Weddings - Whidbey Weddings 2016 by Sound Publishing

Destination

W eddings W hidbey

2016

A supplement to the Whidbey News-Times, South Whidbey Record and The Whidbey Examiner

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January 2016

Destination Whidbey Weddings

The Shortest Distance to Far Away ÂŽ Visitor Information Centers:

For in-person help and detailed information, call or stop by one of the many visitor centers located throughout the islands.

Greater Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce 32630 SR 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 OakHarborChamber.com (360) 675-3535 Coupeville Chamber of Commerce 905 NW Alexander Street Coupeville, WA 98239 CoupevilleChamber.com (360) 678-5434

Congratulations to Jen and Scott, married on July 27, 2013 at the Inn at Langley on Whidbey Island. Photo by Jason Koenig with JKOE Photo.

The Shortest Distance to Happily Ever After

Cross over by bridge or ferry and find yourself in a different world. This is the ideal place for your perfect day. Life is less complicated here. Youâ€™ll find everything you need for your gathering or group getaway.

Greater Freeland Chamber of Commerce 5575 Harbor Avenue, #101 Freeland, WA 98249 Freeland-WA.org (360) 331-1980 Langley Chamber of Commerce 208 Anthes Avenue, Langley, WA 98260 VisitLangley.com (360) 221-6765 Clinton Chamber of Commerce, c/o Dalton Realty 9546 Hwy 525, Clinton, WA 98236 DiscoverClintonWa.com (360) 341-3929 Camano Island Chamber of Commerce 848 N. Sunrise Blvd, #4 Camano Island, WA 98282 CamanoIsland.org (360) 629-7136

Free maps and guides plus lodging and event info at

WhidbeyCamanoIslands.com

Destination Whidbey Weddings

January 2016

TOP 20 ESSENTIALS

for a successful wedding

So the question has been popped and joyfully accepted. Now you both have to start thinking about what needs to get done to make sure this special day runs smoothly and that nothing is forgotten. Dear brides and grooms, here are the top 20 essentials to consider for a memorable wedding. 1. GUEST LIST. This is your day, so only invite the people with whom you actually want to share the moment. 2. INVITATIONS. Would you prefer to send out lavish printed invitations or simple virtual invitations? Whatever your choice, send them out as soon as you’ve set the date.

Page 3 try, a posh hotel or simply a family member’s home.

mouth water and a baker skilled in cake decorating.

8. FLOWERS. Choose a bouquet that goes with the bride’s outfit — and choose one that all the single women will try to catch when the time comes.

15. WEDDING FAVORS. Don’t forget to give your guests a personalized memento of your wedding.

9. RENTAL EQUIPMENT. For the sound system, tableware and even the tables and chairs, opt for a local company with a trustworthy reputation. 10. GIFT REGISTRY. By making this virtual document available to your guests, you won’t receive the same gift twice.

3. WEDDING PLANNER. This service can take quite a load off your shoulders so you can focus on the important stuff.

11. MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT. Choose an experienced DJ who will take into account your needs and preferences.

4. GROOMSMEN AND BRIDESMAIDS. Choose people you like and who aren’t afraid of being in the spotlight.

16. TRANSPORTATION. Would you prefer a limousine, a sports car or a vintage car? Or maybe even a horse and carriage? 17. RINGS. Be sure to visit more than one jewelry store before making your choices, and don’t skimp on the quality of these precious symbols. 18. THE GROOM’S SUIT. The future husband should choose an outfit that shows him off to advantage without eclipsing the star of the day.

5. CELEBRANT. Be sure that the person you choose to unite your destinies will allow you to personalize the ceremony.

12. PHOTOGRAPHER. Look through a photographer’s portfolio and ask for references before choosing the person who will immortalize this special event.

19. THE BRIDE’S OUTFIT. This is the most beautiful day of your life, so you have a legitimate right to the dress of your dreams — and shoes and jewelry and veil.

