couture weddings

65Couture Weddings 2012

Inspiring Style For Puget Sound Brides

Historic Hotels

Sweet Details

Tips fromthe Pros

Real Weddings

Phot

o by

Clin

ton

Jam

es

Annual 2012

66 Coutureweddingsmag.com1400 N. State St., Bellingham, Wa | 360.733.2563 | www.AliciasBridal.com

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Table ofContents

Features

Finishing Touch

Must Haves

Guys’ Style

Wedding Album

Real Weddings

70

The Engagement Party

72

Cloe Designs 78

Designer Profile 81

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104

111

114

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96

Amy & Bennett

74

Brandy & RyanHeather & Wes

Bev & Jeff

Destinations

Little White Book

76

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From Down Home to White Glove


Lauren & JakeJuly 3, 2011Fleming Photography

Here’s to the start of a new journey from our readers

Keith & AdenaSeptember 3, 2011The Snap Sisters

Lindsay & ThomasApril 30, 2011Tonic Design Studio

Chad & SamAugust 27, 2011Clinton James Photography

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Kori & GaryJuly, 2, 2011Clinton James Photography

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Brook & NicoleMay 7, 2011Duclos Studios II

7 Matt & LynetteOctober 1, 2011Tonic Design Studio

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Tally Rabatin, owner of Totally Unique Designs in Bellingham, has found a niche for her interior design business in the planning and design of special events, including weddings. Rabatin is the perfect blend of consummate hostess, trendsetter and organizational queen to create a memorable event. Here, we talk to her about the “warm up” to the big day, the engagement party.

Spotlight on the Engagement PartyPlanner Q&A

When in the wedding planning timeline should an engagement party take place?I recommend you plan the engagement party within eight weeks of the engagement. This gives the couple time to celebrate and announce to their extended friends and family, and you to prepare a realistic time frame for planning.

How many people – and who – should be on the guest list? An engagement party can be as large or as small as your bride and groom wish it to be! Engagement parties can be girls-only or co-ed, and is a great opportunity for friends and family to meet and greet prior to the wedding events. If you are planning an event that is more than a potluck, I recommend you follow invitation protocol and give people a four-week lead time. This will ensure that you are able to prepare your menu based on RSVPs, and also assure that significant guests are included. The invitations should be a preview of what the event experience will be like. For this party we used magenta on card stock for the invite to preview this girls-only themed luncheon.

Is there traditional etiquette to be aware of?I always think that you should follow your manners more so than follow a set standard of traditions. Traditions change and evolve over time, and we should embrace the new and the old alike. However, manners should always be followed, and starting with RSVPing for events!

How do we set the mood? Deciding what type of a party you want will naturally define your event’s timeline. If you want a light and casual engagement party that is social, keep your event before 4 p.m. Events starting after 4 p.m. imply cocktail hour – and food. As you go later in the evening, it also implies a less formal atmosphere. The atmosphere of your event should mimic the time of day, and we kept the colors bright and light for this midday luncheon. Following the sky color is a good way to determine your color tone, and morning to midday events should be in the lighter color spectrum while evening events tend to be darker.

How can the couple make the party uniquely their own? Adding elements that are unique to the couple will make the day their own. Consider making the theme of the event coincide to the way the couple met. If they met at a park walking their dogs, consider an outdoor party location that is dog friendly! Also, food helps to add personality to an event. Creating dishes that compliment a story, or fulfill a theme genre can be a fun way to put personality into an event.

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CCloe DesignsThe sprinkles on top of your wedding reception

Claire Wilbur describes her own wedding as “a gigantic sundae with chocolate syrup, sprinkles and five cherries on top.” Using this analogy, she refers to traditional, predictable weddings as “vanilla.” In maintaining traditions, the vanilla may be just the thing, but weddings should have a personal, flavorful touch; like dressing it up with chocolate syrup, sprinkles and cherries to transform it into a tasty treat.

Claire, co-owner of Cloe Designs, calls it “an element of surprise.” Cloe, a literal merger of Claire and Joe Wilbur (and pronounced like glow), was built on the premise of lighting up even the most traditional weddings. “You can still be traditional,” Claire says. “Just do something quirky – something that represents you.”

Claire and Joe wed on New Year’s Eve 2010. “I didn’t want to take away from New Years – I wanted to have the party,” Claire recalls.

The Wilbur’s fashioned almost their entire wedding themselves, including the design, venue arrangement and a majority of the decor. A major piece of their wedding de-sign was the idea of lounge seating – comfortable, relaxed spaces with plush furniture instead of rigid, individual chairs.

In addition to the signature lounge seating, they also had a large dance floor and pool table to complete the party feel. They chose an “old Hollywood glamour” theme using vintage styles in black, white and red. “I wanted to give people a chance to go all out and dress up,” Claire says.

A year before their wedding, Claire and Joe spent New Year’s Eve together and made lists of personal goals they hoped to accomplish during the upcoming year. After Joe proposed, he revealed his original list, which included the goal “propose to Claire.” At their wedding, the Wilburs incorporated this personal touch by providing cards, envelopes and a drop box where their guests could leave self-addressed letters to themselves, listing goals they intended to achieve over the next year. Prior to New Years 2011 the Wilbur’s sent the letters to be revisited by their wedding guests.

