Wear What When

New Venue: 1927 Events

The folks behind Sole Repair and inside the kitchen at Scott Staples’ Feed Co. Catering open a new spot in the heart of downtown.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on May 09, 2012 at 08:15AM 0 Comments

A portion of Feed Co.’s spread at the recent Linked wedding fair; Feed Co. is the catering partner for 1927, the new downtown event space.

It’s an address, it’s emblematic of an era, it’s a new L-shaped reception space on Third Avenue from the folks who do Sole Repair up on Capitol Hill: 1927 Events has arrived.

Well, almost.

I recently met co-owner Grace Hoffman and Feed Co catering director Stacy Paczan (the Scott Staples-fronted cookery is the official food and drink outfit for the Pike Street venue and the new downtown one) inside the work-in-progress and got the scoop.

Hoffman’s partner has been holding on to the space—around the corner from the Moore Theatre and convenient to lots of downtown parking and hotels—for some time, but build-outs like these take time. (Read: Staples isn’t going to just cook any-old-where, and I’ve heard the kitchen is going to be fantastic.) The original structure, which was built around 1927, gave way to lots of great brick and exposed beams, and the architects and designers were able to repurpose materials—and add elements of Swing era charm of course. I was too early to see the chandeliers and other finishing touches, but they’ll be in place soon; several weddings are on the books for this summer.

In addition to top shelf catering, 1927 offers the whole seating shebang: tables and chairs are included, and they’ve got room for 300 celebratory guests for a cocktail, stand-up style affair, or 190 when a full, sit-down dinner is planned.

Pepper-crusted pork loin, red beets, green beans, walnuts and watercress with a salad of shaved summer squash, sweet peppers, grilled bread and parmesan dressing, anyone? Maybe some sage falafel bites with lemon-paprika mayo and a one or two wild boar Sloppy Joe minis with onion-sage crumbles?

Hoffman, Paczan, and their cohorts are planning an open house at the end of June. Stay tuned; we’ll make sure you have the details.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Planning, Seattle Wedding Vendors, Sole Repair, 1927 Events, Feed Co. Catering

Slideshow: McKenzie Powell x Belathee

Take inspiration from these local wedding pros and their imagined big day.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Apr 04, 2012 at 07:00AM 0 Comments

Photo: Belathee Photography

SLIDESHOW: Urban light, an imagined affair by McKenzie Powell Designs and Belathee Photography.

View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography

SLIDESHOW: Urban light, an imagined affair by McKenzie Powell Designs and Belathee Photography.

View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography

Powell and the Belathee gals staged their imagined affair at Pravda Studios, a second-floor, light-filled space that takes on whatever vibe its visitors can dream up.

View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography

Powell, a florist and an event designer, let white cattleya orchids and air plants inspire the floral elements.

View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography

Powell created centerpieces that took the original bouquet concept one step further; ‘Why not? Citrus! It doesn’t exactly fill our Pacific Northwest backyards, but it’s the ultimate pop of freshness and color, and thankfully grows beautifully just two states away,’ she says.

View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography
View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography

I love the simple, classic look of these boutonnieres.

View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography

Clear glass was the main table element—it’s there in sleek candelabras, heavyweight cut crystal, and a number of places in-between. Metallic accents in the linens, flatware, and votives added a touch of urban cool. Chairs are from Pravda Studios; table lines are from Choice Linens; crystal stemware is from AA Party Rentals; gold flatware is from the Invisible Hostess.

View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography

Powell, an avowed paper junkie with a graphic design background, brought in the talents of Swash Letterpress for the menu cards.

View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography
View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography

Powell: ‘Although I wanted to err on the side of a more modern design, I couldn’t resist using one of Vintage Ambiance’s amazing antique sideboards for our dessert display. And in fact, the rich cocoa and ganache cake by Tallant House sitting atop the vintage table made for just the type of unexpected juxtaposition I love.’

View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography
View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography

Powell: ‘Our model, Renee, looked stunning in a Vera Wang gown from Marcella’s La Boutique. Megan Stanavitch handled hair and makeup, finishing the look with an ornate crystal hair clip by Jennifer Behr.’

