Emily & Shyam had a fabulously fun urban wedding at the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park PACCAR Pavilion:
And now they are off to South Africa to do it all over again!
Their vendors:
A formula for wedding photography disaster? Men in black tuxes, women in long dresses, outside on a 107 degree day? Not so. After 15 years of dating, Jenny Tang and Luan Li were determined to have a fabulous wedding day. As temps rose, these folks kept their cool; attitude, that is. Not a complaint was heard. Playful natures intact, Jenny, Luan, 14 attendants and family showed their true colors, even inside of damp clothing. Spirits were NOT dampened though, and I can’t remember when I last experienced this much fun at a wedding. And I’ve been to many a fun wedding!
Green Valley Ranch was also fabulous, from modern Mediterranean poolside to soothing main lobby, to generous balconied suite. Even hallways and side entrances were designed as if with photography in mind. And my God, the food. Eating is often a quick experience for me while working. Even so I couldn’t help but enjoy the steak cooked to perfection, the potato tower light and dramatic in presentation, but the lobster was the highlight. Having lobster served atop it shell made the dinning experience all the more divine.
Good taste was part of not only food, but most of all, in choice of friends. The wedding party clearly loves this couple and showed it every minute of this memorable wedding day.
I’m not sure who had more fun at this 3 hour Las Vegas engagement session:
the wild-about-you couple, or the wild-about-both-of-you photographer.
Seattle Bride knows how to throw a party. This years Best Of (Wedding Vendors) event at the new Pan Pacific Hotel was a sun-filled, indoor/outdoor martini and sushi feast. Much of the praise goes to Director of Catering, Erik Franklin. He has a warmth and humbleness you expect from your boyscout cousin, while demonstrating a calm, I’m in-charge flair. He showed the modern suites to my sister and me, complete with balcony, warm currents of color and texture, modern bath fixtures, and windows, windows, windows. We natural-light photography specialists love windows.
Back at the party, I LOVED being able to glide back and forth between bright, climate controlled, modern interior, then out to the attached sunset facing deck. A more rowdy deck party atmosphere contrasted the indoor intimate setting. Easily I could see this indoor/outdoor versitility working well during an evening of Michael Benson Band’s fun and furious Big Band sets. (Congratulations to Michael Benson who won “Best Of” again.)
Pan Pacific has a keen sense of style that goes beyond decor. A match made in Asia, Luly Yang designed the stylish hotel uniforms. Luly took the Best Of for Dress Shop too. She got my vote.
As for photographic possibilities: Endless! Loved the lounge, the fireplace, stairway, railing, the warm wood walls, modern fixtures and art everywhere. More than anything, I loved the natural light, and the sense of Welcome Erik Franklin calmly exudes.
Thanks for the great party, Seattle Bride. See you next year!
The 2007 Urban Bridal Fashion Infusion was made possible by the generous contributions of the following Seattle vendors:
Luly Yang Couture
206.623.8200
David Galliett of Rented Elegance
425.462.2244
Tiara’s on Location- Hair & Makeup
206.818.0341
Darcy Camden of Styled Seattle
206.349.3401
The Tux Shop
206.363.5020
Merry Beth Turpin of Aisle of View
425.427.2277
Bella Umbrella
425.844.8461
Green Lake Jewelry Works
206.527.1108
Pravda Studios
206.728.1177
W Seattle
206.264.6000
The Heights on Capitol Hill Apartments
206.838.5558
Aaron Horton Productions Videography
206.679.8784
A tremendous thanks also goes to our models who played “Bride” and “Groom” for the day: Sandra Kord, Tricia Benzinger, Elisa Pupko, Marcio Catalano, Michael Reese and Nick Skinner.
Over and over I’m asked which Seattle Wedding venue I like best. Always at the top of the list is Golf Club at Newcastle. There are so many reasons. But this entry won’t cover the caring staff, elegant interior, spacious patio, grand tent or how some of my all time favorite (and continuing) clients happen to choose this fabulous venue. For now, just the view and sunset.
This is the first time I used this spot. The kiss was of their own inspiration. (Though getting them all the way out there took some encouragement.)
A moment alone. Long lenses are great for allowing Bride and Grooms “private” moments.
Only moments after their romantic ceremony, this wonderful Bride and Groom ran out of the tent in newlywed excitement.
To think. All day rain threatened. In my many Newcastle weddings I’ve never missed capturing a great sky, even if a bit gray. Seemingly poor weather adds drama to the sky. I like DRAMA!