Cloe founders Joe and Claire Wilbur

The wedding that started it all


Soon after her own wedding, Claire designed a friend’s wedding, which solidified her direction toward establish-ing Cloe Designs. The business became a reality early in 2011, and the first clients pursued the Wilbur’s after see-ing photos of their self-designed wedding online.

Claire always had an interest in design and started experimenting with decor as a young girl. Now, she em-braces her creative side through event planning, interior design, refurbishing used and antique furniture and decor, and more. She says the most fulfilling part of her work through Cloe Designs is surprising people and making their dreams a reality with the final presentation.

Cloe – Creative and PersonalThe ultimate goal of Cloe Designs is to add a “creative

and personal touch” to each wedding. “Your wedding should reflect who you are,” Claire says.

Since embarking on Cloe Designs, Claire says the chan-deliers she offers have been extremely popular, and lounge seating has become a regular request – both signature features of Cloe Designs. The lounge couches originally used for the Wilbur’s wedding are white, coupled with customized pillows designed to fit specific wedding events. Claire is also working on getting access to customized couch covers to add the option of changing the color of the couch.

Claire says Cloe Designs is beneficial for event planning in a variety of ways. For one, it can add spice with unique design elements, but it can also reduce expenses and lower the environmental footprint of the event. For example, Claire says, “If people are doing a big wedding, flowers are so expensive. There are so many other elements you can use.”

Claire also reiterates the idea of reducing the impact of an event by reusing rentals and refurbished pieces of furniture and decor – two of her specialties. “I love the idea of instead of producing more stuff, using what we’ve got,” she says.

As a two-in-one business for event design and rentals, Cloe Designs offers a range of services from providing decor elements to handling the entire event planning pro-cess. In pursuit of her passions, Claire runs Cloe Designs in addition to working her day job for Dakota Creek Industries in Anacortes. As partners in the business, Claire describes herself as the visual artist and Joe as doing the paperwork and heavy lifting behind-the-scenes. “I just kind of tell him where to put things,” she giggles jokingly.

Joe is also an artist of sorts, however; a musician who builds guitars from scratch. His music, both live and recorded, has been played at weddings including his own. He has a day job as well, managing Pacific Party Canopies in Bellingham. In collaboration, Pacific Party Canopies houses a Cloe Designs display, and Cloe Designs uses Pacific Party Canopies for design projects.

Rewarding new lifeClaire and Joe went to Anacortes High School

together, but Joe says it took several efforts during post high school run-ins to get Claire’s attention. He later proposed in May 2010, aboard a Kruger Escapes sail boat with Suzanne Fogarty Photography captur-ing each moment. Claire was unknowingly lured into the perfect proposal scene with an invitation to do couples “modeling” for Kruger Escapes and Suzanne Fogarty advertising.

“Our lives haven’t stopped since we got engaged. It’s been an absolute whirlwind,” Claire says.

Operating the business no doubt contributes to that whirlwind, but has been worth the effort. “It’s been hard,” she says of running the business, “but it’s always been really rewarding … I never knew I could do so much.”

Moving forward, Claire hopes to open a storefront location in the near future. For more information, visit the website at cloedesigns.com.

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Terri Hilerfty, a designer for Justin Alexander wedding gowns, visited Alicia’s Bridal in Bellingham in February to showcase the Justin Alexander 2013 line – a chance for area brides to get a sneak peak at next year’s fashions. Hilerfty has known Alicia’s Bridal owner Pam Needham for nearly 10 years, and views Pam and her staff as a valuable partners in helping her know what West Coast brides are looking for in a gown. Couture Weddings sat down with Hilerfty to find out more about her work as a designer and getting the perfect gown.

How did you get started designing wedding gowns?I worked my way up from stock girl at age 14 at a store in Philadelphia. At 19 I went to a second store where I learned to sew early on from our seamstresses who were all from Italy. After I had my first daughter I wanted to get out of retail sales and started designing full time.

What inspired your new collection?Justin Alexander has three designers, Tony Mentel from London, Jose Dias from L.A. and myself. Each of us has our own style and inspiration. Generally, you’ll see a modern twist on a vintage feel – lace, beads, hand-pleated fans and ruffles. Many of the dresses echo 1950s couture.

Is there a design aspect that make a gown distinctively Justin Alexander?Justin Alexander and our sister company Sincerity are based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and it gives all our gowns an international flaire. In Germany, our biggest selling county, we’re seeing touches of color added to traditional dresses as well as boning in the bodice. Our dresses push the envelope of fashion, but it’s affordable fashion. We have dresses that are designed to fit every shape.

What advice can you give a bride when searching for that perfect gown?If a bride runs to the mirror excited to see the dress she’s in, that’s a sign she loves it. When trying dresses on, I tell the girls to trust their bridal consultant and try on many different sillouetes; don’t just settle on one style you think you’ll like. Find a dress that fits your body style and makes you feel wonderful.

