration? Outlook Inn can do that, too. The property includes the beach just across the street, with a private garden and event building. The inn is quite possibly one of the most beautiful locations for a couple to exchange vows.

Have your photographer ready to work! Outlook Inn has endless photo possibilities. Indoors, a balcony overlooks the Inn’s private dining room, and is a unique setting for wedding photographs. On the beach the bride can kick off her shoes and stroll barefoot in her wedding dress along the water’s edge while the paparazzi snap away. No matter the setting: beach, meadow, under the walnut tree, indoors, any location all but guarantees

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elegant photographs.

The culinary staff at the inn’s New Leaf Café and Lounge, under the direction of chef Steve deBaste, expertly produces an impressive menu and can accommodate kosher for dairy requests. Bartender Sara Farish, rocks the bar with some of Adam’s signature cocktails.

Both the El Diablo and Lady Sage cocktails are unforgettably delicious. One important side note: Outlook Inn provides all food and beverage services; outside caterers are not permitted.

Worried about entertaining your guests between planned wedding events? Worry no more. Besides hiking Mount Constitution or canoeing around Orcas Island there are plenty of neighborhood activities. The inn is perfectly located within easy walking distance of all the town attractions. Browse little boutiques and shops like Roses Bakery. “Bakery” is an understatement; it has a fantastic deli with an impressive international wine collection. If you have a chocolate aficionado among your guests, they may prefer a lingering visit with artisan chocolatier Susan Aspinall at Kathryn Taylor Chocolates.

To plan your Orcas Island wedding contact Outlook Inn general manager and event coordinator Jon Kobayashi at jon@outlookinn.com or 888.688.5665.

Maryhill Museum

Goldendale

Sweeping views of the Columbia Gorge Close to multiple wineries Take your wedding photos among the historical artifacts Accommodates up to 200 guests

I

n 1914, industrialist Sam Hill started construction of his home on a bluff overlooking the Columbia Gorge.

Quite the globetrotter, Hill hobnobbed with politicians, celebrities, kings and queens, and an emperor or two.

Queen Maria of Romania enjoyed a particularly close association with Hill, and their friendship endured until Hill’s death in 1931. When Hill turned his estate into a museum, he invited Queen Maria to dedicate the institution. She readily accepted, and in 1926 traveled to Goldendale, Wash., for the dedication ceremony of Maryhill Museum, an event that drew an audience of more than 2,000.

Among the museum’s extensive collection is the permanent exhibit of French sculptor Auguste Rodin’s plaster casts, sketches and bronze statues. The museum is also dedicated to many of Queen Maria’s personal artifacts.

Indeed, the first floor gallery is a large space made elegant by her royal furniture, crown jewels, coronation gown and gold-plated corner throne. This gallery makes an unimaginably rare setting for a variety of wedding portraits and group photographs. How many brides can point out that Queen Maria’s Romanian crown jewels or morning throne are among the embellishments in her wedding portrait?

Each year Maryhill Museum will only book four or five weddings at the 6,000-acre estate. The museum is a nonprofit organization, and limiting events such as weddings assures that the nonprofit status is not jeopardized.

Although the building is presently undergoing a remodel, the new addition will maintain the architectural integrity of the original Beaux Arts building. The exterior of the building offers dozens of photography options. And, of course, there are the stunning vistas of the Columbia Gorge, its colorful cliffs and the swiftly flowing Columbia

River. Carefully maintained gardens and manicured lawns accommodate up to three tents for outdoor receptions.

In spite of the fact that Maryhill Museum is an expansive property, only wedding parties of 200 guests or fewer are permitted. Wedding guests may roam the gardens or tour the museum while waiting for the festivities to commence. The museum’s café does not cater weddings; however, outside caterers are permitted, provided a company representative meets with museum staff at least three weeks prior to the event. The café serves beer and wine, but your caterer will still need to obtain an event permit from the Washington State Liquor Control Board. This can be easily done, just be sure to plan accordingly.

