Weddings - San Juans 2012

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Weddings

•

2012

In the San Juan Islands

Say ‘I do’ in a place you’ll never forget.

Photo courtesy of Columbia Hospitality

San Juan Island: the start of a lifelong romance

L

arge.

Small. for a change of pace and enjoy live Traditional. A bit music and a view of the harbor at off-beat. the port’s Jack Fairweather Park.

You’ll find a perfect Speaking of sunshine, San Juan setting on San Juan Island for Island lies directly in the rain whatever type of wedding you shadow of the Olympic Mountains might have in mind. and that phenomenon (basically The island is also home to it forces a rain-swollen weather numerous businesses and seasystem to dump its load) produces soned professionals — florists, 247 days of sunshine a year, on photographers, caterers, musiaverage. So, don’t forget the suncians, inns and lodges — that screen. specialize in making every The coveted westside of San Juan aspect of your special occasion Island is no more than a 15-mincomplete. ute drive from Friday Harbor.

Whether you prefer an outIt’s there you’ll find the dazzling door location, or a charming, sunsets, sweeping vistas and stunhistoric church or chapel for ning views of snow-capped peaks your wedding ceremony, San and waterways that the island is Juan Island offers a long list of famous for. Here you’ll find a state ideal venues as well. park, a historic lighthouse, a picnic Then again, you might conarea, a park devoted to land-based sider exchanging vows out whale watching, a campground on the water, in a kayak with with mooring and a boat ramp, a glorious sunset as a romantic national park and mile after mile backdrop. after mile of hiking trails.

Situated closer to Canada Roche Harbor Resort lies at the than mainland U.S.A., San Juan tip of the island’s northwest side.

Island is the last stop in the San Newlyweds Bill and Joy Dubay of Vashon Island were married at San Juan Island’s Lime Kiln State Park in the From its roots as a blue-collar comJuans for the numerous ferri- afternoon and then kicked off their wedding night with a visit to the San Juan County Fair. pany town, founded on the proers that leave the terminal in Journal photo / Scott Rasmussen duction of lime, Roche Harbor has Anacortes. It’s home to Friday evolved into a full-fledged resort Harbor, the only incorporated and seaside village, and one of the And there’s no shortage of activities to residents on any given summer day. town in San Juan county and one of the Northwest’s premier vacation and wedding Stunning scenery is one reason why San keep your guests occupied and entertained last remaining 19th-century wooden fishing Juan Island is such a sought after place for a during your special occasion. Hiking, bicy- destinations. It boasts a thriving marina, an villages in Puget Sound. The town boasts summer vacation, or for a wedding. In fact, cling, horseback riding, airstrip, a 19-acre sculpture park, numerous a year-round population of just over 2,000 the San Juans were named one of the top 10 golfing, wine tasting and hiking trails, a disc-golf residents that seemingly quadruples with best summer vacations spots by National kayaking are just a few of course and an outdoor a steady stream of visitors and part-time Geographic Traveler magazine in 2011. amphitheater, where a San Juan Island’s celebratlocal production company ed pastimes. performs Shakespearean Friday Harbor is home and other classic theater. to numerous art galleries, And its picturesque and an assortment of outdoor charming wedding chapel parks, a movie theater, an is a magnet for soon-to-be art museum, a historical newlyweds. museum, a military museWith its natural beauty um, a whale museum and and romantic ambience, a popular farmers’ marSan Juan Island is the perket as well. Whether it’s a fect place to create special quick bite or an evening memories that will last a of fine-dinning, there’s an lifetime. abundance of quality restaurants and firstFor more information and maps of class cafes that can satisfy the palate and the San Juan Island, visit the San Juan Island pocketbook of just about anyone.

More than a restaurant... your local source The town is also home to the Port of Chamber of Commerce, 135 Spring St., for catering & event coordinating Friday Harbor, caretaker of one of the most downtown Friday Harbor; 360-378-5240, charming and liveliest marinas in all of www.sanjuanisland.org.; or, visit the website www.vinnysfridayharbor.com of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau at, north Puget Sound.

165 West Street, Friday Harbor Here you can soak up the sunshine while www.visitsanjuans.com.

360.378.1934 strolling the docks or kick back in the shade

There’s no shortage of activities to keep your wedding guests occupied and entertained over the course of your special occasion

We have what you need for your Wedding Day. Offering a tasteful assortment of Catering Classics for your Special Day. We feature everything from appetizers to meals, platters to desserts, presented to suit your special needs.