Is there a particular trend for 2012 that brides should consider?Ball gowns and mermaid-style dresses are big in 2012. Also, dresses tend toward the extremes, either lots of beads and detail or simple and clean. Pops of color and gowns in taupe also are popular.

Terri Hilferty for Justin AlexanderDesigner Profile

–Hilary Parker

FROM THE PROS


WeddingsReal

Four Seasons, Four Beautiful BridesWinter - Amy & Bennett Spring - Heather & WesSummer - Brandy & RyanAutumn - Bev & Jeff


REAL WEDDINGS | Winter

Amy & BennettDecember 04

One late September evening during the peak of corn har-vest, Bennett Tjoelker prepared a unique proposal for his girlfriend, Amy. Working on his family’s farm, Bennett cut out a small section of the cornfield and set up a candlelit table with roses, sparkling cider and a dazzling engage-ment ring. After trudging through the field in heels, Amy was shocked to come upon Bennett’s romantic scene. She said “yes,” and their two-month engagement began.

With little time to plan, Amy accepted her mother Lee Mobley’s help and unique decorating advice. By the time Dec. 4, 2010 rolled around, the venue, Faith Community Church in Lynden, was transformed into a glimmering winter scene. Tiny snow-covered trees held white lanterns at the end of each row. Crisp evergreen trees lined the back of the stage. Candles flickered while a video of falling snow projected onto the wall. “It was like you were look-

ing out the window at a snowy evening,” Amy recalls. Staying true to the season, Amy’s bridesmaids wore

silver, knee-length dresses with fur shawls and soft white gloves. Instead of flowers, they carried lit lanterns. After the flower girl tossed bits of faux snow onto the ground, Amy walked down the aisle in a flowing ivory wedding gown with a sweetheart neckline and decorative beading. The reception featured simple table centerpieces: delicate branches embellished with snowflakes and glowing tea lights. Guests ate a chicken parmesan dinner with spar-kling cider and cake before the Tjoelkers headed off on their Maui honeymoon.

Amy’s advice to future brides is this: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. I don’t remember the plates, silverware or even, really, what we ate. I just remember having great time, tak-ing pictures and spending time with family and friends.”

By Carly La Plant/Photos by Stephanie Stremler


DRESS Galina

CAKE Cheryl Wynstra

CATERING Dutch Mother’s Family Restaurant, Lynden

FLORIST Haggen, Cindy Hilt

LOCATION Faith Community Church, Lynden

INVITATIONS Amy’s design, printed by Thomas Print Company

PHOTOGRAPHER Stephanie StemlerPhotography

Details


REAL WEDDINGS | Spring

Heather & WesJune 25

When Wes and Heather Rush said their vows in June of last year they handed out old horseshoes for good luck.

The horseshoes were procured by Wes’ aunt, a horse trainer at Emerald Downs racetrack, but this lucky-in-love story goes deeper than that. The couple dated in college, but went their separate ways after graduating to pursue their careers. Three years later, they renewed their relationship, barely skipping a beat.

Location for the wedding was a top priority for each of them. The couple chose to marry in Cle Elum, Wash., where they originally started dating. It was also an ideal mid-point for the two families: Heather’s family is from Bellingham; Wes’ from Chelan. A big, red barn became the backdrop for a country, yet classy, affair.

Heather arrived to the ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage. In traditional fashion, the bride and groom did not see each other before the ceremony. Heather was truly excited to see Wes: “Everyone tells me I literally ran down the aisle.”

After the outdoor ceremony, everyone moved to the barn to enjoy a barbeque buffet with ham, barbequed chicken, cornbread, mashed potatoes and salad.

A highlight of the reception turned out to be the photo booth. Filled with props such as hats, sunglasses and feather boas, guests got one photo strip for a keepsake and a second copy went into Heather and Wes’ guest book. These photos have turned out to be some of their most treasured memories from this picture-perfect wedding.

By Hilary Parker/Photos by Ryan Duclos


DRESS David’s Bridal

CAKE Lisa Robinson, Chelan

CATERING Ritter Farms

FLORIST Patty Summers

LOCATION Ritter Farms, Cle Elum

INVITATIONS Megan Martin

PHOTO BOOTH Emerald City Photo Booth

PHOTOGRAPHER Duclos Studios II

Details


REAL WEDDINGS | Summer

Brandy & RyanSeptember 18

Brandy and Ryan Christiansen’s relationship started out on a fun-filled adventure, and their life together has continued on that theme.

The two met in college on a geology field trip to Hawaii, where they hit it off and discovered they were practically neighbors. “We actually lived within 10 min-utes of each other growing up, but never crossed paths,” Ryan said.

A few months later on their first official date, the couple went to the Western Washington State Fair in Puyallup. Four years later, they returned to the fair to celebrate their wedding day.

“We didn’t want to get stressed out before the wed-ding, so we went to the fair,” Brandy remarked.

