Spring Wedding at the Ballard Bay Club

Marcia Evans June 11, 2015

Looking to give your guests a taste of the Pacific Northwest? The Ballard Bay Club has breathtaking unobstructed views of the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, and Magnolia’s Discovery Park Lighthouse – making it the perfect location to showcase Seattle to your out-of-town guests!

Not only do they get to enjoy gorgeous views of the city, they get a bite of Seattle as well! Our Jewel chefs prepare “contemporary northwest cuisine,” which boasts a bounty of ingredients which the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Some of the exquisite Northwest inspired menu items this couple chose for their wedding included our Caribbean Dungeness Crab Cakes, Mesquite Northwest Salmon with a Lemon Basil Butter, and Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Papaya Mango Salsa.

This bride and groom had their wedding ceremony at St. James Cathedral, and then brought everyone to the Ballard Bay Club to celebrate! Their spectacular blue and silver wedding reception paired perfectly with expansive water views at the Bay Club. The décor was festive and elegant, with enclosed lanterns surrounded by beautiful white flowers placed on every table. Each guest was given adorable wedding favors, which included a small glass jar of loose tea, tied with a bright blue ribbon.

Take a look below at the fabulous wedding photos, all courtesy of Jenn Ireland Photography!

Jenn Ireland Photography

Valentine’s Day Wedding Inspiration

Marcia Evans February 12, 2015

With Valentine’s Day falling on a weekend this year and next – it is a popular day to tie the knot! Take the most romantic day of the year and kick it up a notch with these 7 tips for creating a beautiful and elegant Valentine’s Day wedding:

Figure out What Valentine’s Day Means to You

Before you start planning, think about why you decided to get married on Valentine’s Day. What does that day mean to you? Was it the day of your first kiss or a romantic getaway? Find inspiration from your own love story, and incorporate it into your big day.

Say It with Love

Sending out romantic wedding invitations is the perfect way to set the mood for your wedding. Go all out with beautiful invitations covered in hearts and glitter galore, or create more subtle invitations with hints of romantic details.

Invitation: Shy Socialites via Etsy

Invitation: Blue Fence Designs via Etsy

Decide on the Perfect Romantic Color Scheme

Don’t be afraid to use red, white or hot pink as your color theme – after all, it’s Valentine’s Day! You can integrate these vibrant colors in your napkins, table runners, flowers or cake décor. However, it doesn't mean that you have to go with this traditional color palette. Try choosing one color (pink or red) and pairing it with another complimentary color. Red and white, pink and orange, or black, white & pink are some great options. If you want to be really subtle about it, try incorporating red or pink into small details like your wedding shoes, ties, bouquet, or centerpieces. This gives you the opportunity to use these romantic colors without being overwhelming.

Wedding outside the Canal

Photo: Firstlight Photography

Bring the Love into Your Dessert

Dessert (in our opinion) is one of the best parts of Valentine’s Day! Go all out with love-themed macaroons, cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, and more. Jewel Hospitality specializes in all kinds of delectable treats, and can decorate them any way your heart desires!

Incorporate Romantic Details into Your Décor

From candles, flowers, hearts, and more - pick a few key romantic details and work them into your fabulous décor. Enhance the mood with soft pink light or candles everywhere. Fill the room with divine smelling flowers; roses are a Valentine’s Day staple, but that doesn't mean other flowers can’t be used. A Valentine’s Day wedding should be filled love and romance.

Photo: Becca Rillo Photography

Photo: foreverphoto.ca

Music Sets the Stage for Romance

Sit down with your husband or wife to be and brainstorm a list of romantic songs to play at your reception. Was there a song playing the first time you said “I love you” or kissed? Is there a certain song that always reminds you of them? Include those (and many more) on the wedding playlist. Remember that the song you have your first dance to really sets the mood for the night, so pick wisely!

Toast it with a (Pink) Drink

Any Valentine’s wedding deserves its own fabulous signature drink, and incorporating a drink that goes along with your color scheme is even better! Try classics like a Cosmo or a strawberry mojito, or make up your own delightful drink.

