Michelle + Spencer

Michelle + Spencer are one of those couples, the ones you immediately click with, you quickly become friends and each others biggest fans. Their love story is so sweet and real. They are down to earth and goofy and because of this are surrounded by the best humans. I have never felt so welcomed by a group of groomsmen and bridesmaids. A day filled with laughter, jokes and smiles a mile wide. It was an honor to work alongside them and their other vendors to bring their moody PNW elopement to life. Complete with the best Fall foliage, florals and a few spooky details to match.

XO

Carlee

Photographer: Henry Tieu

Hair & Makeup: Anne Timss

Dress: The Dress Theory, Seattle

Coordinator: Rain and Pines

Florals: Rusted Vase Floral Co.

Stephanie + Scott

A PNW micro wedding complete with a first look in the marina, and a intimate dinner with close friends and family. Like many 2020 couples, Stephanie and Scott were forced to downsize and move venues due to Covid. They chose to continue with their wedding plans on a much smaller scale at a family home. Coming from someone who did this exact same thing, there is just something magical about backyard weddings. With these smaller weddings, comes the ability to have more details and flowers, which is a win win for everyone! I described Stephanie and Scott’s color palette as a “moody sunset”, it was the perfect mix of coral, peach, orange, pink and a pop of sky blue. This late Fall wedding had some of the last and best local blooms, including; Dahlias, Lisianthus, Garden Roses, Scabiosa, Snowberry, Delphinium, Tweedia and Maiden Hair Fern. Take a peek below! :)

XO

Carlee

Photographer: Kati Nicole Photography

Hair & Makeup: Off White Makeup and Beauty

Florals: Rusted Vase Floral Co.

Navigating Covid-19

Writing this post has been on my mind for some time. As a vendor and COVID bride this year, I have experienced all aspects and challenges the pandemic has thrown our way.

Our once booming industry built on celebrations big and small has taken one of the largest hits during the pandemic. I have estimates from other vendors that their income has decreased by upwards of 70% this year. Yes, 70%! I want to talk about what the means for us and how we have been treading these waters. A friendly reminder, the below information is what I have experienced and how I have been operating and managing my business. I cannot speak for others, but do feel confident saying many of my friendors (friends who are vendors, for those who don’t know the term!) are operating very similarly.

So, the million dollar question:

“HOW IN THE HELL DO WE NAVIGATE THIS?!” How do we balance being a business owner and being understanding at the same time? For me, it has felt like a never-ending marathon of date changes, postponements, downsizing, contract revisions, venue changes, location changes, 250 person weddings turning in to 25 person weddings, deposits transfers, second date changes, cancellations, income loss, tears, exhaustion,…. the list goes on.

postponements / date changes

With state mandates in place, many of my 2020 couples made the call to move to 2021. I have been offering one date change without fee. Second date changes incur a fee. Why a fee, you may ask? When we book a wedding, we turn down other potential business for that day. So, if a couple booked May 12, 2020 and then changed to September 18th, 2020 and then finally made the call to move to August 3, 2021. That is three dates taken from our event calendar.

I know you’re thinking, well how much is this fee? For me, anywhere from $250 - $500 depending on event scope.

This fee not only covers the new date change, but also potential increases in supply and floral costs for the next year.

Which brings me to my next topic…… deposits.

security deposits & date reservation fees

Deposits and date reservation fees are non-refundable, if your contract says otherwise, change it. Deposits are non-refundable in normal times for many reasons, these reservation fees and deposits ensure the success of our business, secure your date, and cover front end business expenses.

Let’s go back to 2017, COVID wasn’t a factor, and you booked your wedding for Saturday July 18 (prime wedding season) and you cancel. It is 100% likely we turned down other business for your day. My largest budget (ever) cancelled their wedding 30 days before and wanted their deposit back. Did I feel bad for them? Absolutely! My heart broke for them but at the end of the day, I turned down other weddings totaling over $15,000 of income for their date. So not only did I lose out on their remaining balance owed, I had to refigure finances for the remainder of the year.

Flash forward to 2020, your deposit is still non-refundable. Is COVID out of our control? It is, however there are options — postponing without fees, downsizing to meet guidelines, pivoting from a large-scale wedding to a micro wedding or eloping/having your ceremony and postponing the reception.

I think being fully transparent about what deposits cover is probably my most important point. Deposits (for me) do not cover flowers and supplies; those are covered in your second payment along with additional labor and taxes. So, let’s break down the deposit and what it covers:

1. Secures Our Services for Your Date

2. Monthly Washington State Taxes

3. Quarterly Federal Estimated Taxes

4. Admin Labor — writing your proposal, designing a vision board, emails, revisions, contracts, phone calls, meetings, rewriting your contract after a date change, etc.

