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Sunday, December 21, 2008

Inspiration: New Year's Eve

The time is nearly here (yikes!) to celebrate New Year's Eve - whether your night is spent at home with your fiance or husband, out at a fabulous soiree with dozens of friends, or celebrating with family, the night should be a truly elegant and fun one.

In thinking about table scapes for this year, I was inspired by a photo I took on a recent trip to Paris this fall - it's near the Louvre and captures the romance, elegance, and Belle Epoque style of the city, much like what I always envision New Year's Eve to be. I am also a huge fan of Veuve Cliquot champagne and their simple, yet dazzling color scheme of black, white, and tangerine. All of these ideas are simple, inexpensive, and will bring a sparkle to your holiday table or outfit.

Here are a few photos I've gathered for inspiration for a decked out bash.
Mercury glass ornaments from Smith & Hawken stacked in glass hurricanes reflect candlelight, like those from the black and white striped sticks from Watson Kennedy Seattle. Also from WK, the Roman numeral low-ball glasses and chic pewter salt containers will surely impress your guests.


An intimate, breathtaking 2006 winter wedding we coordinated in true black-tie style, complete with gorgeous, sparkling birch tree branches

For ultra-easy entertaining, contact your local caterer for a New Year's Eve pick-up of an assortment of snacks and desserts. Most caterers will provide delicious hors d' oeuvres without the price tag of providing catering staff, and you get to take the credit and enjoy your party!

Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Happy Holidays!

We wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2008 - it's been a busy and fun year. A special thank you to all of our fantastic clients, and our fellow wedding "artists." It's been a great year working with you all!
As we ramp up for another busy year we wanted to post a few of our most memorable weddings from the past year.
Happy Holidays to you all!
*Photos by Beccy Hartman, Frank Ross, Kate McElwee, and La Luz Photography
Erica and Rodney's downtown wedding was so unique and colorful - their sparkler exit was fantastic!
Stephenie and Ryan were such a joy to work with; they are such a sweet couple and Nick and I had so much fun creating such a special day with them.
Chris and Mai Lee are an amazing couple. Mai Lee is currently serving her third deployment to Iraq and we planned most of the wedding while she was on her second tour. She and Chris are incredibly sweet and hilarious - our meetings were filled with non-stop laughter.
Stephanie and Tom currently live in Hong Kong, and did while we planned the wedding. Stephanie and I spent most of our time planning email back and forth and developed a fun and strong relationship. We still keep in touch and love to hear what they're up to in China!
Stephanie and Coby (we had a lot of Stephanies this year!) had a stunning wedding at a private home on the water. Frank Ross (who captured our wedding 5 years ago) did a breathtaking job capturing each well-thought out detail and we couldn't be happier. The photos speak for themselves!

Friday, December 12, 2008



Stephenie and Ryan were married on a clear and crisp fall day at the Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland. We couldn't ask for a nicer couple to work with - the four of us had so much fun planning, attending tastings, and laughing. It was a joy to work with them!

Their day was really a reflection of who they are as a couple - from the warm, fall colors to the delicious food and signature Sugar Plum Fairy cocktails, from morning to night the day was beautiful. We wish them the best and hope to see them soon to catch up! Congratulations, Stephenie and Ryan!
Photos by the always amazing La Luz Photography
The beautiful ceremony was officiated by Joel Whitaker
Flowers by Marine View Florist
Catering by the Woodmark Hotel
Stephenie's gown by the Wedding Bell

Sunday, November 30, 2008

My Grandma's Marvelous 80th Birthday Party




My Grandma turns 80 next week and we threw her a fabulous bash to celebrate - with good food, drinks, and friends aplenty. We decked out the Yacht Club on Lake Union with rich chocolate brown textiles and ice blue accents, crystals draping silver tree branches, candles and candles, and seashells accents (she loves the beach).

We staged a backdrop with fun props for photos and her friends loved it! Too cute!
The hors d' oeuvres were fantastic - plenty of gourmet bites and goodies.
We also had angel food and chocolate cupcakes topped with ice blue butter cream and sugar crystals and pastilles for dessert. A very Happy Birthday to my very special Grandma!
*thanks to mom for the photos, Ruth-Anne Ford for the scrumptious cupcakes, and the lovely Cleo at Ravishing Radish for helping to make such an awesome and memorable party!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Happy 10th Anniversary, Economic Opportunity Institute!






