The couple celebrates the end of their wedding ceremony at this Tierra Retreat Center wedding
Real Weddings, Weddings

Tierra Retreat Center Wedding | Nicole + Adam

Tierra Retreat Center Wedding

I have been sitting on this Tierra Retreat Center wedding for ages because it was so difficult to narrow down photos! Seriously, every frame from this picturesque mountain wedding gives me goosebumps. Nicole and Adam were such a wonderful couple to work with, and Tierra Retreat Center is such a beautiful natural setting for a wedding. We loved working with Nicole's floral inspiration, which came directly from the lavender fields that bloom in July. And we loved pulling in other inspiration from seasonal florals, our shared love of the outdoors, and the romantic palette we were working with. Overall, we absolutely delighted in being a part of this stunning, seasonally-inspired destination wedding. We were so honored to help Nicole and Adam bring their biggest wedding visions to life through floral design!

A detailed look at this stunning bridal bouquet at the Tierra Retreat Center wedding
The bride and groom embrace, showing off her veil and hair flowers
The bride looks down at her wedding bouquet at Tierra Retreat Center
A table setting from the wedding reception at Tierra Retreat Center

Tierra Retreat Center

Tierra Retreat Center sits in the Cascade Mountains, close to Leavenworth - and lots of great outdoor activities! We love crossing the mountain passes to do destination weddings for our couples in such beautiful locations. Tierra Retreat Center is tucked away in a small valley, next to picturesque farm fields and completely surrounded by verdant woods. On its grounds, you'll find many forest paths, as well as a main area with a beautiful lawn and building. The ceremony site lies a short "hike" from the main lodge, surrounded on all sides by stunning forest views and tall evergreen trees. We love the quiet and natural surroundings, the vibrant lawn, and of course, the onsite lavender fields! In the end, they made for such gorgeous backdrops for Nicole and Adam's wedding day. 

The outdoor lawn setup at Tierra Retreat Center for weddings
The couple celebrates the end of their wedding ceremony at this Tierra Retreat Center wedding
The couple stands in a lavender field at this Tierra Retreat Center wedding

Seasonally Inspired Wedding Flowers

At the start of our work together, Nicole knew she wanted something different for her wedding at Tierra Retreat Center. The florals were a big part of accentuating the natural beauty of the venue itself, so it was really important to get it right. Nicole envisioned a varied but subtle palette of pink and purple flowers, especially lavender. But she worried that those colors, if done poorly, could look tacky.

Together, we developed a palette that incorporated bright lavender, as well as more subtle tones. As a result, the final look was a beautiful, elegant, and relaxed mix of flowers and foliage. We used a wide variety of botanicals inspired by what was blooming in July, including hot-weather loving dahlias, strawflowers, roses, and of course, lavender. We also sourced white peonies - Nicole's favorite - from our friends in Alaska at Scenic Place Peonies. Lastly, I particularly loved using purple-tinged snowberry foliage (a native forest species) to bring all the colors together. 

The bridal bouquet at this Tierra Retreat Center wedding uses seasonally inspired flowers in blush, pink, and purple tones
Wedding reception at Tierra Retreat Center with floral runners down long tables

Here is what Nicole and Adam had to say about working together:

"I knew this would happen, but the florals were the main decor to enhance the venue, and made the wedding feel very 'us.'..[Working together] was so easy, fun, and exciting! You were fantastic. The results were INCREDIBLE, STUNNING, PERFECTION. Exactly what I wanted and more! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You made all of my wedding flower dreams come true...I loved how the colors felt unique and reflected colors that people know I love, but at the same time, they were tasteful, stunning, and really complimented the space. I will gush over them forever!!! THANK YOU!" 

The bride and groom hold a bouquet in the forest for their Tierra Retreat Center wedding
The sweetheart table florals at the Tierra Retreat Center wedding reception
Wedding ceremony flowers at the Tierra Retreat Center with couple holding hands

A Forest Ceremony to Remember

Obviously, one of the most spectacular parts of any Tierra Retreat Center wedding is the ceremony space. A quick hike through the forest reveals a stunning amphitheatre built from warm wood. Nicole and Adam chose to utilize the existing structure for their ceremony flowers. Initially, we sketched several ideas, and landed on this one: an asymmetrical, but beautiful frame for their ceremony. They also added a gorgeous vintage rug to accentuate the flooring. And of course, the forest views provided a magical backdrop to this ceremony. As a result, we loved seeing them celebrate with all of their family and friends!

The tall pine trees and wedding florals provide a stunning ceremony backdrop for this Tierra Retreat Center wedding
The groom looks on to his bride lovingly during the wedding ceremony at Tierra Retreat Center
Wedding florals and wooden platform for the wedding ceremony at Tierra Retreat Center
The bride and groom pose with the bridal bouquet at the ceremony
The couple celebrates the end of their wedding ceremony at this Tierra Retreat Center wedding

Tierra Retreat Center Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, Nicole and Adam held a vibrant reception back at the main lodge, primarily on the lawn. We love the hanging lights, big space, and forest views! As you can see, the main building has a lovely deck that overlooks the lawn, which Adam and Nicole used for their first dances. On the reception tables, we used a mix of bud vases and long floral runners to decorate the tables. At the front, we also loved repurposing some of their ceremony florals for their sweetheart table.

The wedding reception at Tierra Retreat Center
Wedding florals drape the long tables at this Tierra Retreat Center wedding
The first dance at the wedding reception, with pines in the background
The bride and groom enjoy their sweetheart table flowers at this Tierra Retreat Center wedding reception

Of course, since this wedding was a hot one - 106F! - everyone took advantage of the hand fans to stay cool. We are very proud of how well our flowers stayed hydrated and looking good without using floral foam! As Nicole said, "Your work is unique and absolutely beautiful, and knowing your sustainability practices really makes it all worth it." We love that our couples care about sustainability, too!