The couple and their wedding party – dressed for the wedding – spent a couple of hours on the rides, playing carnival games and snacking on fair food before heading

to her grandfather’s farm in Spanaway for the ceremony.The ceremony had a rustic, country feel, with hay

bales for seating and homegrown sunflowers in the bouquets. The farmyard animals got involved, too, with the couple’s dogs serving as ring bearer and flower girl. Brandy rode down the aisle on her horse, Vanity.

After the ceremony, the wedding party adjourned to Brandy and Ryan’s home for the reception in their barn. Brandy’s uncle made a Western-style bar to serve drinks in the barn, and a backyard barbeque of kabobs contin-ued the down-home theme. A homemade wedding cake, baked by Brandy’s aunt, was the perfect finishing touch.Much of Brandy and Ryan’s wedding was hand made, home grown or handed down. Brandy and one of her bridesmaids made her veil, hand-sewing lace to match her dress. Brandy’s engagement ring belonged to her grandmother, as did her pearl earrings. Brandy arranged her own flowers and the table centerpieces.

The couple stresses that family and friends helped out all along the way to their big day, and their memories of the wedding are much richer for everyone’s involvement.

As the night drew to a close, fireworks colored the sky, as the couple set off for their next fun-filled adventure as hus-band and wife.

By Hilary Parker/Photos by Stacy Jacobsen


DRESS David’s Bridal

CAKE Bride’s aunt

CATERING On their own

FLORIST On their own

LOCATION Family farm

INVITATIONS Michael’s

PHOTOGRAPHER Stacy Jacobsen

Details


TheSimplyOrganizedBride.com

Online Wedding resourcesBridal shows

Wedding Planning Guide

360.527.8542

Questions to ask when selecting a

CAKEDESIGNERHow long have you been creating wedding cakes?

Are wedding cakes your specialty?

What types of wedding and groom’s cakes do you make?

How far in advance should I order my cake?

Do you specialize in any flavor, style or size?

What cakes are best for outdoor receptions?

Will you make extra sheet cakes?

If so what is the cost?

Can I request that each layer have a different flavor?

Do you offer cake tastings?

Do you charge for delivery?

When will you deliver and set up the cake?

Will your staff serve the cake?

Do you supply the cake topper?

Do you supply the cake knife?

Can you supply boxes for the groom’s cake?

What is the deposit? When is it due?

What is the balance and when is it due?

What is your cancellation policy?


Bev & JeffNovember 19

“I was single for almost 20 years before we found one another,” Beverly Kidwell said. “Needless to say we feel more than blessed to have found one another.”

Having met in the workplace and been friends for several years before dating in their 40s: “It wasn’t until a year before we married that we recognized how perfect we were for one another. I always had a great deal of respect for him and knew he was a good man, but little did I know that the love of my life was right under my nose all those years.”

Jeff involved Bev’s parents in hi proposal: down on his knees at a Alaskan lodge atop a bluff with a stunning view – complete with a custom-made ring. Then, Bev had six months to plan her own version of a fairy-tale wedding. Sahara roses, burgundy calla lilies and green cymbidium orchids accented the rustic, but elegant event with a “Life is a Journey” theme. Jeff, who is a cyclist and triathlete, was

By Elisa Claassen/Photos by Tania Shepard

REAL WEDDINGS | Autumn

represented by the presence of his fat-tire bike throughout an assortment of images from their dating life and as a miniature topper for their cake.

A kids’ table offered giant multi-colored lollipops, candies, games and coloring books – just for them. Adults enjoyed homemade Alaskan blueberry jam, a tribute to Bev’s home state, with their menu choices.

“I wanted to feel like a princess, be surrounded by those I love most and celebrate the beautiful gift of marriage,” Bev said.

Attended by six friends and family on his-and-her sides of the aisle, four ballet-inspired flower girls, one ring bearer and 210 guests at beautiful Hidden Meadows in Snohom-ish for their fall vows, the evening ended with a unplanned dance to Taylor Swift’s “Today was a Fairytale.”

“Everything went according to plan … it was everything we dreamed of,” Bev said. “It was meant to be. My vow for 2011 was to live passionately and love completely. That more than came true. We celebrated life with family and friends, traveled, visited wine country and enjoyed the outdoors.”


DRESS La Belle Elaine

CAKE Morphy’s Cakes

CATERING Cabbage Patch Restuarant and Catering

FLORIST Ring Around the Rose

DESIGNER Pink Blossoms Events

LOCATION Hidden Meadows,Snohomish

INVITATIONS Valerie’s Invites

PHOTOGRAPHER Azzura Photography

Details


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Austerity is certainly one strategy to weather the current unpredictable economic storm. Around the globe nuptial-planning couples pare down guest lists, scale back on photography and might even

forgo a caterer in favor of a backyard barbeque. Austerity, however, needn’t condemn your wedding festivities to ill-equipped, bleak or lifeless facilities. Wedding or commitment ceremonies are lively, colorful, community celebrations. Across the Northwest, many affordable, elegant and singularly picturesque venues help squeeze the most value from any matrimonial budget. Three of these venues, the Outlook Inn on Orcas Island, Maryhill Museum in Goldendale and the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River, Ore., are also deep-rooted in historic tradition.