WAY at the top of my favorite event locations, sitting high upon a hill overlooking Lake Washington, Bellevue, Seattle AND Puget sound, is the impeccably run Golf Club at New Castle. In the planning stages, it’s the professional, highly personable, caring staff that matter. But even more important is the impact the location itself has on an event’s ambiance. This spot is unbeatable for sunsets, spacious and gracious environments, and for a mix of country and urban flair. If you can, fit these folks into your budget, and change your event to a Wednesday if that’s what’s available!
Last night, Newcastle, who always pampers it’s vendors even on wild and crazy event days, spoiled us. Ninety of the Clubs staff and favorite vendors convened to the elegant St Andrew’s Ballroom for a fabulous night of food, friends and fun.
I was thrilled to be the only photographer present. Now, undoubtedly others were invited, but since I don’t know that, I can bask in my own little world for a while. AND I was presented with a round of golf for two. Thank you, Newcastle! If you haven’t played golf here, go get those clubs.
Newcastle hosted more people than I have time to write about, so I’ll narrow this mention to those I had the pleasure of talking with. At the top of the list is the detailed Director of Catering, Theresa “TC” Bailey, with her ever watchful eye. I also laughed with Susan Aeschliman, Kimberly Sissel and Daneka Sarkies who excel when it comes to helpfulness and making sure Newcastle events are just so.
Top event coordinators were there. My hero in this realm is Merry Beth Turpin of Aisle of View. She knows how to make, and if necessary, SAVE the day. I have stories to tell… Sitting next to me was Jackie Ross Grotle of Event Success. She and I have never worked together, and now I’m on a mission to change this. She’s a wonderful, highly intelligent person. Hire both of us and I’ll make you a “deal” through 2008. (This is were you run down the isle, arms waving, screaming your head off because you’re a WINNER!) Great teams make the difference! I also love Kerry Cooper of Bliss Events. Talk about a sweet and organized person. Her adorable designer hubby was there too. Naturally, Wendy Wojcik, of Weddings with Wendy was there, looking gorgeous as ever. Make your event as beautiful. Hire Wendy. Go All The Way! I finally met Margaret Perugini from Andy Mirkovich Productions. She is professional, elegant and warm at the same time. I certainly hope she has her athletic 82 year old groom and 80 year old bride enter my Urban Fusion Fashion contest. (Keep watching. Details within the week!).
In a category of his own is David Galliett of Rented Elegance. This man is TALENTED. When you want ambiance, David’s environments take your breath away. One-stop shop here for props, flowers, linens, and more, or David will happily designs along with a creative team of florist, caterer and coordinator. David = WOW factor. Do the math!
An event for the truly fabulous wouldn’t be complete without John Gardner from Aria Style. John keeps raising the bar in both floral and decor. He has some incredible linens I’ve not seen elsewhere, and that’s just the beginning. Cheers, John! I had the pleasure of sitting next to the sweet and very helpful Allyson Weekly of Plateau Florist. She went out of her way to help me juggle all my camera gear, martini, dinner plate and wallet. And IS she patient. Thanks for you help, Allyson. Helpfulness is one trait you want in a florist!
There were great DJs there too! Greg Lowder of Affairs to Remember had me cracking up, as usual. What a wonderful person. A great listener too. It was great to see Tim Stever of Beautiful Noise. (I photographed his wedding about 15 years ago!) His cutting edge looks mirrors his adaptability. What YOU want to hear is Tim’s specialty. Dan and Bryan Kretz of Emerald City Productions did a great, if difficult job at last nights event. They provided theme music to support a wild and crazy game show that was going on during dinner. The music selected and their timing was right on! Great job D & B! Darrell Christel of Daddy Cool Productions is just that. Daddy Cool! He has a wonderful way about him, so while I have yet to work with Darrell, I can’t wait until I do. This man has PERSONALITY! Tom Denman of A sound Celebration specializes in “Music for all Occasions”. Naturally, he was present at this top-vendor event.
Location Location Location (and don’t forget, Photographer Photographer Photographer!) 
The sushi bar was my favorite part. (Being deprived in pregnancy only fed this gals raw passion!) Display, taste, variety. Newcastle has a Master Sushi Chef!
Yummy, elegant Cucumber Pimms Cup Sorbet!
Or maybe THIS was my favorite part!
Introducing a new Chef and Pastry Chef.
Freedom of Chef expression! We all love grilled salmon, but try your Chef’s specialty too. Aren’t great ideas one reason you hired professionals? And can you spell C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E.?