The Economic Opportunity Institute contacted us in the spring to help them plan a unique and memorable event for their 10th anniversary. EOI is a great organization, pushing for greater rights, health care and pay, and much more for Washington residents. We were thrilled to be on board, and knew the perfect venue for this urban, yet sophisticated event, would be at SoDo Park, an awesome venue owned by Herban Feast.
We worked with EOI to develop an event that not only honored Bill Gates, Sr. with an achievement award, but it raised awareness, funds, and celebrated their 10 years of success and looked to the future. We heard raves from guests that it wasn't your "typical" non-profit event; the "economic comedian" was hilarious, and the surroundings, food, decor, and venue made for a magical and refreshing event.
It was rewarding to be in a room full of senators and other highly influential people honoring Aubrey Davis and Bill Gates, Sr. - two who have helped to greatly change our community.

When we talked about a non-floral centerpiece for each of the 21 tables, Nick came up with such a cool idea that tied in the union and working aspect of EOI (and their invitations). A big thanks to Herban Feast for catering a fabulous event!
Venue: SoDo Park
Catering: Herban Feast
Audio/Visual: AVMS
Rentals: AA Rentals
Wine: Esquin Wine Merchants
Photography: Jim Berry

Professional photos to come.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Marie & Emmett's downtown bash






Marie and Emmett are a super fun couple we've been working with for over a year. Marie's ultra fabulous hot pink shoes were the inspiration for the entire wedding!From the hot pink in the orchids placed on each setting to the escort cards and formal invitations all accented by crisp white and black, the palette for the wedding was most definitely elegant with a huge twist of fun!

We couldn't have gotten a better fall day for the wedding; the sun was shining and golden leaves were falling all around. Guests gathered at St. James Cathedral for an afternoon ceremony then headed to the Pan Pacific Hotel for a chic bash. The guests were all so much fun and we loved Marie and Emmett's family and wedding party! Nick and I sat back and watched them all dance the night away under the lights of the Space Needle...we made a special Dick's Drive-In delivery towards the end of the night which gave them all their second wind!

Thanks to our team of talented vendors who helped to make the day amazing:
Seattle Flowers created the serene orchid centerpieces
Flora Nova Design constructed the unique boutonnieres and breathtaking bouquets
Carol Harrold did a fantastic job photographing the day's moments
Drew Hobson kept guests dancing well into the night
Rowell from SparkLL who, as always, creates amazing paper designs
British Motor Coach for the limos and vintage Daimler
Congratulations, Marie and Emmett! Enjoy your long honeymoon in Hawaii!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Photos from Stephanie and Coby's big day

Here are a few amazing shots from Frank Ross Photographic from Stephanie and Coby's August waterside wedding. We had a ball during the entire planning process; especially at the wedding. Please refer to the older post for vendor information.









Sunday, September 7, 2008

Happy 60th Birthday, Carl




Over Labor Day weekend we helped Carl and his wife Pam play hosts to about 60 guests for several events at their home on Bainbridge Island. The events marked Carl's 60th birthday party (we also coordinated his party in Ohio earlier this summer)and guests had a ball.
The rain managed to stay away, and guests were able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings as well as the outstanding food by one of our absolute favorite caterers, Ravishing Radish. Patricio from the Herbfarm serenaded guests with amazing Spanish guitar tunes and the always awesome and talented Aly Medina from La Luz Photography took these fantastic photos.
Ruth-Anne Ford served up to-die-for poppy seed birthday cake (which we plan on having her recreate very soon!)...

Sunday, August 3, 2008




Stephanie and Coby were married on a gorgeous day on the water in Gig Harbor. We were thrilled to bring on a team of some of our most favorite vendors for this special event.

Guests were treated to delicious Dungeness crab cakes, grilled miso-citrus prawns, and signature summer cocktails of vodka, Amaretto, and lemonade pre-ceremony. As they exchanged vows on the water, Stephanie and Coby were serenaded by beautiful piano music and a song by Coby's brother on the guitar. Under unique triangle and square parasols from Dragonfly in Tacoma, guests got whiffs of lavender mixed into the stunning butter-yellow and sage colored arrangements from the incredibly talented Ravenna Bloom.

After the ceremony there were more hors d' oeuvres and drinks, followed by an elaborate sit-down dinner under a spectacular tent draped in moss green fabric provided by Rented Elegance, glowing lanterns and twinkle lights, and breathtaking floral arrangements by Wendy Morgan of Ravenna Bloom (including vibrant green garlands across the tent). The gourmet 5-course dinner was provided by one of our favorite caterers, the wonderful team atRavishing Radish. The team created a fabulous feast including a lemon-basil sorbet palette cleaner, plates of local artisan cheeses and gelees, and tasty grilled Oregon country sirloin steak and pan-seared halibut entrees by chef Pam Samper. Post-dinner was also a treat, with individual lemon and blueberry cakes on each table by Suzanne's Cakes in Gig Harbor.

