Couples in the wedding industry have learned a thing or two about what and what not to include on someone’s big day.
Katie and Brock Clements first met through Katie’s sister in 2011.
“She didn’t even notice me the first time, but I noticed her,” Brock said.
Around 2014 the couple started on a project turning an old barn turned metal shop into a wedding venue.
While Brock said he knew at first sight that he wanted to spend his life with Katie, she said it came to her while working on the barn together.
“As we were building the business together it was really like we were building a future together,” Katie said.
Now Brock and Katie run e Saltbox Barn on Fir Island alongside Brock’s mom, Jan Johnson.
“Being able to celebrate love is such a rewarding job,” Katie said.
e first wedding held was their own in 2017.
e couple started holding weddings and events in 2018 and since then has held between 150 and 200 weddings.
While building their business the couple said they’ve learned a lot about each other.
“It’s very rewarding seeing our efforts together turn into something beautiful,” Brock said.
He said he realized how Katie excelled at communication with the families and vendors and her marketing skills.
“I was very impressed with how good she was at that,” he said.
Katie said that she was impressed with Brock’s customer service skills and his ability to take extra steps in order to make a couple’s day special. She said he notices things that many people may overlook like a handful of dandelions in the yard.
Courtney and Ben Bourasaw are another couple involved in the wedding industry. Courtney is the chef behind Skagit Table and Ben helps out when needed.
e couple met online and has been together for
“I only agreed to a date because he was 6’6” and I’m tall,” Courtney said. Not long after dating the couple was Facetiming while Courtney was visiting Leavenworth and Ben asked her to be his girlfriend. Within five months of meeting the couple was married.
“She just had the right characteristics,” Ben said. “Our personalities are different, but her personality brought out the best in my personality and vice versa.” When it comes to working together Ben said the key is to know your role. If they are at a wedding, Courtney is in charge.
Courtney said it is important to remember not to bring your relationship to work, whether that be arguing or kissing.
Over the years the couples have also learned some do’s don’ts for wedding day. Some lessons were learned from their own wedding and others have been learned from others.
“We’ve learned so much since then,” Katie said of their own wedding.
Courtney said her and Ben hiked to the top of Oyster Dome and got married there, then four years later had a reception.
“I feel like we were pros by then,” Courtney said since by then she had catered for many weddings.
Katie said her biggest recommendation for couples planning their wedding is to hire professionals, including a day-of coordinator.
“ ey will put out fires you didn’t even know were happening,” she said.
Hiring professionals allows the family that may otherwise be helping with food or music or set up to enjoy the special day.
“ ey don’t get to enjoy the day and the day goes so fast,” Brock said of the family helping with the wedding.
Katie said that when hiring a professional they have a stake in the matter, while
have alcohol at the wedding or to spend thousands of dollars on flowers when the party views the food as more important.
a friend or family member may bail at the last moment or not provide the service to the wanted standard.
As far as services go, the Clements agreed that food is usually one of the more important ones.
“People are spending one of their two days off to be there,” Katie said of the guests wanting to be served good food.
Courtney said when looking to hire professionals, to hire off of more than just what is seen on their social media pages. Ben added that it is important to have a relationship with the vendors, too.
“You want them to be on your team,” he said.
Another major piece of advice the couple had was to be realistic with expectations and to not sweat the small stuff.
Brock said sometimes when things go off the plan it can make the most memorable moments. He cited instance of a harvest occurring on the farmland that borders the venue or a thunderstorm that rolled in
for a wedding.
Keeping things realistic also helps to keep couples within their budget, as the Pinterest perfect wedding likely costs more than $100,000, according to Katie.
Courtney pointed out that everything is getting more expensive, so setting healthy boundaries are important, as is deciding what is important to the couple. She said she has seen some couples feel pressured to
One universal item Courtney said is often a waste is party favors.
“ ey get left behind most of the time,” she said.
Katie said her wedding was very personalized with things for the guests to do and view. e added experience helped to share the couple’s story, she said.