The groom fans his bride to beat the heat at this Tierra Retreat Center wedding reception

Tierra Retreat Center Wedding Details

To break tradition, Nicole and Adam chose to not have a wedding party at all. Instead, we created wearable floral pieces for them, as well as their family and friends. We loved crafting Nicole's wedding hair flowers and Adam's boutonniere. Her florals look so incredible with her veil! Furthermore, we also loved seeing details like their wedding rings, their first look, and how beautifully the florals looked in such a scenic setting.

The bride and groom embrace, showing off her hair flowers
The wedding rings and flowers
The bride and groom enjoy a first look at this Tierra Retreat Center wedding

We loved crafting this floral palette in a romantic mix of luxurious flowers, stunning foliage, and meadow-inspired textures. We used the best of the flowers seasonally available in July, including dahlias, zinnias, strawflowers, roses, lavender, and Alaskan peonies. In addition, we used lots of foresty foliages and summer meadow-inspired textures. Naturally, this included interesting ingredients like snowberry foliage, unripe raspberries, laceflowers, and Joe Pye weed. You can also see all of these magical botanicals in Nicole's bouquet below. In all honesty, we really love how all of these ingredients bridged the pink and purple color spectrum while keeping it soft and romantic. 

The bride and groom walk through the woods at this Tierra Retreat Center wedding
A close up of the summer bridal bouquet used in this Tierra Retreat Center wedding
The bride and groom walk through the forest together, holding a bridal bouquet

Tierra Retreat Center Wedding Tips

Tierra Retreat Center is a long way from Seattle, but it is such a beautiful space that no one will mind. Of course, they do have lots of events throughout the year, so make sure you book well in advance! It's also a great idea to visit the venue before booking, ask lots of questions, and explore what your wedding might look like. It does require a bit more walking on uneven ground than a city venue would, so just keep that in mind for your older guests. 


You and your guests can stay at the Tierra Retreat Center, which has plentiful lodging options. The venue is also quite close to Leavenworth, so any of those hotels or lodges would work, too! Unfortunately, there are no real transit options to get out in the mountains, so you and your guests will need cars. Naturally, you should also find vendors who are willing to make the trek across the mountains, and be ready to pay some travel fees. Vendors like your florist, planner, and their teams will all need hotel rooms for at least one night.

Lastly, we can't say enough nice things about the team at Tierra Retreat Center. Jen and her team were lovely to work with and made everything very easy! As always, we are so grateful we could work with such a fabulous team of vendors to make Nicole and Adam's wedding dreams come to life.

The bride and groom embrace holding a summer wedding bouquet with roses at the Tierra Retreat Center


Are you thinking about getting married at Tierra Retreat Center? Ready to talk about your wedding? We’d love to chat! You can check your date with us below.

Vendor Team

Thank you to this incredible team of wedding vendors!

Floral & Event Design: Bloom Poet | @bloompoet_

Venue: Tierra Retreat Center | @tierraretreatcenter

Planner: Hummingbird Event Co | @hummingbirdeventco
Photographer: Here Today Photo | @heretodayphoto

Hair & Makeup: Mane by Nono | @manebynono

Catering: Good Mood Food | @goodmoodfood.wa

DJ: Showbiz NW | @showbiznw

Cake & Cupcakes: Sagebrush Sweets | @sagebrush.sweets

Dress: The Dress Theory | @thedresstheoryseattle

Suit: Suit Supply | @suitsupply

Linens: Rent Wenatchee | @rentwenatchee

Votives: Celebrations for Every Season | @celebrations.for.every.season

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A portrait of a wedding couple in the forest at Kiana Lodge
Real Weddings, Weddings

Kiana Lodge Wedding | Molly + Daniel

Kiana Lodge Wedding

I don't even know where to begin with this Kiana Lodge wedding, because it had everything we love! Molly and Daniel are an incredibly sweet couple, their families were amazing, and Kiana Lodge is a gorgeous venue. As avid mushroomers, they knew they wanted some forest-inspired, mushroomy, and colorful spring wedding florals. Add in classic Jewish wedding traditions with some modern twists, and you have this fun, fabulous, memorable wedding! We absolutely loved being a part of this totally one-of-a-kind wedding, and were so honored to help Molly & Daniel make their wedding day feel totally true to them. 

A Kiana Lodge wedding floral centerpiece with mushrooms and poppies
A couple standing at Kiana Lodge holding hands
Bridal bouquet at Kiana Lodge

Kiana Lodge

Kiana Lodge lies about an hour northwest of Seattle on the peninsula, and requires a ferry ride across Bainbridge Island to reach. It always feels magical to hop on the ferry and traverse back roads to arrive at this stunning retreat! (We also love that it's native-owned and operated, and that Twin Peaks was partially filmed there!) Kiana Lodge definitely feels like one of those venues that has it all. On its grounds you can find lush forest trails, a wide manicured lawn, waterfront views, and quintessential PNW log cabin vibes. We loved seeing how the varied landscapes provided the perfect backdrops for photos of Molly and Daniel. Of course, this spring wedding had its fair share of raindrops, but Kiana Lodge has plenty of gorgeous indoor space when needed.

A view of Kiana Lodge indoors as a wedding reception venue
Waterfront Kiana Lodge wedding portrait of couple
A portrait of a wedding couple in the forest at Kiana Lodge

Whimsical Wedding Flowers

From the beginning, Molly and Daniel always knew they wanted their wedding to look truly unique. With so many family members coming from out of town, they wanted to embrace a PNW-inspired look. They are also avid mushroom hunters, and love to forage mushrooms locally in forests. Of course, we knew we had to incorporate mushrooms into their wedding florals! We tested a LOT of options to make sure we could create these unique mushroom pieces that would look gorgeous all day. Ultimately, we went with a bright, whimsical palette that included unique elements like moss, spider roots, and a wide variety of mushrooms. We had so much fun dreaming up and designing their flowers!

