Washington-Seattle — The Knot Community

Bridal Shower Invite Q

mgoss228 — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 22:52:38 +0000

There is a Shower for a SO of one of DH's friends in a few weeks, and I have another event I'm going to that day (a Going Away/Moving Across the Country party for one of my friends). I got a Shower invite in the mail from her MOH, with a phone number to RSVP. It's a potluck Shower and the invite requested something for a "date" for the Bride and her FI. So it seems like a pretty casual event.

The thing is, the Bride-to-be did not RSVP for my Shower a few months ago, and it's something that made me and my MOH = because my Shower was a little more of a formal affair, and having an accurate guestcount was important for food/drink/etc. So I don't want to call to RSVP "No" out of spite, but I know/think I should for etiquette/guestcount.

Would I be a horrible b*tch if I RSVP'd "No" via text message to the MOH? Or should I even bother?

Loves Me Flowers review

prettybirds — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:42:04 +0000

For those of you in the Seattle area I wrote a review of Loves Me Flowers that I hope you find helpful :)

I highly recommend Kendra of Loves Me Flowers! She is professional, caring, honest and very talented. I truly feel that she made my vision a reality and I couldn't be happier with the results. She did an amazing job on my bouquet, the bridal party bouquets and boutonnieres, corsages as well as the table centerpieces. I collected over a hundred vases that I was going to fill with flowers for the centerpieces on the tables at the reception. She kindly gave me advice on where to get the best flowers and how to prep them. In the end I chose to have Kendra take care of the centerpieces for two reasons: I trusted her with my vision, and when you are a bride you have enough to worry about!

Moral of the story, if you are looking for an outstanding florist for your wedding or special event, set up an appointment with Kendra!

Church Ceremony and Reception venus?

there83 — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:59:10 +0000

Hi,

I am looking for a church's sanctuary that's pretty and that has fellowship/social hall where I can host lunch reception for 200 people.
Please let me know if you know one :)
Thank you so much!!

Just Married

KatyDidlettes — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:26:31 +0000

We got married 3 days ago and it was AMAZING! I have lots of venor reviews coming but I just wanted to stop in and share one picture from our amazing photographer at Northern Lights, Cheryl Jones. She is amazing!

AW: First Pro Pics posted...

geminijen27 — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:57:34 +0000

Our photographer posted the first sneak at our pics ... and I *love* them! I have to share:

http://keridoolittlephotography.com/2011/06/seattle-wa-wedding-photographer.html

Wedding photos

Sharingourlove — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:23:29 +0000

For the been-there-done-that marrieds - what are some of your favorite wedding shots of? What moments are you happiest about, other than the standard ones, that were captured?

For the almost-marrieds - what photo shots are you wanting to make sure you get?

Photog rant!

DakotaDangerDog — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:51:32 +0000

Hi Knotties,

I just wanted to pop over from the nest to let you all know about the photographer I used. I got married May 15th of last year. I used Dale Tu Photo. Dale is a great photographer, I love his style and our pictures turned out great. But one thing. He is AMAZINGLY SLOW!!! Every step of the way, engagement pictures, wedding photos, and now our album. I still have not received the album. It's been over a year.

Every time I ask him about it he says oh it'll be done by this month, well several times his estimated finish time has come and gone without any word from him. Every time I email him he is nice, says he's sorry, and tells me a new estimated time. And still... haven't heard anything.

The awesome part? I'm not even married anymore. I'm still annoyed though, he wasn't cheap, and the photo album was a good chunk of our cost. I just want the dang thing because I paid for it. Sigh.

Well that's all ladies. Good luck with your weddings!!! I hope you pick better vendors than I did, haha.

Friday Rant & Rave

mgoss228 — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:44:45 +0000

And............................... GO!

Anyone worked with Bonnie from Salon Maison?

erinmmcd — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 22:42:10 +0000

I booked Salon Maison due to the overwhelmingly positive reviews, especially for the HMUA Heidi. Over the phone I mentioned that I wanted to work with her, but it seems it got lost in translation and was never said over email and isn't in the contract. Dang.

So anyway, now they have paired me with another HMUA, Bonnie, who they say is great, and possibly is. I scoured for all the Salon Maison reviews I could find and there wasn't a single mention of the name Bonnie as anyone's highlight. I'm willing to give her a chance, but my expectations were set so high based on another specific HMUA from the same salon. So I'm just wondering if anyone has worked with her or knows of someone who has worked with her? I'm trying to get some idea of whether she's brand new or just average for the company (i.e. why no one ever mentions her in reviews).

FB group?

R&L&A — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 04:29:39 +0000

hey guys, Im Lindsey and i havent really posted in here. its nearly impossible from my phone and im almost never on a computer. is it possible i can join the facebook group? i know its more for "known" memmbers, but i cant use this site lol

Need emergency officiant!

emyinpink — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:01:17 +0000

So we were planning on having our good friend be our officiant (he was going to get ordained online). But now, it looks like he might not be able to attend our wedding! :(

So now we're 3 months out, and in need of an officiant.

