From Kansas City to the Emerald City
Lindsey Lozama – SE Seattle Consultant
SE Consultant- Lindsey Lozama
I have always loved to travel. Experiencing new things and taking in beautiful places brings me such joy. My love for travel is matched only by my passion for wedding planning. When it comes to these two joys in life, residing in the Pacific Northwest is my small slice of Heaven. I have been able to travel to new and amazing locations – while at the same time, live my dream as a wedding planner. It seems that all around me there are opportunities for incredible weddings – unexpected venues, vibrant and exciting locations, greenery everywhere and a public market that offers colorful and fresh flowers and local goods that seem to stretch for miles and that would add so much to any wedding. In recent years weddings have become more creative and unique. However, for me, weddings are all about the joining of two people into one family – making it a special day filled with love and joy, not to mention sharing the memory with friends and family. The PNW is filled with hundreds of ways to do this! However, if I tried to list all of my favorite places this blog would quickly become a novel. So, to be brief, I will only offer a few of my favorite reasons why I love being a wedding planner in beautiful PNW.
Since growing up in the Midwest, I have been accustomed to experiencing separate and distinct seasons. While Seattle’s climate certainly differs from the Midwest, the one constant that makes this area so beautiful and unique is how green it is the entire year! Everything always looks so alive and lush. This nature inspired backdrop adds so much to any wedding. *Note: Green is everywhere! So, whether you want an urban wedding experience or a beautiful countryside gathering, you can find that unique look you desire – all the while having that beautiful green PNW landscape as your centerpiece or accessory.
Novelty Hill Januik Winery
Enjoying the beautiful natural backdrop of PNW is accented by the many fabulous wineries located throughout the region. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just starting to appreciate the lovely nuances of vino, the PNW has exactly what you are looking for. Head out to Woodinville for a winery visit and tour. With over 140 wineries, wine bars and tasting rooms in the area there is something for everyone. I have found that all wineries have different auras – offering tastes and creative concepts for every bride. From the classic and majestic rambling vineyards of Chateau Ste Michelle – to the contemporary and sleek ascetic of Novelty Hill Januik – a unique winery that could offer the perfect location to hold your special day. *Professional tip: If you have a large number of out-of-town family and friends attending the wedding weekend, you may want to think about offering a winery tour. This would allow guests to become familiar with the PNW area and validate that there is so much more to see and experience than simply downtown Seattle.
A gem by definition (precious stone aside) can be considered a person, thing or place that is exceptional, unique, and valuable. Every city has its “gems” and Seattle is no exception. However, it’s still a matter of knowing where to look. If you are planning a wedding in the Seattle area, you should definitely take the time to seek them out. The special locations will provide for the best backdrop for photos and provide your guests with much to remember once the big day is complete. I have quite a few favorite gems in the Seattle area. Many are not necessarily hidden but that doesn’t make them any less beautiful, fun or attractive. Snoqualmie Falls is one such place — it’s gorgeous! A beautiful waterfall is the centerpiece that sweeps sweet mist on all those who visit. I have to admit – I’m a bit partial to the falls. I married my wonderful husband there in 2013 and I could not have asked for a more amazing experience. Another location – while very well-known – is Pike Market. The hustle and bustle reminds you that you are located in an exciting and vibrant city – yet it also offers a loveliness and simplicity that makes it a unique and character-filled backdrop. Beautiful flowers, terrific photo opportunities and a quintessential glimpse into Seattle’s history. There are just so many ways you can make the Market an integral and unique part of your wedding day.
*Professional tip: There are so many amazing locations in Seattle that would offer wonderful photo opportunities. However, if you find that some locations are simply too crowded on a weekend (or Saturday afternoon), then try taking those engagement photos during the week – during off hours. Still, a wonderful backdrop minus the crowds.
A final tribute to Seattle – from a wedding planner’s point of view – are the amazing people who work in the wedding industry. These people are so incredibly gifted and professional, they truly only want one thing – what is best for the couple. In my experience, I have seen these professionals refer couples to their competition – simply because they knew it would be a better fit. I can tell you, in all honesty, that I am friends with many of these wedding planners and that they are all amazing professionals who are truly skilled at what they do. But, I also feel that the wedding professional community in Seattle is also a part of a much larger family – dedicated to making every wedding experience beautiful, unique and fulfilling. Each gives so much more as well. Get Hitched Give Hope is an outstanding organization full of wedding professionals who give freely of their time and experience so that others may have a chance at experiencing a dream. GHGH has a gala every year in October that gives brides and grooms the opportunity to bid on wedding related items and services – with all proceeds going to a great cause – The Dream Foundation. You can’t get much better than that! Please feel free to check out the GHGH website if you are interested in being a part of such a wonderful movement of giving back and helping others fulfil their dream.
When my husband and I made the decision to leave the Midwest for the West Coast we knew it was going to be tough. I was leaving a company and career that I LOVED for a geographical area and wedding industry that I wasn’t sure I would fit into. It didn’t take long to discover how much I adored it here and how wonderful it was to fit in so nicely with such great people in the wedding industry! I love so many great things about Seattle and the surrounding area. There is always something to do or fun places to visit: wineries, markets, and beautiful waterfalls, not to mention other hidden gems in the area, gorgeous islands and awesome beaches. With these places comes so much inspiration for my passion of all things wedding related! I feel honored to be able to represent Simple Elegance in the Pacific Northwest, bringing the company’s love for wedding and event planning to Seattle! It took a long time to get from Kansas City to the Emerald City but I definitely feel like I have found a home.
– Lindsey
For Seattle wedding inquiries or questions about the places or groups discussed in this blog contact Lindsey at lindseylozama@iplanyourwedding.com.
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