Chopstix provided the entertainment and dueled the night away on two pianos - it was so fun to watch guests request songs and sing along. If you haven't visited a Dueling Chopstix show, you must attend! To capture this amazing celebration was the team of Frank and Kelli Ross from Frank Ross Photographic who captured our wedding over five years ago. We can't wait to see their fantastic work; it's always so much fun to work with them! Congratulations, Coby and Stephanie!
*Stay tuned for professional photos!

Photography: Frank Ross Photographic
Catering: Ravishing Radish
Floral: Ravenna Bloom
Valet: Butler Valet
Rentals: AA Party Rents and Pedersen's
Cakes: Suzanne's Bakery in Gig Harbor
Music: Chopstix
Invitation and other paper design: SparkLL
Tent draping and lounge seating: Rented Elegance

Friday, August 1, 2008

mywedding.com looking for Grooms!

If you are a Groom that is taking on the majority of planning responsibilities for his wedding or a Groom that wants to get more involved in planning his wedding…mywedding.com needs you!
Please email stories@mywedding.com the details of your wedding including:
• date of wedding
• age of both bride and groom
• location of wedding
• a picture of the couple
Please note: This couple must be open to the idea of sharing their story through possible local and national media outlets.

Deadline: 08/15/2008

Sunday, July 6, 2008

A 4th of July to remember

The 4th of July had a special meaning this year for Stephanie and Tom. They tied the knot perched above Snoqualmie Falls at Salish Lodge & Spa, the culmination of over a year of long-distance planning with us (Tom was permanently residing in Hong Kong and Stephanie split her time between Hong Kong and Philadelphia). The celebration was such a gorgeous and fabulous affair; guests came from Hong Kong, Luxembourg, London, Argentina, and many other destinations, so Stephanie and Tom had to show them all the most amazing time! We did quite a bit of coordinating with Stephanie's parents here (her father and sister came in second place on the most recent season of the Amazing Race!) and learned new and intriguing Chinese traditions from them. It was truly an honor to work with them on this joyous occasion.

Under a tent on the Centennial Green they exchanged vows, complete with a musical serenade from cellist Angela Russell and also a friend from Sydney, Australia. Guests were then whisked up to the Lodge (the rain held off and the clouds broke!) where Jazz Unlimited Band played classic tunes on the Terrace overlooking the valley and the Falls. Quite possibly the most memorable part of the entire day was the fireworks display! Starting from about 8 pm and continuing late into the night, fireworks of all colors and sizes dazzled across the night sky. It was truly a magical night to remember! We look forward to having new friends in Hong Kong! Stephanie and Tom are en route to the Jordan for their honeymoon. Stephanie will reside in Hong Kong with Tom later this summer. Check out their announcement in the New York Times. We wish you both the very best!

Photos to come soon from the amazing and ever-so-talented Aly Medina from La Luz Photography. It was Aly's first wedding after her maternity leave and Nick and I missed working with her and her great husband, Ben. We always know each and every detail (and more!) will be captured with style and incredible creativity. We can't wait to see the photos - welcome back!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

By request...


We've had many requests for details about Jeny and Jeff's chic wedding at Gasworks Park/Seattle Aquarium last year. Since we didn't have a blog then, we wanted to share details of their fabulous wedding with you!

Last September we had the fantastic opportunity of working with Jeny and Jeff to create a memorable wedding ceremony with sweeping views of Seattle from Gasworks Park. With most of the guests having flown in from out of state, Jeny and Jeff certainly gave them an elegant and dazzling night to remember. Theirs was first event at the Seattle Aquarium since the remodel, complete with a floor-to-ceiling, oversized fish tank. While guests watched ferries pass by and the sun set, they noshed on roasted tomato bisque (served in shot glasses), Northwest oysters, pepper seared sirloin with gorgonzola, salmon Croques Monsieur, and Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartar on the Aquarium's back deck. While taking advantage of the fine wine selection provided personally by Jeff, guests were able to touch starfish and watch the jellyfish flutter by in the neon tanks.

A 9-piece Balkan band played during a plated meal of New York steaks and Alaskan Troll King Salmon, followed by an assortment of Trophy Cupcakes.

