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Review: Wedding Cake for Breakfast

A collection of essays about that thing that happens after the big day.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on May 02, 2012 at 11:30AM 0 Comments

The problem with weddings is that they’re over too soon.

Both in the sense that the afternoon or evening celebration itself seems to speed by, and in the sense that after a year or so of doing nothing but eat, sleep, and plan, plan, plan, you wake up after the last dance feeling a little bit what now?

I’ve seen it happen to all kinds of brides and grooms, and it certainly happened to many of the writers/newlyweds in Wedding Cake for Breakfast. The just-released collection of essays about the first year of marriage includes stories from army wives (one who was living in Tacoma when it dawned on her that being married to one army Ranger was essentially the same thing as being married to the entire army), a green-card wife (spoiler alert: she married her gay best friend), and a honeymooner—stranded in Italy without her luggage.

The stories are fraught with fear—“I worried Keith would change,” “brides scare me,” “makes you wonder why anybody ever got married or stayed that way,”—and horror stories—there’s the gal who got married two days before 9/11, and the pregnant one whose “husband spent our wedding night slung around the commode like a collar.” And the stories are also silly, upbeat, and yeah, sure, of course, wrapped up and bow-tied with neat, clean, tidy, happy endings.

But I dare you not to stay up later than you thought you would to read them. Marriage is a process often overshadowed by the event of a wedding. We talk endlessly about peonies and color palettes, but hardly at all about the complexities of sharing a life together. You might find it’s kind of nice to have the opportunity to mull it over awhile, or for 272 pages.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Cake

Seattle Wedding Show

You’re invited to our (booth at the) wedding (show) on January 7 & 8.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Dec 14, 2011 at 05:50AM 0 Comments

All I can reveal is that this image is serving as a major inspiration piece for Seattle Met Bride & Groom’s SWS booth.

About once or twice a year, I get to feeling like I’m the one planning a wedding. Sometimes it’s because of an elaborate feature we’re planning, but more often it’s a party that gets me.

This year, it’s the annual Seattle Wedding Show at the Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday January 7 and 8. You can get your tickets here.

It’s all about the booth at a show like this; we—the florists, the DJs, the caterers, the venues, the cake bakers—all want to create a space that you will inspire you. And inspire conversation. I’ll be there all weekend and we definitely want you to come by and say hi.

This time around we’re working with the crazy-talented Steven Moore (who just got married himself), the great resources at ABC Rentals by Cort, and one of the most popular new vendors in town, Vintage Ambiance.

It’s possible that I’m the pickiest “bride” they’ve worked with all year. We’re throwing around ideas on color and trends, inspiration and innovation, and comforting, welcoming environments. Stuff you’re thinking about, too, huh?

So come by and we’ll compare notes. I’m looking forward to it.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Officiant, Seattle Wedding Flowers, Seattle Wedding Planning, Seattle Wedding Hair and Makeup, Seattle Wedding Invitations, Seattle Wedding Photography, Seattle Wedding Cake, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Vendors

Open House: Scout Vintage

Not into scouring antique stores or talking grandma out of her treasure chest? Rent your reception elements instead.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Nov 02, 2011 at 07:00AM 2 Comments

Photo: Mo Hines Photography

SLIDESHOW: Sweet rentables from Scout Vintage. See them in person, and meet owner Jenn Blake on November 9 at Trophy in Wallingford.

View Slideshow » Photo: Mo Hines Photography

SLIDESHOW: Sweet rentables from Scout Vintage. See them in person, and meet owner Jenn Blake on November 9 at Trophy in Wallingford.

View Slideshow » Photo: Mo Hines Photography
View Slideshow » Photo: Mo Hines Photography
View Slideshow » Photo: Mo Hines Photography
View Slideshow » Photo: Mo Hines Photography
View Slideshow » Photo: Mo Hines Photography

Where: Trophy Cupcakes Party Room in Wallingford

What: Bow Tie and Bustle’s Jenn Blake announces Scout Vintage, a wedding and event rental enterprise aimed at supplying those who want weathered trunks, distressed frames, and antique typewriters with the details and props of their dreams.

Brides, grooms, and industry pros alike are encouraged to come check out her loot; the designer and stylist just asks that you RSVP by November 5 to jenn @ scoutvintagerentals.com so that there are enough cupcakes on hand.

In the meantime, click through the slideshow here for an adorable preview.

When: Wednesday, November 9 from 5 to 8

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Tags: Seattle Vintage, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Cake, Seattle Wedding Photography, Seattle Wedding Planning

Urban Unveiled

Save the date for one of the city’s most anticipated wedding events.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Sep 21, 2011 at 07:30AM 1 Comments

The Luly Yang fashion show is a big highlight at Urban Unveiled each year.

Where: Benaroya Hall

What: Dozens of vendors in categories from hair and makeup and stationary to photographers and wedding planners gather inside one of downtown’s grandest meeting places because they want to meet you. Stroll the upper tiers and tuck into side rooms to meet, talk with, and sample the talents of some of Seattle’s top wedding professionals.

