Handmade Washington Forest Wedding: Allison + Cody

PNW Wedding in the Trees

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!

bhldn hanger

PNW Wedding in the Trees

groom with bike

just married

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

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.

first look

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

Our Musical Choices

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

flower girl

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

flower crown bridesmaids

Allison’s bridesmaids wore dresses from Free People + all the girls carried bouquets and wore flower crowns by Garden Party Flowers.

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

compass escort cards

compass escort cards

PNW Wedding in the Trees

cocktails

airstream

corn hole

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

cake

PNW Wedding in the Trees

PNW Wedding in the Trees

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.

PNW Wedding in the Trees

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

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 name: Kitsap Memorial State Park, On the Hood Canal in Washington // event design: Bride + Groom // planning: Bride + Groom // florals: Garden Party Flowers // wedding dress: Watters WToo // bride's shoes: J.Crew // bridesmaid dresses: Free People // hair stylist: Shyn Madili of Pacific Brides // makeup artist: Shyn Madili of Pacific Brides // groom attire: Ben Sherman // paper goods: Lost & Sound // calligraphy: Lost & Sound // catering: Skillet Catering // cake: Blackbird Bakery // music: Bride & Groom // officiant: Arissa Wrench of A Wedding With Heart // day of coordinator: Chelsea Hitch of Dancing Fox Weddings // headpieces: Garden Party Flowers // flower girl dresses: J.Crew // donuts: Sluys Poulsbo Bakery // rentals: Seattle Farm Tables

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