Jewel Hospitality Catering

Planning on getting married on Valentine’s Day of 2016? Contact Jewel Hospitality to book the most romantic day of your life at one of our four gorgeous venues, or to receive more information on our enchanting desserts and food!

The Best of the Best: Our Favorite 2014 Jewel Events

Marcia Evans February 6, 2015

Jewel Hospitality produces hundreds of spectacular weddings, corporate and social events every year. Charming and intimate, or large and exotic, the creative experts at Jewel Hospitality will plan, design and produce an unforgettable experience for you and your guests!

What makes an exceptionally fabulous event? It all lies in the details of ingenious planning coupled with exquisite food, beverage and ambiance! Take a look at the some of our favorite events from 2014 that took place at The Canal, The Ballard Bay Club, The Stimson-Green Mansion and the Great Hall at Union Station.

The Canal

The Canal is located in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood next to the famous Hiram Chittenden Locks. With its unique Northwest style and elegant ambiance, The Canal is perfect for any event! A beautiful covered and heated patio, gives you a picture-perfect view of the water any time of the year! The Canal weddings below are full of color, unique details, and lots of smiles!

Photo: Meredith McKee Photography

Photo: Jenn Repp Photography

The Ballard Bay Club

The Ballard Bay Club is the ideal venue for that rustic, yet elegant feel, coupled with an amazing view. The space provides beautiful unobstructed views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Magnificent accents of hardwood floors, spacious outdoor patios and beach access; deliver the essence of the Pacific Northwest. We’re in love with how the turquoise and peach colors chosen for the wedding below really compliment the space and truly blend with the sunset – take a look!

Photo: Arlene Chambers Photography

The Stimson-Green Mansion

The historic and charming Stimson-Green Mansion was designed by architect Kirtland Cutter and completed in 1901. The mansion is known as one of Seattle’s best examples of “eclectic architecture.” The magnificence of the Stimson-Green Mansion derives from an assortment of vintage artifacts, fixtures, fireplaces, a vintage pool table, and leaded windows. This eclectic location is perfect for a corporate luncheon, holiday party, an elegant wedding or any social event. The lovely wedding below incorporated a lot of beautiful colors and flowers to complement the mansion’s ambiance.

Photo: Starr Photography

Great Hall at Union Station

The Great Hall at Union Station is full of elegance and charm. This iconic 11,000 square foot classic ballroom is located in the heart of Seattle’s Pioneer Square. The beautiful architecture of The Great Hall is complemented by hundreds of glowing lights overhead in its majestic barrel-vaulted ceilings. This setting is perfect for an elegant corporate party, or a stunning wedding. Events here are anything but simple – take a look at some photos from an extravagant Old Hollywood themed holiday party.

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Which event was your favorite? Contact Jewel Hospitality if you’d like to book an event at any of our 4 fabulous venues, have us provide off-site catering – and more!

Photographers:

Meredith McKee Photography

Jenn Repp Photography

Fino Photography

Arlene Chambers Photography

Starr Photography

Kathryn Krogstad Photography

How to Have an Amazing Super Bowl Party

Marcia Evans January 21, 2015

The Seahawks amazing come-back on Sunday had the fans in such an uproar that it almost registered as a real earthquake on seismic sensors – that’s how dedicated and excited the fans are! Now that the Hawks are headed to the Super Bowl, it’s time to start planning an unforgettable Super Bowl Party. Jewel Hospitality provides exquisite catering onsite at our four amazing venues (the Canal, the Ballard Bay Club, Stimson-Green Mansion, and the Great Hall at Union Station) as well as off-site catering. Contact us if you’d like Jewel to cater your Super Bowl Party – Go Hawks!

Below are a few tips for throwing the perfect Super Bowl party – share your tips in the comments below!

Up Your Food and Drink Game

12th Man Shortbread Cookies

12th Man Cupcakes

No party (Super Bowl or not) is complete without delicious food! From Jumbo Shrimp with Tequila Lime Cocktail Sauce, Fried Green Tomato Sliders and Hardwood Smoked Bacon Wrapped Sweet Potatoes, to Caramel and Fleur De Sel Popcorn and 12th Man Cookies - Jewel has a lot of tasty appetizers to choose from. Remember to provide your guests with a variety of savory and sweet snacks to enjoy while they watch the game; and keep them coming! Top off the event with some Washington local beers, wines, and ciders – and don’t forget the skittles!