Brock said Saltbox had a wedding with the ring girl driving a little motorized toy car who ran into
everything.
“Stuff like that you can’t recreate,” he said.
Courtney and Ben hiked Oyster Dome in place of a typical ceremony. Years later for their reception, Courtney said nearly a third of the guest list was children, so they had s’mores and a bouncy house.
“Family is really important to us,” Ben said.
Katie said couples need to think about what is important to them and the story they want to tell during their wedding.
“ ere’s no rules on how your wedding day has to be,” she said.
WEDDING trends
1. BIG CAKES, YES OR NO?
Cake is often one of the first things that comes to mind when you are thinking about a traditional wedding. And is quite an Instagram moment, one of the centerpieces of the night. There will always be room for those who embrace tradition and classic weddings and go for the “the bigger, the better” motto. But now, people, especially in big metropolitan areas, are moving away from this in a desire to express personal style. A cake is not just a cake, it is a statement, there are new cake designs, “out of the box”, bold color palettes and edgy flavors in a way to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. But not just the cake is changing, also more couples are now looking for desserts that have deeper cultural significance, and that are maybe attached to their cultural backgrounds. Also different ways to display dessert, even an ice cream truck is allowed now because, who doesn’t love ice creams? Bypass traditional table service and offer slices directly to interested guests. For others, provide personalized to-go boxes for a quick grab-and-go dessert on their exit. This approach guarantees a bustling dance floor while ensuring that late-night revelers can indulge in their midnight cravings. Also dessert platters allow couples to cater to all the allergies and dietary restrictions their guests may have. Everyone can choose what they want, and where and when to have it.
2. THE PERFECT DRESS
White is and will always be a bride's color but, let's say the menu has become a little bit more interesting. Whether you go for romantic, modern, bold, or glamourous, there are a new range of colors that are on the table. This season, in particular, many designers opted for muted hues in shades of blush pink, pastel green, baby blue, and light gray, warm and hot colors like poppy red and sunset inspired. 2024 also seems to be the year of the mini. They have become the perfect option for an engagement, a pre-wedding, a post-wedding, for civil weddings and as second looks of the day. Whether adorned with lace, sequins, or intricate embroidery, these mini wonders are perfect for the bride who wants to dance the night away in style. The '80s-inspired puff shoulders trend is making a comeback with a modern twist, featuring voluminous, structured shoulders that add drama and flair to wedding gowns. Floral appliques and bows are in now, adding a playful and feminine element to wedding dresses.
3. ECO FRIENDLY WEDDINGS
Sustainability is an everyday growing concern and the weddings zone is not the exception. Every year we became more environmentally conscious than we were in the previous 12 months. So, if you are planning your BIG day consider a local venue close to where you and your loved ones live. This cuts down on travel emissions and supports your local community. Think charming village hall, stunning barn conversion, or even a beautiful outdoor space near your home. Embrace the beauty of the season by choosing locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients for your menu, bursting with flavor and freshness which will reduce transportation needs and will also support local farmers (bonus points for incorporating edible flowers and herbs). Minimize food waste by offering smaller portions and creative leftovers solutions and donate any usable food to local shelters or charities. Upcycle vintage finds, borrow from friends and family, or choose natural materials like wood and greenery. Create DIY projects with loved ones, adding a personal touch and minimizing waste. Let your décor tell a story of shared creativity and resourcefulness.
4. LONGER APERITIFS, SPECIAL MENU & CHAMPAGNE TOWER
open kitchens and a more fun proposal is what
In 2024 we will see how the aperitif time is getting longer. The aperitif has become a very dynamic moment in which there are food stalls (ham, cheese, Italian sausages, ceviche), creams served in small cups and a variety of hot and cold bites, with international or local nods. The drink also pivots on themed cocktails, craft beers and, of course, say hello and welcome back to the amazing and endearing Champagne Tower! In these times when everything becomes an experience, food will be a relevant phenomenon, fresh and very visual: the magic of show cooking, both in cocktail-style weddings and in those longer aperitifs. Stoves, open kitchens and a more fun proposal is what the bride and groom understand as a success. With an increased interest in health and sustainability, more couples select farm-to-table menus for their wedding receptions in 2024 which includes locally-sourced food from farmers and producers, which leads to fresher, more nutrient-dense dishes. Plus, farm-fresh dining boosts the health of the environment by using eco-friendly growing and harvesting methods.
wned by the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, the Skagit Casino Resort, located in Bow, offers a picturesque, tranquil setting that is conveniently located off Interstate 5 between Mount Vernon and Bellingham.