A Wedding for

Historic hotels provide elegant, and affordable, venues for

your big day

By Zachoreli Frescobaldi-Grimaldi

the History Books


Constructed in 1888 just above the beach at Eastsound Bay, the Outlook Inn has had several incarnations.

Long before the inn was established in 1920, the building housed a jail, dance hall, post office and even a general store.

Second generation owners Adam and Sara Farish have made the Outlook Inn an unmistakably family-run busi-ness. The pair first met at the hotel when they were five years old. In 2000, they were married at the Inn. Adam’s father purchased the Inn in the 1960s and it was passed on to Adam and Sara in October 2001. Sara practically grew up at the Inn, where her mother has worked for nearly 35 years. Both of Sara’s parents, Yuko and John, live on the property year-round, while Adam and Sara’s brother-in-law, Jon, is the general manager. The three-acre property includes the original inn and three additional buildings: the comfortable East Wing, the thoroughly modern Luxury Bay View Suites and a small chapel.

Fourteen bed and breakfast rooms in the main building comprise the original guest accommodations. Although guests share common bathrooms, these cozy rooms are comfortably appointed with antique and vintage furnish-ings. Each guest room preserves the minimalist hardwood, wrought iron and porcelain fixtures original to the build-ing. Unfettered views of the bay or gardens make a stay in these accommodations an unforgettable experience.

O utlook Inn

By Zachoreli Frescobaldi-Grimaldi

The more contemporary two-story East Wing provides guests comfortable accommodations. Spacious rooms have bay and garden views, private bathrooms and large, comfortable beds. These rooms are terrifically affordable options for guests on a budget. The ground floor suites offer quick garden access for guests with children.

The Luxury Bay View Suites will easily satisfy the most demanding guest. For instance, Suite 56 boasts an enor-mous Jacuzzi tub, full-size shower, wall-mounted towel warmer, wet bar, king-size bed, private balconies and a gas fireplace in the comfortably furnished living room. Per-haps the most memorable characteristic of these luxurious suites is the remarkable views of the bay, the islands and the distant mountains. Few moments compare to waking up just as orange, crimson and soft-blue hues of dawn re-flect on the sea. In the solitude of morning, on the private balcony, hot cup of coffee in hand, seals barking in the bay, birds calling in the distance and the sky ablaze: There is no better way to start the day.

Beyond the buildings, a wooden bridge arches across a little pond on the edge of a grassy meadow. When walk-ing across the meadow, the inn’s “environmental control officer” – Adam and Sara’s five-year-old daughter, Kiyomi – has a simple request, “Please, be careful. Don’t step on the frogs.”

Why we Love itClassic country comfort

Beautiful views of the bay and gardens from

guestrooms

Great local day hikes for guests

Beach property across the street

Endless photo opportunities

Multiple venues for ceremonies

Trained culinary experts on site

Orcas Island

DESTINATIONS


To plan your Orcas Island wedding contact Outlook Inn general manager and

event coordinator Jon Kobayashi at [email protected] or 888.688.5665.

Tall hedges shelter the weathered A-frame chapel in the northwest corner of the meadow. Constructed of three- to four-inch-thick cedar, the chapel has a story all its own. The small pioneer cabin was originally built in the late 1800s in Bellingham. In 1968 Adam’s father purchased the cabin, moved it to the present location and carefully restored it. The ambience of the cabin’s interior makes it a romantic spot for a private ceremony. More public cer-emonies are easily accommodated on the chapel’s porch. A sturdy chuppa made of local Madrona tree branches cap the two steps leading to the porch.

The meadow’s expansive lawn easily accommodates 200 chairs in addition to several tents for outdoor recep-tions. Always dreamt of a beach celebration? Outlook Inn can do that, too. The property includes the beach just across the street, with a private garden and event build-ing. The inn is quite possibly one of the most beautiful locations for a couple to exchange vows.

Have your photographer ready to work! Outlook Inn has endless photo possibilities. Indoors, a balcony overlooks the Inn’s private dining room, and is a unique setting for wedding photographs. On the beach the bride can kick off her shoes and stroll barefoot in her wed-ding dress along the water’s edge while the paparazzi snap away. No matter the setting: beach, meadow, under the walnut tree, indoors, any location all but guarantees

elegant photographs. The culinary staff at the inn’s New Leaf Café and

Lounge, under the direction of chef Steve deBaste, expertly produces an impressive menu and can accom-modate kosher for dairy requests. Bartender Sara Farish, rocks the bar with some of Adam’s signature cocktails. Both the El Diablo and Lady Sage cocktails are unforget-tably delicious. One important side note: Outlook Inn provides all food and beverage services; outside caterers are not permitted.