Nick and I had the eagle-eye viewing point from above the reception area and watched guests dance well into the night and gawk at the amazing fish tank. It was truly a night to remember!
Photography: the amazing Frank Ross, who photographed our wedding in 2003
Cake: Trophy Cupcakes
Rentals: Abbey Party Rents
Rehearsal dinner: The Center for Wooden Boats

Monday, June 30, 2008

Photos from Chris & Mai Lee's wedding





Here are a few photos from Chris and Mai Lee's fun-filled wedding a few weekends ago, courtesy of Beccy Hartmann. Check out our website - www.threedreamsent.com - for many more gorgeous photos!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Chris & Mai Lee tied the knot!



We started working with Chris and Mai Lee 18 months ago and loved every minute of planning with them. When we began planning, Mai Lee was serving in Iraq, which posed some time zone challenges, but the entire process was fantastic. Chris and Mai Lee are an amazing and deserving couple and had a beautiful ceremony performed by Joel Whitaker yesterday near the Montlake Cut on Lake Washington (the weather was gorgeous!). Mai Lee was a stunning bride and was complimented by white lisianthus, green hydrangeas, lavender and cream roses, and Bells of Ireland.

Dinner, dancing, and a great time followed at the Museum of History and Industry - it was such a fun venue and fit their bubbly and fun personalities so well!

With nearly every guest visiting from across the country, MOHAI showcased our city well and was a treat for guests. Seasoned in Seattle catered a fabulous and intimate dinner and DJ Mike Garcia spun well into the night. Guests were treated to a special delivery of Krisy Kreme doughnuts after an evening of dancing and cocktails and the happy couple left in style, complete with a sparkler bon voyage from friends and an elegant ride to their hotel in a vintage Daimler limo from British Motor Coach. We wish Chris and Mai Lee the very best and look forward hearing more about their next adventures! -More photos to come from the photographer!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Wishpot Wedding Registry

We are excited to be experts on Wishpot's Wedding Registry - a fantastic website to register for all of your needs - in one place!
It's extremely convenient for your wedding guests as they can peruse through your registries in different categories and even at different stores but on one website.
You can also view other registries for fun ideas and browse dozens of websites for gifts and Wishpot will also scour the web for the best prices!
Check out some of our sample registries and this great new site!
www.wishpot.com

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Dennis and Doh's summer garden wedding featured in VegNews Magazine



Last summer Dennis and Doh were married at Kubota Gardens and celebrated at the Golden Gardens Bathhouse with a completely "green" wedding. Aly Medina of La Luz Photography took amazing photos to capture the wonderful June evening.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

A fun, personalized trend for your cake table!


We first featured Windswept Art Farm's wedding shrine at the 2005 Fall Bridal Spectacular on our dessert table. The shrine got many oohs and aahs and created a buzz, with curious brides and grooms asking how they could get one for their big day. Well, Windswept Art Farm will custom create a shrine to put on your cake table to spark fun conversation from your guests. They can also be personalized for a groom's "cake" and for wedding showers, baby showers, birthdays, and just for fun. WAF's shrines are personalized for each client and are a reflection of your personality, hobbies, and wedding celebration. These shrines are not only fun, whimsical, and unique, but will last forever as a memento of your wedding day. Contact us or Windswept Art Farm to get your shrine personalized!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Erica & Rodney tied the knot!

Last Saturday we celebrated Erica and Rodney's wedding. They are such a great couple - we began working with them last fall and from the start they wanted to focus on showing their guests an amazing time. Their romantic ceremony took place at the University Presbyterian Church where the sun poked out here-and-there to shine through the stained glass windows. Erica looked so happy and radiant and Rodney looked dapper in his tux.
Guests then headed to Court in the Square for a night of dancing, laughter, and overall celebration. DJ Drew Hobson spun a fun mix that kept guests young and old dancing into the night. We turned the room into a magical, glowing evening with floating candles and beautifully scented gardenias in the reflection pool, and tied in the spring feel with hydrangeas and centerpieces with willow branches and apples. The candy buffet was also a huge hit! Guests took home cute bags of candy and hand-stamped thank you notes.
Nick and I loved working with Kate McElwee who took these amazing photos - more to come on our website soon. She's a joy to work with and of course, I love her British accent! Her tone and demeanor had guests feeling comfortable enough to act goofy in the cool photo booth she set out - it turned out to be so great! The end of the night was marked with Erica and Rodney leaving through a sparkler arch with their family and friends wishing them well.
We wish Erica and Rodney nothing but the best in their new life together. They're now enjoying their honeymoon in Jamaica!