View Slideshow » Photo: Belathee Photography

Here’s a reminder that there’s more to wedding photography than portraits and documentary shots. If you’re looking for something artistic and dramatic to remember your day, make sure you talk about that with potential photographers.

There are Real Weddings and then there are, well … imagined ones. The latter: inspiration shoots orchestrated by talented vendors who want to share a vision about the way things could be.

Here, for example, a ‘clean, fresh, polished’ reception space—one that ‘feels glamorous and welcoming; traditional yet modern,’ as dreamt up by McKenzie Powell of the event design consultancy of the same name and photographed by the duo of Annabel Braithwaite and Dorothee Brand of Belathee Photography.

Click through the slideshow here for ideas on a classic, refined design in an urban setting, and resources for making it happen.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Photography, Seattle Wedding Vendors, Inspiration Shoot

New: Fern Hollow

Plan ahead to see this local destination celebration spot.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Mar 28, 2012 at 07:10AM 2 Comments

The area’s newest destination location: Fern Hollow in Sequim.

WHERE: Fern Hollow in Sequim, on the Olympic Peninsula, a two hour road trip from home

WHAT: At the center of it all is a restored farmhouse, off of which there are patios and decks that are surrounded by gardens and lush grounds. Those give way to a barn, a fire pit, and a walking path that follows a tributary of the Dungeness River.

With indoor and outdoor options and five private suites, Fern Hollow can accommodate up to 200 guests. See how it feels to be one of them—a guest, that is—as the venue celebrates its grand opening with help from preferred providers Herban Feast Catering, Essence of the Thymes, Gallucci’s Catering, Cameron’s Catering, and Oven Spoonful. To round out your visit: Live and DJ’ed music sets, wedding cake, bridal fashion, tons of floral, photography, and more.

Oh, and you can enter to win a $7,000 package that includes Fern Hollow, catering, flowers, dessert, and photography. You must be present to win.

WHEN: Saturday, April 28 from 1 to 5; the event is free, driving directions are on the venue’s website. Please RSVP to info at fernhollowvenue.com

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Planning, Seattle Wedding Vendors

Cedarbrook Wedding Showcase

You won’t even know you’re in South Seattle.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Feb 08, 2012 at 12:00PM 0 Comments

Where: Cedarbrook Lodge

What: A wedding open house showing off the gorgeous, lush, and modern setting that is this hidden experience in South Seattle. You really have to see it to believe it. Preferred vendor presentations from Celebrity Cake Studios, Mode Photography, Affairs to Remember, and Marine View Floral set you up to experience the local but worldly cuisine from the truly phenomenal in-house caterers at Copperleaf Restaurant.

When: Sunday, February 19 from 2 to 5; register online at cedarbrooklodgeweddings.com or RSVP to weddings @ cedarbrooklodge.com

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Photography

Giveaway: Weddings in Woodinville

Tour top Eastside wedding sites on Sunday, January 29—on us. We’ve got two sets of free tickets for this exclusive wedding event.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jan 18, 2012 at 12:12PM 0 Comments

BreeAnn Gale of Pink Blossom Events is doing up Matthews Estate in rich wine tones and sunny-sky blue for Weddings in Woodinville on Sunday, January 29.

Where: Wine country—Woodinville, that is. Prime Eastside winery venues will be decked out in wedding finery and open for your perusal.

What: Weddings in Woodinville celebrates the area’s wine-centric ceremony and reception sites via a day-long tour of in-character wineries.

Seven event designers and/or event planners, seven wineries, seven wedding themes, expertly executed for your benefit. And a whole host of add-ons, too (wedding gowns, stationers, florists, musicians, photo booths, and more ). You—and your intended and maybe even a couple of family members—are shuttled here and there in top notch transportation so you may consider the vendors and venues, and sip a little wine, in style.

When: Sunday, January 29 between 10:30 and 5. Tickets are available via Brown Paper Tickets but we’re giving away two sets of two tickets here.

To enter, use the email the editor link at the right underneath the “About this blog” text. You must put the words Weddings in Woodinville in the subject line and include your name, email address, and phone number in the email. We’ll select two winners (one for each set of tickets) on Thursday, January 26; your tickets will be held at the check-in desk on the day of the event. Winners will be notified by email.