Worried about entertaining your guests between planned wedding events? Worry no more. Besides hiking Mount Constitution or canoeing around Orcas Island there are plenty of neighborhood activities. The inn is per-fectly located within easy walking distance of all the town attractions. Browse little boutiques and shops like Roses Bakery. “Bakery” is an understatement; it has a fantastic deli with an impressive international wine collection. If you have a chocolate aficionado among your guests, they may prefer a lingering visit with artisan chocolatier Susan Aspinall at Kathryn Taylor Chocolates.


aryhill MuseumM

For more information on planing your wedding visit

maryhillmuseum.org

In 1914, industrialist Sam Hill started construction of his home on a bluff overlooking the Columbia Gorge. Quite the globetrotter, Hill hobnobbed with politicians,

celebrities, kings and queens, and an emperor or two. Queen Maria of Romania enjoyed a particularly close association with Hill, and their friendship endured until Hill’s death in 1931. When Hill turned his estate into a museum, he invited Queen Maria to dedicate the institu-tion. She readily accepted, and in 1926 traveled to Gol-dendale, Wash., for the dedication ceremony of Maryhill Museum, an event that drew an audience of more than 2,000.

Among the museum’s extensive collection is the perma-nent exhibit of French sculptor Auguste Rodin’s plaster casts, sketches and bronze statues. The museum is also dedicated to many of Queen Maria’s personal artifacts. Indeed, the first floor gallery is a large space made elegant by her royal furniture, crown jewels, coronation gown and gold-plated corner throne. This gallery makes an unimag-inably rare setting for a variety of wedding portraits and group photographs. How many brides can point out that Queen Maria’s Romanian crown jewels or morning throne are among the embellishments in her wedding portrait? Each year Maryhill Museum will only book four or five weddings at the 6,000-acre estate. The museum is a non-profit organization, and limiting events such as weddings assures that the nonprofit status is not jeopardized.

Although the building is presently undergoing a re-model, the new addition will maintain the architectural integrity of the original Beaux Arts building. The exterior of the building offers dozens of photography options. And, of course, there are the stunning vistas of the Columbia Gorge, its colorful cliffs and the swiftly flowing Columbia

River. Carefully maintained gardens and manicured lawns accommodate up to three tents for outdoor receptions.

In spite of the fact that Maryhill Museum is an expan-sive property, only wedding parties of 200 guests or fewer are permitted. Wedding guests may roam the gardens or tour the museum while waiting for the festivities to commence. The museum’s café does not cater weddings; however, outside caterers are permitted, provided a com-pany representative meets with museum staff at least three weeks prior to the event. The café serves beer and wine, but your caterer will still need to obtain an event permit from the Washington State Liquor Control Board. This can be easily done, just be sure to plan accordingly.

Worried about entertaining your guests in the days leading up to the nuptials? Don’t be. There are several excellent wineries close to the museum including Mary-hill Winery, Cascade Cliffs and Waving Tree. Your guests could also take up one of the many river sports such as sailboarding, kayaking, boating or parasailing. Ample free parking is available including space for recreational vehicles. While service dogs are welcome, canine pals are not, so plan on leaving your furry friend with a sitter. Affordable, romantically dramatic wedding venues of this caliber are nearly impossible to find.

Sweeping views of the Columbia

Gorge

Close to multiple wineries

Take your wedding photos

among the historical artifacts

Accommodates up to 200 guests

Goldendale


olumbia GorgeCBuilt in 1904, the Columbia Gorge Hotel in Hood River,

Ore., is a majestic building that sits along the cliff’s edge high above the Columbia River.

This elegant 39-room boutique hotel is the perfect setting for a variety of wedding themes. Renovated in 1920 un-der the direction of Simon Benson (who, incidentally, built Portland’s Benson Hotel), the Columbia Gorge Hotel offers all the amenities a couple could wish for, including a 208-foot cascading waterfall. In the past 114 years this property has played host to countless notables including Presidents Coolidge and both Roosevelts.

The drive from the street to the portico is like a journey through a tenderly loved park. Carefully trimmed boxwood hedges edge the pampered lawns. Paths shaded by tower-ing evergreens lead through woodland gardens. Bridges span babbling brooks that meander the entire property. A profu-sion of blossoms, lilies, petunias, roses, azaleas and fuchsias attract butterflies and a community of tiny hummingbirds. Resident ducks wade and waddle from one pond to the next. All around, the sound of falling water trickling through crevices, cascading over rocks and splashing under webbed feet drowns out the sound of traffic. In the winter, more than 500,000 lights illuminate the grounds.

To step foot into the hotel lobby is to toy with the time-space continuum. Every original detail creates the illusion that one has left the harried present behind. There’s even an elevator operator waiting upon your arrival. Beyond the lobby, the Valentino Lounge is an ideal spot to relax and en-joy a refreshing libation or stroll outdoors. From the terrace, one can sit and watch the windsurfers attempt to tame the

Dog-friendly hotel

208-foot waterfall, perfect for wedding

photos

Multiple venues for ceremonies & receptions

Award-winning culinary team on staff

On-site spa

Beautiful forest and garden settings

Views of the Columbia River

Hood River, Oregon


Columbia, or wander through the garden to the waterfall. The woodland gardens, shade gardens or terraces are ideal settings for wedding photographs, and easily accommodate 200 guests.

