special sections - peninsula weddings 2016

PENINSULA

WeddingsWEDDING SHOWRed Lion Hotel’s annual expo presents local resources

2016 TRENDSThe newest styles for the season are sweet and bold

LOCAL NUPTIALSOne couple’s wedding was a medley of love and luck

An advertising supplement of Peninsula Daily News and Sequim Gazette

Peninsula Daily news/sequim GazettePeninsula Weddings 2016 2

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PENINSULA DAILY NEWS/SEQUIM GAZETTE PENINSULA WEDDINGS 2016 3

PENINSULA WEDDINGS

FEBRUARY 2016Published by PENINSULA DAILY NEWS

and SEQUIM GAZETTEpeninsuladailynews.com

sequimgazette.comPeninsula Daily News: 305 W. First St., Port Angeles, WA 98362 | 360.452.2345

Sequim Gazette: 147 W. Washington St., Sequim, WA 98382 | 360.683.3311

Terry R. Ward • publisher Steve Perry • advertising director

Patricia Morrison Coate, Brenda Hanrahan, Laura Lofgren • special sections editors

CONTENTS

ON THE COVERLocals Tyler and Nicole Johnson celebrated their love with an enchanting September wedding in Carlsborg with friends and family.Luckily, the rain held off long enough for them to say, “I do.”Check out the details behind the casual engagement that featured a plethora of local vendors.

Photo by Adrien Craven Photography

10

6

14

16

13

18<< Looking for a dramatic setting for your wedding ceremony? Find out how to get married in any number of gorgeous spots within our very own Olympic National Park for a truly picturesque #PNW-worthy engagement.

<< The Red Lion Hotel is gearing up for its 2016 wedding expo on Feb. 28.

<< Find out what’s new and in style for the 2016 wedding season.

Trim down wedding costs and negotiate

a deal for your special day.

Who said anything

about rules for rehearsal

dinners?


Couples planning on getting married in Washing-ton must obtain a marriage license at the county level.

There is a three-day waiting period before the wedding can take place, and the license is valid for 60 days beginning on the third day after applica-tion.

In Clallam County, marriage licenses are avail-able at the County Auditor’s Office, 223 E. Fourth St. in Port Angeles.

Both parties must be present, and no appoint-ment is necessary. Current picture ID is required.

There are no blood tests, witnesses or birth or divorce certificates required to apply for a marriage license.

Applicants do not have to be residents of the state to obtain a marriage license.

The license is only valid for weddings that are performed within the state.

There is a $59 fee for marriage licenses due at the time of application. Cash, money orders or checks are accepted at this time.

Additional information can be found online at www.clallam.net or by phoning 360-417-2220.

In Jefferson County, an online application for a marriage license to be filled out by both parties can be found at www.co.jefferson.wa.us. Navigate to the auditor’s department.

While the form can be filled out online, both par-ties still must visit the Port Townsend office together at 1820 Jefferson St. and provide valid identification to obtain the marriage license, plus pay a $51 fee.

For more information on marriage licensing in Jefferson County, phone 360-385-9115.

If one or both parties cannot make it into either the Clallam or Jefferson auditors’ offices to complete paperwork, an “Application For Marriage License

By Mail” must be completed and signed in front of a notary public.

Links to the printable application form can be found on either county’s website.

The license is only valid for weddings that are performed within Washington.

If you’re planning to marry outside the state or nation, contact that area for its license require-ments — every place is different.

Don’t forget the marriage licenseby OLYMPIC PENINSULA NEWS GROUP

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Peninsula Daily news/sequim Gazette Peninsula Weddings 2016 5

by METROCREATIVEThe season couples choose to get

married can affect many aspects of their ceremonies and celebrations.

Vendors are in high demand during popular wedding seasons like spring and summer. But those same vendors may be more flexible and less expen-sive during those times of year when fewer couples tie the knot.

According to TheKnot.com, a leading web-based wedding resource, June, August, September and October are the most popular months for couples to say “I do,” while January, Febru-ary and March are the least popular months to get married.

Wedding dates can affect wedding costs considerably, and knowing this can help couples find the date that works best for them and their budgets.

VALUE DATESTying the knot in the early part of

the year can be a more budget-friendly option for cost-conscious couples.

Prices for reception sites and vendors may be lower in January and March than during other times of the year; however, February may not be so bud-get-friendly thanks to Valentine’s Day.

December also may not garner significant discounts thanks to the holiday season, when vendors may be in high demand for holiday parties.

LOCAL EVENTSEven though certain months may

not be in high demand for weddings, that doesn’t always mean they are the perfect time for couples to tie the knot.

Popular local events, such as festi-vals, large-scale meetings and conven-tions, can intrude on wedding plans.