5. Overhead Business Expenses

At this point you are probably bored of out your mind, but let’s keep at it……

cancellations

Very few of my 2020 couples made the decision to cancel outright. Most moved to 2021, had a small ceremony this year and are planning for a reception next year, or downsized and went forward abiding by local and state regulations.

Any cancellation, (for me) will forfeit your deposit. I have stood by this all year and will continue to do so insuring my business success for years to come.

my covid wedding

We were married October 24th in my parent’s backyard. We had 30 guests + vendors and abided by all Washington State guidelines, in addition to asking all of our guests to social distance and get tested prior to attending. I am happy to report, not one guest contracted COVID.

I want to talk about what we went through to get to our wedding. We reduced our guest list by 170, lost a deposit on our ceremony venue, moved our reception venue to 2021 for a party, changed locations to my parent’s house, revised rentals - adding in a tent and farm tables for spacing, upgraded our catering, had a photographer change, created a rain plan for ceremony, set up a livestream (insert plug for eventlive)….. just to name a few things!

Here’s the good news….. our intimate wedding was hands down the best day ever. Looking back, I would not have enjoyed a 200 person wedding. With our smaller guest count, we were able to have quality face time with all of our guests and truly experience the day with them. Stay tuned for a blog post about our wedding and all of our amazing vendors!

what’s next?

I know 2021 is not looking great for large weddings and gatherings at the moment. I want to encourage all couples to think about what is most important to them. For us, it was our ceremony and being surrounded by our closest loved ones. There are positives to having a smaller guest count — you get to go all out on details (yay!), lots of flowers, pretty linens, specialty chairs, meaningful favors, bomb food, etc. so before you throw the towel in, think about smaller wedding.

For my friendors, hang in there! We will come out the other side of this. I am AMAZED at the creativity and resilience of small business owners. Shop small y’all, especially this season!

I think that about sums it up. Thank you for coming to my TED talk! But in all seriousness, I hope this post does offer advice and transparency for anyone who reads it. At the end of the day, openness and consistency in our industry is a win win for everyone involved. Sending good vibes and health to everyone!

XO

Carlee

P.s….

Wear a mask, wash your hands, and most of all, BE KIND!!!

Alex + Anna

Alex and Anna’s Whidbey Island elopement was so magical and intimate. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Alex and Anna said “I Do” at The Inn at Langley followed by an AirBnb dinner. Their wedding plans may have changed due to COVID, but they really did make the best of their special day. With each pivot and revision, Alex + Anna were so kind and gracious, and I couldn’t have been happier to design their flowers. We used a variety of dried and seasonal flowers to bring their wedding day to life. Thank you again for working with me!

XO

Carlee

photographer: Bare Bones Co.

venue: The Inn at Langley

hair & makeup: Michelle Wight Makeup Artistry

Meghan + Alex

When “golden hour” describes the whole day, you know it’s going to be good. Meghan + Alex’s elopement really is one of my favorites to date. The smiles, gorgeous lighting and love radiating from these two is beyond beautiful. Thank you Breanna for these photos!

Xo

Carlee

Photographer: Eleven Eleven Films

Natalie + Dakota

“And then COVID happened….” I can’t begin to count the amount of times I have heard that phrase these past 6 months. It’s hard to believe it’s been 6 months since the beginning of all of this. Like so many other couples, Natalie and Dakota’s wedding was not what they had originally planned for. But these challenging times, bring about beauty in some very unforeseen ways. Intimate gatherings with all of the details, good food, unique getaways and time to truly experience all of the small things on your day. There really are silver linings. I am so honored to have been a part of Plan A and Plan B. Congrats you two!

Xo

Carlee

Photographer: Sydney Baye

Planner: Gather Planning + Design

Annie + Wyatt

Annie and Wyatt’s Mt. Rainier elopement at the Little Blu Cabin was so wonderfully captured by Mollie of Between the Pine. You can feel the love from their photos. Planned and coordinated by Erika of The Greatest Adventure Weddings with hair and makeup by Angie Evans. Annie asked for a bright and colorful bouquet with fluffy blooms! I used local Peonies, Ranunculus, Snap Draogons, Geum, Stock and Deutzia to bring her vision to life. Cheers to colorful couples and blooms!

XO

Carlee

Planner: The Greatest Adventure Weddings

Photographer: Between The Pine

Hair & Makeup: Angie Evans

Videographer: Green Attic

Lauren + Alan

Lauren and Alan’s Artist Point elopement is one of my favorites this year. Like many other couples, they were forced to downsize and replan their wedding day, but that didn’t stop them from having the best time. The snow melt is way behind schedule this year, so they were greeted with a Christmas in July elopement! Such a sweet and down to earth couple, I feel lucky to have worked with them. Check out the photos from Nick Plus Danee below!