A Kiana Lodge wedding bridal bouquet with bright flowers and mushrooms
A Kiana Lodge wedding reception centerpiece with a large peony

Here is what Molly and Daniel had to say about working together:

"We wanted to create unique/natural/seasonal floral arrangements that would make our wedding beautiful and showcase who we are as a couple! Working together throughout the planning process was amazing. You fully embraced our mushroom/foresty vision, guiding us throughout the process, allowing us to be creative and dream big, and came up with incredible ideas. It was such a pleasure getting to work with you. The arrangements you created were unlike anything we've ever seen. They were beautiful, completely unique, and really captured who we are. We got so many compliments on your work - it was breathtaking. You made our day so special."

Guest book flowers at the entrance to this Kiana Lodge wedding
Mushroom details of the wedding floral centerpieces

Classic Jewish Wedding Traditions, with Modern Twists

Naturally, we love celebrating all of our diverse couples and their varied wedding traditions. Molly and Daniel embraced classic Jewish wedding traditions in this Kiana Lodge wedding, while also adding their own modern twists. Per Jewish tradition, both the bride and groom were escorted by their parents. But instead of flower girls, they had some adult family members throw bright orange flower petals down the aisle! We loved how they honored tradition while still bringing their unique sense of playfulness to their ceremony.

The groom being walked to the ceremony at a Kiana Lodge wedding
Adult "flower girls" throw petals in the wedding aisle at Kiana Lodge
The bride is walked down the aisle at this Kiana Lodge wedding

They also chose to do a traditional Jewish chuppah for their wedding ceremony. Initially, we had talked about doing mushroom "forests" as floral installations in front of the chuppah. Instead, they settled on doing a "human-powered" chuppah, which was truly lovely. As an alternative to a traditional wedding party, Molly and Daniel chose to adorn their closest friends and family with wearable flowers, too. It was so fun to see new and old traditions combined!

The bride and groom with their human-powered chuppah at Kiana Lodge
The couple embraced by both of their mothers during the Jewish wedding ceremony at Kiana Lodge
A non traditional wedding party at Kiana Lodge

Kiana Lodge Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, Molly and Daniel held a grand reception in the largest indoor space of Kiana Lodge. We love the hanging ferns and star chandelier that grace the ceiling! But we also enjoyed their custom neon sign and the way our bright florals popped against the wood paneling. Of course, we loved making every centerpiece a different mix of flowers, ferns, and mushrooms. Additionally, we placed bud vases and other mushroom vignettes on welcome tables, the bar, and the cake table. We love the way this reception came together!

The couple just married at Kiana Lodge
The indoor part of the lodge set up with neon sign and florals
The wedding cake at Kiana Lodge
A wedding centerpiece with mushrooms and roots
Welcome table with florals and mushrooms
A poppy in a Kiana Lodge wedding centerpiece
Florals on the bar of the wedding at Kiana Lodge
A wedding centerpiece at Kiana Lodge

Dancing the Hora

We loved seeing photos of the traditional hora that awaited Molly and Daniel at their reception! These photos were too good not to share. You can also get a better look at the interior of Kiana Lodge, with its twinkling lights and potted ferns. And we couldn't help but be pleased that Daniel's pocket square looked amazing, even with so much dancing. We love everything about this celebration!

The family dancing in a circle
Dancing the hora at Kiana Lodge
The bride and groom lifted in chairs for the hora

Kiana Lodge Wedding Design Details

We loved crafting this floral palette in a whimsical mix of mushrooms, pods and textures, moss, flowers, and ferns. We used the best of the flowers seasonally available in June, including peonies, poppies, ranunculus, roses, foxglove, and geum. In addition, we used everything forest-inspired that we could get our hands on! This included interesting ingredients like ferns, poppy pods, scabiosa pods, alchemilla, and more obscure botanicals like allium sicilum and cobra lilies. You can also see all of these magical botanicals in Molly's bouquet, below, and Daniel's pocket square. Believe it or not, the cobra lilies - the ones that are veiny pitcher plants you might find in the forest - were an impulse buy! Growers in California and Oregon have mastered growing these in greenhouses. When I saw them, I knew they were the perfect addition!

A bride holding her wedding bouquet at Kiana Lodge
Someone touching the mushrooms in the bridal bouquet
The groom's pocket square made from mushrooms and other botanicals
A mushroom details of a centerpiece
A peony arrangement at the escort card table at Kiana Lodge
The rings and invitations
Wedding reception centerpiece at Kiana Lodge
The bride holding her bouquet at Kiana Lodge

Kiana Lodge Wedding Tips

Kiana Lodge is a fabulous place to get married any time of year, since it has both indoor and outdoor spaces. As a popular wedding and event venue year-round, it's important to book early! That way, you will have plenty of time to explore all the possibilities the property offers. They only allow in-house catering, so keep that in mind if you have your heart set on a specific catering company.


Since Kiana Lodge is a hike from Seattle, you and your guests can stay nearby at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, which the Suquamish Tribe also owns. The resort is very close to Kiana Lodge, and a shuttle runs between them, so you and your guests won't need to worry about driving. Naturally, you should also find vendors who are willing to make the trek to Kiana, and be ready to pay some travel fees. The ferry ride means earlier starts and later finishes for your vendors, especially if they have to break anything down at the end of your wedding. Your florist and planner will definitely want a hotel room instead of trying to catch the last ferry at 1:30 in the morning!

Lastly, we can't say enough nice things about the team at Kiana. They have all been so lovely and easy to work with!


Are you thinking about getting married at Kiana Lodge? Ready to talk about your wedding? We’d love to chat! You can check your date with us below.

Vendor Team

Thank you to this incredible team of wedding vendors!