Consult with a local chamber of commerce and local schools to see if any local events that might drive up the cost of your wedding are going on.

Reunions or conventions can stretch

nearby restaurants, hotels and recep-tion sites pretty thin, leaving you with fewer options.

VARY THE TIMEIf you have your heart set on getting

married during more popular months to tie the knot, then you may be able to save a bit here and there by being more flexible with the time and day you choose to make your vows.

Couples often choose a Friday or Sat-urday wedding because they believe it will make it most convenient for guests to attend; however, if you provide ample notice to guests, they may be able to take off a Thursday or even a Monday from work, making a Thursday or Sun-day wedding a more doable option.

If Saturday is still your ideal day to walk down the aisle, think about having an early wedding ceremony fol-lowed by a brunch or lunch reception.

You also can customize your wed-ding to be a cocktail party only, saving

you some money.

HAVE BACKUP OPTIONSRecognize that if you want to get

married on a Saturday at the height of wedding season, you may not get first choice on your venues and vendors.

Have a list of service providers at the ready just in case your first choices are already booked.

By understanding how dates and times can affect weddings, couples can make more informed decisions when planning their nuptials.

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Red Lion Hotel’s wedding expo is ready to bring out local resources

For those venturing into matrimony, the ins and outs of planning a wedding can seem overwhelming.

That’s why Red Lion Hotel in Port Angeles and other local businesses are here to help you find the answers and turn your wedding into the spectacular event that you envision.

It’s time for Red Lion Hotel’s annual Wedding Expo at 221 N. Lincoln St., slated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28.

Admission to the show is free.

NEW THIS YEARThe show, which has expanded in size, will high-

light resources and talent on the North Olympic Peninsula that can make your wedding a success.

“We have many new vendors, so [we] plan to use the entire main building, not just the upstairs ball-room,” said Red Lion Hotel catering sales manager Lindsay Fox, who is coordinating the event.

New this year is a fashion show featuring looks from Black Diamond Bridal, Moxie Boutique, Moss, Sassy Kat and Necessities and Temptations

Red Lion has lined up an array of North Olympic Peninsula businesses.

by OLYMPIC PENINSULA NEWS GROUPphotos by ADRIEN CRAVEN

Hair stylists, photographers, caterers, florists and more filled the Red Lion Hotel’s ballroom during the 2014 wedding expo. This year, the event takes place Sunday, Feb. 28, and includes a fashion show.

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LOCAL RESOURCES & TALENTLocal photographers who will par-

ticipate include Fleur de Lis, Adrien Craven Photography, Angie Jean Pho-tography, Phreckle Face Photography, Kim Cain Photography and Daniel Horton Photography.

The Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles and Crabhouse Restaurant will cater the event.

Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest event and hospital-ity coordinator Aramark will have a

representative among the venue and event planners expected, and the Port Angeles Yacht Club will be on hand to answer questions.

Also, there offering their services to manage the devil in the details will be local wedding planner Breva Fun-ston of Love Note Services in Sequim will be available to discuss ceremony and reception details, and officiants Susanna Martin and Julia McKenna Blessing can answer questions about officiating weddings and licensing.

As for cake and dessert vendors, An Elegant Touch Wedding Rentals of Se-quim will be there with their chocolate fountains, which are a fixture at wed-dings and events throughout the state.

An Elegant Touch is equipped to handle anything from intimate birth-day parties to a small-business grand opening to as many as 6,000 guests at a Microsoft party.

Representatives from Costco and Raindrop Desserts of Port Angeles will be at the expo to share their talents,

along with Cherie Grizzard of CherrySweet’s in Sequim, who handcrafts desserts and cakes.

FINISHING TOUCHESFor those seeking expert advice on

trendy looks for wedding day hair and makeup, the expo is bringing in hair/makeup artist Sara Kelly, along with Mary Kay beauty consultant Christina Taylor.

Myriad vendors gathered for the 2014 wedding expo, but you can expect plenty more this year.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

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by METROCREATIVERepresentatives from Amazing Changes Hair

Studios in Port Angeles also will be there to give tips on getting the perfect bridal look and also can offer tips for the good-looking groom.

Black Diamond Bridal owner Belva Bodey will be bringing her expertise on bridal gowns.

Moxie Boutique, Moss, Sassy Kat and Necessi-ties and Temptations owners and employees will be on deck, too, with bridal attire advice before and after the fashion show.

AND MUCH MOREIn addition to floral displays and decorating

ideas, vendors who design invitations and provide printing services are also expected.

Jason Hooper and DJ RoBoTiX will supply the tunes while brides-to-be browse the vendor tables.

Door prizes, goodie bags, complimentary tast-ings, nonalcoholic beverages and a chance to win a grand prize — an overnight stay at Red Lion, vouchers from vendors, wine and more for the bride and groom — all add up to a fun weekend to get into wedding mode.