Jumbo Shrimp with Tequila Lime Sauce

Fried Green Tomato Sliders

Go Plastic

No one wants to spend hours cleaning up after a party – paper plates, napkins, and plastic cutlery not only bring more color to the room, but make cleaning up a lot easier. If you just want to sit back and relax, all parties thrown at a Jewel venue provide set up and tear down - meaning you can go home without washing a single dish!

Show Your Colors

Seahawks Logo

Your team’s colors should be prominent – and in this case we are hoping you’ll be sporting lots of green and blue! These colors can be incorporated into your decorations with flowers, streamers, plates and napkins, jerseys and even your food! Make sure anyone who walks in knows who you are rooting for.

Be Prepared

There’s nothing worse than turning on the game to see that your TV isn't working or the batteries on the remote have gone out. Make sure to check everything beforehand so the party will go smoothly and have no interruptions.

Now you can sit back with a drink, good food, and enjoy the game! Contact Jewel Hospitality if you would like to learn more about our imaginative cuisine and catering services.

An Elegant Old Hollywood Party at the Great Hall

Marcia Evans January 8, 2015

The Great Hall at Union Station is a magical location for a large event, whether it be a wedding or a corporate holiday party. This iconic venue in Seattle’s Pioneer Square is an 11,000 square foot classic ballroom. With antique and historic benches, black and white mosaic tile, and barrel vaulted ceilings – it is the perfect location for a classic glamorous event.

This past holiday season, Jewel Hospitality produced an Old Hollywood themed party for over 600 guests. This spectacular event was the definition of glamorous. We brought in historic black and white movies, gold sparkle and jeweled table linens, antique typewriters, beautiful floral centerpieces with tall white feathers, a photo booth, elegant candles and more. Guests were entertained by our fabulous Jewel DJ, dancers, and The Rat Pack featuring Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and even a Marilyn Monroe! Our cigarette girl passed out cigars, and the paparazzi captured photos of this dazzling event.

Take a look at some of the gorgeous details below, and contact Jewel Hospitality for more information on creating a stunning holiday party for 2015!

Details

Details, details, details are what make all of the difference at an elegant party. The Golden Era of Hollywood called for a red carpet, a room filled with old typewriters, antique cameras, gold sparkles, feathers, and of course, the Rolls-Royce parked outside. Many guests dressed the part, making the whole evening feel like we had been transported back to that golden age of Hollywood charm and glamour.

The Great Hall at Union Station | Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Floral and feather centerpieces | Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Entertainment

Good entertainment is important for any big party. This event didn't settle on just one form of entertainment. There were black and white movies projected on the wall, West Coast Swing and Lindy Hop dancers, singers, a DJ, caricature artists, and even more to entertain our guests throughout the evening. Never a dull moment!

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Marilyn Monroe next to the Rolls-Royce | Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Photo Booth

Photo booths are becoming a staple for any great party. This photo booth included several fun props, feather boas, mustaches, funny signs, fake cigarettes, fans, hats and loads of laughter!

Photo Booth: Limelight

Thanks to our vendors for helping make this holiday party a success. Make sure to contact Jewel Hospitality for a breathtaking event in 2015!

Photo courtesy of Clane Gessel Photography

7 Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Wedding

Marcia Evans November 19, 2014

Planning a wedding can be stressful – but it doesn't have to be! It’s all about making good decisions, giving yourself enough time to do everything, and sticking to a budget. Jewel Hospitality makes it easy for brides to have a stress-free wedding. All you have to do is pick a florist, photographer, and DJ – and you’re all set!

Here are some tips for planning a stress-free wedding:

Set a Realistic Budget

It’s not uncommon for couples to set a budget, but end up going a bit overboard with the spending. It’s definitely not ideal to start your marriage off in a lot of debt. Create a realistic budge by doing some research on how much everything costs, figuring out what you can afford, and going from there. Once you see how much money can be spent, the planning and booking can begin. This wedding budget calculator gives a general idea of what you are going to have to spend (remember it’s just an estimate!)