Floral & Event Design: Bloom Poet | @bloompoet_

Venue & Catering: Kiana Lodge | @kianalodge
Photographer: Mary Kalhor | @marykalhorweddings

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The couple walking around Kelley Farm
Real Weddings, Weddings

Kelley Farm Wedding | Corinna + Conor

Kelley Farm Wedding with Lush Blooms

Somehow, we always get to work with the sweetest couples - and Corinna and Conor are no exception. Since 2019, we worked together to design a dreamy lavender wedding at Kelley Farm for these two. Unfortunately, their wedding date moved three times - through three different seasons! Finally, we were able to design this Kelley Farm wedding in October 2021, and it was so worth the wait. It was such a joy to celebrate with these two and their wonderful families! Filled with gorgeous landscapes, lush blooms, and lots of smiles, the sheer happiness of this day is plain to see. 

The couple walking around Kelley Farm
The sweetheart table with couple kissing
Details of the bridal bouquet with anenomes and roses

The Kelley Farm

Kelley Farm lies about an hour south of Seattle, with gorgeous rural scenery. We loved seeing some of their perennial flowers still blooming in the gardens! The stunning pasture also provided a perfect backdrop for photos of Corinna and Conor during their first look. Kelley Farm weddings can be inside or outside, depending on the weather. We got some breaks in the rain for photos, but also had a mega storm roll in! Ultimately, Corinna and Conor decided to hold the wedding indoors. Definitely the right call! On the inside of Kelley Farm, we love the rustic wood interior, the romantic curtains, and the opulent chandeliers. Additionally, we enjoyed creating a floral installation on the permanent arch at Kelley Farm. It is the perfect size for their space! Our couple also loved having separate cottages to get ready. 

Bride walking down the aisle
Kelley Farm wedding floral arch setup
The groom stopping to smell the bride's flowers

Preparing for the Ceremony

These two both had fabulous squads helping them get ready. The bride's side and the groom's side had separate spaces at Kelley Farm. However, the whole mood of both groups was so jubilant! Everyone was thrilled to be together celebrating these two. To begin, we delivered anenome boutonnieres to Conor and his groomsmen. We also brought cute bridesmaids bouquets to the girls, and flower petals to the flower girl. (Isn't she the cutest!?) We also gave Corinna her stunning cascading bouquet, which added so much glamour and drama to her bridal look. Of course, we made sure to give her lots of anenomes - her favorite - as well as a sophisticated mix of mauve and lavender flowers. We finished all of these pieces with hand-dyed silk ribbons from our local artisans.

Bridesmaids and flower girl with bride
Bouquet resting on chair
Groom and his groomsmen getting ready
The bridesmaids using their bouquets to create a flower halo around the bride

First Look

Before the ceremony, Corinna and Conor had a first look on the grounds of Kelley Farm. First looks are a great way to have a private, intimate moment to reconnect with your spouse before the big celebration! First looks are always touching moments, but we can't get over how happy these two make each other. We feel genuinely lucky to work with couples who adore each other!

First look couple holding bouquet
Couple laughing and embracing while holding bouquet
Wedding veil flying in the wind
The bride and groom walking through the wedding party

Kelley Farm Wedding Ceremony

After regrouping with their wedding party, Corinna and Conor made a stunning entrance to their ceremony. We lined the aisle with white rose petals, and added a romantic floral installation to the Kelley Farm wedding arch. We used greenery to soften the shape and mirror the curtain behind it. Additionally, we covered the right corner in a stunning mix of big lavender blooms, anenomes, and grey-green foliage. We love the way this ceremony setup came together!

Kelley Farm bouquet details
Wedding setup before guests arrive
Kelley Farm wedding floral arch details
Bride and groom saying vows in front of floral arch
The happy couple after their wedding ceremony

Romantic Fall Wedding Reception

Throughout the planning process, the one thing that stayed constant was Corinna's desire to have a big dance party! Thankfully, all of their friends and family were on board with that plan. From all accounts, everyone had a great time! We used the floral arch as a backdrop for the reception, setting up Corinna and Conor's sweetheart table in front of it. For their table, we added extra florals, greenery, and candles to make it extra special. We also decorated their cake table with florals and greenery, and worked with the bakers to make sure some flowers made it onto the cake, too!

The wedding party poses for pictures at Kelley Farm
The sweetheart table with couple kissing
Naked cake decorated with flowers

Kelley Farm Wedding Design Details

We loved crafting this floral palette in a moody mix of mauve, lavender, and white flowers. We used the best of what was seasonally available, including anenomes, carrot flowers, several types of roses, and stock. In addition, we added some interesting textured greenery, like the near-black agonis foliage that almost looks like fringe. You can also see this in Conor's boutonniere and Corinna's bouquet below. I particularly love the little mauve spray roses we included in these pieces! Believe it or not, they were an impulse buy at the flower market. But when I saw them, I knew we had to have them!

Details of the bridal bouquet with anenomes and roses
The groom with his boutonniere
Wedding ring details with flowers in background

Fall Wedding Tips

First, fall is a super popular time to get married here in Seattle, and elsewhere in the country. So if you are planning a fall wedding, make sure you book your vendors early! That way, you will have plenty of time to make decisions, rather than scrambling to find someone.

Of course, you will also want to account for the weather. Sometimes we luck out and have gorgeous sunshine. Other times, it storms and the power goes out! (True story!) So, make sure you have rain plans in place. We always recommend hiring a wedding planner for this reason.

Lastly, we highly recommend being flexible about your flower choices in the fall. Since we prioritize local flowers, we are at the mercy of the last frost. Often, this frost happens in mid-October. We sometimes find ourselves with an abundance of "summer" flowers one week, and almost nothing local the next! So, hire a pro who can roll with the punches and make your wedding flawless no matter what.