Red Lion is growing the event, and Fox will be ac-cepting applications until a week before the event.

For more information, phone Fox at Red Lion Hotel at 360-417-5710 or email [email protected].

To get a head start on 2016 wedding trends before the expo, check out the story on page 14.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Wedding expoWeddings are a chance for cou-

ples tying the knot to be the cen-ter of attention. All eyes will be glued to the bride and groom on this special day, which makes it even more important for couples to look their collective best.

Brides might garner most of the attention on a couple’s wedding day, but dashing grooms also will get their share of attention.

As a result, grooms must be just as diligent as their blushing brides with regard to grooming and ap-pearance on their wedding days.

To look picture-perfect, grooms may want to include these groom-ing tips in their wedding day prep.

HAIRSchedule a haircut with a pro-

fessional stylist roughly a week before the wedding to get your hair shaped and trimmed.

Although trendy hairstyles may show off creativity, keep in mind that photos last forever, and it’s of-ten better to stick with a classic cut.

Resist the urge to wash your

hair every day before the wed-ding. Allow some natural oils to build up and make your hair shine in a healthy way.

SHAVINGShaving is another thing

grooms must consider. If you have a beard, make sure

it is clean, combed and trimmed. Men who shave the day of their

weddings may find their skin is sensitive and irritated, which can lead to redness.

Unless your facial hair grows es-pecially fast, shave the evening be-fore. This is a good time to splurge on a professional shave with a straight razor at a barber shop.

HANDSGrooms also may want to book

a manicure. Keep in mind that salons will

do men’s nonpolish manicures and pedicures, and they can be well worth the investment.

Photos of entwined hands or close-ups of the ring exchange will have guests zeroing in on your fingers.

SKINGet plenty of sleep the night

prior to the wedding. Being well rested will help re-

duce puffy eyes, dark circles and sallow skin. It also will put you in a more positive mood, which can help you enjoy the day even more.

The day of the wedding, shower using water and a mild soap.

Avoid any skin irritation by patting your face and body dry, rather than rubbing it with the towel. Moisturize your skin to avoid dry patches.

Reducing shine is key for wed-ding day photos.

Rely on face and hair products that will not add unnecessary sheen to your skin or hair to avoid making you look greasy. Matte hair waxes and sprays will tame tresses.

SMILEMake sure your teeth have been

thoroughly brushed and that you have used a minty mouthwash so you’re primed for that first kiss.

Many grooms also opt for whitening treatments prior to the wedding.

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by LAURA LOFGRENphotos by ADRIEN CRAVEN

A wedding story: The Johnsons

Tyler and Nicole (Croxford) John-son’s love story isn’t one that took long to create.

Tyler, 30, and Nicole, 36, both at-tended Port Angeles High School, but they didn’t know each other until they met through a mutual friend in 2013.

Nicole was living and working as a court stenographer in California for 10 years when she decided to move closer to home.

She moved to Portland, Ore., and visited Port Angeles during the holi-day season.

That’s when she met Tyler, who works for the Sequim Fire Depart-ment, and through Facebook chat, he asked her to a Seattle Seahawks playoff game.

“He said he had an extra ticket. Nobody has an extra ticket,” Nicole laughed.

That game was their first date and the year the Seahawks won the Super Bowl.

From there, they have been building a life together.

They dated long distance for about a year before they moved in together in Carlsborg.

THE ENGAGEMENTThat same mutual friend who intro-

duced Nicole to Tyler convinced Nicole to take a trip with her to Arizona for a Seahawks rally in January 2015.

Nicole said she was reluctant to go without Tyler, but eventually gave in.

But Tyler flew down there, too, with-out Nicole knowing, to surprise her.

“We were at the Seahawks rally the night before and we went in to get a drink, and all of a sudden I just heard them chanting my name,” Nicole said.

“I turned around and [Tyler] was up on the stage and proposed in front of all these random strangers.”

Of course, Nicole said yes. “I don’t know how he pulled it off.”After the proposal, the couple began

to plan their wedding for Sept. 5, 2015.

THE LOCATIONThe event had a simplistic glam-

our to it, incorporating as many local avenues as possible.

“We wanted an outdoor thing,”

Nicole said.They planned their event on a 14-

acre Sutter Road property in Carls-borg that had tons of grass, trees and ponds, utilizing a smaller portion for the special day.

“We knew it was going to be a lot of work, and we wanted to do it here,” Nicole said.

“There was no barn or structure, so if it rained, we were going to have a problem, and that whole week it rained,” Nicole recalled.

Above, Nicole and Tyler Johnson pose for a photo with their wedding party in front of their hand-built tent. Right: Reception table centerpieces mimicked the rose gold of Nicole’s ring and the overall color scheme and rustic theme of the wedding in Carlsborg.