Pick the Dress That YOU Want

Photo courtesy of C2 Photography

Picking out a wedding dress is one of the most exciting part of the wedding planning process! Remember to pick what you love and feel comfortable in. Take family and friends input into account, but remember that they are not the ones wearing the dress. If you envisioned a mermaid dress but it turns out a ball gown looks better – go with that! If you wanted to go with the traditional white but find that ivory looks better on your skin, stick with ivory.

Create the Guest List First Thing

Finalizing the guest list is one of the first things that should be done before you start planning. Many venues have a max guest count that is non-negotiable due to fire codes, and sometimes a venue that fits 200 doesn't do so very comfortably. At Jewel Hospitality, we give you a realistic max guest count so your guests will be comfortable. Once you have the exact guest count (or a close number), a venue can be booked. Have a Rain Plan for Outside Weddings

While Seattle is beautiful during the summer – it does rain sometimes! Don’t risk it. It is always a good idea to have a backup plan, whether it be an indoor location for the wedding or a rented tent on hold.

Don’t Stress About Having Identical Wedding Party Sizes

Photo courtesy of Meredith McKee Photography

Just because your fiancé has 7 best friends for his groomsmen, doesn't mean you have to find 7 people. Don’t feel that you need to pick someone just to have the same number, or because you feel obligated to. The cost of bouquets, boutonnieres, thank you gifts, and anything else provided (hair, makeup, etc.) can really add up! Pick the friends and family that you trust and you want to be up there with you on the big day. If there are more groomsmen then bridesmaids, two groomsmen can walk with a bridesmaid down the aisle, and vice versa.

Remember you Don’t Need to Control Every Little Detail

It’s your big day and you want it to be perfect, but don’t sweat the little things! The professionals you hired know what they are doing and want to help you as much as they can. Let them know what you want and expect – they will let you know if there is an issue they need your input on.

Create a Wedding Day Timeline

Not only is your wedding one of the most important days of your life, but it’s also one of the busiest! Make sure you have enough time to comfortably get ready, eat, take photos, and still have the wedding and reception on time. Jewel Hospitality’s talented team make will help you from start to finish and make sure the wedding goes as seamlessly as possible.

If you are interested to learn more about planning your wedding with Jewel Hospitality, visit our contact page.

Jewel Hospitality’s Post Alley at the Commons Serve up a Delicious Feast at the Microsoft Alumni Event

Marcia Evans October 22, 2014

Did you know that Jewel Hospitality has a food service out at Microsoft? Post Alley at the Commons is an urban market concept with fresh entrees, innovative breakfast and lunch, gourmet baked goods, local coffee and more. We utilize the best and freshest ingredients the Pacific Northwest has to offer, with food inspired by an eclectic mix of culinary backgrounds and heritages. We create different specials every day from salmon and cod to baby back ribs and vegetarian dishes.

Last Friday, October 17th, Jewel Hospitality and Post Alley at the Commons catered Microsoft’s sixth annual Microsoft Alumni Reunion with a Purpose event, which celebrates community engagement and philanthropy. Jewel’s Executive Chef Andy Leonard cooked up some mouth-watering appetizers and main dishes for the event, while our pastry chef Danielle Myxter created beautiful and delicious desserts.

Our chefs make an effort to provide food that meets all kinds of dietary needs. The menu included several vegetarian, gluten-free and vegan options for our Microsoft alum. One of our favorite appetizers Andy created was the local artisan goat cheese. This vegetarian option was a Homemade Pink Peppercorn Flatbread with Saffron-Vanilla Onion Marmalade on top.

Popular dinner dishes included the Arugula Pesto Cous Cous (also Vegetarian), and the Chilled Jumbo Prawn & Mango Skewers with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.

Arugula Pesto Cous Cous & Chilled Jumbo Prawn & Mango Skewers

For dessert, our favorite treats were the White Chocolate Ginger Cheesecake in a Gingersnap Cookie Crust and the Peanut Butter Mousse in a Chocolate Cup.

