Magical Garden Party Wedding
Jenn and Jarrett had been to Seattle multiple times to visit friends and fell in love with the city. Their good friend suggested Bainbridge Island at a private home for their intimate celebration. Wanting to have an idyllic Gatsbyesque garden luncheon for their wedding in August, the Island was the perfect location to steal everyone away and make a four day weekend of it.
The lushness of the gardens, the fountain in the koi pond and the two to three hundred foot tall trees forming a perfect circle around the property created an enchanting, other worldly backdrop for this one of a kind love story. See all of the details in the full gallery here, photographed by Joann Arruda Photography.
Vintage Charm At It's Finest
Jenn and Jarrett being generous with their hearts and themselves chose to marry with their closest friends and family surrounding them. Keeping the wedding intimate meant they could spoil everyone and relax themselves. With Jenn's love of fashion and stylish vintage furniture Vintage Ambience was key to finding the perfect settees and trunks and buffets and more. The ceremony 'altar' Jenn entrusted her great friend and planner to style a surprise for her. It included a vintage white buffet with mirror and multiple floral pieces on top with candles and more flowers spilling out of drawers on the ground around it.
Plan Hard & Party Harder
We honestly have to say that we wouldn't do anything different...not a single step. The best advice, coming from someone in the industry, is to just let it go...plan hard and party harder (but not before you walk down the aisle!). If it doesn't go according to plan...then that's not what was meant to be. Embrace what isn't on the timeline because that is what you will remember, for better or worse; be part of the memory that makes you laugh, not cringe in embarrassment because of how you handled it.
Budget Your Sanity
Last but not least, every bride needs to ask herself how much her sanity is worth because as much of a luxury as a wedding planner might initially sound like, they are worth every penny. Not only will they help you and your parents/future husband/in-laws make relationship-breaking decisions, they'll sometimes pay for their fee by negotiating with other vendors on your behalf. We are blessed to call one of the most highly sought after designers in the country, our friend, but she helped with thoughtful suggestions, not imposing her own "visions" or agendas and the result is incredibly organic and beautiful. Alex Alexander is a rock star and "Bride Whisperer" and when she's involved, everybody wins.
A Memory Shared Together
In the end, our vendors, families and friends all felt part of this sliver of life and that they made an impact on our life...because it was evident they did. From the minute they stepped foot in Seattle, they knew this would be a trip to remember, whether it was a memory they shared with us, or one they made on their own. And that is what mattered most to us...this was a moment in time to be remembered.
Read on to see how much this magical garden party wedding cost. Please note that costs change as the years go by, and prices are subject to change. This is just one couple’s breakdown to give you a rough estimate on how much a wedding like this may cost you.
Our rentals from Vintage Ambiance were about $200/person and included all dining components and furniture with the exception of napkins which I collected along the way since they were vintage, and the day bed and leather chairs in photos that were our friends/venues.
I also can't say enough about the catering that was under $150/person. The staff was so accommodating and went above and beyond expectations. We can't put into words how amazing our experience with Duos Catering was.
The florals, supplied by Melanie Benson Florals, couldn't be more pocket friendly. She actually has an a la carte menu that helps smaller weddings like ours, repurpose pieces from the ceremony/cocktail reception, for dinner. She even went the extra mile to make an out-of-season ranunculus bouquet just for me. *sigh* it's those special touches you can't ignore or take for granted.
And photography...let's talk the most important medium to capture your day. Go with your gut, not your budget (ours ended up around $2500). This person, much like your planner/designer, needs to have the same aesthetic you do or you won't want to hang your wedding photos or make your album. It's easy to vet a photographer to begin with but once you meet them...you'll know. We did when we met Joann Arruda and her talent is evident.
- Cakes & Catering: Duos
- Event Planning & Design: Alex Events Inc.
- Flowers: Melanie Benson Florals
- Photographers: Joann Arruda Photography
- Rentals: La Tavola Linens
- Rentals: Vintage Ambience Rentals