Every Inch of This Seattle Wedding Was Covered in Woodland-Inspired Flowers

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brides pose for wedding portraits outside in forest — Ryan Flynn Photography

Neither Elizabeth (right) nor Marie (left) was looking for anything serious when they met, but they quickly fell in love, they say—and realized they were in this for the long term. Even so, Elizabeth insisted that she wouldn't consider marrying Marie until they hit their one-year anniversary. Marie waited until the very day of that milestone to take Elizabeth to the Seattle Arboretum. There, she got down on one knee, and asked, "Can we talk about it now?" Little did Elizabeth know, this wasn't a random romantic moment; Marie had already asked Elizabeth's father for his blessing—and Elizabeth's family was already planning the couple's soon-to-be engagement party.

The duo enjoyed a year-long engagement before welcoming 100 guests to their September 8, 2018, wedding, which took place just outside Seattle, Washington, at Salish Lodge. "We chose the location because it was the perfect medium of both worlds—classy [with a] beautiful landscape," the brides describe. "It was like stepping into a fairy tale."

With the help of Gather Events, the couple created a Midsummer Night's Dream theme by filling their event with woodland-forward florals and whimsy. Colors for the big day—rich autumnal tones of oranges, reds, and greens—were inspired by fall in the Pacific Northwest, the team at Gather Events explains—specifically when "trees in the area start to change with those first cool nights, and take on warm golden hues." The pros add that "the scene of the celebration, amidst the gorgeous falls of Snoqualmie, abundant blooms, luxurious textures, and organic embellishments, was set perfectly" both outside and inside Salish Lodge.

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The Invitations

gold foil wedding stationary suit with wax seal — Ryan Flynn Photography

To carry the wedding theme through the invitation suite, Gather Events "included very natural, luxurious, and romantic details." A gold foil crest was printed on thick cotton card stock; the notes were then wrapped in soft green seed paper, sealed with gold wax, and sent in vellum envelopes—that had been addressed with gold calligraphy—to let the invitations' design show through.

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Flower Crowns

bride outside wearing flower crown — Ryan Flynn Photography

Both brides wore flower crowns with tiny blooms and greenery by Thatch Floral.

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Brides' Dresses

bride wearing A-line, spaghetti-strap ball gown by Jenny Yoo — Ryan Flynn Photography

Elizabeth wore a delicate lace wedding dress with a plunging V-neckline by Willoughby by Watters, while Marie donned an A-line Jenny Yoo ball gown with spaghetti straps.

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Brides' Bouquets

fall colored florals and greenery bridal wedding bouquets — Ryan Flynn Photography

The brides' bouquets, created by Thatch Floral, were similar, but had subtle differences that reflected the brides' unique styles. Elizabeth's bouquet was floral-heavy, the planners describe, while Marie's included more greenery. "Both were lush and looked as if they could have been freshly picked from the garden," Gather Events says.

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Bridesmaids' Bouquets

Bridesmaids' bouquets were smaller versions of the brides', featuring a variety of orange and red flowers—such as dahlias and daisies—paired with greenery.

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The Boutonnières

orange berries and ivory flowers boutonnieres — Ryan Flynn Photography

Boutonnières consisted of orange berries and ivory flowers—and small greens that looked as if they had been kissed by fall thanks to their burnt red hue.

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Flower Girls

Like the brides, the two flower girls wore white dresses and flower crowns.

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The Ceremony

floral and woodland themed ceremony aisle decor — Ryan Flynn Photography

Gather Events turned the ceremony site's lawn into "an enchanting woodland dream," they say, using abundant florals and mismatched wood chairs—plus custom glass signage. The aisle was covered in flower petals for Elizabeth and leaves for Marie—and no one was allowed to walk down the aisle before the ceremony began, Gather Events explains.

Marie says of the décor, "Before I walked onto the ceremony grounds, I was blown away by the amount of work and planning that manifested in our special day. The flowers and intricate designs were other-worldly."

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The Arch

red peach and orange colored floral decorated arch — Ryan Flynn Photography

According to Elizabeth, "When I walked down the aisle and saw [Marie] under the arbor, I felt like I walked into a dream." The arch was packed with red, peach, and orange flowers with wild and free-flowing greenery. "I could barely keep my head up because I was so overwhelmed with joy—I couldn't stop crying."

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Custom Signs

"we know you would be here if heaven weren't so far away." signs for passed loved ones — Ryan Flynn Photography

Elizabeth and Marie found a sweet way to honor late family members on the wedding day: On empty seats, they placed acrylic signs that read, "We know you would be here if heaven weren't so far away."

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Card Table

black antique buffet table for guests cards — Ryan Flynn Photography

Guests dropped off their cards for the couple (and picked up their programs) on an antique black buffet table at the entrance of the ceremony site.

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The Programs

seed paper wedding programs in glass container — Ryan Flynn Photography

Programs were printed on seed paper that guests could later plant; they also came with a handkerchief for "any happy tears," the planners describe.

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Flower Toss

Guests also grabbed cones filled with peach-hued flower petals, which they tossed onto the brides as they recessed back up the aisle to Mozart's "Duo K 423 Rondo Allegro."

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Escort Cards

Gather Events wanted guests to feel as if they were entering a secret garden as they walked from the ceremony to the indoor reception at Salish Lodge. But a chain link fence leading the way didn't exactly fit their vision—so they covered it with greenery and tied the escort cards onto the fence with twine and vintage gold keys.

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The Reception

hanging vines, floral decor lodge reception area — Ryan Flynn Photography

Inside the lodge—in the dining room where the reception was held—the space was transformed into "an extension of the beautiful autumnal woodland paradise that [guests] had experienced in the ceremony," Gather Events says. Vines hung from wooden beams while "organic blooms in orange, blush, and crimson tones" topped the tables. The couple's sweetheart table was placed in front of a fireplace covered in blooms.

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Table Numbers

Acrylic signs were also incorporated into the reception décor via the table numbers.

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The Décor

floral and woodland decor reception tables — Ryan Flynn Photography

A combination of bare wood tables and tables covered in green linens kept "the verdant beauty of the Pacific Northwest" at the forefront of the reception's design, says the planning team.

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The Centerpieces

orange and red floral decor, moss, and woodland accents table centerpieces — Ryan Flynn Photography

In addition to orange, blush, and crimson flowers, moss also ran the length of the rectangular tables, "bringing the woodland whimsy table-side," Gather Events notes.

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Place Cards

The gold calligraphed leaf place cards were a beautiful nod to nature.

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Cozy Seating

velvet furniture seating area wedding lounge — Ryan Flynn Photography

Gather Events created a lounge area with velvet sofas and chairs that was located next to the dance floor. It was the perfect spot for guests to rest (and admire the stars!) in between songs.

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