XO

Carlee

Photographers: Nick + Danee

Hair & Makeup: Anne Timss

Kayla + Matt

A romantic Eastern Washington wedding at Cave B Inn & Spa Resort. Kayla and Matt’s wedding is one of my all time favorites. The simplicity and elegance of their design was captured FLAWLESSLY by Marcella Laine — see for yourself below!

Xo

Carlee

Venue: Cave B Inn & Spa Resort

Planner: It’s All in the Details

Photographer: Marcella Laine Photography

Florals: Rusted Vase Floral Co.

Sara + Jace

Sara and Jace wanted a laid back and FUN wedding, and they had just that. Pizza, dancing, a motorcycle… YES! They rode off on a motorcycle and all of the sweet moments in between. I loved being able to design bouquets and boutonnieres for their special day. Whit Mcguire captured everything so beautifully. Take a peek!

XO

Carlee

Photographer: Whit Mcguire

Venue: Metropolist

Andrew + Isabel

Andrew and Isabel’s Aster Butte elopement is the definition of EPIC. A hike through the North Cascades, followed by a sunset ceremony and overnight camping. The contrast of colors with the snow, bouquet, and colorful tents and gear makes these photos extra unique and beautiful. I am forever grateful that my bouquets get to trek to the tops of mountains. Congrats you two!

Photographers: The Foxes Photography

Hair & Makeup: Pacific Brides

Sara + Amanda

Faith, trust and a little pixie dust… Sara and Amanda’s magical Adventureland themed Disneyland wedding will forever and ever be a favorite day of mine. Their love of Disney and all things adventure made their day truly unique and special. Sara and Amanda drove from Seattle to California with all of their incredible decor in tow. Crates, safari hats, and some of the coolest “artifacts” you can find! Think Indiana Jones meets Pirates of The Caribbean. The Disneyland staff were absolutely incredible and truly made us feel like we were a part of their team. A late night Disneyland park entrance, private showing at the Tiki Room, vegan, gluten free macarons and a surprise visit from Mickey Mouse were just a few highlights. Thank you Sara and Amanda for inviting me to be a part of your magical Disneyland wedding. I will forever be grateful.

XO

Carlee

Photographer: White Rabbit Photo Boutique

Venue: Disneylands Grand California Hotel

Officiant: Alexander Officiants

DJ: DJ Keelez

Hair: @magilicious & Makeup: @trishkybusiness

Krista + Bryce

Krista and Bryce’s Admiral House wedding was a romantic Summer affair with blooms to match. We added in a pop of berry to make their flowers stand out against the traditional blush and white we are accustomed to, and I am so glad we took that leap. Fluffy Dahlias, Garden Roses, and Lisianthus paired with dainty Cosmos and Scabiosa made their centerpieces and bouquets some of my favorite of the year. Working alongside my close friend Melissa of Bright Side Events made this wedding extra special and fun.

Check out the AMAZING photos from Rachel B. photo. Working with her on this wedding is what sealed the deal for me, and I chose her as our photographer for my own upcoming wedding.

Thank you Krista and Bryce!

XO

Carlee

Photographer: Rachel Birkhofer

Planner: Bright Side Events

Venue: The Admiral’s House

Rentals: CORT

Hair & Makeup: Off White Makeup & Beauty

Catering: Herban Feast

Draping: Rented Elegance

Lighting: Green Light Seattle

Alex + Matt

Early Fall weddings are some of my absolute favorites, and Alex and Matt’s is no exception. Dark moody colors, combined with vibrant Fall tones made their day unique and special. Alex described their vibe as “boho and a little witchy” — what more could you ask for just before Halloween? Local Dahlias, Amaranth, Chocolate Cosmos, dried Bracken Fern, Spiral Eucalyptus, Baccara Roses and Pampas Grass brought their wedding theme to life. Not to mention, the grounds at Pine Creek Nursery were filled with pumpkins, flowers and some AMAZING golden hour light captured by Kaitlin Evans!

XO

Carlee

Venue: Pine Creek Nursery

Planner: Eventful Moments

Photographer: Kaitlin Evans Photography

Dress: I Do Bridal | Maggie Sottero Designs

Hannah + Alex

Hannah and Alex’s wedding will forever be a highlight of my career. When Hannah first reached out, she described their wedding as “Secret Garden In The City” a vibrant, flower focal wedding using Dutch still life paintings and China blue as inspiration.

For this wedding I sourced local and seasonal flowers as I usually do, but when I picked up my order I was surprised with off season tulips at Mayesh Seattle. My Dutch still life arrangements were complete.

Take a peek at the beautiful photos and the AMAZING vendor team below!