The property is comprised of a 103-guest room hotel, a lively casino, delicious dining options, and entertainment. The casino opened to the public in 1995, followed by the hotel and banquet space in 2000.
The Skagit Casino Resort
offers full-ser vice events featuring on-site catering with menus that can be customized to meet any group ’ s needs and a vast selection of decorations and linen colors to match any wedding theme and colors.
Ver y small, intimate parties to large gatherings are easily accommodated as the event space can be adjusted for groups as small as 10 people up to 280 people. Not to mention the luxurious accommodations in the onsite hotel and the fun of a Las Vegas style casino
The event center is staffed by knowledgeable, experienced event staff who can assist couples with planning their perfect day from beginning to end.
“ What sets us apart is our customer ser vice. We strive to make sure ever y guest has a memorable experience when staying or attending an event at our resort”, said Hotel Director Kat Maloney She continued, “I love the
These scenic views offer a beautiful backdrop for wedding pictures. Skagit County also offers many local vendors who are talented florists, photographers, and planners. Skagit County is truly a special place to get married and we look for ward to helping couples plan the wedding of their
Engaging
The Skagit has what you want for a unique, festive and memorable event celebration not too far from home Our catering staff will ensure that every detail of your function is exactly as you wish. Whether you’re planning a lavish celebration or an intimate gathering, you and your guests will enjoy our luxurious accommodations, delicious dining options, a comfortable hotel and the excitement of our fun filled casino
dreams here at the Skagit Casino Resort”, said Kat.
isteria Gardens
LLC is a wedding and event venue founded in October, 2019 by husbandand-wife team, Heather and Mike Carlson. The venue features a well-kept and thoughtfully designed setting on 10-acres of private property The 5,000 square foot event barn is fully heated in the winter, and includes both men ’ s and women s restrooms, kitchen prep and clean up areas. The eye-catching finishes inside the barn remain neutral to highlight the client s personalized design elements. Unique outbuildings, including a log cabin for the groom ’ s party a silo for bartending, and a kid s playhouse for younger guests, add charm to the grounds Seasonal flower gardens, including abundant dahlias and sunflowers, bring added color to July and August events, adding a striking setting for wedding ceremony and photos. Guests, young and old, are delighted by the chance to feed the resident Scottish Highland cows. Said Heather We work hard to provide a clean and captivating venue so our guests can experience unspeakable joy during their stay Because we live on-site, we are available to ser ve any needs in person,
and in a timely manner
Our team always provides all the setup and break down of tables and chairs so clients don t have to do the heavy lifting, especially at the end of the evening We also offer an extensive supply of decorations in our on-site decoration room, exclusively available to our wedding clients to assist them with table decorations, signage, and many
other wedding day needs ” “ We believe Skagitonians have the privilege of living in one of the most incredible places in the world All year-round there are exciting things happening. Whether it s the migration of birds in the winter, tulips in the spring, whale watching in the summer or har vest festivals in the fall; Skagit County draws guests from all over the globe Anacortes, in particular, has several great viewpoints that allow you to absorb miles of our breathtaking landscape in a single glance. If that wasn t enough, Skagit communi-
ties are warm and inviting. We truly live in a destination setting that couples would be proud to showcase to their family and friends.”, said Heather She continued, We meet the nicest people and enjoy getting to know others in our
Janey Dodge’s jewelry career began at the age of twelve when she started working with her parents at a local jewelry store, gift-wrapping purchases and providing shop assistance. In the fall of 2012, she opened PAVÉ Jewelry & Design in downtown Mount Vernon.
