At most companies, dating a coworker means alerting human resources of your relationship status. But what do you do when the person you want to date happens to be the HR manager? "I was terrified," says Kirk Wilson, who until that point was just friendly with Jessica Martin. (Both worked at a small Seattle tech company, where he is still a consultant.) So terrified, in fact, that he asked her on a few of what he called "trial dates" first, with the two sneaking out for lunch to see how they liked hanging out one-on-one. The pair hit it off, and as real dates followed and a relationship developed, they decided to keep things professional at the office. They were so undercover that once, when both attended a conference along with other coworkers, Kirk changed Jessica's name in his phone to the pseudonym "Douglas Winchester" to avoid suspicion. Although she has since switched companies, that's still her name in his contacts today.
Two years later, once Kirk had won over Jessica and her Weimaraner, Zoë, he proposed during one of their morning jogs. The low-key couple knew they wanted to have an intimate ceremony, and when The Corson Building, a restored 1906 stone restaurant and event space, only had availability on a Thursday night, they booked it anyway. "We didn't want to make it stressful on ourselves," Kirk says. They considered it a bonus that the small space forced them to edit their guest list to a cozy 34 people and one dog—Zoë, the ring bearer.
After the wedding came to an end, some guests guests walked to a nearby bar, where they played shuffleboard as Kirk and his beautiful bride, Douglas Winchester, celebrated their new status.
Phalaenopsis orchids, garden roses, smoke bush, and chocolate cosmos anchored the bridal bouquet, designed by McKenzie Powell.
On the morning of, the pair proved just how easygoing they are: They woke up, ate donuts, went for a run, and watched TV until it was time to get ready. Before the nondenominational vows in the garden, Jessica and Kirk paused for portraits on the grounds of their picturesque venue. As for the al fresco service? It included a reading of Taylor Mali's humorous poem, How Falling in Love Is Like Owning a Dog.
Aisle markers mirrored Jessica's clutch adorned the bistro chairs at the ceremony.
The couple's Weimaraner, Zoë, carried their rings down the aisle in a felt pouch that attached to her collar.
A wreath of pink roses, coral celosia, ornamental peppers, and gray-toned foliage matched the warm palette of the fall fête.
Before dinner, guests filled out a Mad Libs game inspired by the couple.
Wooden farm tables, wine-hued runners, and groups of tapers set the rustic scene at dinner, where attendees feasted on a family-style meal of beet salad, steamed halibut, and roast chicken.
The groom's one dessert request? A chocolate cake among the apple, stonefruit, and peanut-butter-and-grape tarts.
Guests took home wooden baskets filled with orange-currant scones and jars of Bonne Maman jam.
Location and Catering: The Corson Building
Event Design, Flowers, and Day-of Paperie: McKenzie Powell Floral and Event Design
Photography: Michèle M. Waite
Officiant: Annemarie Juhlian
Cake: Macrina Bakery
Tarts: Whole Foods Market
Music: Alex Ho
Rentals: [runners and tablecloths] La Tavola Fine Linen; [vintage tea cart & cake pedestals] Vintage Ambiance
Hair and Makeup: Megan Bingham
Bride's Gown: Cymbeline
Bride's Sash: CV Sagisi
Groom's Suit: Ted Baker
Groom's shoes: Magnanni