Indoors or out, the Columbia Gorge Hotel offers a num-ber of locations for your event. A particular favorite is The Benson Ballroom. This space accommodates 150 guests and accesses the waterfall and Valentino Terrace. Have an outdoor ceremony, an outdoor cocktail hour and an indoor reception and everyone’s needs will be met. Perhaps your wedding party will be a bit more intimate. With spectacular vistas of the Columbia River and waterfall, the Falls Room is a practically perfect accommodation for parties of up to 50 guests. This room is on the hotel’s lower level, and opens onto a flower festooned courtyard. Guests can amble out-doors, wander the paths to the waterfall, or stroll along the ponds before returning to the dance floor.

No need to worry about organizing celebratory feasts. Leave the details to the hotel’s award winning culinary team. Instead, you can relax and take advantage of the many wine tasting, sightseeing and river sport activities nearby. After-ward, take advantage of the hotel’s full-service spa amenities to soothe away wedding stress. Need help planning your destination wedding to this historic property? No problem, the hotel provides a list of preferred vendors you can check out at columbiagorgehotel.com. Be aware that with the ex-ception of wedding cakes, all refreshments are provided by the hotel’s restaurant and outside caterers are not permitted.

The Columbia Gorge Hotel is a dog-friendly establish-ment, provided your canine guest weighs less than 50 pounds. Thus, you may want to schedule a sitter for your Saint Barnard. Photographs are permitted in all of the ho-tel’s public spaces, both indoors and out.

A penny-wise budget does not mean that you cannot have the celebration you long for. Prudent planning and careful venue selection will help you stay on budget, so you, your partner, friends and family can revel without guilt at your life-changing festival.

To plan your wedding visitcolumbiagorgehotel.com


Download the current issue FREE at:

CoutureWeddingsMag.comOffering a full listing of all North Sound

wedding vendors and venues.


Inspiring Style For Puget Sound Brides

Historic Hotels

Sweet Details

Tips fromthe Pros

Real Weddings

Phot

o by

Clin

ton

Jam

es

Annual 2012

Aprilmay 3_Couture Weddings .indd 65 3/15/12 11:56 AM

Phot

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Bride’s Little White Book

ACCOMMODATIONS

BRIDAL APPAREL

CAKES

CATERING

EVENT PLANNERS

EVENT RENTALS

FINANCIAL

FLORISTS

MOBILE DJS & MUSIC

PHOTOGRAPHERS

TRAVEL

TRANSPORTATION

VENUES

WEDDING SHOWS

WEDDING WEBSITES

Alicia’s Bridal Shop1400 N. State Street Bellingham, WA 360.733.2563formalhouse.comSee ad page 66

BRIDAL APPAREL

Alice Joy EventsLynden, WA360.318.9505alicejoyevents.comSee ad page 91

HM Design360.305.1367hmweddingplanning.com

EVENT PLANNERS

Best Western Lakeway Inn714 Lakeway DriveBellingham, WA 360.671.1011bellingham-hotel.comSee ad page 73

Fairhaven Village Inn1200 10th StreetBellingham, WA360.733.1311fairhavenvillageinn.comSee ad page 80

Hotel BellwetherOne Bellwether WayBellingham, WA360.392.3100hotelbellwether.comSee ad page 91

Semiahmoo ResortBlaine, WA360.318.2018semiahmoo.comSee ad page 99

Tulalip Resort Casino10200 Quil Ceda Blvd.Tulalip, WA 888.272.1111tulalipresort.comSee ad page 67

ACCOMMODATIONSCo

utur

eWed

ding

sMag

.com

VENUES

CATERING

Best Western Lakeway Inn714 Lakeway Dr.Bellingham, WA360.392.6530bellingham-hotel.com See ad Page 73

Beau Lodge17581 Wood RdBow, WA 360.724.7508beaulodge.com

Best Western Lakeway Inn714 Lakeway Dr.Bellingham, WA360.392.6530bellingham-hotel.com See ad page 73

Doe Bay Resort 107 Doe Bay RoadOlga,WA360.376.2291doebay.comSee ad page 110

Giuseppes Al-Porto 21 Bellwether WayBellingham, WA360.714.8412giuseppesitalian.com

Hotel BellwetherOne Bellwether WayBellingham, WA360.392.3100hotelbellwether.comSee ad page 91

Lairmont ManorBellingham, WA360.647.1444lairmontmanor.comSee ad page 90

Northwood Hall3240 Northwest Ave. Bellingham, WA 360.671.8311northwoodhall.com

Semiahmoo ResortBlaine, WA360.318.2018semiahmoo.comSee ad page 99

Tulalip Resort Casino10200 Quil Ceda Blvd.Tulalip, WA 888.272.1111tulalipresort.comSee ad page 67

