Monday, April 19, 2010

Camano Island Wedding: Nancy & LaDeana {07.04.09}




Planning Nancy & Deana's wedding was such an honor for me. A vehement supporter of same-sex unions, I believe that all couples deserve the "happily ever after" wedding day of their dreams! A ten-minute phone consultation sold them on my services, which seriously must have been a record for me.

From California, where they live, we set up a follow-up conference call - during which I took notes furiously while they fired ideas at me like a shotgun. Lemonade Stand! Black and White Theme! Seafood Buffet! Unusual Food Displays! Polaroid Guest Book! Local Musicians! Group Photo a Must! Red Velvet Cake! Now...Go!! The complete freedom to "make it happen" for them was refreshing...the trust level was so high and this enabled me to really take their ideas and run. I was able to pull from my resources and propose some ideas that might not have flown with every bridal couple.




The Venue: Camano Country Club. This venue came with the couple and has a spectacular view and nice, large outdoor space. It is, however, quite dated in a 70's rec-club kind of way. The site evaluation uncovered all of the hunter green and brass in it’s splendor – and our newfound plans for covering it all with luscious white drapery from The Prop Gallery.



The Food: This was a MAJOR focus of the event. I knew after speaking with the brides that I had to have The City Catering Company and their ultra-creative staff on-board to help come up with some amazing ways to make a seafood extravaganza modern and exciting. The "Potlatch Celebration" - which is a Native American gathering that is native to Camano Island - inspired both the menu and the styling of the buffet, which included Native American blankets and a wooden canoe filled with local flowers. All of the seafood was sourced directly from Nancy's brothers, who just happen to be fishermen in Alaska.




The Fun Touches


Prior to the wedding ceremony a “Lemonade Stand” was set up outside for guests to refresh themselves while waiting in the hot sun. Both a spiked-vodka lemonade and a virgin formula were available.



A Polaroid Guest Book (yes, still real Polaroids!) was executed throughout cocktail hour, which is always a fun activity for guests.



The simple yet utterly delicious red velvet cake from Simply Desserts in Seattle (one of my favorite bakeries around) were displayed on a variety of artisan black cake stands from local tableware designer Rosanna.


The flowers were an assortment of lush and textural yellow flowers anchored by NW greenery pulled from the gardens of S*Scents Designs' Susan Snyder. Garlands and fruit were also used to give everything an abundant, summery feel.



Other honorable mentions: The team at AA Party not only provided rentals on a holiday that they are normally closed on(!), but they added a huge 40x40' tent less than 24-hours prior to the wedding when it was decided that, yes, the NW does get TOO hot(!!). Daniel Sheehan of A Beautiful Day Photography not only eloquently captured all of the beautiful details of the day, but of course got the required entire-group portrait done in a jiffy (which he also happens to be quite famous for...). Dustin of Bugsie Productions spun some great tunes all night to keep the party going.



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