White Chocolate Ginger Cheesecake & Peanut Butter Mousse

Take a look at more of the people and food from the event in the gallery below. If the photos of delicious food make you hungry, you can always head down to Post Alley at the Commons or contact Jewel Hospitality to find out more information about catering.

Microsoft Alumni Buffet

Quinoa Salsa

Prosciutto Mozzarella Trofie

Fresh Seasonal Fruit Display

Microsoft-Themed Tea Candles

Old School Microsoft Gear

Antipasto Skewers

House Cured Salmon Lox

Passion Fruit Curd Tartlet

Pumpkin Cherry Spice Cupcake

Curious to find out more about Post Alley at the Commons? We are located in the Commons at Microsoft’s West Campus.

Champagne and Pearls Oscars Party

Marcia Evans February 25, 2014

Not many out there would disagree that toasting champagne with a group of your best ladies makes for an amazing night no matter the reason. But the Academy Awards are right around the corner, and what is a better reason than that?

So get ready to slip on those slinky red stilettos, grab a bottle of bubbly and some good company with this inspired 'Champagne and Pearls' vintage chic Oscars party.

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right.”

— F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set the tone for an elegant event with the invitation | Hannah Marie Photography

Polished pearl and vintage details | Hannah Marie Photography

A successful party begins with the invitation. When a guest receives an invitation, it sets the stage for the rest of the event: so have fun with it and get creative. Custom order invitations from a local specialty paper shop, or show your artsy side and DIY. Simple and chic doesn't need to be expensive.

Statement florals, vintage accents, and divine event design come together to create a stunning Academy Awards event | Hannah Marie Photography

The two most important things to a successful Oscars party: Champagne and Presentation | Hannah Marie Photography

Artistic florals provided by the talented Lola Floral | Hannah Marie Photography

Greet your guests with on-theme decor. From centerpieces to silverware, create a theme, a mood, an ambiance, and carry it throughout the event. We love the way Lola Floral incorporated old film reels into this eye-catching centerpiece. With one statement piece and smaller pieces scattered throughout, your decor can leave guests in awe without breaking the bank.

Gold, black and ivory with pops of red create a refined and stylish ambiance for your Oscars party | Hannah Marie Photography

Catered beverage service from Jewel Hospitality | Hannah Marie Photography

Exquisite and classic details resound with any Oscars themed party | Hannah Marie Photography

Stunning vintage pieces from Vintage Ambiance in Seattle complement the elegant, ethereal atmosphere of The Great Hall | Hannah Marie Photography

Show off your accents. Well-placed accent pieces add more than overwhelming amounts of kitschy decor [Enough with the fake red carpets, please]. Simply elegant pearl napkin rings from Vintage Ambiance bring this 'Champagne & Pearls' party to life.

Reinvented 'Champagne & Strawberries' with sweet strawberries and heavenly Champagne sorbet | Hannah Marie Photography

It's all in the details. These vintage glasses for serving cocktails add another level of elegance and charm. And never compromise the integrity of an impeccable cocktail with crushed ice. These crystal clear ice spheres will chill your cocktail without diluting the spirits [plus, they look divine].

Fare Fit for the Stars. Bring it all together with food, beverage and presentation straight out of Gatsby.

Reinvented Champagne & Strawberries dazzles here with sweet strawberries in a Champagne coup topped with heavenly Champagne sorbet and fresh mint.

Crystal clear ice spheres from Creative Ice in Seattle add a new level of chic to these signature cocktails | Hannah Marie Photography

The Great Hall at Union Station in downtown Seattle is a perfect space for galas, fundraisers, or social events | Hannah Marie Photography

Best Hostess in a Leading Role. As we approach the much anticipated 86th Academy Awards this weekend, be sure to pop that champagne in the fridge and pull out all the stops in designing an enchantingly chic soiree. The Academy [and your guests] are sure to be impressed.

A special thanks to our partner vendors for their contributions

Photography: Hannah Marie Photography

Event Design and Styling: Jewel Hospitality

Floral Design: Lola Floral

Specialty Decor and Props: Pedersen's Event Rentals, Vintage Ambiance, and Creative Ice

Venue: The Great Hall at Union Station