I'm presbyterian, so I wouldn't mind having a presbyterian, or maybe unitarian universalist minister, but FI is not Christian, so we'd need someone who would be willing to do a multi-faith ceremony (or at least minimally so).

Would also be open to having a judge, etc.

Any recommendations?

Bridal Hair and Make-Up

ajroark — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:42:34 +0000

I'm looking for salon recommendations for bridal hair and make-up! Anyone want to share who they're using?

Wedding Help Thursday

mgoss228 — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:54:32 +0000

What do you need help/ideas/inspiration with this week???

Need Advice FB post

kinmir30 — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:39:54 +0000

See FB Group

Is this really legit??

StarrryEyez19 — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 21:17:21 +0000

OK Girls.. I need your help!! My brother is in the Army and stationed in Germany where he and his FI live. I have planned their wedding here on a super tight budget! Under $500 for food and everything for a pretty nice wedding for 65 people. I did EVERYTHING DIY to save money and put TONS of time into it. Now that they have met with the Pastor marrying them she is demanding that they give her $200 for 30 minutes of her time!! That seems CRAZY to me. I know that you usually gift money to the church or something but demanding that they pay HER and SOOO much for such a short time? Has anyone heard of that? I was thinking maybe $100.. everything else I am doing as they have no more money. HELP! Wedding is THIS SATURDAY!! :(

Favors

jales — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:52:38 +0000

Well - 24 days to go and I just realized that I don't have favors yet.

What are you girls doing for your favors? I wanted to stay away from the candy/chocolate route, but now i'm stuck. We are huge golfers, and I was looking at personalized tees ... but what do I do for the non golfers that will be there?

Photographers

AshnRobo — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:47:49 +0000

Hi everyone! I'm from Oklahoma, but my FI and I will be going to Bellingham in July to see his family...whom I've never met!

While we were there we wanted to take advantage of the beautiful area and do our engagement session. So far I have found three photographers that are a maybe. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with any of these or had recomendations for different ones. :)

The three are:

Tiffany Burke

Stefan Elmer

Reflections in Time Studios

I found them by doing a really quick google search. So I really don't know much about photography in the area.

TIA!

boudoir photographer recs?

andielizabeth — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:27:12 +0000

Can you give me recommendations on a photographer to do my Boudoir Pics with??

TIA!!!

Reception Questions!!

tmhildebrand — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 05:35:34 +0000

Is it a manditory for the Bride and Groom to supply the alcohol at the reception? My family/friends can get a little out of hand when there is alcohol involved but I would like to have a little bit of wine on my wedding day. Is it bad to ask everyone that wants to drink to bring there own? I am not putting anywhere in the invitation that alcohol is going to be available, maybe its just me but I don't see any harm in BYOB. Hopefully someone can shine a little light on this for me!!!

Tacoma Rehersal Dinner

HerNameIsNik — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:56:34 +0000

Hi!

Does anyone know a good place to have a rehersal dinner in Tacoma? We have a fairly large party, including the large bridal party and out of town guests, 40 people about. I don't want to send the FI's parents into early bankruptcy.

Initial research shows that C.I. Shenanigan's has a banquet room buffett for $22 a person, which seems ok (I'd prefer more like $15 a person, but this may be asking too much) but I am guessing that there is an additional cost for using the room. I'll look into that one more. Not such a fan of the Old Spaghetti Factory. Other ideas?

Thanks!

Affordable classic venue with food

Annie516 — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 06:04:18 +0000

I have a budget of about $5000 for food, beverages and venue, including all the table/serving stuff too. I want a warm, candle-lite dinner, in a simple but classic room. I want to provide a full, delicious meal but it need not be fancy or complex- just simple, delicious food. I want a place to fill with flowers and candles and have a giant family dinner. A place to get ready on-site would be great but isn't necessary. Any ideas? Thank you so much!

Weekend Confessions

mgoss228 — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 21:47:22 +0000

feel free to confess here

Check-In Tuesday/ Open Letter Tuesday

mgoss228 — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:50:14 +0000

Yay for a 4-day work week

Debra Moreland Paris necklace, bracelet, hairpins for sale

norman4ever — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:36:53 +0000

I am selling my Debra Moreland Paris necklace, bracelet and hairpins (2) from the Wild Rose collection. These pieces are in perfect condition, only worn once. I purchased them from the Bridal Garden in Kirkland. I originally purchased the set for $800, and am selling for $400/OBO. I tried to attach a picture from the Anne Barge Fall 2010 runway show, in which the model wears the necklace, but it didn't work. So here is the address:
http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/anne-barge-fall-2010-collection#slide_10

Contact me at ebeth1@u.washington.edu if you are interested.