Ready to talk about your wedding? We’d love to chat! We still have a few fall dates, too. You can check your date with us below.

Vendor Team

Thank you to this incredible team of wedding vendors!

Floral & Event Design: Bloom Poet | @bloompoet_

Venue: The Kelley Farm | @thekelleyfarm
Photographer: Caitlyn Nikula | @caitlynnikula

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a couple holding each other, the bride with her bouquet wearing white furs
Real Weddings, Wedding Venues, Weddings

Winter Destination Wedding at Mountain Springs Lodge | Pacifica + Evan

Winter Destination Wedding at Mountain Springs Lodge

From the moment I met with Pacifica, I knew this destination wedding would be absolute perfection. This winter wedding at Mountain Springs Lodge had it all - drama, glamour, and sweet, intimate moments. Pacifica was inspired by the snowy landscape, the towering mountains, and creating a refined and elegant experience for her intimate wedding.  Of course, we leaned into all of the luxurious details to ensure that this romantic destination wedding would be unforgettable.

a couple holding each other, the bride with her bouquet wearing white furs
A couple embracing at sunset on their wedding day, in the snow, holding bouquet
A couple completing their handfasting wedding ceremony at Mountain Springs Lodge

Mountain Springs Lodge

Mountain Springs Lodge sits in a valley just outside of Leavenworth, WA in the Cascades. We love the way the landscape transforms across the seasons. In winter, the lodge receives a generous blanket of snow, allowing them to offer sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, and more. (You'll see why this detail matters later!) Naturally, it was a wonderful choice of venue for a destination wedding!

The wedding reception space at Mountain Springs Lodge
The couple awaiting their first look
A white bouquet with evergreens and pops of blue flowers, sitting in the snow

Romantic Winter Wedding Ceremony

To begin, Pacifica and Evan chose to hold their ceremony outside to embrace the incredible views of the mountains. The wedding ceremony took place just outside of Mountain Springs Lodge, next to their large fountain. We installed a lush floral wedding arch for the ceremony, complete with blooms and evergreen foliage. In addition, we lined the aisles with evergreen garland, all framing the view of the mountains perfectly. Amazingly, the lovely couple even got sunshine while reading their vows - perfection!

Close-up details of wedding flower arch
Wedding floral arch at Mountain Springs Lodge
The bride walking to the ceremony
The bride walking down the aisle
The couple saying their vows in front of wedding floral arch
The couple standing at their wedding ceremony with mountains in the background

Of course, one of my favorite parts of this winter wedding was the handfasting ceremony. This ancient tradition is where “tying the knot” comes from! In this instance, we used luxurious hand-dyed silk ribbons from Silk & Willow for this handfasting ceremony. Pacifica and I were both obsessed with the one-of-a-kind blue botanical print ribbon, made with flower petals. You can see this stunning design in the second and third photos, as well as in her bridal bouquet.

The beginning of the handfasting ceremony with hand-dyed silk ribbon
The botanical print hand-dyed silk ribbon being used in handfasting ceremony
Final handfasting ribbon for wedding ceremony
The couple literally ties the knot with silk ribbon from their handfasting ceremony

After the ceremony, Pacifica and Evan had the perfect "just-married" smiles! Obviously, we love seeing how happy couples look right after their ceremony! Pacifica and Evan also made a particularly glamorous exit on a horse-drawn sleigh. Mountain Springs Lodge offers sleigh rides in the winter, which these two took full advantage of. I don't think we've ever seen a wedding exit quite so glamorous!

The couple have their first kiss as a married couple
The couple, just married, walking down the aisle smiling
The couple exiting their wedding ceremony towards a horse-drawn sleigh at Mountain Springs Lodge
The happy couple waving from their sleigh ride
A stunning image of the happy couple's horse-drawn sleigh in the snow, with mountains in the background

Elegant Winter Wedding Reception

Mountain Springs Lodge has a stunning rustic wood interior, which we transformed into an elegant, romantic experience for their guests through floral and event design. With event design, we help couples think through all of the aesthetics of their events. We source linens, place settings, and other rentals to create a cohesive design like this. Of course, for this wedding, no detail went unnoticed! From luxe velvet table linens to gorgeous wedding centerpieces, we ensured that Pacifica and Evan’s destination wedding would have an elegant and refined look throughout.

Wedding reception tables at Mountain Springs Lodge
Sweetheart Table settings at Mountain Springs Lodge
The sweetheart table and mantle floral installation
A close-up image of the plating for wedding guest tables
A floral installation on the mantle
The hand-lettered menus on top of velvet green napkins
The cake table with stunning sugar flowers
Wedding reception setup with focal point of the fireplace and mantle for speeches

Destination Wedding Design Details

Pacifica and Evan asked us to do both floral and event design for this destination wedding, which we loved! For this winter wedding, Pacifica knew she wanted to incorporate evergreens and anemones in her designs, with a pop of blue. We used white flowers like anenomes, ranunculus, roses, and stock for all of our florals. Additionally, we incorporated touches of silver brunia, touches of blue delphinium, and lots of Pacific Northwest evergreens. And for her bouquet, we used the same stunning hand-dyed botanical silk ribbon that was used in the handfasting ceremony. Personally, I am obsessed with her hairpiece - I would wear this every day if I could! We also have to note here that both Pacifica and Evan have amazing hair and style!!

A bride with red hair and gorgeous flowers in her hair
The couple embracing in the snow, holding the bouquet
Evan with a boutonniere, smiling in the snow
The couple having a snowy first look
The couple standing at their wedding ceremony
The couple entering the reception
The couples first dance
The couple holding hands in the snow, in a black and white image
The couple kissing outside in the snow

In addition, we designed all the details of the wedding reception to create elegant, romantic tablescapes. We used navy velvet linens and gauzy white table runners as a base for these lush floral arrangements. Then, we also added romantic taper candles on antique silver bases. Along with candles, we used several rentals from CORT Party Rentals for the place settings, including silver beaded chargers, silver-rimmed glasses, and chic silverware. Lastly, we added green velvet napkins, floral touches, and the gorgeous menus and customized name cards to every plate. We love the way the overall look came together!

