We adore a creative wedding with an element of surprise. From the darling dresses to the playful Scrabble decor, we give this event an A+. Captured by the talented Creatrix Photography, this rustic-chic celebration with vintage details took place at the Showalters Estate in Olympia, Washington. Prepare to be enchanted by this couple’s real-life romantic story (below) and how their lovely, intimate wedding came to life. We’d also like to note this bride did her own hair and makeup. Like Duchess Kate, many brides are opting to do their own makeup for their big day. To achieve your own flawless look, check out this week’s feature: Beauty School Drop-outs, No More: Learn How to Master Makeup.
Want to recreate a similar soiree in Chicago? We’ve got you covered! Consider taking photos at the Lake County Forest Preserve, which event has rental facilities on site. Look to Avant Gardenia to design bouquets and centerpieces with a simple, organic feel, using Queen Anne’s Lace and Freesia. Meet the talented Jenna Sprengel from Avant Gardenia at BHLDN’s Fall Féte, featuring Be U Weddings. For more details see the invitation below and get a sneak preview by following us on Twitter @beuweddings . For vintage finds, visit the amazing Kane County Flea Market during the first weekend of every month. And don’t forget Mignonette for your one-of-a-kind bridal and bridesmaid dresses.
From the Bride: The first time I met Josh was early July of 2009 during freshman orientation at Washington State University. I was completely smitten by him and he tells me now he knew it was love at first sight. We spent all weekend together and when it was time to go our separate ways he finally asked for my number. We talked a lot that summer and had tried meeting up a time or two but our plans always ended up falling through. Actually thats kind of a lie, he always held up his part of the plans and I would bail. Dating was not something I was good at and I was under the impression that I’d see him again when classes started in the fall. Until he called one day to tell me that he was going to attend another university. I was honestly a little heartbroken. We had signed up for some of the same classes together and I was looking forward to seeing him in Pullman. But we stayed friends over the next years and would text often. I knew he was someone special and was hopeful that we would see each other again one day and that the strong connection I felt towards him at orientation would happen again.
In the middle of January last year Josh asked me if I would be his Valentine. I thought he was silly for asking so soon since I’m such a last minute planner but he told me he knew if he didnt get to me first someone else would. So Valentine’s Day ended up being the first time I had seen him in person since orientation, but our date was absolutely perfect. He melted my heart in every single way he could have. We began dating here and there until May when he finally asked me if I would be his girlfriend. It didnt take long for me to become absolutely head over heels in love with him. He was more than I had ever hoped I would find in a man. I felt complete when I was with him and just knew that he was my soulmate.
While we had been dating we both made some really big life decisions. Josh joined the army and I applied to transfer to a university in Hawaii. Fortunately for us his MOS kept him from leaving for basic training right away and my semester didn’t start until late August. We knew that our time together needed to be cherished and we made the most of it. I don’t think we could have been prepared for the long distance relationship that was soon to be in front of us, but the love we have for each other was and is what continues to get us through each and every day. We have also been extremely fortunate to see each other about every two months.
Josh made his first trip to come see me in Hawaii back in October. We spent the week on the beach and enjoyed life like a sametown couple would with plenty of dates to make up for lost time. Then in November Josh was off to South Carolina for boot camp. Those were a few of the hardest weeks of our relationship thus far. Not being able to talk to my best friend hurt every day but I found comfort in writing him love letters, which I did every single night he was gone. In December we both were able to go home to Washington for two weeks, where we spent every possible second together. On New Year’s Eve we decided to get dressed up and spend the night in Seattle. Little did I know Josh had a huge surprise planned for me. Once we got to our hotel, checked in, and made it up to the room, Josh told me he had a surprise to share with me and to go sit in the chair and close my eyes. I did, and once he finally stopped pacing back and forth around the room I opened them and he was down on one knee with a ring box in his hand. I cried happy tears until I finally crawled off the chair and onto my knees in front of him and just hugged him continuously saying yes and my catch phrase ‘oh my goodness’. The ring was absolutely perfect and he designed it himself, which I just love.
Photography: Creatrix Photography / Reception Venue: Showalters Estate (Olympia, Washington)
RSVP to: chicagoappts@bhldn.com