Dress Preservation

Tbird87 — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:04:45 +0000

I've been married for 8 days (vendor reviews coming soon, I promise), and I need to figure out what to do with my dress. I want to get it cleaned and preserved.

I was thinking of using DB's service (I bought my dress there), but I would love to hear from anyone who has experience with someone more local.

Wedding Help Thursday

mgoss228 — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:00:47 +0000

With all these weddings coming up soooooo soon, do any of you need help with ideas/inspiration/etc?

Friday Rant & Rave

mgoss228 — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:48:41 +0000

And................GO!

Vendor reviews (long)

maymei — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:12:30 +0000

I posted these reviews on Yelp so I wanted to post them here too. All of my vendors were terrific, so these are detailed reviews for those of you that want specific info. *Photographer: Mike Kane (http://www.mikekanephotography.com/weddings/) When I was looking for a photographer for my wedding, I did weeks of research. My fiance and I needed to find someone within our limited budget, but I didn't want the run-of-the-mill cheesy photographer that would have us doing the standard (but awkward) wedding poses. I finally came across Mike Kane, who caught my eye since he was formerly a photojournalist for the Seattle P-I. I love candid photography because I love seeing real, honest moments, and seeing Mike's portfolio, he's able to capture those types of moments while creating a beautiful image. Mike was very responsive whenever I would email him with questions or details about the wedding. On the day of, I became even happier about choosing him as my photographer because he is so easygoing and friendly. He stayed in the background but my family and I would engage him in conversation, and he was very fun to deal with in all situations. The day after the wedding, my family kept commenting on how "cool" my photographer was. He arrived early to the venue, was very responsive to ideas we had for shots, but he also gently directed us to get the best shots possible. I haven't seen the photos yet but I'm sure they will be beautiful. I cannot recommend him highly enough! *Videographer: Lorbaniah Cameography (http://cameography.com/) My fiance (now husband) and I were on a limited budget and weren't sure if we could afford a videographer, but after hearing from other brides that they regretted not capturing their ceremonies on video, we decided to tweak our budget to accommodate a videographer. I'm so grateful we found Corban Cooper at Lorbaniah Cameography because for the quality of videos he produces, his rates are very reasonable. (I haven't seen our video yet but I'm sure it will be beautiful.) Since the beginning, Corban was quick to respond to all my emails and phone calls, answering all of my questions. You can tell he's been doing this a while because his planning forms are so thorough - they cover all the possible details for the video, which is perfect for my OCD personality. On the wedding day he showed up right on time and immediately began shooting. He was so easy to work with and was very sweet - he even helped carry my veil when it got caught! He stayed in the background but would occasionally make gentle suggestions for shots during our photo session. He even asked to download a copy of our slideshow so that he can incorporate it into the video (brilliant idea!). Needless to say, I'm very excited to see our video and I'm so happy to have worked with Corban! *Venue/Caterer: Ray's Boathouse (http://rays.com/) Having our wedding at Ray's Boathouse was by far the best decision we made during the wedding planning process. We had very limiting criteria for our potential venue: 1) It had to have a view. 2) It had to be in Seattle (i.e. easily accessible) since we had a lot of out of town guests. 3) It had to have parking. 4) It had to have amazing food. Ray's Boathouse met all of those criteria, which I thought impossible, and I dragged my fiance there within days of discovering them in order to book them for our wedding. I thought meeting those strict requirements was going to be enough to satisfy me with our choice of venue, but Ray's kept doing little things to surprise me and make me fall in love with them. First of all, Amy Stevens, the Senior Catering Sales Manager, was the one person I relied on most during the wedding planning process. She was my point of contact at Ray's, and she was so sweet because she helped me plan every single detail of my wedding, from the timeline to the decor, etc. She would answer questions I had even though I'm sure it wasn't part of her job, and she was so nice and helpful (and very responsive!) the entire time. She put me at ease because she is so experienced and has seen it all. She contacted the vendors to give them details about set-up, she was my day-of coordinator and knew all the details and timelines. I couldn't have survived that day without her guidance and assistance, and she did it all with a smile. Amy also added little touches that I really appreciated; my fiance and I were on a limited budget spent very little money on decor, but she set our tables with napkins in our wedding color, added coordinating centerpiece flowers, and put up lanterns in our ceremony space. I was very touched by these small details that made our wedding seem more elegant and expensive than it actually was. Scott was the lead staff member during the reception, and whenever my guests or I had a question, he was always so helpful and on top of things. He kept the evening running smoothly and the service flowed so seamlessly - it felt like we were at a 5-star restaurant. He, and the entire Ray's staff, was so friendly and professional. The service and hospitality blew me and all of my guests away. Ray's is famous for its hospitality, but even knowing that, I wasn't prepared for how amazing the hospitality truly is. The food was