We had a great pleasure in interviewing Kelli & Toby for their Vintage Parisian wedding theme in the woods. Although the settings were simple, it was indeed a gorgeous wedding. Better yet, the uniqueness of this wedding is that it was held on top of a tree! Let’s head on to the details of their special event shall we? {All photos by Brooke Fitts/Brookelyn Photography)
OUR COUPLE
Kelli, who is originally from South Dakota, USA, met Toby, a native of Nebraska, while she was attending the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska. They worked together at Fireworks Restaurant, and dated for six years before deciding to spend the rest of their lives together. They now reside in Seattle, Washington.
A PROPOSAL
Kelli and Toby were vacationing at Whistler Mountain in Whistler, British Columbia, with Kelli’s family. Midway down the mountain, Toby got down on one knee (“which was rather difficult on skis!”) asked Kelli to marry him.
THE WEDDING VENUE
Treehouse Point, just east of Seattle. “Initially Toby and I wanted outdoors ceremony followed by the reception in downtown Seattle. We immediately changed our minds when we visited Treehouse Point and realized all the unique possibilities we had in store for our wedding. We enjoy being outdoors with our dogs, whether it was camping, hiking, skiing, sailing, etc, so we felt that Treehouse Point was a solid representation of who we are as a couple. We chose this location because of its natural beauty. Not a lot of flowers or decor was needed to make the place perfectly beautiful. It was perfect for a small northwest wedding.”
AMBIANCE
“We decided on warm gray and dogwood pink for our colours. Our theme was Parisian vintage. I studied French in college and graduate school and am particularly fond of all things vintage at this moment!”
“We had bistro lighting above the outdoor dance floor. Several tea lights were lit on and around the tables and the music was 20′s-40′s vintage jazz. While the wine and prosecco flowed, we had macaroons from a local French bakery (Bakery Nouveau) and vintage keys for the escort cards. I had earlier integrated the keys into the save-the-dates, which were sent on vintage bird postcards. I also incorporated a lot of birds motifs on favours, invitations and table numbers. My sister made tissue pom-poms in shades of pink and gray, and we tied pink ribbons to white chairs.”
“Toby and I walked away from the wedding extremely pleased. Our vision was portrayed exactly how we wanted it.”
ATTIRE
Kelli’s silk tafetta and silk charmeuse gown was made by a local Seattle designer, Kate Nash, while Toby’s ensemble was a warm gray, pinstriped Prada suit with classis, black Kenneth Cole shoes.
THE VINTAGE WEDDING
“The ceremony was very non-traditional and short (20 minutes). We wanted to incorporate the importance of our family and friends and how they have shaped us into who we are today, so I had my mom and stepfather and Toby’s parents walk down the aisle before the bridesmaid processional. Our officiant was a friend of ours. One special part of our ceremony included a nest, found and decorated by one of my bridesmaids, which held our wedding bands and was passed around to be “blessed” by our family and friends.”
THE INSIDE STORY
“We learned to be patient with our friends and family, because they offered a lot of help to make the day possible. We were upfront and very communicative. Make sure to book your wedding venue as soon as possible, about a year in advance. Have something for your guests to do when they arrive at the venue and prepare a list of special instructions for the day, so it is clear who is doing what, and when it needs to be completed. Don’t try to make arrangements for all your out-of-town guests. Provide them with the information they need.”
DREAM TEAM
Wedding Planner – Meg Stearns (friend of the couple)
Photography – Brooke Fitts/Brookelyn Photography
Flowers – Willow & Bloom
Stationery – Pistachio Press
Baker – Trophy Cupcakes/Bakery Nouveau
Caterer – Treehouse Point
Wedding Favours – Maida Vale
Thank you so much Kelli and Toby for sharing your story with us. May your new life be blessed with peace, love and joy! =)