6. LOCATION OF THE CEREMONY. Do you prefer a church, city hall or a beach?

13. CAMERAMAN. Watch videos made for previous clients before making your choice.

7. RECEPTION VENUE. You can opt for a reception hall in the coun-

14. THE CAKE. Visit a few bakeries to find a cake that makes your

20. HAIR AND MAKEUP. The bride should take this part of her preparations very seriously. Just think about all the photos that are going to be taken throughout the day.

On the cover The cover photo was shot on Whidbey Island by photographery Michael Stadler of Stadler Studio Photography, www.stadlerstudio.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR & PUBLISHER | Keven R. Graves ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | Kimberlly Winjum EDITOR | Megan Hansen COPY & PHOTOS | Ron Newberry, Ben Watanabe & Staff MARKETING | Nora Durand, Teri Mendiola & JoAnn Baker CREATIVE | Jen Miller, Rebecca Collins, Michelle Wolfensparger & Caitlin Frost Additional copies of this publication may be available by calling: WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES | 360-675-6611 SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD | 877-316-7276 P.O. Box 1200, 107 S. Main Street, Suite E101 Coupeville, WA 98239

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January 2016

WHIDBEY ISLAND

Destination Whidbey Weddings

A premier wedding destination

By RON NEWBERRY It's been a mission of Gloria Mickunas to change conventional thinking about destination weddings in the Puget Sound region. Through her experience as a wedding and event planner, she learned quickly that the first destination that often comes to mind from her Seattle clients are the San Juan Islands. Enamored with Whidbey Island ever since she moved there 15 years ago, Mickunas has worked to open more eyes about what the island offers and has been happy to see interest rise. "The San Juans are gorgeous and stunning," said Mickunas, owner of Coupeville-based Whidbey Party Girls! "but we have everything they offer and so much more. Not only is it more cost effective

to have a wedding here, we're closer to Seattle. We're just a 15-minute boat ride (from Mukilteo)." The reasons that make Whidbey an attractive option to consider for a destination wedding run much deeper than the island's scenic beauty and rural backdrop, according to Mickunas. The island features a growing number of unique wedding venues. Other island assets include dedicated professionals in the catering and rental business and a shuttle service that runs regularly to and from SeaTac Airport, among other things. "We're not just barns and fields," Mickunas said. "That's been a big misconception." Yet, it's those barns, fields, woods and water views that give the island its scenic country charm and allow Whidbey to easily pass the eye test to be considered for one of life's biggest celebrations. And word has gotten out beyond the Seattle market. The number of destination weddings on the island from out-ofstate parties has risen considerably in recent years, according to Paula Spina, who owns the Crockett Farm, a popular wedding venue in

Marry Me at Meerkerk

INTIMATE • BEAUTIFUL • UNIQUE

3531 Resort Road, Greenbank, WA 98253 360.678.1912

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Michael Stadler photos

There are many locations options for weddings on Whidbey, from rustic historic barns to chic, upscale event properties.

Central Whidbey that features a historic barn and bed and breakfast. Spina has owned the farm for 11 years and watched the wedding business on the island boom since the time she started. “Whidbey’s becoming a tremendous wedding destination,” Spina said. “When we started, only two or three of us were doing weddings around town. Now there are dozens of people (in the wedding business).” An increase in elaborate and scenic event centers across the island that depict the Northwest seem to be part of the force behind the momentum. Former restaurant owners Dave and Dawn Noble moved to Langley in 2003 from the Midwest and purchased an old farmhouse and barn on 10 acres in the woods that they ultimately turned into Fireseed Catering. Initially starting as an off-site caterer, the Nobles transformed their barn and grounds into an events center where they could host and cater their own weddings and even pick produce from their own garden. Since starting out with four weddings in 2006, Fireseed has become one of

