Inspiration

Plan a Very Pacific Northwest Wedding

If you hear Pacific Northwest wedding, you’d be forgiven if you first imagine the wedding party in fleece and boots. But the wedding designers at A. Renee Weddings & Events have a different aesthetic in mind. The company’s sweet spot is Pacific Northwest weddings.

Scroll through their Instagram and you’ll see a blend of rustic pieces, outdoor settings, and tons of natural greenery. It gets our hearts all aflutter. We asked the owner, lead wedding planner, and lover of hiking Amber Sooter to give us some tips on infusing Pacific Northwest design into your own wedding, be it through event planning, decoration, tent (one similar to 40×100 party tents), flowers, cuisines, traditions or any other wedding ritual.

The first and most important thing after a wedding gown is a wedding photographer who can capture the best images that couples can cherish and remember with a smile for years to come. While a couple could imagine the experience and joy of their wedding day even after years, pictures can help share those emotions and feelings with the next generation to come. Hence, look for experienced wedding photographers Charlottesville (or wherever you plan to get hitched) or at least look through their portfolios before hiring them. Aside from that, here are a few more things to consider:

However, if you are planning a destination wedding, you should look for one of the best wedding venues & vendors. You can also search for specific locations where you can get great shots. Aside from that, look for a wedding photographer who can accompany you to various locations. For example, if you want to get married in Portland, you should look for someone who is familiar with all of the beautiful locations nearby and can do Portland wedding photography beautifully.

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It’s going to be a warm week here in Seattle, with temps in the high 70s and low to mid 80s! Which is perfect because we’ve got an outdoor wedding with many Californian guests this weekend. We just upped the rosé quantities this morning 🠥‚ Outdoor weddings are our favorites, though they always add some drama in the PNW. A couple weeks ago, rain was in the forecast for Saturday, so we secured a clear top tent for the ceremony. Today, Saturday’s weather report is sunny and 84. Murphy’s Law but…we’ll take it. Photo || @lora.lovess Floral Design || @courtneykroymannflowers Venue || @alderbrookresort Rentals || @cortpartyrental Linens || @bbjlinen Planning || @areneeweddings

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ANW: Let’s start with the best part. Food! What foods say Pacific Northwest wedding to you?

Amber: Whenever a couple wants to highlight PNW cuisine, and they almost always do, musts on the menu include: salmon, halibut, crab cakes, or oysters on the half shell.

ANW: What are some of your favorite locations for a Pacific Northwest wedding?

Amber: We’re lucky to have incredible views at many local venues. In the city, venues that best showcase these views include The Admiral’s House, The Edgewater Hotel, The Woodmark Hotel, and Seattle Tennis Club. On the islands, some favorite venues include Roche Harbor Resort, Alderbrook Resort, and Kiana Lodge. Taking a ferry to your wedding could not be any more Pacific Northwest. Woodinville winery weddings are a beautiful way to showcase the local wine scene and JM Cellars serves delicious wines surrounded by lush greenery and woods.

ANW: What’s a must-have for any Pacific Northwest wedding?

Amber: Good local food and wine. And a solid rain plan!

ANW: How do you like to introduce out-of-town wedding guests to the area?

Amber: This is best done through the venue, food, and beverage. Couples can also showcase the area through their wedding favors with local coffee, chocolate, or any local handmade product. Also reserving a block of hotel rooms at a downtown hotel is ideal, so out of town guests can explore the city.

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Last Saturday, the Seattle-Tacoma area experienced the heaviest rainfall in April in 22 years! The rain hardly let up all day, a big change from the usual periodic PNW drizzle. Though Laura & Jarrod were completely unfazed and embraced all the good luck literally and figuratively pouring over them. I don’t think Laura and I even uttered the word “rain” to each other all day. These lovebirds didn’t even skip a beat and their day was all about the two of them, getting married surrounded by the people they love most ✠¨ #goals Photo @carlybish Floral design @graceandblooms H&MU @kls_makeupartistry Dress @thedresstheoryseattle Tuxedo @thetuxedoclub Glow @divinesunless Ribbon @tonoandco Planning & Design @areneeweddings

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ANW: OK, it rains here. What tips do you have for a rainy wedding day?

Amber: I always bring a handful of clear umbrellas, so even if it rains, the couple and bridal party can still take beautiful pictures while staying dry. Have your photographer scout covered outdoor areas for photos beforehand. Having a rain plan is key – this can include moving indoors or renting a tent just in case. Overall, embrace the weather woes and don’t let a little rain impact your special day!

Photos used with permission from Amber Sooter.

http://www.activelynorthwest.com/food/healthy-eating/5-diets-that-let-you-eat-what-you-like-in-moderation/