Above: Nicole’s bouquet and flower crown consisted of a variety of flowers, herbs,

succulents and even hops. Everything was arranged by Tyler’s mom, Jeana

Johnson, and Sofie’s Florists in Sequim.

Left: The Johnsons’ cake was accompanied by individual

cupcakes for their guests.Inset: The bride and

groom’s wedding bands were custom-made

in Sequim at Plaza Jewelers, and the

rose-gold color of Nicole’s ring

was reflected throughout

the wedding.

THE DRESS“I was on a mission to not get a big

traditional dress,” Nicole said. “I knew what I wanted, but I couldn’t find it.”

Nicole was looking for a more boho-style dress. She had purchased two less expensive dresses, which were OK, she said, but they weren’t perfect.

Nicole found her third and final dress by chance on Instagram.

One day a post came up from Free People on Instagram, “and they were going to release a wedding line of five dresses,” she said.

One of them just happened to be ex-actly what Nicole was looking for.

Made by Australian Spell Designs, the flowy dress didn’t come for about four months, causing a bit of anxiety.

But it ended up arriving on time and being “perfect” — aside from the length.

Belva Bodey at Black Diamond hemmed Nicole’s dress, “because I’m a tiny little person, and [she] also made it so I could bustle up the train for the dance party afterward,” Nicole said.

“[Bodey] has always done the best work and is a staple in the community for weddings and dances.”

THE DETAILSWith 230-240 guests in attendance, the

Johnsons had a lot to do to pull of the day.With the threat of rainy weather, Nicole

began to worry her special day would be a damp one, but the sun came out just long enough for her and Tyler to say “I do” and have a huge, but casual, event.

“It was just a big outdoor party, which is what we wanted,” Nicole said.

The couple had a band and a DJ to provide music throughout their wedding event.

Local band Good Machine performed for the whole wedding until DJ Stan Selector came on late at night.

“They seriously made the day come together,” she said.

Melanie Ratliff and her husband Erik were the food caterers, and they focused on all local and Northwest fare.

“They are the ones that hand-picked all the berries for our cobbler,”

Nicole said.Dinner consisted of salmon, salads

and more.“We brought in barbecues from ran-

dom friends to make everything work. It was a last-minute thing.”

The cupcakes and cake were done by family friends Joanna Calloway and Tonya Opdyke.

“Tyler’s mom, [Jeana Johnson], works at Sofie’s Florists in Sequim, and they did all our flowers,” Nicole added.

“And our 750 doughnut holes came from Cock-a-doodle Doughnuts in Port Angeles,” Nicole said.

The doughnuts were enjoyed well into next day’s rainy clean-up, she added.

Guests were invited to camp in “Tent City” for the night, and Nicole and Tyler slept in their own handmade tent, cre-ated by Nicole’s sister, Hayley.

Hayley’s creations also were incorpo-rated throughout the event, includ-ing copper paint-dipped feathers and dream catchers in trees.

With help from friends and family, the Johnsons were able to create a simple, specialized and sweet wedding that reflected their personalities.

“It was perfect,” Nicole said.

“I can’t believe it didn’t rain.”


by METROCREATIVE

More men, women seeking second weddingsCouples planning to get married do

so with the intention of spending the rest of their lives together.

Few couples exchange rings thinking divorce or the loss of a spouse is in their future, but some marriages do end.

Happily, that reality does not pre-vent many people from seeking hap-pily ever after once again.

A recent study from the Pew Re-search Center found that many people who were married before are deciding to take the plunge a second time. Four in 10 new marriages in the United States now include one partner who was married before.

Roughly 42 million American adults have gotten married a second time —up from 22 million in 1980.

The Pew study also discovered that more men than women are likely to get remarried.

Around 65 percent of previously

married men have a desire to remarry, compared to 43 percent of previously married women.

Men and women about to get mar-ried for a second time can consider the following tips to help make the day one to remember forever.

• Recognize that a second wedding is in no way less important than the first.

Couples should remember that this is still the first wedding for the two of them as a couple and it should be seen as just as special as any other wed-ding celebration.

It’s easy for men and women mar-rying for a second time to be hard on themselves, especially when thinking back to the gifts that were given and the money spent by guests for their first marriage.

But a new relationship and love is worthy of a good party.

Friends and family who are support-ive of you shouldn’t have reservations

about helping you celebrate.• Don’t feel boxed in by old-school

etiquette. Rules have relaxed with regard to

weddings. Many couples put their personal imprints on their weddings and do not feel the need to conform to outdated expectations.

You don’t have to skip all of the frills of a first wedding the second time around or head to the local courthouse and pass on another big wedding.