Good luck!

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Tags: Contests, Wine Specials, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Planning

Wedding Vendor Open House Season

Vendors all over Seattle want to feed you free appetizers and show you around their dance floors.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Jan 11, 2012 at 03:05PM 0 Comments

Guys and dolls: it’s open house season in wedding land. This is your official notice—with dates.

Below are a couple of great opportunities on our horizon, we’ll be posting more in the near future; you should also watch out for them in your weekly edition of ShopTalk. Click the orange highlighted links for contact information, and get in touch directly with the vendors for location and RSVP information.

Twelve Baskets (such a cute booth at the Seattle Wedding Show, courtesy Scout Vintage, who I’m assuming will be in tandem for this event at 415 Westlake) January 17 from 5 to 9

City Catering (it’s a Chinese New Year happy hour at Utina Wardroom!) January 18 from 5 to 7

Cedarbrook Lodge (hellloooo… that fireplace!) January 20 from 6 to 9

Sanctuary at Admiral January 26 from 5 to 8

Foodz Catering (late-night snack party animals) January 26 from 5 to 8

ACT 3 Catering January 26 from 5 to 8

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Venues, Wedding Show, Seattle Wedding Vendors

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

New Venue: The Oasis

Meet SoDo Park’s new neighbor, maybe throw a party there.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Oct 12, 2011 at 06:00AM 0 Comments

SLIDESHOW: A few shots of Herban Feast’s new property, the Oasis. Check the built-in stone elements and SoDo Park-like loft flavor. And now that you’re here, consider hanging out for a bit… the food trucks will be along any minute now.

View Slideshow » Illustration:

SLIDESHOW: A few shots of Herban Feast’s new property, the Oasis. Check the built-in stone elements and SoDo Park-like loft flavor. And now that you’re here, consider hanging out for a bit… the food trucks will be along any minute now.

View Slideshow » Illustration: View Slideshow » Illustration:

On a recent Thursday (read: it wasn’t even a summer month) I drove by SoDo Park at around 5:30 and saw a priest-led bridal party out on the sidewalk, waiting to make their grand entrance.

5:30 on a Thursday? Now that’s the sign of some recessionary restructuring (of tradition, that is)—and a very, very popular venue.

So it’s no wonder the Herban Feast folks (the ownership team behind SoDo Park) snapped up the property next door to their beloved First Ave South hub when it became available.

The newly christened Oasis can accommodate up to 100 for seated events, and cocktail parties for up to 200. And while guests certainly may utilize the award-winning catering chefs at Herban Feast, the 18-foot sliding door that leads to the drive-in courtyard provides access for on-trend food truck delivery service. Good Times.

It’s worth noting that many a venue owner would have made on-site catering a condition of rental at the new spot. HF head BJ Duft just isn’t that kind of guy. The food truck thing is too fun and too perfect, so the company is partnering with a fleet of mobile food trucks including Fusion on the Run, Parfait Ice Cream, The Bistro Box, Skillet, and Marination Mobile so that guests can get the most out of the space’s architectural elements and the city’s meals-on-wheels.

Speaking of architectural elements; a built-in rock garden, tons of lusciously non-native plants, and lofty ceilings are responsible for the warm, lounge-evoking name. And speaking of lounge: while the Oasis can be booked as a stand-alone event space, it can also be an add-on to events celebrated at SoDo Park. Imagine an adjacent cocktail area, or an add-on dessert room (paging the aforementioned ice cream delivery …) for your 200-person celebration. Unlike most other venues, the Oasis is available at hourly or block rates, so couples and planners will want to keep it in mind for bachelor parties, rehearsal dinners, and the like.

And check this out: If you book by November 15 for events occurring before the end of January 2012 (do I hear a shotgun?), you can save up to 50 percent off the booking fee. (Subject to availability; contact 206-932-4717 for complete information.)

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Venues, 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

Checklist: Bella Bridesmaid, Budget Bride, DIY Bride

Check out Ivy and Aster, save some bucks, create a fantasy flower arrangement.

