A Formal Fall Wedding in Seattle

Back in 2003 Heather met David through her brother, who was a classmate of the groom's. A friendship blossomed and a few years later took a romantic turn. By early 2012 they were engaged, and on November 3 of that year, they were married, not far from their home in Seattle, Washington. They tied the knot with a formal yet cozy celebration with loved ones on a chilly fall day.

Thick cotton paper with rounded edges was letterpressed in an ochre-hued ink by Austin Press. A hand and heart design—inspired by Victorian motifs of love, fall romance, and garlands—took center stage. Each invite suite was assembled with tissue paper and silk ribbon.

The Rainier Club was chosen for its Old World charm and classic aesthetic. Extensive décor wasn't needed since the space had such character, but floral arrangements soften the space and incorporated the couple's autumnal color palette. Attendees were greeted by an urn of white garden roses, 'Majolica spray roses, olive branches, and privet berry.

Heather customized a Rosa Clara gown and accessorized with Chloé ballet flats, J.Crew earrings, and her rose gold engagement ring which David made using a family stone. David sported a Hugo Boss tuxedo with a Thomas Pink velvet black bow tie.

Heather worked with Nordstrom to add a lace train and bustle to her Rosa Clara long-sleeved gown.

Heather opted for a "dripping, draping, and dramatic" style of bouquet. Created by McKenzie Powell, the clutch included 'Rilona Peach' amaryllis, 'Como' roses, white 'Majolica' spray roses, chocolate cosmos, bronze amaranthus, pieres, eucalyptus, privet berry, scabiosa, snowberry, viburnum foliage, and wild vines.

Bridesmaids wore blush chiffon Amsale dresses and carried small bouquets of roses and amaranthus.

The day before the ceremony the couple realized they didn't have a box to hold the wedding bands in, but luckily Heather's mother was able to repurpose an old brass candle holder by removing the wax and lining the inside with extra fabric from a bridesmaid's dress.

Heather and David's stationery motif also adorned the cover of their ceremony program, which outlined the songs played during the service, the members of the bridal party, and quotes from Rumi.

Candles and 'Rilona' peach amaryllis dressed up the mantle that the couple stood in front of as they became husband and wife. Early in the planning process they fell in love with the idea of being married in front of a fireplace. The couple has a small wood-burning fireplace of their own at home so it felt special. Plus it added to the warm atmosphere and the charisma of the historic mansion.

After walking down the aisle with her father to Pachelbel's "Canon in D" (a song played at David's parents' wedding), Heather joined David in front of the lit fireplace (and 175 loved ones) for their ceremony. "O Perfect Love" was also played (this song nodded to Heather's parents' wedding), James Kavanaugh's "To Love Is Not To Possess" was recited, and a poem by Roy Croft was read. It was an emotional service, with tears of joy running free and bouts of laughter in between.

A bar fronted with a magnolia leaf garland showcased an urn of tulips, roses, amaranthus, eucalypus, and privet berry.

Brie and leek tarlets, shrimp and asparagus roulades, and Spanish-inspired bruschetta with chorizo were passed during cocktail hour. Guests sipped on the signature drink, "The Macintosh" which was made with brandy, fresh apple cider, lemon, and house-made cinnamon and clove syrup. As for the little ones, they noshed on kid-friendly fare and sipped Shirley Temples.

Heather's updo was accentuated by white 'Majolica' spray roses, scabiosa, and viburnum berries for the reception.

Letterpressed cards were calligraphed with each guest's name and rubber stamped to indicate their choice of dinner entrée. Menus were tucked into folded napkins alongside of a sprig of olive branch. Chocolate truffles wrapped in gold foil and packaged in simple kraft paper candy boxes were finished with custom tags from Austin Press.

Arrangements of 'Rilona' peach amaryllis, viburnum berries, garden roses, 'Majolica' spray roses, chocolate cosmos, amaranthus, privet berry, and pomegranates anchored the round tables, with gray taper candles and etched glass votives surrounding them.

The newlyweds danced to "Just Breathe" by Pearl Jam. They selected the song for its beauty and to represent Seattle.

Photography: Belathée Photography

Location and Catering: The Rainier Club

Flowers: McKenzie Powell Designs

Stationery: Austin Press

Music: Puget Sound Strings; SolBird

Rentals: Choice Linens

Hair: Christophe Soltane from Gene Juarez Salon and Spa