Whidbey Island BankMultiple locationswibank.comSee ad Back Cover

FINANCIALBridesClub.comSee ad page 115

Coutureweddingsmag.com360.483.4571See ad page 110

SimplyOrganizedBride.com425.373.1894See ad page 95

WEDDING WEBSITES

CAKES

Seamless Cakes & Events360.920.8644seamlesscakes.comSee ad page 77

DJs / MUSIC

Audio Innovations112 Ohio St., Ste. 214Bellingaham, WA360.656.5845audioinnovationsnw.comSee ad page 80

Whatcom Sound5012 Samish, Suite 2Bellingham, WA 360.733.5516whatcomsound.com

TRAVEL

All About Honeymoons & Destination Weddings/Vacations819 Commercial Ave., Ste. DAnacortesOffice: 360.293.4856Cell: 360.630.6453allabouthoneymoons.com

Snohomish County Tourism Bureau1133 164th St. SW, Ste. 204Lynnwood, WA 425.348.58021.888.338.0976 snohomish.orgSee ad page 55

EVENT RENTALS

Cloe Designs206.910.6960cloedesigns.comSee ad page 77

Grand Event RentalsBellevue, WA425.462.7368grandeventrentalswa.comSee ad page 95

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Love Studylovestudyphoto.comSee ad page 71

PHOTO BOOTH

Duclos Studios II122 Ohio St., Ste. 103Bellingham, WA360.778.1371bellinghamphotographer.comSee ad page 87

Oh! Snap Event Photo Booth360.441.8084ohsnapphotobooths.blogspot.com

Picture This825 232nd Pl. NE Sammamish, WA 425.214.4910getpicturethis.com/seattle

Market Street CateringServing Whatcom, Skagit & Snohomish counties866.912.2233See ad page 69

WEDDING SHOWS

Snohomish Wedding TourMay 20, 201210am - 5pmVarious Venuesmysnohomishwedding.com

Seattle Fall Wedding ExpoSeptember 8-9, 2012Seattle Center Seattle, WA206.684.7200bridesclub.com

Lynnwood-Everett Fall Wedding ExpoSeptember 22-23, 2012Comcast Arena at EverettEverett, WA425.373.1894bridesclub.com

Organized Bride Fall Bridal ShowSeptember 30, 2012Ferndale Events CenterFerndale, WA 360.527.8542Simplyorganizedbride.com

Wedding Preview EventOctober 14, 2012Seattle Design CenterSeattle, WA weddingpreviewevent.com

Bridal Inspirations Wedding ExpoJanuary 6, 2013 Best Western Lakeway InnBellingham, WA360.733.2563formalhouse.com

NW Bridal ShowcaseJanuary 5-6, 2013Tulalip Resort & CasinoTulalip, WA425.418-3307nwbridalshowcase.com

Seattle Wedding ExpoJanuary 19-20Seattle Center Seattle, WA206.684.7200bridesclub.com

Lynnwood -Everett Wedding ExpoJanuary 26-27, 2013Comcast Arena at EverettEverett, WA425.373.1894

for navigatingthe bridal show

10TipsAttending bridal shows are exciting,

fun and exhausting all at the same time. Here are some vital tips to help you navigate the shows and get the most enjoyment out of your experience.

1. Create a separate e-mail address for just your wedding and the vendors. This way, once you are married, it can be erased, saving you valuable e-mail space.

2. Create labels that include: bride’s name, groom’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address and wedding date. Print out a few sheets of these and take them to the wedding shows. There will be plenty of enter-to-win opportunities, and this will save you time and lessen the chance of acquiring writer’s cramp.

3. Wear comfortable walking shoes.4. Wear undergarments in case you decide to try on

wedding dresses. There are always bridal gown shops offering discounts and special buys on discontinued

gowns at the show. You never know, you may just find that dream dress on the sale rack.

5. Bring a planner and/or appointment book. Many vendors offer discounts if you book a consultation appointment with them on the spot.

6. Bring your checkbook. You may find that perfect vendor and want to take advantage of a special offer. Make sure you ask about cancellation policies in advance.

7. Be patient, the shows are busy. From registering at the front door to browsing the aisles, brides and their companions want to be well informed. And if you take your time you won’t miss anything and your experience will be more enjoyable.

8. Bring fabric swatches of your colors. This way vendors have a better idea of your vision and can give helpful advice and suggestions.

9. Bring a camera. With all the displays there will be certain design aspects that will catch your eye and help the vendor you choose make your dream wedding a reality.

10. Have a budget and guest list (quantity) in mind. This will help you and prospective vendors stay within your means.


FINISHING TOUCH

It’s the smallest touches that make your day special...

...enjoy every moment.

Sarah & Ryan, August 6, 2011Photo by Ryan Duclos

Sponsored By: Marci Jewelry

WWW.BRIDESCLUB.COM

Seattle Fall Wedding ExpoSeptember 8 - 9, 2012

Tacoma Fall Wedding ExpoSeptember 15 - 16, 2012

Lynnwood Fall Wedding ExpoSeptember 22 - 23, 2012

Tacoma Wedding ExpoJanuary 5 - 6, 2013

Seattle Wedding ExpoJanuray 19 -20, 2013

Lynnwood Wedding ExpoJanuary 26 -27, 2013

WEDDING EXPOS

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