Our catering professionals will love to help you plan your menu, and provide the freshest foods available.

Please stop by to pick up a brochure or phone us at 360-378-4522

Portrait: Charming, romantic wedding venues

Above photos / Contributed

San Juan Island offers a variety of romantic places to commemorate that special occasion. Above, left, Roche Harbor Resort, located on the waterfront at the northwest end of the island, remains one of the island’s more popular wedding venues. Above right, San Juan Vineyards, its chapel, winery and vineyards are an ideal wedding location. Below, left, a bride and groom share a rowboat and a kiss on a scenic island lake.

Left photo / Steve Horn

Glorious

Northwest Weddings set sail at the...

Waterfront — overlooking the Port of Friday Harbor.

Within walking distance to ferry. Large reception room. Full kitchen and bar area. All serviceware and glassware included. Can accomodate 200 guests.

Contact Gayle Rollins for more information

Coho Caters

Semi

Full Event Catering & Planning On & Off Premise • Full Bar From 2 to 200 - Let Us Handle All the Details Room Accommodations Available At Our Sister Inns

Fresh From The Island Fare

360.378.6330

Pacific Northwest Cuisine with a Mediterranean Flair 120 Nichols St • CohoRestaurant.com

273 Front Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250 360~378~3434 SJYC@rockisland.com SJYC.com

Portrait: A ‘ferry tale’ wedding

By Scott Rasmussen

S

eptember 11 is remembered in different ways by different people.

For Mark and Toni Desdier, it’s now a joyous occasion, a day of love and celebration, the day that the two were wed.

The Desdiers exchange vows onboard Washington State Ferries’ Hyak, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in a ceremony presided over by Bart Christie, who, like Mark, works for state ferry system. Christie also happens to be an ordained minister.

The ceremony took many of the Hayak’s passengers by surprise, and then by delight, as what began as a small but festive occasion quickly turned into a fullblown community event.

“It just grew and grew until we had around 800 guests,” Christie Accompanied by members of their wedding party, groom Mark Desdier, second from right, and bride said. “They were standing all Toni Desdier, next to Mark, pose for a photo on the deck of the Hyak after exchanging vows on Sept. around us and filled up both sides 11, 2011.

Journal photo / Scott Rasmussen of the walls.”

Two violin players, bound for Friday Harbor for a wedding perness,” she said. ducted in Peavine Pass, near Orcas Island. formance later that day, provided imprompMark added, “It’s time to move on.”

The couple were married 58 years. tu musical accompaniment as well.

But there’s more.

While the events of Sept. 11, 2011, may Toni Desdier, who works in the boat’s galEarlier in the day, the Hyak and its crew sound like extraordinary for the Hyak and ley, said the couple chose Sept. 11 for their also participated in a pre-planned memo- its crew, according to Mark Desdier, it’s wedding date by design. rial service, in which a woman said farewell pretty much just another day at the office.

“Because of all the 9/11 sorrow and stuff, to her deceased husband, a life-long diving “All in a day’s work,” he said we wanted to have a celebration of happi- enthusiast, as part of a brief ceremony con-

and

Composer Concert Harpist Mary WillAllen, M.A. Harp Music for Weddings, Receptions & Special Occasions Tailored to your taste Custom arrangements available Celtic, Contemporary or Classical

make your wedding day a class act

Classic Cab Co. 360-378-7519

SAN JUAN ISLAND Full wedding Venue:

Friday Harbor House 130 West Street, 360-378-8455 www.fridayharborhouse.com Roche Harbor 248 Reuben Memorial Drive 360-378-2155 rocheharborweddings.com

Wedding Ceremony & Reception Facilities:

Lakedale Resorts at Three Lakes 4313 Roche Harbor Road, 360-378-2350 www.lakedale.com San Juan Island Grange 152 First Street, 360-378-6632 iwp@rockisland.com San Juan Yacht Club 273 Front Street, 360-378-3434 SJYC@rockisland.com

Catering:

Kings Market 160 Spring Street, 360-378-4522 www.kings-market.com

Event Planning & Catering:

Coho Caters 120 Nichols Street, 360-378-6330 www.CohoRestaurant.com Vinny’s/San Juan Events 165 West Street, 360-378-1934 vinnys@rockisland.com

Wedding Officiant:

Reverend Dorothy Stone www.chooselove.com 360-378-6663 www.weddingcommitment ceremonies.com