Do what feels comfortable to you, whether that means throwing a big party or hosting a smaller affair.

• Let past experience serve as your guide.

You’ve been married before and can use that to your advantage.

It’s likely you know what worked for the wedding the first time around and which things you probably could have changed or done without.

Maybe you were stressed about having everything go perfectly or feel-

ing like you had to put on a show for guests.

As a more mature person this time around, you no doubt realize that sharing this special time with the ones you love is the most important wed-ding component of all.

• Be open-minded with your wardrobe. Let the formality of the event and the time of day when you’re getting married influence what you will be wearing instead of perceived etiquette or family notions.

It’s acceptable to wear white again if you so desire. Plus, more mature couples have a sense of what makes them look good, rather than opting for trendy outfits.

• Above all, have fun. Couples know what to expect the

second time around, so stress usually doesn’t stem from the unknown.

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Many couples find their wedding rehearsal dinners to be relaxing respites from the whirlwind of wedding planning.

Such dinners enable the happy couple to slow down and enjoy themselves in a relatively casual gathering with their closest friends and family members.

Rehearsal dinners typi-cally take place a night or two before the wedding. The couple, members of their wed-ding party, the parents of the bride and groom and others involved in the wedding typi-cally attend this dinner.

The couple generally takes the time at the dinner to thank everyone for their con-tributions to the wedding and to offer some small gifts of

appreciation. No rules govern rehearsal dinners, so couples have the freedom to plan the dinners as they see fit.

Rehearsal dinners often come immediately after the ceremony rehearsal, when the wedding party and the offici-ant go over the timing and details of the wedding. Make arrangements with the cer-emony site and officiant prior to making dinner reservations.

Parents of the groom tra-ditionally host the rehearsal dinner, so they will be integral in planning the event. That means couples should keep an open and gracious mind.

Remember, the rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be a lavish affair, and it can be customized to any budget or preference.

Some couples feel that host-

ing rehearsal dinners in casual settings can make the dinner more comfortable for members of the wedding, who can use the dinner as an opportunity to mingle and get to know one another before the wedding.

This will help to tame nerves and enable the wed-ding party to loosen up and enjoy themselves even more.

Some people may be more inclined to socialize and have fun when they’re not wor-ried about putting on airs. Restaurants that have special meaning to the couple often make for great places to hold rehearsal dinners.

The bride and groom can sug-gest their ideas, but ultimately it is the person handling the bill who has the final say.

Couples who want greater control over the rehearsal

dinner festivities can suggest hosting it themselves.

Despite its name, the re-hearsal dinner doesn’t actu-ally have to be a dinner, as couples can opt for meals at a different time of the day, like brunch or lunch.

An earlier occasion gives guests plenty of time to get home and rest up for the fes-tivities of the wedding to come.

Toasts are expected at the rehearsal dinner, but they tend to be spontaneous, off-the-cuff remarks.

A couple with a good sense of humor might not mind be-ing roasted at their rehearsal dinners. The bride and groom should expect to say a few words of thanks to all in at-tendance, but remarks need not be too formal.

by METROCREATIVE

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by LAURA LOFGREN

What’s in style for the 2016 seasonWith each passing wedding season,

trends evolve.In recent years, we’ve seen events go

from more structured, formal affairs to billowy, laid-back engagement.

We’ve seen bouquets go from uniform bundles of one flower to more unrefined bunches that consist of everything from thorny bushes or herbs to only in-season flowers.

Wedding dresses are adding more personal touches, like pockets, and the style has never been more alternative, with bridal jumpsuits stepping up their game.

As for wedding ceremonies and receptions, they’re always personalized, but there seems to be a rustic theme running through a majority of them here on the North Olympic Peninsula.

Here, local business owners have given some insight into what they’re seeing in wedding fashion for 2016.

Attire Cakes

Flowers

The most popular thing I’m seeing for bridal is color, lots of champagnes and blushes and cafes.

There are some really unique and beautiful colors with lots of lace details.

Shoulder straps are really popular right now, as are dresses with a lower back.

The mermaid and trumpet styles seem to be the most popular right now.

We’re expanding our selection to include a plus size section of Casablanca dresses, so brides of all sizes can look beautiful.

As for bridesmaids: the maid of honor is in one style of dress,

and bridesmaids are in another, but they have the same fabric and same color.

We’re pretty good at matching colors, even some like orange and cranberry.

Groomsmen tend to match the bridesmaids.

What’s really getting popular now is slim fit and modern fit tuxedos.

Slim leg pants are really popular.

There more colors now, not just traditional black, but tans and browns and navy blues.

Whatever they can imagine, we can make it happen.

Belva Bodey of Black Diamond Bridal

360-452-2354 blackdiamondbridal.com

We get a lot of an almost Hollywood glam thing going on with cakes.

