JOURNAL
Epic PNW Weather for Summer Gig Harbor Micro Wedding
Taylor and Bilal’s intimate micro wedding was one of the best things to happen in 2020. Not only did it give me something fun and positive to look forward to, it was an absolute dream. They booked with us one month into a pandemic that we didn’t think would last beyond Spring but as the pandemic held on so did Taylor and Bilal. They were determined to get married in August 2020 and would find a way for their family and friends to attend safely.
Taylor and I spent countless late-night hours emailing back and forth, mostly between 11 pm and 1 am. Ultimately, they formulated a plan with their family to book a gorgeous place in Gig Harbor and quarantine together for the entire stay leading up to their special day. No detail was spared but more importantly, Taylor and Bilal paid incredible attention to the details that would ensure everyone’s comfort — including ours! It was so fun working with them to create a bright and cheery day.
They booked a stunning home on Gig Harbor that was almost completely surrounded by water, which meant everything had to be brought in. By everything I mean every little thing. It was a beast to move all of the chairs, glassware, forks, florals, candles, and so on, but we did it and it was so worth it. My husband joined me for the weekend and I put him to work. We strung lighting, set up the decor, and even assisted in getting the food picked up and staged for them before we left them to dine solo (thanks, COVID). It rained off and on the day of their wedding, but in true J29 Events fashion, the skies cleared and the sun came out just in time. We scurried to put everything back out and cruised along like it was nothing. Sure it was different, but this wedding screamed beauty and love. So much love. They had 15 guests in attendance with at least 70 more logged in from across the world to attend via Zoom (thank goodness for technology).
In a year when life threw us a ton of lemons, Taylor and Bilal fell from the sky and graced us with their love. Despite it all, they prevailed. Two ethnicities, two religions, family members who flew internationally in the midst a global pandemic and political unrest. They did it and we couldn’t feel more honored to have witnessed their special day.
With all of the difficult things we have endured over the past year and a half, it is so nice to look back and see the light that shone through the darkness. Taylor and Bilal’s wedding was certainly one of those bright spots… despite the rain.
How did you two meet?
We met in college at Central Washington University, which is where Bilal's parents also met. Bilal was president of the break club, and Taylor went with some friends, the rest is history! In our time at CWU, we started an activism club together, graduated with honors, and organized protests on campus in support of Ferguson.
Tell us about your first date.
Well, while it might not be a "date" one of our first deep connections was when Bilal was helping me move out of a bad roommate situation. It was late, we were stressed, and l picked up a box of honey nut cheerios upside down and they spilled everywhere. I was already kneeling and packing, and Bilal just put his hands on my shoulders and said "we've got this". Bilal remembers our first date with us going through all the CDs in his car and bonding over how much we love music. :)
Tell us your engagement story!
On the day of the proposal we went kayaking, Bilal proposed on the water, and we had a picnic with my family. He proposed with the fake ring from Amazon we had ordered when trying on different styles at home as our version of ring shopping during a pandemic. But, really, we were engaged over a month prior. We spent the last year after going to Nigeria for his sister's wedding intentionally working on our relationship to make damn sure we wanted to be married. After we felt sure, we also wanted to be in a place where we were feeling close to make the steps of engagement and wedding stuff.
When COVID hit we spent SO much time just the two of us at home, and we feel a little guilty about this, but we had the time of our lives. It was ridiculously fun and happy for us to just be holed up together. Then, the truth settled in that a large wedding wouldn't be possible for potentially two years, and that was just too long to wait. SO we realized that getting married this summer fit what we wanted, and now here we are two months out even though we never imagined having a small wedding or getting married so quickly, but we are loving it
Tell us about you two as a couple.
We really value family, we are interfaith so Christian and Muslim, we are lowkey but love to have a good time. Basically, we will dance the night away with you, but are just as happy snuggled up watching a movie with either of our families. We value authenticity, kindness, playfulness, learning. and community.
Hobbies?
We like going on low-key outdoor adventures like playing games in the park, cooking together, spending time with our loved ones, dancing of course, and travel when we can. We both are heavily academically oriented, so Taylor graduated with her master’s then Bilal started his.
Vendors:
Photography: Henry Tieu Photography
Florals: Leigh and Mitchell
Rentals: CORT Party Rental, Great Jones NW, & La Tavola Linen
Tux: The Black Tux
Cake: Petunia’s Pies & Pastries
Say Thank You to Your Squad with a Bridal Party Gift
I don’t know about you but gifting is my love language. One of my favorite parts of wedding planning is helping the couple say “thank you” to their bridal squad with fun and clever gifts.