And do it all in a timely manner; the Luly Yang fashion show starts at 9. Yang has debuted her collections at Urban Unveiled for the past few years; it’s a great chance to see her most recent designs in action—on the runway, that is. Which is not that different from an aisle. Correct?

Benaroya Hall becomes a top tier wedding show on Wednesday, October 12.

This year’s Urban Unveiled, and this season’s Luly Yang line, is called Diamond, so expect lots of sparkle. I previewed Yang’s newest dresses the other day, and they are just plain stunning.

When: Wednesday, October 12; doors open at 6. Tickets are available through the Urban Unveiled website.

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Tags: Seattle Fashion Show, Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Cake, Seattle Wedding Invitations, Seattle Wedding Planning, Luly Yang

Get Hitched Give Hope ’11

Announcing this year’s wedding event to end all wedding events, and an auction lot featuring yours truly.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Aug 31, 2011 at 07:30AM 0 Comments

Photo: La Vie Photography

A few scenes from last year’s party.

Readers of this blog as well as soon-to-be-married folk know that boutique wedding shows—smallish, self-selected groups of vendors gathered in warm, welcoming environments, maybe with a theme or concept—are the way to go. And you could almost go every weekend if you wanted to. There are lots of opportunities to scout, meet, and hire wedding-day vendors.

But none more special than Get Hitched Give Hope. This boutique wedding show is a fundraising auction, a chance to meet and “hire” (more on that in a minute) top tier vendors, and a party. A really great one. This year’s event will be held on October 27 at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Vendors across categories such as photography, dessert, planning, and beauty have donated their services by rolling them into silent and live auction lots. Drink and appetizers in hand, you’ll stroll through the party chatting with these folks and figuring out who’s right for your big day. And you’ll bid appropriately.

But here’s where the great part comes in.

The vendors don’t take the money the receive from your bid. They essentially lend their talents to your celebration for free, and the money you pledged at the auction goes to help make someone else’s dream come true. Literally. This year’s GHGH charity is the Dream Foundation, the first organization aimed at granting wishes for adults facing life-threatening illnesses.

I’ve seen it three years in a row now: the pomp and party of the night combined with the knowledge that your party will be staffed by really amazing, truly generous people and it’ll completely change the final month’s of someone else’s life, well, it’s pretty darn magical.

And for the third year in a row, I’m part of the auction, too.

Brides in need of a seasoned, professional shopper—or perhaps, an unbiased outside opinion—can bid on an all-day boutique crawl with yours truly. The score includes:

-a sweet ride from Rare Form Limo for you, me, and a couple of your best gals
-a fully stocked champagne bin inside
-a pre-planned shopping trip focused on your needs, whether you’re looking for something special for the honeymoon, party dresses for the pre-wedding ramp up, accessories for the big day, lingerie for the big night, or anything else. In other words: Let me figure out where we need to go and what we need to check out—all you have to do is enjoy the ride.
-a stop off at Report Shoes headquarters where you’ll pick out a perfect pair

It’s just a little thing, all things considered, but I’m happy to be included.

Tickets are on-sale now. I hope to see you there.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Planning, Seattle Wedding Hair and Makeup, Seattle Wedding Invitations, Seattle Wedding Photography, Seattle Wedding Cake, Seattle Wedding Venues, Get Hitched Give Hope, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Vendors

Things to Know about Trophy Cupcakes, Rosanna, From the Gown Up, and Cynderellie’s Closet

Important information if you or someone you know is getting married in Seattle anytime soon.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jun 01, 2011 at 06:45AM 0 Comments

Photo: Courtesy Trophy Cupcakes

Have a good time here, now. Trophy Cupcake’s Party Room is open—and don’t miss the adjacent Party Store.

1. The Trophy Cupcakes location in Wallingford now has a party room directly across the hall from its sweets counter. If you’re looking to gather up to 50 of your favorite people to celebrate certain soon-to-be married folk, you should consider doing so inside the sweet old schoolhouse that is the neighborhood’s center. And if you’re just looking for inspiration, the Party Room can fill that request as well. At an opening party for the L-shaped joint last week, founder Jennifer Shea told me they plan to deck the place out in all manner of on-trend and inventive themes; in an effort to unveil the area’s most sought-after specialty decor, they’ll also host installations by local artisans like Patricia Minish and Curtis Steiner (both of whom were in attendance). Worth stopping by to take a look for sure. And don’t miss the Party Store, adjacent to the celebration space. Cake pedestals, vintage toppers, DIY how-tos, and more make up a party girl’s dream spree. I’m told you should direct questions regarding the Party Room to party (@) trophycupcakes.com

2. It’s that time of year again: the bi-annual Rosanna dishware sale is just a few days away. Many of our city’s top event designers and rental houses stock key pieces from the local designer’s party-ready lines; if you’re looking to DIY certain elements of the big day, or just trick out a pre-wedding party table, head to 6755 E Marginal Way S, Seattle, 98108, on Friday June 3 from 12 to 6 or Saturday June 5 from 9 to 3. And then, of course, you’ll want to keep your mind open to ideas for wedding party gifts, the coming holiday season, and more. All sales final; no checks, cards are only accepted for $50 and over sales, cash makes for the quickest transactions. Shop smart, people.