We’re seeing a lot of silver and golds, art deco, green and peach, some really bold teals and pinks.

Rustic is a really good theme.

There’s lot of different textures, like a rosette on the bottom tier of a cake, then a simple piped second tier or blank, even plain with a clean classic look.

The third tier might have some nuggets with color.

Couples are going away from the all-white cake.

That Takes The Cake has 350 flavors.

For a Hawaiian theme, we might do a coconut mango cake.

We can customize.And cupcakes are still

in.

Sue Boucher of That Takes The Cake

360-565-6272thattakesthecakes.com

The flowers are getting a little bit more blousy and including large, fluffy flowers.

The past several years has been very formal, with tight, very uniform bouquets.

Now were seeing a little switch to ... a more random look, with cabbage roses, peonies, dahlias and a mixture mixing in smaller flow-ers. Ranunculus is very popular in season.

People are liking fragrance, and the

colors are trending to be monochromatic now. For example, if you’re want-ing purple flowers, you’re wanting many colors of purple in bouquets.

Herbs are back again.Some folks are liking

the sedums and berries. Some want a rich texture.

Some people even want blackberry vine with thorns in it and moss.

Linda Moffitt of Angel Crest Gardens

360-457-8672angelcrestgardens.com

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PHOTO SUBMITTED BY PIPER LEMCKEPiper Lemcke of Port Angeles and her bridesmaids went with a rustic theme and wore personalized cowboy boots for the wedding.

Event planning

Photography

Vintage is very in right now, along with the soft palette of colors, like soft rose/blush, light Tiffany blue, sea foam green and champagne.

Rustic chic is also still used: burlap, lace, mason jars but glammed up a bit.

I am seeing more and more tables that don’t match one another, which is amazing to give your guests more details to look at.

Nothing seems to be “cookie cutter”

lately, which makes it a ton of fun to decorate.

Flowers are still popular, but the wildflower look really adds the dif-ferent textures and relaxed feel to coordinate well with the vintage and rustic chic themes.

Kim Leppell of Kim’s Creations & Tulle Shed360-640-0777

kimscreationsandtulleshed.com

Of the weddings I have booked so far this year, each bride has specifically said they are most interested in me focusing on getting “candid shots.”

Of course, they still want the more traditional bride and groom shots, along with family and friends, but I feel that brides (and grooms) are really looking for their photographers to capture the emotion and personality of their big day.

As artists, we are always pushing to create more unique images, such as using interesting angles, creative poses, new camera effects, etc.; however, I’ve found that newlyweds are most happy and excited about the images where a photographer doesn’t necessarily seem to be present.

So as a photographer, successfully photographing a wedding is largely about anticipating when those sweet, happy or meaningful moments are going to happen and facilitating an environment where those moments can and will happen naturally.

Cindy Kern of Cindy Marie Photography406-281-0730

cindymariephoto.com

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by METROCREATIVE

The expenses: Learn how to trim down costs and negotiate your way to a dream wedding

There’s obviously a lot that goes into planning a wedding: location rental, at-tire, food, invitations . . . the list goes on.

Whether you want something simple or extravagant, you’re going to end up throwing down some big bills to celebrate your love.

Here are some things to keep in mind when planning for your big day.

HIDDEN EXPENSES THAT CAN SINK YOUR WEDDING BUDGET

Couples should remember to build hidden expenses into their budgets when planning their weddings.

In the days of yore, the responsibil-ity of paying for a wedding fell to the bride’s parents. But that tradition has largely fallen by the wayside in recent years, when more and more couples have used their own savings to finance their weddings.

Few couples enter the process of planning their weddings unaware of just how expensive weddings can get, but costs can easily begin to escalate if couples are not careful.

There are some hidden expenses that couples must build into their budgets to avoid finding themselves in debt as they walk down the aisle as husband and wife.

• TAXES: Sales tax might not seem so significant when you’re buying

everyday items, but the taxes add up quickly when paying for a wedding.

Depending on where you live, state and local sales tax can exceed 9 per-cent in the United States, and some Canadians pay as much as 15 percent in combined sales taxes depending on where they live.

Before signing contracts with any vendors, couples should get the price including sales tax written into their contracts.

• GRATUITIES: Gratuities are another potentially hefty expense.

Some reception halls build gratu-ities for staff into their estimates, and these tips for the staff can be as high as 25 percent at some venues. But even if gratuities for reception hall staff are already accounted for, don’t forget to include tips for additional vendors the day of the wedding.

Couples may be expected to tip the florist, photographer, band or DJ and even the reception hall maitre d’ if his or her gratuity is not included in the aforementioned staff tip.

Brides-to-be typically tip their hair-stylist and makeup artist on the day of the wedding as well.