Destination Whidbey Weddings the island’s premier destination wedding sites, averaging between 40-45 weddings a year with wedding parties and guests coming from as far away as Pennsylvania, New York and Florida. “The Northwest is what we show off,” said Dave Noble, whose property features an outdoor ceremony location that looks out over a lake and vast open space. “The ceremony space is surrounded by lush Northwest gardens and big trees. The menu has that (Northwest emphasis) and the craftsmen have put their local Whidbey Island theme and touches on everything that’s in here. “A lot of people book with us because this shows off everything good about the Northwest and it shows off in more detail Whidbey Island.” The Nobles said they’ve seen a large increase in wedding professionals who live on the island than when they started. “There are more florists, more photographers and

January 2016

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Ron Newberry photo

Wedding and events planner Gloria Mickunas meets with a client at the Captain Whidbey Inn, one of many unique venues on the island for wedding events.

more caterers on the island,” Dawn Noble said. “There are more venues now. More people have started going down that venue road and trying that and are finding various degrees of success.” Jessica and Jon-Paul Dowdell, owners of the South Whidbey catering company known as the Roaming Radish, recently purchased a

unique piece of property near a private airport in Langley where they plan to open their own restaurant and also hold weddings. They are converting an old airplane hangar into the restaurant. Jessica Dowdell said she’s also seen an increase in wedding parties from out-of-state in the past five years.

“Another trend I’ve noticed in the last two years is the welcome party,” she said. “Instead of having a rehearsal dinner, we’re doing welcome parties for the entire wedding party.” Aside from private venues, Whidbey Island also features its share of outdoor weddings held in public locations with stunning views, particularly Fort Ebey, Fort Casey and Deception Pass state parks. Jack Hartt, manager of Deception Pass, said about 25 weddings are held at his park every year. But the growth in Whidbey weddings has created at least one recurring problem particularly during the wedding season from spring until fall. It can be hard for guests to find enough lodging. “We used to refer clients to inns in Langley and they’d book them no problem,” Dave Noble said. “Now, I refer them a year or more out and sometimes they’re already booked up by someone else who’s having a wedding.”

Planning Your Wedding? ine...having your g a m I wedding and/or reception at the Historic Island County Fairgrounds in Langley on beautiful Whidbey Island! Two commercial kitchens, small hall for intimate dining and a large, historic pole building for the main event.

If you are considering an outdoor wedding — enjoy the beautiful barns for your backdrop! Contact the Property Manager for reservations and pricing at 360-221-7950 or fairgroundsmanager@portofsouthwhidbey.com

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January 2016

Five tips for finding the perfect wedding dress

Choosing your groom’s outfit

As the bride, you will be the focus of everyone’s attention on your big day, including all the guests as well as your beloved, of course. But in order to be the most beautiful woman in the room, the star of the celebrations must choose her dress carefully. Here are a few tips to help you:

Even though the love of your life will be the star of the show at your wedding, you, as her future husband, must also look great. Need a hand? Here are some rules for looking your best and being stylish on your big day. 1. Take into account the wedding theme. Romantic, retro, country, glamour: once you’ve decided on the style and theme of the day, you’ll be able to choose between a suit and a tuxedo.

1. Think before you shop. It’s exhausting trying on dozens of dresses at random in the hopes of finding the perfect one. Before going shopping, be sure to browse some magazines and search the Internet to narrow down the styles you prefer.

2. Imagine your total look. Don’t just focus on the type of suit, but rather on the general impression you want to give. Don’t forget that what you wear around your neck will set the tone for your outfit. Also think about the combination of fabrics and colors.

2. Shop well in advance. Most people get married in the summer, so dressmakers’ agendas soon fill up and the prettiest dresses fly off the racks quickly. Make sure you plan enough time for the fittings. 3. Choose carefully who you shop with. Don’t shop with a crowd of friends who will confuse you with all their comments and diverging opinions. Choose one or two people who know you well and who have good taste. You’ll want them to be able to give you some honest feedback. 4. Choose a dress that you like. Your dress should make you feel good and allow you to be yourself. You also want to be comfortable walking up the aisle and dancing. Naturally, you’ll also want to choose a model that flatters your figure.