Wedding, Birthday & Special Occasion Cakes:

CAKE by Daniel Van Hamersfeld cakeandco@hotmail.com 360-298-2124, www.cakeandco.net

Transportation:

Classic Cab Co. Drive in Style 1950 Mercury Sport Sedan 360-378-7519

Music & Entertainment:

Composer and Concert Harpist Mary WillAllen, M.A. 360-378-2387 marywa@centurytel.net The Jimmy Moe Show Songs & Music of Frank Sinatra/ Dean Martin 360-317-6285 alimoe@centurytel.net

Photography:

Kathleen Ballard Photography

James Krall 360-378-0949 www.sanjuanphotoarts.com

360 378-2387 marywa@centurytel.net

©James Krall

Nancy Treder Photography & The Seattle Wedding Bureau 1403 N. 42nd Street, 206-380-4000 www.nancytreader.com

WEDDING REGISTRY:

Dominique’s House at Roche Harbor, 360-378-2605 www.dominiqueshouse.com

Orcas Island: A special place to start forever

O

rcas Island offers a wide expanse of pastoral beauty, its rocky shorelines sloping up to loamy farmland, rising upwards again to form rocky peaks. The island’s 56.9 square miles are dotted with small hamlets offering world-class restaurants, boutique shopping, activity tours and sundries. Scattered among the trees and along the shores are a variety of quaint and lovely bed and breakfasts and hotels. Your guests might enjoy browsing the artisan pottery, jewelry or art at the island’s many galleries.

Professional Orcas Island wedding planners are at your service to guide you as you select a venue; experienced wedding photographers; talented local musicians; wedding officiant; or salons offering personalized hair, skin and makeup services.

Activities for guests The Orcas ferry landing hosts a gourmet grocery and deli, post office, a few small shops, a public dock, boat rentals, whale

watching, water taxi, car and moped rentals, and a taxi and shuttle service. To the east lies a woodsy residential area along Killebrew Lake Road; to the northwest, Orcas Road winds through grassy meadows toward the island’s center, Eastsound.

Eastsound is home to an array of charming shops, restaurants and specialty boutiques. You’ll find a public library, a historical museum, grocery stores, a pharmacy, restaurants and more. Along its north and south shorelines are three public parks, and Buck Park has a playground and soccer fields. Orcas Center hosts a lively variety of musical, theatre and artistic offerings.

On the southwestern prong of Orcas Island, West Sound features a cafe, a public dock and a marina, while sunny Deer Harbor offers lodging, a restaurant, and two marinas where kayak, boat and whale watching tours embark.

Southeast of Eastsound, Olga Road leads to 5,200-acre Moran State Park. Drive, hike or cycle to the top of 2,400-foot Mount Constitution, where you can take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the outlying islands and the Cascade Mountain range.

Trails provide easy walks or rigorous, hilly climbs. Afterward, you might enjoy picnicking at Cascade Lake’s sun-warmed swimming area, with a playground, barbecues

~ Catering ~ Weddings - Retreats - Corporate - Reunions - Off-Site Mobile Catering Wood fired Oven, Grills and Smoker Pit BBQ Licensed for Full Bar Call or Email to plan your event! 360-376-1040 • carp@rockisland.com www.deerharborinn.com/weddings-catering

and picnic tables.

Beyond the park lies Olga, with its eclectic art co-op and restaurant; past it you’ll find secluded Obstruction Pass state park, with hike-in campgrounds along a lovely pebbled beach. Point Lawrence Road leads to the hamlet of Doe Bay, with a historic resort, sundries shop and hot tub.

C A K E Wedding  Birthday Special Occasions Serving the Islands Since 2002

Top photo: A joyful wedding walk along the island hills.

Photo / Steve Horn

Left photo: Jenny and Cory Foote during their wedding on Orcas.

Photo / Chris Gill, WestBoundary Photography

Orcas Weddings www.orcasweddings.com

Create Your Unique Ceremony...

DANIEL VAN HAMERSFELD view the gallery online www.cakeandco.net cakeandco@hotmail.com

360 298 2124

For many, many years I have had the honor of performing beautiful, customized ceremonies for couples ready to make that lasting commitment to one and other. I have ceremonies readily available or I help create a ceremony unique to you. I travel to any site on Orcas Island and I am licensed to perform religious or civil ceremonies.

Sandra Wilson Wedding Officiant 360-376-4524

Portrait: Unique twists with traditonal bliss Left photo: Poised and ready for her special day.