incredible too, which was important to me since I am a chef. (Special thanks to David, the banquet chef I met while my family and I were setting up. He was so warm and welcomed us, and he made sure our flowers were taken care of and that our favors were set up as I wanted, which I'm sure isn't one of his normal job duties.) My guests keep telling me how wonderful the food was and that they were so sad they got full because they wanted to keep eating. This made me so happy because for many of my guests, the food is the most important part of the night, and Ray's legendary food made me proud! I can't say enough about my experience at Ray's Boathouse. My fiance (now husband) told me that he's going to tell everyone he knows to get married at Ray's - and I have to agree! *Officiant: Rev. Mary Calhoun (http://www.windowtothesoulministry.com/) I didn't anticipate that one of the most difficult parts of planning our wedding was finding our officiant. I am Christian and attend church every Sunday, and my fiance (now husband) is a non-practicing Jew. We first approached 2 pastors then a rabbi about officiating our wedding, and to make a long story short, they all basically discouraged our interfaith marriage and I ended up in tears. Then I found Rev. Mary Calhoun on theknot.com, and during our first meeting with her after I described our experience with the other officiants, she said it was ridiculous, that there was no reason our interfaith marriage couldn't work. And from then on, she's made both my husband and I feel so loved and confident in our decision to marry. At first, hiring Mary was a little out of our budget, but actually she deserves so much more! She handled the rehearsal seamlessly, making us feel at ease with what we needed to accomplish on the wedding day. She also made sure I had all the details regarding ceremony seating, the processional, etc., and she had me write up short bios on my "important people" so that she could know them better during the process. She is also handling all of the paperwork for the marriage license. One of things I loved best about working with Mary is that she got to know us as a couple, and by doing so, we were able to create a ceremony that truly reflected who we were and what vows we were making. As we finalized the ceremony, she also guided us in our decisions on what kind of couple we wanted to be and what we wanted our future marriage to be. Our ceremony didn't feel impersonal or standard - Mary made sure to get to know us, that we knew each other, that we knew our expectations for the wedding day and our marriage, and all of that together made the ceremony beautiful for us and our guests. Our resulting ceremony was intimate, memorable and touching, and unique to us as a couple. *DJ: Sean Denard (http://www.denardproductions.com/) My fiance and I were working with a limited budget, so finding an affordable DJ was a challenge. What made it even more difficult is the fact that an affordable DJ won't necessarily be a good DJ, and a bad DJ can ruin a wedding. Sean Denard was highly recommended on theknot.com and his rates were very reasonable, so I booked him immediately. He made a great first impression on me because before booking him, he offered to meet me at the venue so he could get an idea of the space and what his set-up would be like, at the same time giving me the opportunity to get to know him a little. He is extremely responsive; when I would call or email with questions, he responded within minutes. He also has planning tools on his website that allow you to plan your wedding, the way you want it, down to the smallest detail (I loved this since I am an OCD control freak), from the songs you want (or don't want) played, to the timeline, etc. He also provided the necessary cord so that we could hook up our laptop/projector to his speakers for our slideshow. He's so experienced and well-prepared that it put me at ease. The day of the wedding, he was incredible. He brought an extra person to help (thanks Jeff!) with no extra charge to me, and they were both dressed really well in suits even though I told them they could be business casual. I gave him free reign to choose the music during the cocktail and dinner hour, just telling him to keep it laid back and easy, and he chose the perfect songs (I had guests keep telling me how great the music was during our meal). He kept us right on schedule the whole night without rushing us or being obnoxious. He had great energy when we started dancing and kept us on the dance floor. The music flowed so well - there were no lulls and he mixed up the old and new, slow and fast, really well. When one of my guests had a special song request, he made sure I okayed it first before playing it. Sean and Jeff were so sweet throughout the night that I felt like they were one of my guests. I could not have been happier with having Sean as my DJ!

New Seattle Knotties Wedding Bio- Coming Soon

mgoss228 — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:42:10 +0000

So, I've gotten off of my lazy Mod butt, and am currently putting together an up-to-date website/Bio for us Seattle Knotties. Right now I'm putting up advice/vendor bios from past Knotties that I've collected since I started posting on this board (October 2009).

But I also want to post a list of CURRENT Knotties (Knotties who are currently posting on the board).

Please reply to this post with your Knottie name, wedding date, colors, theme (if you have one) and bio website (if you have it).

And I will do my best to include all of you on the new website (which I hope to have a link for ya'll later this week)!

Our Ring Shell

kinmir30 — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:33:03 +0000

SO, I haven't shared any of my projects in a long time because I have been so busy! But I thought I would share one that I just recently finished.

This shell is for our rings to sit in and we are having a ring girl that will bring it down. :)

You can find them on Etsy for about $35. I made mine for about $4! :)