Sweetheart table details like candles, menus, and wax seals for this romantic wedding reception
A low floral centerpiece at the wedding

Destination Wedding Tips

First, if you are planning a destination wedding, make sure you visit your venue before booking! You will want to be able to envision your wedding day. Plus, it’s a great excuse for a long weekend away.

Of course, destination weddings are also more logistically challenging for your vendors. Make sure you choose vendors who love to travel, and are willing to do so. It’s also a great idea to have a wedding planner who can help with all the moving pieces.

Lastly, we highly recommend that you stay at your destination for several days before the wedding! You don’t want to worry about jet lag, travel times, or other logistics right before your wedding day. Instead, arrive early enough to enjoy your destination for a few days and unwind before the big day.


Ready to talk about your destination wedding? We’d love to chat! You can check your date with us below.

A couple standing in the snow, with the night sky above them

Vendor Team

Thank you to this incredible team of wedding vendors!

Floral & Event Design: Bloom Poet | @bloompoet_

Venue & Catering: Mountain Springs Lodge | @mountainspringslodge
Photographer: Jamie Buckley | @jamiebuckletphotography

(Check out Jamie's blog post about this wedding here!)
Hair & MUA: Chelan Glam | @chelanglam

Cake: Honey Crumb | @honeycrumbcakes⁣⁣

Rentals: CORT Party Rental | @cortpartyrental⁣⁣

Linens: BBJ La Tavola | @bbjlatavola

Silks: Silk & Willow | @silkandwillow


Ready to talk about your wedding vision? You can check your date with us by clicking the button below.

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The bride holding a bouquet in front of a garden hedge that was transformed into a large floral archway at Chateau Lill
Wedding Venues, Weddings

Chateau Lill Wedding with Romantic Spring Blooms | Alina + Neema

Chateau Lill Wedding with Romantic Spring Blooms

We absolutely love working weddings at Chateau Lill - formerly known as Delille Cellars - for lots of reasons. First, this venue brings the perfect mix of modern and old-world charm. We love its European-inspired architecture and lush, manicured gardens. Located in Woodinville, it is removed enough from Seattle to feel like you are in a new destination, without actually being that far away. Additionally, we love the versatility of the space. Somehow, Chateau Lill is the perfect choice for weddings both big and small.

We were so thrilled to work with all of our very talented collaborators on this gorgeous spring Chateau Lill wedding editorial! And we can't say enough nice things about these fantastic film images from Tetiana Photography.

A couple leaning on each other on the balcony of Chateau Lill
A bride holding a bouquet with anenomes, spring tulips and fritillaria, blooming branches, roses, and black palm spears
A close up image of a rose amidst blooming branches in the floral hedge

Chateau Lill Wedding Design Inspiration

We designed this stunning spring wedding editorial as a modern, romantic twist on classic black and white. As always, we felt inspired by the gorgeous bounty of flowers that spring provides. We really enjoyed highlighting some of our favorite spring blooms. Moreover, we also realized that the large garden hedge at Chateau Lill is not often used for weddings and events. So, we took on the challenge of using it as a focal piece for the ceremony, transforming it into a dreamy floral gateway. 

A golden retriever looking proud of her floral dog collar at Chateau Lill
A bride and groom walking across the lawn of Chateau Lill holding hands

Of course, we also designed a floral dog collar for Belle, the golden retriever. How could you not!? She totally stole the show.

A couple embracing and holding a bouquet with delicate spring blooms at Chateau Lill
The couple holding hands and walking up the entrance to Chateau Lill

Seasonal Flowers for April Wedding at Chateau Lill

Since we prioritize local flowers, we always find inspiration from the seasons in our designs. For this romantic April wedding at Chateau Lill, we chose the most delicate local spring blooms. Some of our favorites included anenomes, tulips, fritillaria, and flowering tulip magnolia. Additionally, we love that spring blooms can be so dark they are almost black. We played with this dynamic to deepen the overall effect of the color palette. We also added some black palm spears for a little extra edginess, while still staying true to our lush and romantic surroundings. Lastly, we chose mauve and blush accents to bridge the transition from white to black. These choices allow for a more effortless, romantic effect. We absolutely love the way this spring floral palette came together in the gorgeous gardens of Chateau Lill.

The bride and groom standing on the balcony of Chateau Lill, holding the bouquet
A close up of the garden hedge at Chateau Lill transformed into a floral arch with tulip magnolias
The bride holding a bouquet in front of a garden hedge that was transformed into a large floral archway at Chateau Lill

Chateau Lill Wedding Details

Our teammates did such a wonderful job on this Chateau Lill wedding editorial. We're obsessed with all the small details - from the black and gold place settings, to the gorgeous menus and velvet linens. Of course, we loved incorporating lush floral wedding centerpieces on this sophisticated, romantic wedding table.

A wide shot of the garden hedge with flowers at Chateau Lill
A table with mauve velvet linen, spring floral centerpiece, and black and gold place settings

Alina's dress also blew us away! What a gorgeous pick from The Dress Theory. We love the romantic sweetheart neckline and simple silhouette of this gown. It mirrored the balance of delicate and modern we tried to achieve in our floral designs.

