Watercolors + Navy Seaside Wedding at Alderbrook Resort

This is a story of East meets West. For Baltimore based Kathleen and Chris, uniting her west coast family with his east coast was paramount. The backdrop? The scenic Puget Sound in Kathleen's home state, Washington. They opted for a quintessential Pacific Northwest, all-weekend wedding for their family and friends to gather and celebrate. Alderbrook Resort's upscale seaside rooms, cottages, and lawns fit the bill perfectly.

The weekend kicked off with a Friday night welcome dinner, just down the road at Robin Hood Resort, then guests hopped on board the Lady Alderbrook for a cocktail cruise, and finished by wrapping up the evening with bonfires back at Alderbrook Resort. Saturday's wedding day festivities for some started at the venue's spa or golf course, before all gathered on the lawn, surrounded by the sparkling Sound, for the much awaited ceremony.

The celebration (beautifully captured by Joann Arruda Photography) felt classically romantic with blush, champagne, navy, gold, and lush textural blooms. The ceremony arbor's rose and dahlia rich floral installation (created by the lovely and talented Theresa of Althauser Design) was craftily transitioned to the head table under the tent which we highlighted by using sequin runners and navy chair ties to give a pop to the long head table. Going all out on the head table is a great way to add more 'bang for the buck'. Centerpieces were alternating: floating candles nestled in flowers, moss and succulents or lush floral arrangements on mercury glass pedestals. This is another savvy way of creating visual interest by changing up the tablescapes with the perk of needing less volume of pricey blooms.

The tables were not topped with centerpieces alone. Mother of the bride, Nancy, is a talented watercolor painter. We used Nancy's beautiful floral watercolor imagery in the signage and stationery including: table signs, favor tags (little anchor bottle openers on each place setting), programs, menus, and escort cards. It's always wonderful when friends and family have talents that can be incorporated to personalize the day.

This couple wisely invested the food, drink, and party elements of the night. The tent on the lawn kept the guests waterside through their northwest fare of salmon, filet mignon, and local wine before retiring to the ballroom for a real toe tapping night courtesy of the Michael Benson Band. Not only did they take care of the adult guests, but the kids were also given bags to keep them happy during the evening and one of the flowers girls who had a birthday that day was surprised by a cake and song. Details befitting the wedding of a teacher and a nurse.

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