3. Racks of sample gowns are priced to move tomorrow, June 2, from 6 to 9 in Snohomish. From the Gown Up and Cynderellie’s Closet present past-season wedding dresses starting as low as $99. A portion of sales will go to local charities. The proceedings start at 6 with a fall fashion show; drinks and dessert follow. At 7, the sample gowns start flying off the racks. Where, you ask? The Antheia Ballroom, 213 Ave D, Snohomish, 98290. Call 360-563-9900 for more information.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Details, Cupcakes, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle DIY, Seattle Wedding Cake, Rosanna Inc

Vintage Wedding Fair at Ghost Gallery [EDITED]

Got the vintage bug? Meet like-minded wedding vendors at Ghost Gallery this Saturday.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on May 11, 2011 at 07:15AM 3 Comments

Photo: Laurie Cinotto

Laurie Cinotto, and similarly spirited vintage-loving vendors around town, are geared up to make your sweet, romantic day.

Where: Ghost Gallery, 504 E Denny Way, Seattle (corner of Denny and Summit) 98122

What: When it comes to wedding trends, vintage is a high-speed train barreling down a steep and seemingly bottomless hill, leveling every little wanna-be decor concept that dares to get in its way. It would appear to be unstoppable, no matter what pomp and circumstance Kate and Will hath wrought.

If you’re looking for a way to implement sweet touches from the days of yore into your big day, consider the local gallery/event space’s Vintage Wedding Fair.

Check out reconstructed wedding dresses from Twice Blushed, handmade invites from Goldfinch Press, photography from event founder Rosemary Wagner, handmade elements from Laurie Cinotto, on-the-spot fresh-made mini donuts, and more. Cinotto’s been working on some pretty peachy elements especially for the event; it’s safe to say that all of the carefully curated vintage-loving vendors involved in the fair are equally gung-ho.

When: Saturday, May 14 from 11 12 to 6 (please note: we had the time wrong; the correct time is 12 to 6)

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Tags: Seattle Vintage, Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Cake, Seattle Wedding Photography, Laurie Cinotto

Vera Wang, Red Velvet Wedding Cake, Killer App(etizers)s, and More

A local author asks, “How will you build something beautiful together?” and that’s just the beginning.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 16, 2011 at 07:00AM 1 Comments

Perfect for someone else’s wedding — or your own? A LulaKate dress marked way down at Bella Bridesmaid.

Where: Bella Bridesmaid

What: For the first time since opening its doors in November of ‘09, the Belltown bridesmaid dress shop is hosting a sample sale. Party dresses from Amsale, Dessy, LulaKate, Queue, and Swoon are up to 50 percent off, and while you can’t necessarily outfit a whole party at the sale (in most cases, just one of each style is available, and the range of colors is limited), you might find just the thing for a pre-wedding party or someone else’s big day.

When: Now. The sale started yesterday—Tuesday, March 15—and continues as long as merchandise does. For the best selection and service, call the shop for an appointment.

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Where: Marcella’s La Boutique

What: A Vera Wang trunk show; the iconic wedding gown designer’s current season frocks in a second story, storybook wedding boutique.

When: Thursday, March 17 through Saturday, March 19. Call 206-264-0700 to make an appointment; space is limited.

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Where: Simplicity Decor in Kirkland

What: Seattle author Dan Zander is a numbers guy. His first book, 5, asked readers to consider where they’ll be in five years. His next, 1, wondered how many people are necessary to make a change. His new book, 2 ought to appeal to those of you on your way down a certain kind of aisle. Says Zander, ‘Life is meant to be shared. If you have found love, you have been given one of life’s greatest gifts.’ He’ll be signing volumes — which you might consider giving as a gift to moms, maids, or mates, or keeping as a reminder of what all the planning and budgeting is for — at the lifestyle and decor shop in Kirkland.

When: Saturday, March 19 from noon to 2

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Where: Knows Perfume

What: Baked, a new special occasion custom cake-baking shop in West Seattle is celebrating its foray into Seattle weddings and events with a Marie Antoinette-inspired cake tasting inside the neighborhood’s sweetest smelling boutique. Sample lavishly decorated red velvet, lavender, dark chocolate, and more while sipping Champagne and contemplating your own dessert spread.

When: Saturday, April 2 from 6 to 9. RSVP by sending a note to baked.seattle@gmail.com or calling 206-307-4847

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Where: Herban Feast’s SoDo Park

What: Sample the food and meet the faces that make this one of the most celebrated celebration locations in Seattle. The new season’s menu offerings are on offer, and you’ll have a chance to see the brand new Herban Design Studio to boot.

When: Wednesday, April 6 from 5 to 8

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Tags: Home Decor, Seattle Real Weddings, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Reception Venues, Seattle Wedding Cake, Seattle Vera Wang