Before the onset of fall and the cool temperatures, a Seattle wedding in the summer without rain seems so idyllic. It’s the upper corner of the western United States where you still feel the warmth of the summer, but it’s starting to slowly settle with breezes that make for refreshing al fresco days and nights. Olivia and Craig took advantage of this and we’re now relishing in their moody, elegant Seattle wedding.
The couple wanted an organic, nature-inspired wedding palette with a pleasant combination of cool grays, white touches, and greenery laced throughout. Having an outdoor ceremony at The Hall at Fauntleroy embedded an old-world feel into their big day, and they were certainly not without the greenery they so craved to have. Photographed by Landon + Loren, the hall’s neutral interior was kept simple with a mix of round tables and long rectangular tables with white and green florals by Dusty’s Floral perched atop. It was enough to accommodate their loved ones, and our favorite aspect of Olivia and Craig’s big day was the overwhelming feeling of love sprinkled everywhere. It’s what weddings really are about, aren’t they?
How did you meet?
We both attended the University of Washington. We met during my (Olivia’s) freshman year and Craig’s sophomore year playing intramural soccer with friends. We dated seven years before getting engaged, during which time we studied abroad (I was in Spain, he was in France), graduated college, and traveled to some of our favorite places.
What is your proposal story?
Craig made me an intimate dinner on a fall Thursday night after work. We were in our cozy apartment, he made me my favorite meal, and we celebrated with champagne in front of the fire, calling our family and friends to tell them the news.
What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
The most important thing to us was to not get too bogged down by the planning process. We constantly reminded ourselves to not allow the planning to overwhelm us and to enjoy it because we knew the day would fly by. Our main focus was to put on a party for our family and friends, with good food, drinks, and dancing. We wanted everyone to have a good time and didn’t want to worry about everything being ‘perfect’. If anything, we splurged on the food and drinks. We skipped the traditional wedding cake and got our desserts from a local bakery.
What were your favorite parts of the day?
The wedding ceremony was one of my favorite parts of the day. My older brother married us and did the most amazing job! He had the perfect balance of sincerity and humor. He tied in the audience with stories about us from our family and closest friends.
The reception was also unforgettable. The wait staff with Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes was amazing, and the dance floor was always moving. I even got my grandma up to dance to her favorite song – Old Time Rock & Roll by Bob Seger.
Late night snacks were a hit – mini corn dogs, truffle popcorn, etc.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Remember what matters most and try not to get bogged down in all the stress that comes with wedding planning. Enjoy every minute of it because it flies by!