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

Three things to put on your calendar for the next couple of weeks:

Where: Marigold and Mint in the Melrose Building

What: Though it’s not billed as a wedding-specific workshop, Marigold and Mint’s fantasy flower fashion class sure looks like a boon for couples who want an otherworldly vibe and at least a little DIY’ing—and, maybe most importantly, a pretty amazing and slightly over-the-top flower girl. (Note: The workshop is open to boys and girls of all ages.) M and M’s flower-farmer owner and her crew will be demonstrating flower cuffs and collars, and playing with color in general. In another’s hands, the words “fantasy flower fashion” could be very scary things. I have full confidence that Katherine Anderson will be doing right by them. And you.

When: Saturday, September 17; there will be three workshops given during three time slots: 11-1, 2-4, and 5-7. The cost is $25 per person and includes all the necessary materials; email info @ marigoldandmint.com or call 206-682-3111 for more information.

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Where: Mt. Baker Community Clubhouse in South Seattle

What: Northwest Budget Bride, a boutique wedding show featuring vendors who won’t break your bank. For example: Calla Bridal, Baked Cakes, Heather Donovan Harpist, and more. The day includes bubbly and bites, makeup sessions, wedding fashion, decor displays, and the opportunity to make some good decisions about vendors for your Big Day.

When: Sunday, September 18 from 11 to 6 (fashion show at 2); tickets are $10. See nwbudgetbride.com for more

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Where: Bella Bridesmaid

What: A trunk show for Ivy & Aster, a popular dress line for brides and bridesmaids that works for gals who go for modern silhouettes, soft, wearable fabrics, and low-key, on-trend color stories. In addition to lots of options for best friends, sisters, and other attendants, the Belltown bridesmaid specialists always keep a couple of non-trad wedding frocks in their shop, but they don’t actually carry either of Ivy & Aster’s collections. Yet. Maybe after having the full line of bridal and bridesmaid dresses—currently not carried anywhere in this state—in the shop for a few days, that’ll change.

When: Friday, September 23 and Saturday, September 24 during normal business hours; the smart ones will call ahead of time and book an appointment.

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Tags: Seattle Floral Vendors, Seattle Wedding Gown, Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Wedding Photography, Seattle Wedding Invitations, Seattle Wedding Hair and Makeup

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

New! WithinSodo

New ceremony and reception venue hosts open house with Lisa Dupar Catering, Choice Linens, and Pedersen’s Rentals.

Posted by: Laura Cassidy on Aug 03, 2011 at 06:45AM 0 Comments

WithinSodo is, yes, within the Sodo neighborhood. You’re invited to an open house there on Thursday August 11. Click the slideshow button for a view of the space’s interior.

View Slideshow » Illustration:

Within, and inside, Sodo. The space, which has retained all its earthy old bones through owner Ben Abrams’ gentle remodel, doubles as an art gallery, and its former life as a metal shop and warehouse make it industrio-modern and very cool. Locally made upcycled lighting by design duo Graypants adds to the vibe.

For some, the wedding-planning notion that it’s “all about the dress” is an absolute truth. For others, though, it’s definitely all about inventive, seasonal, Northwest cuisine. And I’d say that the venue is on equal footing with those big two. Location, location, location, right?

If your celebration plans are all about the ceremony and reception space—and especially if you haven’t found one yet—consider stopping by an open house at a brand new spot called WithinSodo. You’re invited to check out the 6,000 sq ft indoor/outdoor industrio-modern space at 2916 Utah Ave S on Thursday, August 11 between 5:30 to 8.

And if it’s all about that delicious meal, check this out too: Lisa Dupar Catering is co-hosting the fete along with Choice Linens and Pedersen’s Rentals. (Hey, maybe for you it’s all about the decor.) Consider it an opportunity to be inspired by materials, architecture, and some top wedding vendors, regardless of where you are in your planning process.

And if it is indeed all about the dress, you should also know this: Luly Yang Couture is currently hosting a sample sale. Past season gowns have been marked down to make way for new collections; discounts will last only as long as the merchandise does. So get to it.

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Tags: Seattle Wedding Catering, Seattle Wedding Details, Seattle Wedding Venues, Seattle Reception Venues, Seattle Ceremony Venue