As a second-generation jeweler, Janey continues her collaboration with her mom, Beth, and draws on their accumulated knowledge to provide a fantastic experience for their clients.
PAVÉ’s specialty is custom jewelry design and jewelry repair, but it also offers a curated selection of fine jewelry, including gold, sterling silver, diamonds (natural and lab-grown), and gemstones. In 2022, the mother-daughter team added permanent jewelry to their services: custom-fitted bracelets, anklets, and necklaces that are welded on without a clasp.
Discover a world of beauty and wellness within our vibrant community of independent professionals. Each studio is a sanctuary where talent thrives, and creativity knows no bounds. Let’s introduce you to our fabulous lineup:
Studio 1: K-Tans
• Services: Spray Tans and Skin Care Products
“We are the leaders in custom jewelry,” says Dodge, “and a large part of our business is getting to know our clients and helping them create the perfect piece of jewelry to celebrate life’s special occasions.”
Janey and Beth curate their jewelry collection with their customers in mind. Over 90% of their inventory is customizable. “This means you can choose, change, and create from items in our collection or something you may have imagined,” Dodge says. “Choose the size, shape, stone, and metal, change any design details and create a new piece that reflects your style and the significant moments in your life.”
PAVÉ is a full-service store offering jewelry repair, complimentary cleaning, watch battery replacement and repairs, pearl stringing, custom jewelry design, jewelry appraisals, and permanent jewelry. Its hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Appointments are encouraged to give each customer full attention.
WEDDING trends
1. KEEP IT ENTERTAINING
While you may already have your band or DJ secured, consider adding a unique touch to your event. You can have live painters to immortalize your wedding day on canvas, making for a truly special and memorable gift to yourselves. Some couples are opting for sketch artists to seamlessly mingle with the crowd during the cocktail hour, surprising guests with charming 5x7 portraits capturing the essence of their wedding attire and hiring a tarot card reader has become a fun and original option. Even flash mobs will WOW your guests and keep them talking about your big day for years to come. Have you heard about the after party? Club vibe with colored lights, an LED dance floor, dancers, a fog machine…? This post wedding get-together can be at a different venue than the reception and stocked with food, drinks and fun entertainment.This will absolutely continue into 2024 with couples leaving a separate line item in their budgets devoted solely to the after party where you can also hand out commemorative after party swag or favors, like custom T-shirts or Swiftieinspired friendship bracelets.
2. SAY CHEESE!
You chose a gorgeous venue to celebrate your wedding, so why not showcase it? Drone photography is still a strong trend. The unique perspectives that capture, particularly outdoors, are awsome. Numerous photographers and videographers include aerial photography in their services, appreciating the enchantment of witnessing your initial kiss (and all your loved ones) from a bird's-eye view. You can also rent a photo booth that remains popular, but opt for a twist, it can be a revamped VW bus or a trailer photo booth instead of the traditional setup. Also provide unique props for guests to use, creating not just entertainment but also a memorable way to capture moments. Video and GIF Booths are a modern version of the classic photo booth, and super shareable on social media, instead of strips of still photos, guests can deliver a heartfelt message—or a champagnefueled performance of off-key karaoke and killer dance moves. Finally, hand out disposable cameras to everyone, they were especially effective at capturing the sweatiest, loudest part of the night.
3. LET’S TOAST!
When it comes to beverages, which is the best option to keep on a budget? You have different options:
You can choose a Limited Bar with just beer, wine and maybe a special signature cocktail.
Host the bar for as long as you can and then switch to a cash bar (often referred to by venues as a Maximum Capacity bar) but don’t forget to advise your guest about it.
Offer your guests drink tickets for a certain number of hosted drinks, then switch to a cash bar (always inform guests in advance if they’ll need to pay for their own drinks).
Very few guests actually drink the champagne, so you can just skip it and have your toast with a cocktail or wine.
