Handmade Washington Forest Wedding: Allison + Cody
Handmade Washington Forest Wedding: Allison + Cody
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Inspired by their gorgeous, natural surroundings in the Pacific Northwest, Allison + Cody set out to design a wedding that fully represented the two of them to a T. After scouting a slew of venues that just didn't feel right, they decided to take an alternate route and venture out to an area they've loved exploring together over the years. When their officiant described their venue + the setting they'd created as "a cathedral of trees with birds as a choir", A + C knew they'd pulled off the look they were going for. Here's a bit more about it from the two of them:
The two of us fell in love exploring the outdoors together and we knew we wanted our wedding to represent that. We wanted to give our mostly out of town guests a taste of the place we adore and now call home. We skipped the expected traditions that didn't feel like us and built in more time for guests to bond over lawn games, glitter donuts, and Moscow mules. As we stood under a sea of fir trees devoting our forever, the birds peacefully sang along in all the right places. It was so magical that our guests even seem to remember that moment most.Thanks so much to Phil Chester for the stunning images + big congrats to Allison + Cody!
Despite thinking we could avoid the spring PNW norm, it was a rainy day. It rained all morning until right before showtime when the clouds opened up and the lighting was dreamy. Suited up and sporting rain boots, we wandered down the rocky beach to share our first look and personal vows in private before the ceremony. Then spent a little more time together on the beach as Phil captured our love. He encouraged us to be in the moment and enjoy our time alone, so that we did. It is unanimous, that was our favorite memory of the day-a perfectly romantic calm before the storm.
Processional: Let's Be Still - The Head And The Heart
Recessional: Thunder Clatter - Wild Cub
First Dance: That's What's Up - Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros
Allison's bridesmaids wore dresses from Free People + all the girls carried bouquets and wore flower crowns by Garden Party Flowers.
At the end of the night the two of us hopped onto Cody's Triumph to exit the reception and meet all our guests up the hill for a late-night bonfire. 
Involve your man! Give him some manly tasks like building things that require power tools or stocking the bar. Get his input and help on projects you don't think he cares about (trust me, he does) and you might discover some hidden talents of his. Also, take a dance class together to break up the planning and have regular date nights. Most importantly, let your day be what you want it to be and don't let people's expectations get in the way.
photography: Phil Chester // venue: Kitsap Memorial State Park, On the Hood Canal in Washington // event design + planning: Bride + Groom // day of coordinator: Chelsea Hitch of Dancing Fox Weddings // florals + headpieces: Garden Party Flowers // wedding dress: Watters WToo // shoes + bridesmaid dresses: Free People // flower girl dresses + shoes: J.Crew // hair + makeup: Shyn Madili of Pacific Brides // groom suit: Ben Sherman // paper goods + calligraphy: Lost & Sound // catering: Skillet Catering // cake: Blackbird Bakery // donuts: Sluys Poulsbo Bakery // rentals: Seattle Farm Tables // officiant: Arissa Wrench of A Wedding With Heart // music: Bride & Groom