Worried about entertaining your guests in the days leading up to the nuptials? Don’t be. There are several excellent wineries close to the museum including Maryhill Winery, Cascade Cliffs and Waving Tree. Your guests could also take up one of the many river sports such as sailboarding, kayaking, boating or parasailing. Ample free parking is available including space for recreational vehicles. While service dogs are welcome, canine pals are not, so plan on leaving your furry friend with a sitter.

Affordable, romantically dramatic wedding venues of this caliber are nearly impossible to find.

For more information on planing your wedding visit maryhillmuseum.org

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Columbia Gorge

Hood River, Oregon

B

uilt in 1904, the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River, Ore., is a majestic building that sits along the cliff’s edge high above the Columbia River.

This elegant 39-room boutique hotel is the perfect setting for a variety of wedding themes. Renovated in 1920 under the direction of Simon Benson (who, incidentally, built Portland’s Benson Hotel), the Columbia Gorge Hotel offers all the amenities a couple could wish for, including a 208foot cascading waterfall. In the past 114 years this property has played host to countless notables including Presidents Coolidge and both Roosevelts.

The drive from the street to the portico is like a journey through a tenderly loved park. Carefully trimmed boxwood hedges edge the pampered lawns. Paths shaded by towering evergreens lead through woodland gardens. Bridges span babbling brooks that meander the entire property. A profusion of blossoms, lilies, petunias, roses, azaleas and fuchsias attract butterflies and a community of tiny hummingbirds.

Resident ducks wade and waddle from one pond to the next.

All around, the sound of falling water trickling through crevices, cascading over rocks and splashing under webbed feet drowns out the sound of traffic. In the winter, more than 500,000 lights illuminate the grounds.

To step foot into the hotel lobby is to toy with the timespace continuum. Every original detail creates the illusion that one has left the harried present behind. There’s even an elevator operator waiting upon your arrival. Beyond the lobby, the Valentino Lounge is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a refreshing libation or stroll outdoors. From the terrace, one can sit and watch the windsurfers attempt to tame the

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Dog-friendly hotel 208-foot waterfall, perfect for wedding photos Multiple venues for ceremonies & receptions Award-winning culinary team on staff On-site spa Beautiful forest and garden settings Views of the Columbia River

Columbia, or wander through the garden to the waterfall.

The woodland gardens, shade gardens or terraces are ideal settings for wedding photographs, and easily accommodate 200 guests.

Indoors or out, the Columbia Gorge Hotel offers a number of locations for your event. A particular favorite is The Benson Ballroom. This space accommodates 150 guests and accesses the waterfall and Valentino Terrace. Have an outdoor ceremony, an outdoor cocktail hour and an indoor reception and everyone’s needs will be met. Perhaps your wedding party will be a bit more intimate. With spectacular vistas of the Columbia River and waterfall, the Falls Room is a practically perfect accommodation for parties of up to 50 guests. This room is on the hotel’s lower level, and opens onto a flower festooned courtyard. Guests can amble outdoors, wander the paths to the waterfall, or stroll along the ponds before returning to the dance floor.

No need to worry about organizing celebratory feasts.

Leave the details to the hotel’s award winning culinary team.

Instead, you can relax and take advantage of the many wine tasting, sightseeing and river sport activities nearby. Afterward, take advantage of the hotel’s full-service spa amenities to soothe away wedding stress. Need help planning your destination wedding to this historic property? No problem, the hotel provides a list of preferred vendors you can check out at columbiagorgehotel.com. Be aware that with the exception of wedding cakes, all refreshments are provided by the hotel’s restaurant and outside caterers are not permitted.

The Columbia Gorge Hotel is a dog-friendly establishment, provided your canine guest weighs less than 50 pounds. Thus, you may want to schedule a sitter for your Saint Barnard. Photographs are permitted in all of the hotel’s public spaces, both indoors and out.

To plan your wedding visit columbiagorgehotel.com

A penny-wise budget does not mean that you cannot have the celebration you long for. Prudent planning and careful venue selection will help you stay on budget, so you, your partner, friends and family can revel without guilt at your life-changing festival.