The bride holding her bouquet and leaning on the balcony
A bride and groom embracing in front of a floral arch installation in the garden hedge at Chateau Lill
A close up of roses, anenomes, and other spring blooms used in the floral archway at Chateau Lill

Lastly, we have to share how stunning this invitation suite looks next to our white spring blooms! Obviously, Krisanna does incredibly beautiful work. It's always a joy to see what she comes up with. In particular, I love that little black wax seal, perfectly reflected in the center of the anenome. 

the bride standing in front of a floral arch installation in Chateau Lill, holding a bouquet
Wedding invitation with anenomes and tulip magnolias on a white background

We are so excited looking ahead to our wedding season this year, and hopefully many more Chateau Lill weddings to come. It's such a wonderful venue! And we find it so easy to make this venue even more stunning through seasonal floral design. We hope to be back very soon!

The couple standing and holding bouquet on the balcony of Chateau Lill, with Belle the dog laying in front
Wedding floral arch details at Chateau Lill
Wedding stationery with blooming branches

Vendor Team

Planner: Hallea Events | @halleaevents⁣⁣
Venue: Chateau Lill @chateaulill⁣⁣
Photographer: Tetiana Photography | @tetianaphotography⁣⁣
Florist: Bloom Poet | @bloompoet_
Hair & MUA: Zo and Co | @zoandcostyling⁣⁣
Tux: The Groomsman Suit | @thegroomsmansuit⁣⁣
Dress: The Dress Theory | @thedresstheory⁣⁣
Cake: Honey Crumb | @honeycrumbcakes⁣⁣
Rentals: CORT Party Rental | @cortpartyrental⁣⁣
Stationery: Krisanna Elizabeth | @krisannaelizabeth⁣⁣
Models: Alina @alinanadoyan & Neema @nnakhayee

Planning your wedding at Chateau Lill? Or just ready to talk more about your wedding flowers? You can click the button below to check your date and tell us all about your plans!

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A bride and groom walking across the lawn of Chateau Lill holding hands
Wedding Venues, Weddings

Outdoor Wedding Venues in Seattle

So many couples come to us a little overwhelmed by the whole wedding planning thing. Even if you have a wedding planner (which we highly recommend), you still have lots of decisions to make! Lucky for you, we know A LOT about wedding venues since we work with them all the time! And we absolutely love working with our venues and fellow vendors (aka friendors) here in the PNW. Seattle has hundreds of amazing wedding venues, so you have lots of wonderful places to choose from! But in celebration of summer and sunny skies, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite outdoor wedding venues in Seattle. These are venues that have wonderful outdoor ceremony and reception options, beautiful grounds, and great reputations. And these are all places we would LOVE to be working in!

Outdoor Garden Wedding Venue: Lakewold Gardens

A large house (Lakewold Gardens) with a table set for a wedding in front of it

Lakewold Gardens offers the perfect outdoor wedding venue for romantic garden weddings. Located about an hour south of Seattle, this historic estate offers 10 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, natural ponds, and paved pathways. As a plant nerd, I love that they have over 900 rhododendrons and tons of native plants in the gardens! But I also just love the whole aesthetic of this gorgeous place, and how it looks like an English country estate magically sprang up in the PNW. Outdoor weddings here are absolutely stunning, and it is such a great choice for anyone who loves old-world charm.

Outdoor Winery Wedding Venue: Chateau Lill

A bride holding a bouquet stands in front of a manicured hedge "doorway" to the vineyard at Chateau Lill

Photo: Tetiana Photography, Dress: The Dress Theory, HMU: Zo and Co Styling, Planner: Hallea Events

Chateau Lill is a perfect choice for an outdoor wedding venue. It has a beautiful range of settings for weddings, both indoor and outdoor, making it a super versatile choice. Located just half an hour from Seattle, the drive up to the venue begins on a gorgeous, tree-lined drive with wrought iron gates. And once you walk around on the 10-acre property, you'll find a vineyard, a stonework terrace, a grassy lawn, and an old-growth forest. Of course, the building itself is full of old-world European charm. Every pocket of this venue is so stunning! Plus, you get to take advantage of their fantastic wine! What's not to love?

I would like to mention here that there are a LOT of other great winery venues in Woodinville. For a larger wedding, check out the Columbia Winery, which also has a lot of versatility in its indoor and outdoor spaces. For a smaller wedding, check out Novelty Hill Januik Winery, or JM Cellars. All of these beautiful wineries come with the added perk of incorporating locally crafted wines in your wedding menu.

Outdoor Rooftop Wedding Venue: Olympic Rooftop Pavilion

Long tables set under the skylight of the Olympic Rooftop Pavillion

Okay, full disclosure, I love heights. So getting married on a rooftop in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Seattle sounds AMAZING to me! The Olympic Rooftop Pavilion brings flexibility and versatility to the table, with its hybrid indoor/outdoor roof space. The “indoor” space boasts a gigantic skylight and open windows, so it feels very outdoor. The actual outdoor space opens to beautiful views of the city, the Olympic mountain range, and all the docked boats and marinas in Ballard. Its proximity to the water means that you will get cool breezes, mountain and water views, and a quick walk to the rest of the neighborhood. The best part? The Olympic Rooftop Pavilion is one of the few outdoor wedding venues in Seattle that is actually IN Seattle! You and your guests will not have to travel very far to get back to your hotels, find a great bar to keep the party going, or get a late-night bite to eat. Another bonus? You won’t have any travel fees from your vendors, who will be thrilled that you stayed in town.

Outdoor Castle Wedding Venue: Thornewood Castle

An image of Thornewood Castle from the outdoor fountain

Did you ever dream about getting married in a castle when you were younger? If so, this is the venue for you. Located about an hour south of Seattle, Thornewood Castle was rebuilt 100 years ago by the guy who co-founded the Port of Tacoma. He was wealthy enough to purchase a 400-year-old English Tudor castle, have it dismantled, and ship it to Tacoma for rebuilding. Kind of a wild story! The gardens were designed by the Olmstead Brothers, who probably designed any park you’ve ever loved, from Central Park in NYC to the linear parks in ATL. And both the indoor and outdoor spaces of this venue are wildly romantic.