Your bridesmaids and groomsmen are not only some of your oldest friends, they have been with you through all the stages of your wedding planning. You have made many amazing memories together, it is with this in mind that I recommend giving them a thoughtful and unique gift. When in doubt, shop local to wherever you’re hosting your wedding.
Today I’m sharing some of the fun ideas that our couples have given to their best folks.
Personalized jackets will keep your bridesmaids warm and in style late into the evening. Are you over the denim look? Try leather (faux) or an embroidered teddy jacket. <—— This is something that we haven’t seen yet but would love to snag!
Appeal to your groomsmen’s classy side with silver engraved pocket watches, a hammered money clip, or monogrammed cuff links.
She will always think of your special day over her morning cup of joe with personalized floral letter and gold handled mugs.
Fun and festive socks for grooms are always a hit at weddings and make for a great photo op.
Matching robes can be worn on your wedding day and for years to come. PRO TIP: Do not have bridesmaids names embroidered on the robe, they know their own name. Opt for a monogram or go without.
Flip flops, snacks, and energy drinks will get your girls through the day. Stash these goodies into cute custom travel totes.
WHERE TO SHOP
Bridesmaid’s World
Zazzle
Etsy
Things Remembered
SHOP LOCAL (we have plenty of wholesale accounts to suggest)
CUSTOM GIFT BASKETS
With Love, From PDX
Evergreen Custom Gifting
Happy Baskets
Destination Boho Wedding at Horning's Hideout
What happens when a southern couple plans a destination woodsy wedding to the PNW? Perfection. From the burgundy/dusty mauve color palette to the magical boho florals, no detail was left unturned (especially in the desserts category).
From our Junebug Weddings Feature:
When Shannon and Ian were planning their fairytale forest wedding, they took to Google to search for inspiration and fell madly in love with Horning’s Hideout! Shannon has a natural love for the environment, so it was important that the natural beauty of the venue shine through with minimal decor. Selva Floral Design did a magical job creating arrangements for the ceremony arch and reception area that complimented the enchanting forest vibes. If you love all things whimsical, we think you’re going to swoon over these photos by The Soft Season!
We love seeing bridesmaids in a variety of dresses within a color palette. The different tones and textures create so much depth and gives your wedding extra personality. How do you plan on dressing your ladies?
When it comes to wedding details and ceremony backdrops, unexpected shapes and textures in the trees are kind of our jam.
Wedding planning advice from the bride: Pick your memorable moments, everything else will fade over time so only focus on the things you want yourself and your guests to remember and highlight them in a way which resonates with you to make them uniquely yours and so looking back those moments will always bring joy. Additionally, have a vision and stick with it, by having a vision from the beginning it helped cut down on the stress. Lastly, love your wedding photographer and their style. Highly recommend using social media to your advantage and looking at different photography styles to narrow down what you would like.
Here’s to an epic party in the woods! Clink!
A mixture of table shapes and surfaces help to create a beautiful and unique reception setup as well as helping to define your wedding style.
“We found it very important to maintain our vision for the wedding. We wanted to create a unique interpretation of traditional wedding elements done in a modern way which created a better atmosphere and flow through out the event. This wedding was our opportunity to thank everyone in our lives who had played an instrumental role in helping us get to where we are so we wanted to take some of the focus off of ourselves and instead create a memorable intimate wedding where each of our guests felt welcomed and appreciated.”.
When floral heaven lands on a dessert table, you know Selva Floral is in da house. Holy moly! This statement piece was designed for the ceremony altar, but we repurposed it for the dessert table. Wow is an understatement. Also, White Pepper Catering are dessert masters!
Vendors:
Photography: The Soft Season
Second Photographer: Courtney Meili Photography
Venue: Horning’s Hideout
Florals: Selva Floral Design
Catering: White Pepper Catering
Cake: Dream Cakes
Bar: Tiddly Trailer
DJ: Event Team Entertainment
Stationery: Polka Dot Paper
Makeup: Lauren Maher Makeup
Hair: The Beaty Briar
Wedding Dress: THEIA Couture, Louvienne va Lovely Bride
Groom Attire: Idlewood Bespoke
Rentals: Party Place, Classic Vintage Rentals
Featured on Junebug Weddings
How to coordinate mismatched bridesmaids dresses
“You can wear it again”
OK, so this may be a myth, but let’s take a new view of bridesmaids dresses and see their purpose. The purpose is to support the bride and her vision of her wedding. The colors, the fabrics, and the style all serve that common purpose. The wedding party is a painting and the bridesmaids are part of the palette. But there are many ways to achieve this.
It might be a misnomer to call these dresses mismatched when each one was carefully selected for each lady while considering the overall effect. Within each group, there are consistent elements that create a cohesive look.
Let’s discuss the main THREE things to start with when you’re thinking about dressing the ladies in your party.
