University of Washington COVID Wedding: Maria + David

It’s the year when nothing goes to plan, am I right? Well, that’s okay in Maria and David’s book. 2020 has got nothing on them! They kept their wedding date, moved the location to outside, asked guests to wear their dopest masks, battled a thunder storm, and got married any way!

Unexpected friendships

I first met Maria and David at Murphy’s Bar in Wallingford. All three of us had taught all day and a beer was much welcomed (cough whiskey for me cough). What I love about Seattle is how small it really is, even though it’s trying be big. Maria is best friends with a friend of mine, and the two of us had even met at a different wedding before! It’s so nice to work with clients that instantly feel like friends.

Can’t stop, won’t stop

Even though their day was not what they planned, Maria and David’s wedding morning started very similarly to any other wedding. David worked out. Maria drank mimosas. And they were both SO READY to see each other all dressed up.

A secret ceremony spot

Maria and David took over the secret amphitheater at the University of Washington, they gathered their closest friends and family, and wired for zoom. What I love about Maria and David’s wedding when I think about it is how true they stayed to themselves and how much love was felt that day. Even when black clouds threatened the ceremony, Maria looked to David with confident eyes and said “full steam ahead!”. And you know what, the weather gods blessed them by skipping on by.

About marriage

These two have tenacity and kindness in spades. Once all was said and done, they sent air kisses to their friends on zoom, said goodbye to their in person guests, and breathed a sigh of relief that punched through all the stress they had been feeling. Maria and David are a true testament to the fact that “it’s” not about the wedding, “it’s” about the marriage. And for them it was all official now. What a blessing.

Thank you for allowing me to capture this amazing moment in your lives, Maria and David. Cheers to you two!

Artist Point Elopement // Bellingham, WA: Ardith + John

I am not the first person to say that 2020 sucked. Nor will I be the last. But for Ardith and John, 2020 was the year that their wedding was scheduled, rescheduled, and then rescheduled again. If you’re already married, count your lucky starts, because couples like John and Ardith have really been put through the ringer this year! However, through all their plans A-Z, Ardith and John held on with a smile. The definition of grit. And it made climbing Mount Baker with them on a smokey summer morning all the more sweeter. I learned so much about love in messy times, staying organized, and how to take the perfect camera selfie from Ardith and John this year. I hope their wedding inspires you to keep the adventure alive, no matter what gets thrown your way!

Tips for a Kick-Ass Adventure Elopement

1. Hire a planner her knows her shit. Kate of Tapestry Event Co and her team scouted our hiking location, came up with multiple back up plans, prepared an amazing picnic, and truly led us through the most amazing ceremony I have ever witnessed. Yes, Ardith and John eloped, but Kate made it a moment to remember.
   

2. Get a great airbnb and don’t skimp on your stay. Upgrade to the hot tub, make sure the bed is comfy, and I’ll give you bonus points for a fireplace. You’re going to be outside all day, you’re going to be a bit tired, you’re going to want to bask in the glow of being married. Trust me, get the cool one.
   

3. To my friends who want to wear a dress on a mountain, do it. Please, do it. Get a dress that can be put in a garment bag and attach to a backpack. Hike up in sweat pants and get changed behind a big tree. It’s truly a dramatic transformation! (Also applicable to fancy pants).
   

4. Get the florals, make it beautiful, treat it like a real deal wedding ceremony, BECAUSE IT IS!
   

5. Know the land you are on and declare it in your ceremony. To find out where you ceremony will be held, check out https://native-land.ca/
   

6. Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace, my friends.
   

7. Write your own vows. The words you share in your vows should not only unite the two of you, but invite all who are present into your culture of love and create a ripple effect that is felt for years to come. Get started with Tapestry Event Co's Vow Writing Workshop here!
   

8. Bring champagne. Period.

A party just for you two

What I love about elopements is that they are super concentrated examples of what makes weddings great. It’s a day that’s perfectly about YOU TWO and your amazing story. It’s a celebration all your own, with no hidden agendas or uncles wearing overalls (why does that happen?!). You and your love get to have a picnic if you want to, wander around just holding hands, or sit to watch the sunset without any distractions.

Thank you Ardith and John

You two are pillars of strength and love! Thank you for being such positive sources of energy in such a messy year. You kept each other a priority and figured out a way to celebrate that relationship in such a way that was still so flipping epic. Congratulations, you two! Cannot wait to keep partying with you in the new. year.

The Amazing Vendor List

Wedding Coordinator + Planner: Tapestry Event Co

Hair and Makeup: Anne Timms

Picnic Spread: Grate Boards

Officiant: Happy Heart Ceremonies

Desserts: Page Bakery

Florals: Villanelle Floral Company

Catering: Cascadia Cookery