Danielle + Andrew
(July 24, 2020 in Puyallup, WA)
Todays blog post describes a couple's vision for their outdoor, formal, garden party wedding, with a black and white color scheme and natural greenery. The couple chose most of their vendors based on word-of-mouth recommendations. Despite the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the wedding went off without a hitch thanks to a large, outdoor venue that allowed for social distancing. The couple's #1 tip for future brides is to start planning early.
Danielle looked absolutely stunning in our Brielle gown by Blush by Hayley Paige. This is a gorgeous ballgown with a tiered skirt with narrow horsehair trim. The bodice is made of beautiful crochet lace and features a v-neckline and long sleeves with an illusion. The illusion continues to the back of the gown to create a dramatic keyhole back that is accentuated by a stunning train.
By our real bride, Danielle:
What was the vision for your wedding?
Our vision for this wedding was an outdoor, formal, garden party. We wanted a classy and bougie, huge party. My Pinterest board was full of black and white dresses, suits, and decor with lots of white florals and natural greenery. The venue itself provides plenty of color and vibrancy so we wanted to keep our clothing and decor all black, white, and neutrals. I knew exactly what I wanted and it turned out exactly that way! I chose most of my vendors by word of mouth. Our photographer, wedding coordinators, DJ, and hair gal were all recommended by friends and family members who had previously used them. The florist is a friend of mine and the makeup girl I found through mutual friends on Instagram. The caterer is one of our close family friends and catered for my sisters wedding.
How did it go the day-of?
Our wedding went as perfectly as a wedding could possibly go when thrown in the middle of a global pandemic. The months leading up to our wedding took us on a rollercoaster of emotions - not knowing day to day if we were going to be legally allowed to have the wedding. We knew that if we couldnt have the big wedding of our dreams then we didnt want to settle for a small, intimate wedding and would rather postpone to the next calendar year. We found out about a month before the wedding that because of rules allowing weddings to be considered religious gatherings - we were in the clear and the wedding would go on as planned. We were lucky to have a very large, 20-acre outdoor venue that allowed for plenty of social distancing and increased safety for all of our guests.
On the day, COVID-19 was the last thing on my mind. Getting ready with my girls, and doing the first look with Andrew and with my dad, it made me forget all the troubling things going on in the world right now. I was thinking about nothing else other than marrying the love of my life that day. The wedding went off without a hitch. The ceremony was performed by a family friend who is also a judge. It was short and sweet which is exactly what we wanted. We opted for traditional vows during the ceremony, saving our personal thoughts and promises to each other for just the two of us, in privacy. One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was having my dad do the scripture reading and pray over us. My dad has always been a role model in faith and in life and that moment was really special to me. When it came time for the reception, we were really able to shed all the nervousness and just enjoy ourselves. Having everyone important in your life all in the same immediate space was such an amazing thing to see. We had a blast and the night was over way too soon. When my coordinator came and told me that it was time for the sparkler send-off, I desperately wanted to stay another hour - we were having so much fun. The most repeated thing that we heard from all of our guests following the wedding was how nice it was to feel a sense of normalcy, to participate in an event that made people remember what life was like before the pandemic.
What is your #1 tip to future brides?
Start planning early. The earlier the better. It is quite literally NEVER too early to plan and you will thank yourself later in the months leading up to the wedding when youve already done all the hard work. The couple months leading up to the wedding should be exciting and fun, enjoying your last weeks before marriage - dont wait to finalize details until this time!
