Hello and happy Friday!
Despite my genuine desire to have all of my posts scheduled out during my time in Washington, it just didn’t end up happening… I apologize for being MIA the last few days! I am back home to Oregon now and am ready to get back in to the swing of things. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the weekend than with this stunning vineyard wedding by B. Jones Photography.
Chrissy and Nick were married at Karma Vineyards in Lake Chelan, Washington on a beautiful September day. From the beaming bride to the incredible location and all of the sweet details that filled the day, this is a wedding that you won’t soon forget! Read on to hear about all of the details, as well as the super sweet and almost unbelievable story of how these two met, straight from the bride herself!
From Chrissy:
Our moms met one summer at a mutual friend’s party and learned that they both lived on Flowing Lake in Snohomish Washington. Our moms immediately became very good friends and started getting together regularly. As their friendship grew and they started to learn more about one another they discovered that their children (Nick and I) were not only the same age but also single….that’s when the plotting began. Shortly after, Nick was out at the lake golfing with his dad when he met Theresa, my mother. He had no idea who she was or what the purpose of the meeting was but my mom came prepared and started firing questions off asking him all sorts of questions such as what he did for fun, where he worked, why he didn’t have a girlfriend and so on. Nick was caught off guard and probably thought my mom was crazy but after he left that day my mom looked at his mom and said “your son is going to marry my daughter”. Although we had heard great things about one another Nick and I had no real interest in meeting since we both lived in different states, me being in California and him in Washington but our moms were determined. That year my parents offered to pay for a plane ticket for me to come home for Thanksgiving which I thought was strange but I agreed, little did I know our moms had planned to spend Thanksgiving dinner together. Nick and I met Thanksgiving of 2010 and have been together ever since. We spent that same Christmas together and pretty much every weekend together up until our wedding day. Not only did I marry the man of my dreams but our families are very close which makes holidays that much more fun!
And here are the details of the proposal…
For my birthday Nick flew down to California where I assumed we were celebrating my birthday. When he landed he had me open my birthday card that explained for my birthday we were flying to Maui where we would be staying at the Ritz Carlton hotel for a three day weekend. I threw some things into a bag and off we went. After flying, renting a car and driving out to the part of the island we were staying at all we wanted to do when we got to the hotel was relax. I immediately threw on one of the bathrobes, opened a bottle of wine and settled into a lounge chair on our balcony that overlooked the ocean. Nick told me we had dinner reservations the following two nights at very nice restaurants but our plan was to just play it by ear our first night and explore our dining options. As the sun was setting Nick asked me to marry him (yes while I was in my bathrobe!). I could tell he was nervous because in between each sentence he kept kissing me, it was absolutely unforgettable. Turns out our parents knew exactly what was happening because a few minutes later the doorbell rang and room service delivered a celebratory bottle of champagne. The rest of the weekend in Maui was spent celebrating and planning the rest of our lives together.
What inspired you while planning your wedding?
I grew up in a house where my parents were always entertaining and throwing parties. Our inspiration for the wedding were our parents and our hope to throw a wedding party for all of our closest friends and family. Nick and I stayed focused on the things we enjoy most; good people, good food, good booze and a breathtaking ambiance. We chose our favorite winery Karma Vineyards as our venue because it’s a place that is so beautiful and authentic the wedding sort of plans itself. We stayed simple and traditional in a lot of ways and I think the simplicity of the day made the wedding genuinely romantic.
What were some of your favorite moments from your wedding day?
My favorite moment of the wedding day was walking down the aisle. My best friend Hannah Weeks from Nashville sung the song Middle of a Memory while playing the guitar as I walked down the aisle. Not only was the song itself incredibly romantic but it’s also a once in a lifetime experience to see all your friends and family together at one of your favorite places, the sun lighting up the golden mountains in the background, my dad on my arm and my husband to be smiling as I walk towards him.
Did you have any DIY details? If so, please describe some of your favorites
Our guest book was a DIY detail that we threw together somewhat at the last minute. We found an old door and repainted it a washed white color that made the door look very rustic and strung string and clothespins across the door. We had a table set up with a polaroid camera for all our guests to take pictures as they arrived and during cocktail hour. On the bottom of the polaroid pictures was a place for guests to sign the picture and leave a little note. Not only did the guests enjoy the guest book but it was so much fun for Nick and I to look back on all the pictures the next morning. They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words and now we have a hundred to remember our special day and those we celebrated with us!
What were some of your favorite wedding day details?
It’s hard to pick just a few wedding day details because I truly felt the entire day was magical. However, I think the trolly ride the guests took up through the vineyards to the ceremony site made our wedding unique. Also, after the ceremony Nick and I went into the dimly lit tunnel room where we had a private vow reading, which was also special because it was our one time during the day where we got to escape and be together just us. Lastly, I think the outdoor dinner ambiance was set up perfect. The tables were outside tucked into a garden in the middle of the vineyards. The sun was setting just as dinner started so the majority of dinner was the pink streaked sky and the candle lit mason jars on each table. My dream was to have a candle lit dinner and I couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out. Looking back I am happy I didn’t do centerpieces or big table decorations because nothing is more romantic than the soft light of candles.
What advice would you give future brides?
My advice for future brides is less is more. The most beautiful thing about a wedding is usually the intangible things that are out of your control. Pick a beautiful venue and good entertainment for the reception and the rest will all come together. Weddings that are too planned out feel staged and nothing is less romantic.
Thank you Chrissy for letting us relive your wedding day with you, and to Becca of B. Jones Photography for sharing these gorgeous photos with us.
Have a wonderful weekend, friends!
Wedding Professionals who were a part of Chrissy and Nick’s day:
Photographer: B. Jones Photography // Dress Store: Bellevue Bridal // Transportation: Chelan Vintage Auto // Venue: Karma Vineyards // Tuxedo and Men’s Attire: Nordstrom // Makeup Artist: Salon Maison // Equipment Rentals: Creative Coverings