XO

Carlee

Photographer: Meghan Klein Phorography

Venue: The 101

Coordinator: Elle Frederickson with Simply by Tamara Nicole

Florist: Rusted Vase Floral Co.

Caterer: Addo Seattle

Cake: Saltadena Bakery

Makeup/Hair: Lindsey Lyon & Shannon Rasheed

Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige

Groom Suit: The Black Tux

Invitation Suite: Papier

Brass Rentals: Fanciful Rentals

Jordan + Leor

Jordan and Leor’s wedding will forever hold a special place in my heart. Not only did they put thoughtful personal touches in to all of their details, but they were SO happy and loving on their wedding day, it is something I will never forget. Bridging the gap between a black tie affair in a rustic barn setting is no easy task, but these two hired one of the best vendor teams to bring their vision to life. Deep, moody colors accented with tons of candlelight and lots of greenery makes this one for the books.

Take a peek at their photos below, and be sure to check out the feature on at Seattle Bride Magazine

Xo

Carlee

Photographer Nick Plus Danée

Bar Service Herban Feast Catering Jordan Winery

Desserts Milk Bar

Caterer Herban Feast Catering Fire and Scrape

Day-Of Coordinator It's All in the Details Event and Wedding Planning

Floral & Decor Rusted Vase Floral Co.

Grooms' Attire Klein Epstein & Parker Tom Ford Christian Dior Barney's New York

Invitations, Programs and Signage Minted

Music Furmata A Cappella

Photo Booth Gold Frame Media

Rentals CORT Party Rental

Lighting Seattle Event Lighting

Rings XIV Karats

Transportation British Motor Coach, Inc.

Videography Amora Cinema

Julia Grace + Thor

Julia Grace and Thor’s wedding at Carnation Farms was a highlight of 2019. There were so many elements that made this day extra special. Hanging chandeliers, elevated arrangements, one of my favorite bouquets, and so so much love.

Planner: Wonderstruck Events

Photographers: Athena and Camron

Hair & Makeup: Off White Makeup and Beauty

Dress: Miss Hayley Paige

Venue: Carnation Farms

Crystal + Greg

A modern tropical wedding with a cat theme? Count me in! Greg and Crystal were married at the Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland, WA. It is a beautiful lakeside hotel with one of my favorite ceremony backdrops. Crystal is in the wedding industry herself, she is the mastermind behind The Fancy Cat Studio and she made sure no details were forgotten for this special day. You can see more of this Purrrrfect wedding on the Trendy Bride Magazine + Blog

XO

Carlee

Photography: Blue Rose Photography

Event Design, Paper Goods, Signage + Calligraphy: The Fancy Cat Studio

Florals: Rusted Vase Co.

Hair & Makeup: Bridal Beauty Agency

Bride's Dress: Sarah Seven at The Dress Theory

Groom's Suit: Suit Supply

Bridesmaid Outfits: 

Maid of Honor- Azazie

Bridesmaids - Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack , Amazon and JC Penney

Arbor: Groom's Father, Greg Wyant

Day-of Coordination: Petra Rabson Events & Design

Venue + Catering: The Woodmark Hotel

DJ: Mark Ingham from DJ Otto-Matic

Cake: Bride's Best Friend, Bret Herrick

Jess + Pablo

Jess and Pablo, what can I say? They are two of the BEST people I have worked with. Down to earth, down to party and so, so in love. Their wedding will be at the top of my list forever. A romantic beach ceremony followed by an epic dinner and dance party for their closest friends and family. Not to mention, they hired one of the best vendor teams around. Check it out below!

Xo

Carlee

Planner: The Greatest Adventure Weddings

Photographer: Henry Tieu Photography

Hair & Makeup: Angie Evans

Catering: Table Catering Co.

Rentals: CORT, Balancing Balloons, Olympic Farm Style Events

Lawn Games: Off the Block Games

Florals: Rusted Vase Floral Co.

Cake: Honey Crumb Cake Studio

Cookies: The Funkycold Co.

Julia + Victor

Julia and I first met on a FRIENDS styled shoot. We hit it off and quickly became friends and supporters of one another through social media and work. When Julia got engaged and reached out to me to do her flowers, I was thrilled! She explained her and Victor’s wedding style as a “modern black and white tie affair” and that is exactly what we did. Understated white and green florals with black accents, clean lines and TONS of candlelight. Lora Grady captured their day so beautifully. See it below.

Xo

Carlee

Venue: Axis Pioneer Square

Design & Styling: The Bride - Julia

Dress: Sarah Seven

Dress Boutique: The Dress Theory Seattle

Photographer: Lora Grady

Makeup: Make Up You Beautiful

DJ: Bamboo Beats DJ

Photo Booth: 321 Foto Booth

Lighting: Greenlight Seattle

Catering: Ravishing Radish