Destination Whidbey Weddings

Michael Stadler photo

Choosing the right dress for you is an important part of your big day.

5. Bear in mind the general atmosphere. Your outfit should harmonize with the wedding theme and the reception hall. For instance, a formal sequined dress is not really appropriate for a country setting. One last tip: decide how much you want to spend on your dress before you begin your search. That way you won’t ruin your whole wedding budget by splurging on an expensive dress. Wedding Transportation

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3. Choose the right fabric. Adapt your outfit to the season. Cotton or lightweight wool is appropriate for summer weddings. Linen, on the other hand, is perfect for a country wedding. 4. Don’t forget the accessories. Tie, suspenders, pocket handkerchief: your accessories should reflect the mood of the wedding. Choosing them before your outfit will give you an idea what color the latter should be. 5. Don’t clash with the dress. Shop for your outfit with either your future wife or a person who has seen her dress. A swatch of her dress fabric could also come in handy. 6. Make the most of your build. A checkered pattern makes you look bigger; black slims you down, and a long jacket lengthens the torso. 7. Make sure you feel comfortable. Choose an outfit that suits your personality. Above all, you don’t want to give the impression of being in disguise. Happy shopping!

Destination Whidbey Weddings

January 2016

Page 7

Learn the art of choosing flowers From the bridal bouquet to the decorations, flowers are going to be a major feature of your wedding. Not only do they create an atmosphere that is both festive and harmonious, they have to do it without breaking your budget. But don’t worry; it’s possible to achieve that goal with a bit of ingenuity. Choose your wedding dress first; it will influence the creation of your bouquet. A patterned dress, for instance, will require a fairly discreet bouquet. You should also take into account your figure: if you are petite, you should avoid cascading bouquets, which are more suitable for tall, slender brides. And make sure your bouquet isn’t too heavy, as you’ll be carrying it for a long time. You have a limited budget? Choose native flowers that are in season or exotic flowers that are readily available. Think foliage; it will add volume to your bouquet and it’s inexpensive. When choosing flowers, you may also want to consider their meanings. For example, you may prefer red roses (love) or white roses (pure love) rather than yellow roses (infidelity) and daffodils (coldness).

Wedding bands and accessories Has the time come to pay a visit to a jeweler in preparation for your wedding day? Be sure to do your homework first, because several factors have to be taken into account if you want to make the right choice.

Wedding bands

Wedding bands are the symbols of your union and must be chosen carefully. When searching for the perfect rings, your first step should be to set a budget and determine your preferences. n The type of ring: solitaire (one stone); three stones set side by side; eternity or semi-eternity (stones set around a portion or the entire circumference of the ring). n The metal: gold; platinum; silver; titanium. n The stone: diamond; sapphire; ruby. n The cut of the stone: square; elongated; heart; oval. You’ll be wearing your wedding band for a long time to come, so above all, make sure it’s comfortable.

Accessories Michael Stadler photo

Choose a bouquet that not only complements your dress, but also your figure.

Choose flowers that don’t wilt quickly, that don’t stain and that don’t have an overpowering scent. Once you’ve decided on your bouquet, it’s time to consider the buttonholes, bridesmaids’ bouquets and the reception hall decorations. All these elements should take inspiration

from your bouquet. You could use one of the flowers from your bouquet for the groom’s buttonhole and similar but smaller bouquets for the bridesmaids and table centerpieces. Need some inspiration? A professional florist is sure to have many great ideas to help you.

Your choice of jewelry will depend on the style of your dress, but don’t forget that the first rule of wedding jewelry is not to overdo it. If you’re wearing a rhinestone-encrusted bustier, you’re better off opting for earrings rather than a necklace. If you decide to wear earrings, the style you choose will depend on your hairstyle, the shape of your face—long earrings for a round face, for instance—the stones that adorn your dress and your hair ornament (wear small earrings with a big diadem). If you want to wear a bracelet as well, be sure to choose something discrete. Your dress is a simple one? An extravagant necklace could look great, as long as it goes well with the shape of your neckline.