4. 2 DAY WEDDING
One of the main trends of 2024 will be to extend the celebration to take advantage of the opportunity to spend more time with family and friends (which is the second reason for couples to get married). Many couples choose to have on the first day the formal or religious ceremony so they can concentrate on the party the other day. It can be a brunch or some even opt for daytime parties of different types, such as a pool party. The format is the least important, the main thing is to add a few hours to the celebration to make the most of the weekend. Also after COVID, the concept of revenge travel was born, which refers to the need to make up for time lost during confinement with trips to distant and exotic places. A trend that has also established itself in honeymoons and that will continue strongly in 2024.
If you feel that you may have too many guests, you could split them between the two days.
or the past 14
years, Stepping Stones Garden has provided a magical wedding venue for countless couples.
Owners, Judy Pedersen and her daughter, Kristi Sedlacek, purchased the business three years ago, marking the start of an exciting journey With a rich background in education and a master ’ s degree in business and economics, Judy, a retired teacher, joined forces with her daughter, a business teacher at Mariner High School with a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing and a master s in technology in education. Together, they are gearing up for their fourth wedding season, weaving dreams into reality for their cherished clients. Judy loves the work she does. “It s fun and I enjoy going to the parties. It s a happy occasion.”, she said.
Kristi spent 15 years in Europe near Windsor Castle where she developed a profound appreciation for ornate décor and oldworld charm; sentiments that infuse every corner of Stepping Stones Garden’s 6.5 acres of lush property
The Victorian-style house, a timeless gem constructed in 1929, is adorned with exquisite period furniture and dazzling chandeliers, adding an extra layer of allure to this picturesque venue.
The landscaping design was developed with the concept of individual rooms (gardens) with flowing transitions within the larger landscape to accommodate large garden parties. Each room, or garden, offers a beautiful focal point, such as waterfalls, ponds, or stunning flowers. Brides and grooms can choose from several locations, backdrops, and gardens for their pictures, ceremony, and reception.
The 2,500 square foot chic barn provides the perfect space for covered receptions with a commercial kitchen for caterers. For outdoor reception space, there is a 60 x 60 foot white reception tent with a large bar area and a separate lit open sky pavilion for the perfect dance floor The bottom half of the Victorian house functions as dressing rooms for the bridal party and there is a
separate house with a gazebo for the groomsmen to get ready Amenities include A/C, a parking lot for about 85 cars, tables and chairs, and an old MG convertible available as a wonderful photo prop for weddings. Judy is passionate about the Skagit Valley s agricultural history and sees it as one
of the special things about Skagit wedding venues. She takes immense pride in the 150 acres of farmland that she owns, once dedicated to raising premium grass-fed beef Today, she leases the land to local farmers. At Stepping Stones Garden, their boutique farm specializes in cultivating a delightful
array of herbs, lavenders, rhubarb, and cut flowers.
“The bountiful harvest from our fields not only adds a touch of freshness to our weddings but also finds its way to local farmers markets, connecting our community through the celebration of locally grown treasures.”, she said.
wned by the City of Mar ysville, the Mar ysville Opera House is a historic building that was originally designed for operatic performances.
Opera houses are acoustically optimized to enhance live musical and vocal performances, and they often have elaborate and ornate architectural designs to complement the grandeur of operatic productions. These elements also contribute to a beautiful wedding venue.
The Opera House was built in 1911 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The city purchased the cultural landmark building in 2018. The event space has easy access from the freeway and includes use of a cottage to get ready and a private garden space.
The beautiful two-stor y building features a magnificent ballroom with chandelier lighting, a charming mezzanine area, a picturesque balcony and a classic tin pressed ceiling. There is also a caterer ’ s kitchen, bar ser vice area, main floor ADA accessibility, and a stage with a dressing room. The building boasts simple and historic elegance and is a great venue choice for those looking for a self-ser vice option. Bring your own caterer, DJ, photographer, and event specialist to create your special day The Op-
