Wedding Reveal | Preparations

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This is part 5 of our wedding reveal, wedding day preparations. Check out these posts to see our engagement session, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, portraits and, details.

I almost didn’t write this post. There didn’t seem to be much to say about wedding day preparations. Or at least not as much as I had to say on wedding details! But, I decided that a picture of our wedding day wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse into our wedding day preparations.

For those who know me, and my tenancies toward perfectionism and a-type planning, you might be surprised to learn that I was remarklably relaxed about my wedding. I figured what would happen would happen, and it would mean more to us than anyone else regardless of how perfect or imperfect it was. So, I had very little stress or anxiety about my wedding.

Which, was good, because I was being tested.

We had an outdoor, Pacific Northwest beach wedding in Anacortes Washington in August. While, you may think you know all about Washington, and the rain, I will let you in on a little secret, that stereotype doesn’t apply to summer. Summer’s in Washington are warm and dry. August in particular gets very little rainfall. In fact, a lot of plants die in the summer because of the lack of rain.

I thought my biggest problem was going to be the grass at the wedding venue may die if not appropriately watered.

Summer is the perfect time for an outdoor wedding in the Pacific Northwest. Anacortes’ average August day is 75 and sunny. Not too hot, not too cold. And, very, very little chance of rain. We were so confident that there would be no rain that we didn’t even bother to rent a tent. And, other native Washingtonians didn’t even bat an eye when we told them we had no backup plan. “You don’t need to worry!” they all said. And, we felt confident.

But, August 2019 was unlike any summer I have ever experienced in Washington.

The morning of my wedding I woke up to pounding rain and temeratures that were going to top out at 60. And, 60 on the water, which feels about 5 degrees colder at least.

Thankfully, I had a “who cares” attitude and rolled with it.

Worst case scenario people wouldn’t show up, and we would get married in the rain. Honestly, I can’t think of anything more romantic. We could then usher what guests we did have into the cabana building where we could dance, drink champagne, and eat cake wet.

But, right at the moment or no return, where if we didn’t put up. decorations, get tables out, and set up chairs, we wouldn’t have any, the clouds parted. It was perfect. The sun came out, we were able to have our ceremony, and take pictures in 70 degree sunshine. And, the weather didn’t turn back until it was time to head indoors.

It was perfect. The perfect start to the perfect day which began our life together. And, I think a good analogy for life. Things don’t always go as planned, but if you have faith, and keep moving forward, with a little divine intervention, things always end up working out.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST BEACH WEDDING Day Preparations

DETAILS

MUSIC

First Dance – At Last – Etta James
Father Bride Dance – Edelweiss – Charmian Carr & Bill Lee from The Sound of Music
Mother Groom Dance – Simple Man – Lynard Skynard
Favorite Song of the Night – Nothin’ Better to Do – Leann RimesProcessional Song: Rose of My Heart – Johnny Cash
Bridal Entrance: La Vie En Rose – Daniela Andrade
Recessional: I’m a Believer – Smash MouthFirst Dance – At Last – Etta James
Father Bride Dance – Edelweiss – Charmian Carr & Bill Lee from The Sound of Music
Mother Groom Dance – Simple Man – Lynard Skynard
Favorite Song of the Night – Nothin’ Better to Do – Leann Rimes

VENUE

Skyline Cabana & Beach, Anacortes Washington

COLORS

Emerald, Navy & White

HAIR

Enhancing You by Kenna

PHOTOGRAPHER

Suzanne Rothmeyer

ATTIRE

Wedding Dress – I Do Bridal Seattle
Alterations – Astrea Bridal
Groom’s Suit – Bar III @ Macys
Bridesmaids Dresses – Lulu’s Convertible Dress
Groomsmens Suits – Men’s Warehouse