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 Attend pre-wedding counseling, if required.  Shop for and order invitations and wedding rings.  Shop for formalwear.  Renew or get passports, if necessary.  Envision your wedding cake and research, interview, and book a cake designer.

4-6 MONTHS BEFORE

 Book ceremony musicians.  Order bridesmaid dresses.  Start planning honeymoon.  Send save-the-date cards. This is a particularly good idea if you’re marrying during a tourist or holiday season or having a destination wedding.

6-8 MONTHS BEFORE

 Bride: Think about, shop for and order your gown.  Envision reception food.  Decide what type of entertainment you want. A pianist for the cocktail hour, strolling violinists, a DJ or band?  Think about your floral decor.  Research and book your wedding professionals. Interview vendors: photographer, videographer, reception band or DJ, florist.  Research a wedding insurance policy to protect your deposits.  Research and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.  Register for gifts.  Contact rental companies if you need to rent anything for ceremony/reception, such as chairs, tables and tent.

8-10 MONTHS BEFORE

 Envision your wedding and draw up a budget.  Assemble your “planning team.” Consider hiring a wedding consultant.  Pick a wedding date and time. Select several options, then check with your venues, officiant, important guests before finalizing.  Start planning the guest list.  Look for and book ceremony and reception sites.  Ask friends and relatives to be in the wedding party.  Optional: Have an engagement party. You may want to register beforehand for gifts.

12+ MONTHS BEFORE

ust engaged? Wondering about all of the things you’ll need to do and when? Here’s a month-by-month snapshot of all your wedding to-dos.

 Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding.  Write checks and/or talk to wedding hosts (usually your parents, if not you) about any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception.  Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet sent a response.  Deliver must-have shot lists to photographer and videographer. Include who should be in formal portraits and determine when portraits will be taken.  Deliver final song list to your DJ or bandleader. Include special song requests and songs you don’t want played.  Bride: Get your last prewedding haircut and color.  Give reception site/ caterer final guest head count. Include vendors, such as the photographer or band members, who will expect a meal. Ask how many extra plates the caterer will prepare.  Supply location manager with a list of vendor requests such as a table for DJ or setup spaceneeded by florist.  Plan reception seating chart.  Print place and table cards, or finalize list with the calligrapher

1 WEEK BEFORE

 Present parents and each other with gifts.

DAY OF

 Rehearse ceremony. Meet with wedding party, ceremony readers, immediate family and your officiant at the ceremony site to rehearse and iron out details.  Bring all special ceremony accessories to the site.  Give your marriage license to your officiant.  Attend rehearsal dinner.  Present attendants with gifts at the rehearsal dinner. You’ll want to do this especially if the gifts are accessories to be worn during the wedding.

NIGHT BEFORE

DAY BEFORE 2 WEEKS BEFORE

1 MONTH BEFORE

 Mail your invitations.  Write your vows.  Purchase gifts for parents, attendants, and each other.  Book your stylist and try out big-day hairstyles.  Book makeup artist for a trial run.

2 MONTHS BEFORE

 Apply for a marriage license. Check with the local bureau in the town where you’ll wed.  Bride: Have final gown fitting. Bring your maid of honor along to learn how to bustle your dress. Have the dress pressed and bring it home.  Call all bridesmaids. Make sure they have their gowns ready for the wedding.  Make last-minute adjustments with vendors.  Create a wedding program to hand out to guests.  Order and plan in-room welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

2-3 DAYS BEFORE

you have hired to do so.  Call all wedding vendors and confirm arrangements.  Give ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus contact numbers.  Groom: Get your hair trimmed.  Attend bachelor/ette parties.  Bride: If you need to, have your gown pressed or steamed.  Groom: Go for final fitting and pick up your formalwear.  Groom: Ask the best man to make sure all groomsmen attend fittings and pick up their outfits.  Determine wedding-party positions during ceremony and the order of the party in the processional and recessional.  Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, disposable cameras, favors and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer and/or reception site manager.  Reconfirm final details with all vendors. Discuss any necessary last-minute substitutions.  Call the limousine- or carrental company for pickup times and locations.  Arrange for guests without cars to be picked up from the airport or train station. Ask friends, attendants or relatives to help.  Deliver welcome baskets to the hotel concierge; make sure to include names and delivery instructions.