We actually have TWO amazing castles in our region, so you should also check out Lairmont Manor. It is near Bellingham, so quite a lot further from Seattle, but it is just as breathtaking!

Historic Seattle Outdoor Wedding Venue: The Admiral's House

The Admiral's House, on a clear blue sky day with beautifully manicured lawn and gardens

Looking for a piece of Seattle history in the city? This gorgeous mansion sits right on Elliott Bay in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. It has been called a “quintessential” Seattle wedding venue, with views of the bay, the city skyline, and the mountains. The house used to be home to Navy admirals, hence the name, but it reopened as a wedding venue. While the Admiral’s House does have some small indoor spaces, its beauty as a venue is in how much gorgeous lawn there is for summer months and dining al fresco! For rain plans, there is a tent available, but really its strength is how much stunning outdoor space there is to enjoy.

I have a couple of other honorable mentions here for historic outdoor wedding venues in Seattle. First, I want to mention The Corson Building, which would be perfect for a smaller wedding. Built in 1926, it has a magical courtyard with vine-covered walls, Spanish tile, and old-school charm. Secondly, check out The Hall at Fauntleroy, situated in a former schoolhouse. It has beautiful indoor and outdoor space, with a manicured courtyard for outdoor dining.

Outdoor Hotel Wedding Venue: Willows Lodge

a bride and groom standing under a tree with bright yellow fall leaves

Photo: Luna + Lion

Finding the right hotel wedding venue really depends on how large your wedding will be. So, for smaller weddings, I would highly recommend the Willows Lodge. Its beautiful gardens provide the perfect setting any time of year, and the staff there are incredible! The lodge itself is located in Woodinville, which has lots of wineries, trails, and other activities for your friends and family to enjoy. I also love that the Lodge offers a spa and hotel packages for wedding couples, so that you can relax and pamper yourselves leading up to the big day.

Outdoor Hotel Wedding Venue: Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa

suunset on the terrace of the WOodmark Hotel and Still Spa during a wedding

For a larger wedding, I would recommend the Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa. Located in Kirkland about 45 minutes from Seattle, the hotel sits on Lake Washington with a view of the Olympic mountains. The outdoor spaces provide such a gorgeous and dramatic backdrop for outdoor ceremonies! I love that you can get all of the beauty and romance of getting married right on the water, without having to go very far from the city. The tent on the terrace gives plenty of shade, while still being open to the water and beautiful views.

I also have to mention the Bell Harbor International Conference Center, which sounds like a corporate place, but is secretly a gorgeous wedding venue! Located downtown, it also provides gorgeous wedding views of Elliott Bay from its rooftop and indoor rooms. This venue works best for bigger weddings, as the spaces themselves are huge. I love that they are steps away from the heart of the city. Another option for small weddings is the Edgewater Hotel – the historic hotel where the Beatles fished Elliott Bay from the windows! It has beautiful views as well, but can only accommodate 15-50 people outdoors.

Outdoor Wedding Venues on the Islands

There are SO many delightful venues on the islands surrounding Seattle. If you love ferries, scenic views, waterfront venues, and getting away from the city, any of these venues would be an incredible choice.

Kiana Lodge - Bainbridge Island (Sorta)

a lawn at Kiana Lodge with a view of the water and the island across the water

Technically Kiana Lodge is on the peninsula, but the quickest way there is by taking a ferry to Bainbridge Island. So, to me it’s still an “island” venue! Kiana Lodge offers quintessential PNW charm, from its warm wood interiors to the massive lawn right on the water’s edge. Indoors, you will find rustic elements like cedar logs, moose heads, and stonework. For me, the magic happens outdoors, on the lawn, since it is right on the water with gorgeous views. Its grounds include all of the ferns, old growth trees, and landscape plants that you could possibly want. And if you can’t decide between indoors and outdoors, the Garden Atrium provides the perfect compromise, with massive skylights and insanely tall ceilings. It is such a magical venue that feels very far away while still being a short hop from Seattle.

The Manor House at Pleasant Beach Village - Bainbridge Island

a wedding ceremony set up at the Manor House on Bainbridge Island

The Manor House is on Bainbridge Island, tucked away on the south side of the island. Its oudoor space includes a massive clear tent with views of the sound, a gorgeous pergola covered in vines, and prime sunset viewing. I love how light and airy the outdoor seating feels in the sunshine, and that you can stay at the Inn as a part of your wedding package.

Fireseed Catering - Whidbey Island

the garden at Fireseed Catering abutting some large evergreen trees

Despite the name, Fireseed offers both venue space and catering on Whidbey Island! They have 10 beautiful acres of gardens, forests, and pasture lands on the property. Interestingly, they grow a lot of their own produce for their catering, with a full-time veggie farmer on board! The grounds overlook a privately owned lake, and provide stunning landscapes no matter where you roam. If you want wedding photos in tall grasses, under big trees, in a manicured garden, AND in front of water, this is your place! And as an aside, this part of Whidbey Island is one of my favorite weekend getaways in our region, with lots of beautiful nature, cute shops, and fun things to do. I have never regretted making the trip!

Roche Harbor Resort - San Juan Island

An image of Roche Harbor Resort perched on the edge of the water

I’m not gonna lie – the San Juan Islands are remote, difficult to get to, and basically swimming distance to Canada. Of course, this also makes them totally amazing! Roche Harbor Resort sits on the very edge of San Juan Island, and provides a gorgeous and laid-back setting for your outdoor wedding. On the 130-year-old property, I particularly love the old signage, the architecture, and the fact that it is attached to a marina full of docks and boats. The outdoor spaces are beautifully maintained, and of course, you and your party can stay on the property and enjoy the spa and other amenities.

I hope this list gives you some ideas of beautiful outdoor wedding venues we love! We would love to hear what ideas you are working on for your outdoor wedding. You can check your date by clicking the button below. 

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