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Offering a full listing of all North Sound wedding vendors and venues.

Bride’s Little White Book ACCOMMODATIONS BRIDAL APPAREL CAKES CATERING EVENT PLANNERS EVENT RENTALS FINANCIAL FLORISTS MOBILE DJS & MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHERS TRAVEL TRANSPORTATION VENUES WEDDING SHOWS WEDDING WEBSITES

Couture Weddings 2012

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ACCOMMODATIONS Best Western Lakeway Inn 714 Lakeway Drive Bellingham, WA 360.671.1011 bellingham-hotel.com See ad page 73 Fairhaven Village Inn 1200 10th Street Bellingham, WA 360.733.1311 fairhavenvillageinn.com See ad page 80 Hotel Bellwether One Bellwether Way Bellingham, WA 360.392.3100 hotelbellwether.com See ad page 91 Semiahmoo Resort Blaine, WA 360.318.2018 semiahmoo.com See ad page 99 Tulalip Resort Casino 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd.

Tulalip, WA 888.272.1111 tulalipresort.com See ad page 67

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BRIDAL APPAREL Alicia’s Bridal Shop 1400 N. State Street Bellingham, WA 360.733.2563 formalhouse.com See ad page 66

CAKES Seamless Cakes & Events 360.920.8644 seamlesscakes.com See ad page 77

CATERING Best Western Lakeway Inn 714 Lakeway Dr. Bellingham, WA 360.392.6530 bellingham-hotel.com See ad Page 73

Market Street Catering Serving Whatcom, Skagit & Snohomish counties 866.912.2233 See ad page 69

DJs / MUSIC Audio Innovations 112 Ohio St., Ste. 214 Bellingaham, WA 360.656.5845 audioinnovationsnw.com See ad page 80 Whatcom Sound 5012 Samish, Suite 2 Bellingham, WA 360.733.5516 whatcomsound.com

EVENT PLANNERS Alice Joy Events Lynden, WA 360.318.9505 alicejoyevents.com See ad page 91 HM Design 360.305.1367 hmweddingplanning.com

EVENT RENTALS Cloe Designs 206.910.6960 cloedesigns.com See ad page 77 Grand Event Rentals Bellevue, WA 425.462.7368 grandeventrentalswa.com See ad page 95

FINANCIAL Whidbey Island Bank Multiple locations wibank.com See ad Back Cover

PHOTOGRAPHERS Love Study lovestudyphoto.com See ad page 71

Duclos Studios II 122 Ohio St., Ste. 103 Bellingham, WA 360.778.1371 bellinghamphotographer. com See ad page 87

VENUES

PHOTO BOOTH

Best Western Lakeway Inn 714 Lakeway Dr. Bellingham, WA 360.392.6530 bellingham-hotel.com See ad page 73

Oh! Snap Event Photo Booth 360.441.8084 ohsnapphotobooths. blogspot.com Picture This 825 232nd Pl. NE Sammamish, WA 425.214.4910 getpicturethis.com/seattle

TRAVEL All About Honeymoons & Destination Weddings/ Vacations 819 Commercial Ave., Ste. D Anacortes Office: 360.293.4856 Cell: 360.630.6453 allabouthoneymoons.com Snohomish County Tourism Bureau 1133 164th St. SW, Ste. 204 Lynnwood, WA 425.348.5802 1.888.338.0976 snohomish.org See ad page 55

WEDDING WEBSITES BridesClub.com See ad page 115 Coutureweddingsmag.com 360.483.4571 See ad page 110 SimplyOrganizedBride. com 425.373.1894 See ad page 95

Beau Lodge 17581 Wood Rd Bow, WA 360.724.7508 beaulodge.com

Doe Bay Resort 107 Doe Bay Road Olga,WA 360.376.2291 doebay.com See ad page 110 Giuseppes Al-Porto 21 Bellwether Way Bellingham, WA 360.714.8412 giuseppesitalian.com Hotel Bellwether One Bellwether Way Bellingham, WA 360.392.3100 hotelbellwether.com See ad page 91 Lairmont Manor Bellingham, WA 360.647.1444 lairmontmanor.com See ad page 90 Northwood Hall 3240 Northwest Ave. Bellingham, WA 360.671.8311 northwoodhall.com Semiahmoo Resort Blaine, WA 360.318.2018 semiahmoo.com See ad page 99 Tulalip Resort Casino 10200 Quil Ceda Blvd.