 Order wedding cake.  Hire a calligrapher, if you want your invitations professionally addressed.  Attend your shower. (It may be earlier, depending on when hosts decide to have it.)  Groom: Rent the men’s formalwear.  Hire wedding-day transport: limousines, other cars. Look into transportation sooner if you’re considering renting streetcars or over-the-top travel.

3 MONTHS BEFORE

NOTES:

* To avoid stress, allot about 5% of your budget for a “just-in-case” fund. If you’re paying for your honeymoon yourselves, remember to budget for those expenses as well.

Reception: 48%-50% Ceremony: 2%-3% Attire: 8%-10% Flowers: 8%-10% Entertainment/Music: 8%-10% Photography/Videography: 10%12% Stationery: 2%-3% Wedding Rings: 2%-3% Parking/Transportation: 2%-3% Gifts: 2%-3% Miscellaneous: 8%

When it comes to financing a wedding, you should figure out how much you’ll need to spend to get what you want. Here is a basic breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

JUST HOW MUCH WILL THIS DAY COST?

 Prearrange for someone to return any rentals.  Preplan for attendants to take the bride’s gown for cleaning and return the groom’s tux to the rental shop.  Write and send thank-you notes to gift-bearing guests and vendors who were especially helpful.

POSTWEDDING

 Give wedding bands to the best man and the maid of honor to hold during the ceremony.  Give best man the officiant’s fee envelope, to be handed off after the ceremony.  Introduce your reception site manager to your consultant or maid of honor for questions or problems during the reception.  Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer’s contact so he knows who is who.

Wedding Planning Checklist

4-6 MONTHS BEFORE

6-8 MONTHS BEFORE

8-10 MONTHS BEFORE

12+ MONTHS BEFORE

ust engaged? Wondering about all of the things you’ll need to do and when? Here’s a month-by-month snapshot of all your wedding to-dos.

1 WEEK BEFORE

 Present parents and each other with gifts.

DAY OF

NIGHT BEFORE

DAY BEFORE 2 WEEKS BEFORE

1 MONTH BEFORE

2 MONTHS BEFORE

2-3 DAYS BEFORE

3 MONTHS BEFORE

NOTES:

* To avoid stress, allot about 5% of your budget for a “just-in-case” fund. If you’re paying for your honeymoon yourselves, remember to budget for those expenses as well.

When it comes to financing a wedding, you should figure out how much you’ll need to spend to get what you want. Here is a basic breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

JUST HOW MUCH WILL THIS DAY COST?

POSTWEDDING

Wedding Planning Checklist

Page 10

January 2016

WEDDING FEAST

Destination Whidbey Weddings

Options abound with caterers

By BEN WATANABE Adaptability, familiarity and range abound with catering companies on Whidbey Island. Everything, from barbecue and comfort foods to an abundance of salmon and shellfish, is available from more than a dozen caterers that stretch from the Clinton ferry to Deception Pass. One of the recurring staples for several companies operating on Whidbey is the availability of salmon. Given the schools that pass the island every year and the Pacific Northwest’s reputation as a salmon destination, it’s no surprise that many offer it as a meat/protein choice. “People love the Pacific Northwest cuisine, which I can’t fault them form,” said Tim Cammermeyer, owner of Blue Dog Catering, based in Langley. Tim and his wife, Meredith Crosby, have taken their passion for food and serving into the culinary world for the past few years. Since starting, they have catered more than 30 weddings, plus a host of other large-scale events such as