Thing One: How formal is your wedding?
Thing Two: Who Are Your Bridesmaids?
Thing Three: What is Your Budget?
Same Color/Different Style
Same Color Family/Different Style
Color Pairings
All Unique Within a Color Scheme
We’ve been so lucky to work with such stylish brides who effortlessly rock this look!
Now check out some looks for grooms!
Creative Backdrops for Your Wedding Ceremony
As your guests take their seats and wait for the wedding to start, they are all taking in the same view, your ceremony backdrop. When you are at an outdoor venue or in a blank canvas indoor space, the options are endless for what type of altar to provide.
A few tips when choosing your Ceremony Backdrop:
It should be memorable
It should fit your style or theme
It should blend seamlessly with your venue or setting
Here are some of the creative backdrop we’ve dreamed up with the help of our amazing brides and grooms!
Square 2 Post Arch with Floral Garland
Photographer: Sweetlife Photography, Floral: Swoon Floral Design / Heirbloom Floral Design
Square 2 Post Arch with Floral Garland
Photography: Grace Helen Photo, Floral: Heirbloom Floral Design
Double Triangular Arch with Boho Floral Accents
Boho styles are very much still on trend in the PNW. When elevating your wood or metal arch, decorate with pampas grass, feathers and lots of greenery and foliage.
Photography: The Soft Season, Florals: Selva Floral Design
Circular Arch with Full Floral
Phtoographer: Christy Cassano, Florist: Bramble Floral Design
Hexagonal Arch With Floral Accents
Didn’t your geometry teacher tell you you would learn useful lessons for the future in her class?
Photography: Sweetlife Photography, Florals: Distinctive Designs by Denice
Chuppah - 4 Post Square Arch with Floral Over Top
Traditionally Chuppah’s are used for Jewish ceremonies, but modern brides of all religions have discovered their beauty.
Photographer: Kristen Marie Parker, Floral: Vanessa Schmidt
Natural Backdrop - Majestic Redwood Tree
Maybe you are eloping to the forest this summer due to COVID-19 and don’t want to bring in a large ceremony backdrop. Let nature provide this for you.
Photography: The Soft Season, Florals: Selva Floral Design
Natural Backdrop - Magnificent Oak Tree
Many Venues have a standout natural element that will double as a gorgeous ceremony backdrop.
Whatever you decide for your ceremony backdrop, choose something that goes with your theme and decor, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box!
Romantic Summer Wedding at Barn Kestrel
Take us back to Shauna + Armando’s perfect September wedding at Barn Kestrel. This Romantic Farm Wedding was one for the ages. Full of vintage rustic glamour, complete with modern touches.
Sometimes we get so lucky with our Brides and Grooms that they put their words and feelings about their wedding in writing. Shauna + Armando were one of those amazing couples. Throughout this post, I’ll share their words with you!
Pretty, pretty, pretty invitation suite by Crave Design! We love how this set perfectly matched the details and florals from their beautiful day.
"First look! It was so emotional and such a loving moment. Armando has never cried in front of me and his eyes started to and it was one of the most emotionally happy moments we’ve had together. “
“Vows: waiting to hear each other vows made it so much more heart felt. Armando’s vows made me laugh out loud and made me cry tears of happiness.”
We set up a cozy lounge seating area for guest in the reception barn. It was the perfect place for guests to escape the heat and to enjoy watching all of their fun dances.
Perks of wedding at a Farm? Sunset Bridal Horse Portraits!! The four resident “cowboy horses” love hamming it up for photos which worked out well for our equestrian bride, Shauna, who loved being able to snap some pics with these beauties since she couldn’t have her own horse with her on their special day.
“Favorite moment of our day: our first dance. We had ours choreographed and the song was a reference to our video game nerdiness. We also had so much fun with our dance and the crowd went wild!”
“Advice as a newlywed: Make time to continue “dating” each other. Surprise each other and keep communication open! Do random acts of kindness…. and remember, just because the wedding is over doesn’t mean that the foundations of your relationship don’t need as much love and care as you gave before getting hitched.
Thanks, Shauna and your team for making our day so stellar!" ~Shauna + Armando
Vendors:
Photography: Sweetlife Photography
Venue: Barn Kestrel
Catering: Verde Cocina
Florals: Distinctive Designs by Denice
Hair: Ambrosia Carey
Makeup: Hair Mettle
Dress: Allure Bridals
Dress Shop: Ania Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Invitations: Crave Design
Rentals: Party Place, Bridge Wood Events
Dessert: Churros Locos
DJ: NW Mobile DJ Service
Bar: Bar Truck PDX
Photo Booth: Smirk Booth Photo Co.