Photo / Steve Horn

Right photo: Jenny and Cory Foote during their wedding on Orcas.

Photo / Chris Gill/ WestBoundary Photography

• Patina

Floral, Design & Planning Congratulations on your engagement!

Now that you have chosen one of the most beautiful places in America to have your wedding, let Patina create unique ways to blend this wondrous landscape with your personal style.

Contact us for a free consultation.

360.376.3737  patina@rockisland.com

ORCAS ISLAND CATERERS:

Angels’ Food Catering jacobandkristi@angelsfood catering.com, 360-376-7420 www.angelsfoodcatering.com Deer Harbor Inn Restaurant carp@rockisland.com 360-376-1040 www.deerharborinnrestaurant.com

EVENT PLANNING:

Cloud 9 Events info@cloudnineevents.net 360-298-1230 855-888-6463

FLORAL DESIGN:

Patina Floral Design & Planning 360-376-3737 patina@rockisland.com

WEDDING OFFICIANT:

Orcas Weddings Sandra Wilson, 360-376-4524 www.orcasweddings.com

EVENT RENTALS:

Orcas Weddings & Events 434 Prune Alley 360-376-8376 www.orcasevents.com

Lopez Island: Tie the knot on the “Friendly Isle”

W

ith its gently rolling hills, bucolic farmlands, and easily accessible parks and seashores, Lopez Island is the perfect wedding venue … if you like peaceful, beautiful settings and a place known for being the “Friendly Isle.”

Lopez is a top destination for visitors to the San Juans. Don’t be surprised if fellow motorists wave — it’s the island way. Lopez is also the closest of the ferryserved islands to Anacortes, making it a quick and convenient trip.

Most of the island’s businesses are located in Lopez Village. On Saturday mornings in the summer, you’ll find shoppers perusing fresh vegetables at the Farmers Market, and children playing in Lopez Village Park.

Although Lopez Island’s population is small, around 2,400 people, it has a wide variety of music concerts, art shows, cultural events. You’ll find talented wedding photographers and an eclectic group of musicians for your ceremony.

Wedding venues:

Stephanie Daigle dances with her father, Bruce Williams, at her wedding reception on the Williams’ Lopez Island property.

Photo / Steve Horn

The island offers a selection of potential ceremony venues like the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts with its wood floors, large windows and outdoor performance pavilion; Lopez Island Vineyards offers beautifully landscaped winery gardens for an intimate outdoor wedding location; Lopez Islander Resort is located on charming Fisherman Bay and includes waterfront hotel rooms and

Of all the historic structures on Lopez Island, not many buildings are more beautiful or beloved than Center Church.

Photo / Steve Horn

LOPEZ ISLAND Wedding Reception Facility: Woodmen Hall 360-468-3537 360-468-2421 Photography: Steve Horn Photography 360-468-2100 www.stevehorn.net

Be part of the Lopez tradition

Woodmen Hall The perfect venue for your wedding reception.

Beautiful, warm inviting space, all the amenities you need for that special day: stage, new sound and lighting systems, table settings, professional kitchen, all add to the Hall’s charms.

Contact Gordon Eustis, 468-3537 or Lopez Senior Services, 468-2421

Ad sponsored by The Friends of Woodmen Hall and Lopez Senior Advisory Board

restaurant; The Galley truly offers a family-friendly environment on Fisherman Bay, the Edenwild Inn with premium accommodations nestled in the heart of Lopez Village, of Woodman Hall.

There are also several churches for tying the knot including, Center Church and Grace Episcopal Church.

Activities for guests:

What makes Lopez such a romantic setting is its vast expanses of spectacular beaches, vistas and stunning wildlife. It’s common to see eagles, great blue herons, and osprey fly into the distance behind you. Take a trip to Odlin County Park and Spencer Spit State Park and your wedding guests may also catch a killer whale sighting.

The Lopez Village, which has a grocery stores, two coffee shops, several boutiques, restaurants, a bookstore, and a bakery, provides the essentials and any last minute items during for your time on the island.

If you’re guests need a place to stay there are plenty of accommodations on the island including a motel, bed and breakfasts, vacation home rentals and three campgrounds.

A wedding on Lopez not only gives you breathtaking scenery, but a place of rustic charm and friendly people. For more info, contact the Lopez Chamber of Commerce at 468-4664 or visit http:// www.lopezisland.com.