business grand openings. Blue Dog Catering has served for events with as many as 200 guests, but Cammermeyer said he has experience catering East Coast events with upwards of 8,000 guests. Another caterer is Midnight Kitchen, also run by a husband-and-wife team. Run out of their certified commercial kitchen adjacent to their Freeland home, Scott and Steph Pendell showcase a wide range of styles and tastes. A handful of seasonal menus allows the trained chefs to tailor dishes to produce that’s available and fresh. “We’re not trying to come up with a style, so much as being the medium,” Scott Pendell said during an interview in their kitchen. “People don’t want it to be too eccentric, but not too boring,” he added. Kababs, one of Midnight Kitchen’s signature dishes, was based on input from engaged couples. They anchored it to Whidbey-raised meats from 3 Sisters beef and offer vegetarian kabobs as well from seasonal vegetables, accompanied

Ben Watanabe photo

Salmon is becoming a frequent request of wedding parties on Whidbey Island.

by fresh, baked-from-scratch whole wheat pita. All of their breads are done in-house, thanks to Steph Pendell’s acumen with the oven. “We do utilize a lot of local farmers,” she said.

Paella Catering! 25-200 people

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Destination Whidbey Weddings

January 2016

They offered a few bits of advice for prospective customers when shopping for catering. Know where the wedding will be; that helps identify the actual cooking capabilities because not every venue has a commercial kitchen. Have at least a rough estimate of the number of guests; this further sets a framework of which dishes are available and which may be unrealistic. Tell them your budget; steaks are nice but can get costly in a hurry when offered for 200 people. Finally, the Pendells said couples should shop around at several companies — everything from florists and venues to caterers and DJs. “Look at caterers like any craftsman,” Scott Pendell said. “Look at their prior work.” A common feature for Whidbey’s catering companies is to offer a tasting, that way the customers know what to expect first-hand.

Page 11

Blue Dog Catering has a menu informed by Cammermeyer’s vast travel experiences. He’s lived abroad in Central America and Sweden, and those locations make themselves apparent in some of the sample menus like European infused dishes and Central and Latin American inspired menu suggestions. The sample menus are just that, samples, and are meant to be tweaked and adjusted to suit customers’ tastes. “I’d like to be known for customizing literally everything,” Cammermeyer said, adding that most of their foods are 98 percent made from scratch, including breads. He recalled a wedding this past summer that used a pig raised in Greenbank. “Since we’re so customized, I’m able to use everything that Whidbey Island has to offer,” he added. Someone looking for a different

experience can look to Front Street Grill in Coupeville, which now offers onsite catering in the banquet room above the restaurant. Overlooking the wharf, the banquet room seats 35, or the restaurant can be rented entirely for seating 60. Known for its seafood, Front Street Grill gets plenty of product from local waters and takes that philosophy to its other dishes as well. Or for catering with a bit of a show, the gourmet food shop, bayleaf, will prepare and serve paella at your event location for your special day. The meal-inone pan can be customized to your taste.

(360)321-2796

www.cateringwhidbey.com

Local, Fresh & Thoughtful Catering for your Special Day! Off-site services in all of Island and Skagit Counties

Alena@fsgcoupeville.com 360.682.2551/ 360.914.6181 Fsgcoupeville.com

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January 2016

Destination Whidbey Weddings

Planning wedding photos like a pro With everything that goes into your wedding day, those once-in-a-lifetime moments will go by in a blur, which is why hiring a professional wedding photographer is a must. After all, the last thing you should be worrying about is whether your photographer will be able to capture your big day. The key? Prepare yourself so that you can accurately evaluate the “right” photographer for you. Six tips to help you plan your wedding photos like a pro: 1. Book far in advance. The best photographers get booked quickly — sometimes as much as a year in advance — so don’t wait until the last minute to book your photographer. 2. Show them the money. Now is not the time to skimp on your photo budget. Call around and get a price range for services, and remember: after the cake is long gone, and the dress is stored away, your wedding photos will be the only things left to share and enjoy for years to come, so don’t cut too many corners on your photography budget — you’ll end up regretting it. 3. Make sure your photographer is a real pro. Only hire someone who has liability insurance, experience taking the style of photos you want, backup equipment and a plan for when things go south. 4. Request to see a full gallery of real weddings. Look at full wedding coverage (not just a small selection of each wedding’s best moments) to see a pho-