• POSTAGE: Couples who plan to invite guests via email or online invi-tations can skirt the cost of postage.

But many couples still prefer tradi-tional paper invitations, which include return envelopes that tradition sug-

gests should also be stamped. Save-the-date cards have grown in

popularity as well, and these cards also must be stamped and mailed.

Depending on the size of your guest list, postage can cost several hundred dollars before you mail your last invi-tation. And don’t forget to save some money for postage to mail thank-you

cards once the big day has come and gone.

• OVERTIME: Overtime fees for reception hall staff and additional outside vendors are typically written into contracts, but few couples imag-ine needing more than the predeter-mined allotment of time noted in their contracts.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BLACK DIAMOND BRIDALPort Angeles High School graduates Dave and Amber Berger were recently married at Olympic View Cabins in Port Angeles.

(360) 683-8575

Weddings Meetings

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Box Lunches Co�ee Hours Teas

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It’s better to be safe than sorry, as unanticipated events such as a mis-placed wedding license or heavy traffic on the way to the venue can force the party to start late and thus extend past its deadline.

WHERE TO TRIM COSTSMany couples look for ways to cut

wedding costs, and couples facing that very dilemma should know that there are several ways to save money but still host the wedding of their dreams.

• GUEST LISTS: Guest lists can consume a significant portion of couples’ wedding budgets.

When compiling the guest list, couples should keep in mind that guests will need save-the-date cards, invitations, catered meals (including cocktail hour, dinner and dessert), drinks and gifts (including hotel gift bags and wedding favors).

The cost per guest will be more than just the per person cost of the meal couples negotiate with their caterer.

• RECEPTION: Couples planning on having a morning wedding can shift their receptions from the evening to the afternoon, when the cost per meal will be considerably less.

Afternoon receptions also can be alcohol-free, saving couples even more money.

If a nighttime reception is a must-have, choose a limited cash bar instead of an open bar. Limited cash bars often provide guests with free beer and house wine while guests who prefer liquor or mixed drinks must pay for their own libations.

If you are planning an outdoor wed-

ding reception, you may even be able to provide your own alcohol, which can save considerable amounts of money.

Couples also can trim reception costs by choosing the least expensive meal package. Packages often differ greatly in price but are not always so different with regard to their menus.

• ARRANGEMENTS: Floral ar-rangements are a big part of many couples’ weddings.

The bride needs her bouquet, as do her bridesmaids. In addition, many couples decorate their ceremony space with flowers, and of course reception table centerpieces typically include flowers.

When working with your florist, request in-season flowers, which will cost considerably less than exotic flow-ers that are out of season.

In addition, let your florist know your budget and ask that he or she recommend flowers that won’t break the bank.

• GIFTS: While it’s become cus-tomary to prepare gift bags for guests staying in hotels, couples should not go overboard with such gifts.

Gift bags need not include more than a snack, a bottle of water and a homemade thank-you card.

HOW TO GET THE BEST DEALS ON WEDDING SERVICES

Negotiating prices with wedding vendors is something brides- and grooms-to-be may not anticipate, but the process of negotiation is para-mount for couples who hope to plan their dream weddings without ruining their budgets.

Though vendors vary considerably

with regard to their willingness to negotiate, the following are a few tips for couples hoping to get the best deals possible on their wedding services.

• Prepare, prepare, prepare. Couples who blindly enter negotia-

tions with wedding venues and vendors are far less likely to get a good deal.

Couples who find a venue they like should receive quotes from similar venues before negotiating a rate with the venue they most prefer.

Arming oneself with quotes from competitors increases the chances of receiving a more couple-friendly quote from the venue liked best, as that venue won’t want to lose business, es-pecially to one of its chief competitors.

In addition to pricing, estimates from other venues can vary based on what they include. Even if a favorite venue does not come down much on its original quote, they may be willing to add extra services.

• Avoid making demands. The right tone can go a long way

with wedding vendors.Vendors often like it when couples

know what they want, but couples are

not doing themselves any favors when they express those desires as demands.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for more. Making demands and asking for

more are not the same thing. When negotiating with wedding vendors, there’s no harm in asking for more.

• Make sure all contracts are item-ized, and read them thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.

The negotiation process is often tedious, and contracts should reflect that. When hiring a wedding vendor, make sure the contract is itemized, spelling out in intimate detail just what was negotiated and how much each item costs.

Be especially mindful of extra fees that can add up. They will be in the contract, and it’s up to couples to have them removed before they sign and the contract becomes official.

• Remember there are two parties involved in the negotiation process.

Vendors are not the only ones who might need to bend a little at the negotiating table. Couples might have to be flexible in order to make their dream weddings a reality.

