When it comes to sincerity and kind hearted, these two are it.  Easy to be around, great communicators (I won’t say over-communicators, cause truthfully I don’t really feel you can communicate too much) and fun to be around.  Some may say that Elaine is ‘particular’ in her style…but with details like these ‘particular’ is welcomed all day long.
 
Jen Leslie Events joined Elaine in her vision and did an impeccable job executing it.   Vibrant, gorgeous florals, candles, an array of cute signs by Chalk Boss and the yummiest cakes...yes CAKES with an 'S' by Eat More Cake by Candice.  Elaine's good friend Lane, from Simply Borrowed PDX, added to the decor with vintage trays, pillows, and chairs.
 
As we entered Elaine’s suite at the Kimpton Alexis Hotel we were met with friendly Hellos and a warmth from her bridesmaids.  Everyone helping each other get ready and enjoying being together.  Elaine’s  hair and reverse halo (done by the talented Karen Reichert) looked stunning and she couldn’t wait to get dressed to see Erik.
 
Meanwhile Erik and the guys were ahead of the game ready and enjoying their drink of choice, Whiskey.  Erik taking a moment to open Elaine’s gift, personalized cufflinks, he was now prepared for the rest of the day.  I always love when a couple takes the time to exchange cards with sentimental words prior to the first look.  Erik's gift was a jewelry shopping day in Paris on their honeymoon....what better than quality time together, jewelry and um..PARIS!!  Elaine's card to Erik not only had words of affection but instructions for when to read what side...her attention to detail never ceases to amaze me.
 
Deciding to have their first look near the hotel in order to settle their nerves prior to taking a bus around the city for photos was a must.  We found a spot across the street and despite being yelled at by ‘Paul Blart’ (I mean a security guard) for moving a ‘Caution’ sign,  Erik was with great anticipation.
 
Elaine in all her gorgeous-ness effortlessly strolled across the crosswalk to approach Erik.  All smiles, Erik was beaming and Elaine grinned from ear to ear!  As the sun blessed us with its' presence, we embraced it and moved around the city with the bridal party.
I had big plans for a few areas around the city and what do you do when the elevator to the parking garage is broken!? You find a back alley!  And when the pier is closed off due to construction...you bounce and find another area.  Being flexible and thinking on your feet is important in general but certainly on wedding days when navigating a busy city and big bridal party.
 
Ending up at Within Sodo for the ceremony and reception we were greeted by family eager to see these two tie the knot.  They chose to have an intimate, unplugged ceremony with no photos to be posted till later in the night.   You could almost hear the audience choke back tears as Elaine declared ‘It was always you’ in her vows.  It too caused me to pause letting her words soak in. 
 
After the ceremony they took some time to enjoy the friends and family that were there before having a more extensive reception.  The sun that so graciously appeared for us gave us a perfect sunset, and what better place than the back alley to enjoy it.  I must say I love a good sunset mixed with an industrial backdrop.
 
I loved how they worked with Jen Leslie Events to create a close ceremony with space in between the ceremony and reception, incorporating a relaxed environment and a way to greet guests as they trickled in prior to the evening beginning. 
These two are the ideal balance of OCD and relaxed.  Elaine’s romantic style met with Erik’s willingness to let her choose make these two a wonderful combo.   I think their cake cutting was indicative of their relationship…Elaine smashing cake (delicious cake, might I add,from Eat More Cake) into Erik’s face, while Erik gently fed Elaine her bitesize piece. YESSSSS….
 
Nearing the end of the night after many laughs and shots of whiskey were consumed, I snuck them upstairs to the rooftop fire.  Standing still by the fireside may have been difficult at that moment for Erik as he was ready to cut loose on the dance floor, BUT it was at that moment I saw, once again, why these two are so good together.  Elaine whispered in Erik's ear and then grabbed his hands...stood there by the fire and each took a deep breath.  It was such a peaceful moment and the backlit, fireside photo I took  may just be one of my favorites to date.  

 I kept hearing them say throughout the day ‘it’s just perfect, what a perfect day’…and hearing from them Sunday about how they were both in awe of how it all turned out (despite many days of worrying about the unpredictable Seattle weather)…it really did turn out FLAWLESS.  
Ending with  Dick's Drive In Restaurant Burgers was a huge treat and everyone LOVED them...I have never seen burgers devoured so fast...including Erik's 2 year old niece! 
 
You two are impeccable…enjoy PARIS…and a few million crepes for me! 

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Venue:: Within Sodo
Coordinator:: Jen Leslie Events
Florist::  Jen Leslie Events
Cake Artist::  Eat more Cake by Candice
Caterer::  Porkchop & Co.
Late Night Snack:: Dick’s Burgers
DJ::  DJ Malo, Danny
Wedding Gown::  BHLDN
Shoes:: Badgley Mischka
Suits:: Nordstrom
Calligraphy & Signs:: Chalk Boss
Stationary::  Minted
Jewelers:: Bony Levy The Mrs. Box
Makeup & Bridesmaids Hair:: Salon Maison
Hair Stylist:: Karen Reichert
Bridesmaids Dressess:: BHLDN
Officiant:: Margo Helgen
Rentals:: CORT Party Rental
              Vintage Ambiance
        Something Borrowed Portland
        Creative Bus
Photography:: Arlene Chambers Photography
2nd Photographer:: Brooks Scribner Photography