Tulalip, WA 888.272.1111 tulalipresort.com See ad page 67

WEDDING SHOWS Snohomish Wedding Tour May 20, 2012 10am - 5pm Various Venues mysnohomishwedding.com

Organized Bride Fall Bridal Show September 30, 2012 Ferndale Events Center Ferndale, WA 360.527.8542 Simplyorganizedbride. com

Seattle Fall Wedding Expo September 8-9, 2012 Seattle Center Seattle, WA 206.684.7200 bridesclub.com

Wedding Preview Event October 14, 2012 Seattle Design Center Seattle, WA weddingpreviewevent. com

Lynnwood-Everett Fall Wedding Expo September 22-23, 2012 Comcast Arena at Everett Everett, WA 425.373.1894 bridesclub.com

Bridal Inspirations Wedding Expo January 6, 2013 Best Western Lakeway Inn Bellingham, WA 360.733.2563 formalhouse.com

NW Bridal Showcase January 5-6, 2013 Tulalip Resort & Casino Tulalip, WA 425.418-3307 nwbridalshowcase.com Seattle Wedding Expo January 19-20 Seattle Center Seattle, WA 206.684.7200 bridesclub.com Lynnwood -Everett Wedding Expo January 26-27, 2013 Comcast Arena at Everett Everett, WA 425.373.1894

10 for navigating Tips the bridal show A

ttending bridal shows are exciting, fun and exhausting all at the same time. Here are some vital tips to help you navigate the shows and get the most enjoyment out of your experience.

1. Create a separate e-mail address for just your wedding and the vendors. This way, once you are married, it can be erased, saving you valuable e-mail space.

2. Create labels that include: bride’s name, groom’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address and wedding date. Print out a few sheets of these and take them to the wedding shows. There will be plenty of enter-to-win opportunities, and this will save you time and lessen the chance of acquiring writer’s cramp.

3. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

4. Wear undergarments in case you decide to try on wedding dresses. There are always bridal gown shops offering discounts and special buys on discontinued

gowns at the show. You never know, you may just find that dream dress on the sale rack.

5. Bring a planner and/or appointment book. Many vendors offer discounts if you book a consultation appointment with them on the spot.

6. Bring your checkbook. You may find that perfect vendor and want to take advantage of a special offer.

Make sure you ask about cancellation policies in advance.

7. Be patient, the shows are busy. From registering at the front door to browsing the aisles, brides and their companions want to be well informed. And if you take your time you won’t miss anything and your experience will be more enjoyable.

8. Bring fabric swatches of your colors. This way vendors have a better idea of your vision and can give helpful advice and suggestions.

9. Bring a camera. With all the displays there will be certain design aspects that will catch your eye and help the vendor you choose make your dream wedding a reality.

10. Have a budget and guest list (quantity) in mind.

This will help you and prospective vendors stay within your means.

F INIS HIN G TOUC H

It’s the smallest touches that make your day special...

...enjoy every moment.

Sarah & Ryan, August 6, 2011 Photo by Ryan Duclos

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WEDDING EXPOS WWW.BRIDESCLUB.COM

Seattle Fall Wedding Expo September 8 - 9, 2012 Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo September 15 - 16, 2012 Lynnwood Fall Wedding Expo September 22 - 23, 2012 Tacoma Wedding Expo January 5 - 6, 2013 Seattle Wedding Expo Januray 19 -20, 2013 Lynnwood Wedding Expo January 26 -27, 2013

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