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We can accommodate up to 40 guests for your special day. Rent the garden only, or book the entire Inn. We will work with you in the way that works best for your wedding budget.

Call 360-452-2322 and arrange a tour.Sea Cliff Gardens Bed & Breakfast

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story and photos by LAURA LOFGREN

A TRUE #PNW WEDDINGHow to get married in Olympic National Park

If you’re planning a spring, summer or even a fall wedding, the options seem endless here on the North Olympic Peninsula.

But if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable backdrop to your nuptials (your social media posts), Olympic National Park offers myriad locations to say, “I do.”

In order to get married in the park, the couple must first apply for a special use permit through Olympic National Park.

Cheryl Higbee, fee program supervisor for the park, says the steps for acquiring and submitting the application are rather easy.

“The first step is getting the application online,” Higbee said.

You can find the application by visiting www.nps.gov/olym and choosing the “Plan Your Visit” tab to the left. From there, select “Basic Information” then “Permits & Reservations.”

Once on the Permits & Reservations page, you’ll be able to locate and download the appropriate form.

From there, Higbee said, the couple can mail, fax or email the form. For mail, send to c/o Olympic National Park, 600 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles, WA 98362; for email, send to [email protected]; for fax, send to 360-565-3093.

Once Higbee receives the application, she and the staff review it and may call with any questions or concerns.

If all goes well, she’ll send you another permit form to sign and keep with you during the ceremo-ny. This form must stay with the person in charge of the event and who is authorized to make decisions related to the permitted activity.

“We try to inform park rangers when something is happening where,” Higbee said.

While having popular spots — the Hurricane Ridge picnic area, Rialto Beach, Lake Crescent or Kalaloch Beach — setting the stage for your spe-cial day, if you’re looking for a bigger, more private event, the park may not be your first choice.

“You can’t close off areas for a wedding,” Higbee said.

Generally, ceremonies in the park allow 50 people or fewer, she said.

“The main thing we look at is that [the applica-tion] agrees with the park’s policies and doesn’t impact visitors.”

That all is to say that if you don’t want people stop-ping to watch you wed while they’re out on a hike, you may think about exploring more private park areas.

As for entrance fees to the park, those are still applicable, according to Higbee.

She said she’ll happily work with the wedding party to pay for the necessary park passes in advance if need be.

The main thing to remember if you want a memorable Olympic National Park wedding is to keep the number of guests low and decrease impact on both visitors and the wildlife.

That’s why, Higbee said, they only allow ceremonies in the park. You’ll just have to take the reception to another impressive Peninsula spot to celebrate.

For more information on the special use permit application process, phone Higbee at 360-565-3092.

Above: The West End’s Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park could be the dramatic backdrop to your wedding day.Below: Lake Crescent is a popular spot within the park to exchange vows with your beloved. There are many location options available.


EVENTS: Wedding ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal dinners and bridesmaid luncheons

CAPACITY: A variety of venues up to 550 guests

CATERING: Onsite by Fort Worden

FACILITY & AMENITIES:Overnight Accommodations: Onsite, AmpleSeating: Rounds and rectangles, depending on venueServers: AvailableParking: Onsite, AmpleBar Facilities: Beer/wine bar availableDance Floor: AvailableLinens, China, Glassware: Included in pricing optionsCleanup: Included

200 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368 • 360.969.7835 • [email protected] • www.fortworden.org

Create unforgettable memories by exchanging your vows at Fort Worden, located on the scenic Olympic Peninsula in the Victorian seaport of Port Townsend, less than two hours from Seattle.

Whether you envision a charming outdoor ceremony or an upscale evening affair, Fort Worden’s breathtaking setting and historic venues offer endless possibilities. Select from Fort Worden’s intimate Officer’s Row, the simple and elegant Chapel, the classic Wheeler Theater or choose an outdoor vista overlooking the Salish Sea and the Olympic and Cascade mountains.

A wide range of accommodations are available year-round with plenty of room to comfortably house your entire gathering—distinguishing Fort Worden as a premiere wedding destination.

Fort Worden’s culinary team offers creative, made-from-scratch menus featuring local, seasonal produce and artisan products, tailored to your theme and your budget. Whether you are planning a rehearsal dinner, a crowd-pleasing banquet or a post-nuptials family brunch, we want your experience to be memorable. Our experienced staff works with you to create your day, your way.

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FULL SERVICEBRIDAL SALONTuxedo RentalsBridesmaidsMothers GownsHair pieces, Veils, JewelryShoes & Sashes

FULL SERVICEBRIDAL SALONComplete alterationservice for the entirebridal party.

BRIDAL SHOWStop by our booth at theRed Lion Bridal ShowSaturday Feb. 27.

360.452.2354 to book your gown appointment today!109 East First Street, Port Angeles • www.blackdiamondbridal.com

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