Michael Stadler photos

Creating a photography plan ahead of time, creating a detailed shot list and a timeline for photos during the event.

tographer’s true style and get a sense of how he or she might tell your “story.” Do you prefer more artistic or traditional poses? Would you rather have a photojournalist approach or a mix of all styles? 5. Work with your photographer to create a detailed shot list. Wedding photographers can also help you create that shot list, as they know what key moments

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tell a wedding story and can prepare for those. But talk about your must-haves, and walk through the entire program with your photographer ahead of time. Share your expectations ahead of time to ensure that he or she captures the key shots, while remaining attentive and available to catch the best candid moments. 6. Plan your post-wedding photo strategy ahead of time! Almost as soon as the festivities are over, you’ll be eager to look at the photos so you can relive your big day over and over again. Ask your photographer for teasers or a “sneak peek” and a timeline for when the rest of the pictures will be available. Will they give you an online gallery for family and friends to choose the images they want? Again, knowing these things ahead of time will make things easy on the back end, sparing you any heartache.

Destination Whidbey Weddings

Consider using professionals You want the most amazing wedding possible? Working with experienced professionals will help you make sure that everything is perfect on the big day.

To look beautiful

Makeup artist, hairstylist, beautician, manicurist—make an appointment now to be breathtakingly beautiful on your big day. Don’t forget to plan test sessions to ensure that the results live up to your expectations.

For a great atmosphere

Who will get your guests out on the dance floor: an orchestra, a string ensemble, a brass quintet or a DJ? For a successful evening, hire musicians and an MC as soon as possible. Don’t forget the reception hall; a decorator will be able to set the tone for the evening.

A mouth-watering feast

You’ll need to feed your guests, of course, so which caterer will you do business with? This professional can suggest different formulas and menus depending on your budget and the type of wedding reception you want. A talented pastry chef will take into account your tastes and your theme and make a cake as beautiful as it is delicious.

To immortalize the big day

Don’t leave your wedding photos to chance; after all, you’ll want to keep them for the rest of your life. Take a look at the portfolios of several photographers before deciding which one will create these beautiful memories for you. If you want to be able to relive the highlights of this special day, hire a videographer as well. You’re rushed off your feet with your busy schedule and a wedding to organize? A wedding planner will be able to give you all the help you need and ensure that everything is perfect on your big day.

January 2016

Page 13

Does your wedding have a theme? Do you dream of a fairy tale wedding? A party that features vibrating disco rhythms? Or a cultural-themed wedding? If you haven’t chosen a theme yet, that’s okay. But if you’d like a little pizzazz on your big day, choosing one will certainly help. A common thread Organize your wedding with a specific theme in order to have a common thread throughout all the elements. That includes centerpieces, decorations, bride and groom outfits, menu, reception hall and music—the possibilities are endless. A theme also helps you choose from among all the ideas you’re thinking of, not to mention that your suppliers will be able to make more appropriate suggestions. You don’t need to choose an extravagant theme; you can simply choose a color that sets the tone for your wedding, from the flowers to the bridesmaids’ dresses, cake, invitations and wedding favors. You’d like a more elaborate theme? Think about something you both like. It can be an era, a country, a passion, a decorative style or a mood. You might also be inspired by the season of your wedding or by the reception hall. In fact, the hall should be taken into consideration when choosing the theme, and vice versa—let’s just say that organizing a wedding with a western theme in a fancy hotel could pose a few problems. And don’t forget to make sure that your theme fits with the budget that you’ve set. So, will your wedding theme be coral and lime green, eco-friendly, disco, medieval?

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Michael Stadler photo

Choosing a theme for your wedding can help you organize and make decisions.

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January 2016

Destination Whidbey Weddings