Michelle and Preston took a romantic boat ride along Lake Washington after saying, “I do,” the keepsake veil of Michelle’s mother covering the bride. The rain had finally died down though the wind did not, taking the veil with it into the lake as Michelle and Preston made their way down on the dock. A sweet fisherman nearby rescued the veil, one of the many personal touches to Michelle and Preston’s beautiful autumn wedding.
Wedding Date: Saturday, October 10, 2015
Wedding Location: Woodmark Hotel – Washington
First Dance Song: “Beautiful” by Meshell Ndegeocello
Favorite Item on the Menu: The appetizers were delicious and of course, the signature drinks, Blushing Bride and Mint-to-be-Mojito
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: Bridesmaids received bracelets (worn on the wedding day), personalized candles, and their dresses. Groomsmen received socks, bow ties, travel bags and shoes.
Tell us about how you met and all about the proposal!
Our first conversation was in October 2012 and we were married exactly three years later, on October 10, 2015. We were introduced through Preston’s sister in law, who happens to be my second cousin. She was working with me on a family reunion planning committee and insisted that we meet one another! We lived in different states and ended up talking by phone a week later. We talked every day after that. Preston went to Liberia for six weeks after our initial conversation and we stayed in communication via text, email and phone calls.
We had a long distance romance for a year while Preston was on the road traveling for work. We saw each other at least once a quarter but talked daily for hours! Preston moved from Columbus, Ohio to Las Vegas in January 2014 but was still traveling for work. He proposed on October 17, 2014 and literally the same day found out his boss was leaving the company, opening a position that would allow him to work remotely from home. He was offered the position a month later, allowing us to spend our entire engagement year together!
Wedding Style
Our wedding style can be described as layered love. It was romantic with roses and blush tones, but it also had a regal-ness to it with contrasting dark taupe, black tuxes and the waterfront setting. The décor was absolutely beautiful. We wanted it to be very intimate and detailed. We used a personalized puzzle (the pieces made up one of our engagement photos) as the guest book and a calligrapher made all of the signs and wrote ‘forever’ on our sweetheart table napkins. It was all in the details…
My mom and I went shopping for the wedding dress together. I knew I wanted something simple and romantic! We went to two stores in Seattle, I only tried on about eight dresses and then I was sold. My dress was everything I wanted, without spending nearly what I thought it might cost. The dress was my dad’s gift to me!
Culture
I wore my mother’s veil from 38 years ago. We also had a praise dance to honor our parents in lieu of the traditional mother/son, father/daughter dances. Our parents sat in white leather tufted couches while a beautiful praise dancer moved to the Perry Como version of “Sunrise Sunset.”
Memories
One of my favorite memories was the view from our sweetheart table — watching our family and friends enjoy themselves at our incredibly romantic, intimate and loving wedding. Seeing all of the pieces of the puzzle come together was worth every email, all of the planning, and all of the hard work. Another favorite memory was walking down the aisle during the ceremony and seeing my younger brother waiting to officiate the wedding. It was truly a family affair.
Help a bride-to-be out!
Go with your first in mind when it comes to selecting your vendors and the people you surround yourself with the day of the wedding. Choose vendors that will help you execute your vision, your special day. I never wavered on my choices, from my planner and photographer down to the wedding party. Be intentional with your planning and set your mind on love. When the day comes, love will exude from every facet of the wedding and that is magic.
Vendors:
Photography: Melissa Kilner Photography
Planner + Stylist: Simply by Tamara Nicole
Venue: The Woodmark Hotel
Hair + Makeup: Yessie Libby Makeup and Hair
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Flower Girl Dress: Little Dreamers Tutus
Florist: Rented Elegance
Officiant: Richard Morris
Cake: NancyKay Confections
Furniture Rentals: Rented Elegance
Plates, Napkins, Chargers, Dance Floor: Grand Event Rentals
Sequin + Rose Linens Rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen
Kings Tables + Linens Rentals: Pedersen’s Rentals
DJ: DJ Big Reg
Lighting: Greenlight Events
Praise Dancer: Shaunyce
Stationery: Shine Invitations
Calligraphy: Mint Afternoon
LOVE this wedding! Was so much planning with Michelle, she had great style and the wedding shows! GREAT team as well. Thanks for sharing this wedding!