Mint, Peach and Gold Spring Wedding Reception at the Canal

Marcia Evans June 30, 2015

Picking out wedding colors that you love and compliment the venue will be crucial in creating a beautiful and harmonious wedding. We love the mint, peach and gold color scheme this couple decided to go with! With all of the outside greenery, flowers and sparkling blue water, these flattering colors looked absolutely stunning at the Canal!

The Canal has built-in Art Deco and Northwest décor, requiring but a few small details to customize your event! This couple dressed up the ivory tables with gorgeous gold and emerald table numbers. Stunning peach and white flowers placed in textured green vases were on every table, along with votive candles provided by Jewel, of course! Magnificent details were what made this wedding reception so special!

Take a look at some of the exquisite photos below, all taken by Courtney Bowlden Photography.

Peach and white flowers in a textured green vase

Tips for Choosing the Best Wedding Party

Marcia Evans May 14, 2015

The big question has been asked, a perfect venue and date have been secured, and now it’s time for one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process - picking out your wedding party! While choosing the people that will stand by you as you celebrate one of the most important days of your life can be very exciting, it can also be a bit stressful. After all, you simply can’t choose every single cousin, childhood friend, or college roommate to be up there with you! These ladies and gentlemen will be your support team throughout the planning process and on your big day, so how do you narrow it down to the right people? Jewel Hospitality shares the how-tos of picking out your perfect wedding party.

Give Yourself Time to Think it Over

While it may be tempting to invite all of your friends to be in your bridal party the day after he pops the question, hold off! It’s best to give yourself a few weeks to think it over so you can ensure you’ll be standing next to the best set of people on your big day.

Wedding party outside the Canal | Meredith McKee Photography

Be Upfront About Expectations

Being in a wedding party requires a good amount of time and money, so make sure everyone knows what to expect! Is it important to you that your bridesmaids be dressed in stunning (yet expensive) designer dresses? Do you expect your maid of honor to help plan every fabulous detail of the wedding? Be upfront about what you want, and invite people in a way that allows them to decline kindly if they simply can’t afford the cost or have the time to participate. You want everyone to feel comfortable and at ease in your wedding party, so make sure to be open and honest about it. For friends that cannot commit for whatever reason, make them feel included by inviting them to your amazing bridal shower or an invitation stuffing party!

It’s Okay to Have Unconventional Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

While it may look nice to have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, remember that close friends don’t come in boxed sets – it’s okay to have an uneven number! It also isn’t necessary to only have members of the same-sex and same age on your side. Your male or female friends and kids are welcome to join in on the fun too! Men are dubbed a “bridesman,” women a “groomswomen” and children can be given the title of “junior bridesmaid” or “junior groomsman.” Pick whomever you feel closet to, regardless of age or gender!

This couple decided to mix up their wedding party! | Meredith McKee Photography

Consider Including Your New Family

Is your husband-to-be really close to his sister? Do you consider your two brothers to be your best friends? It may be a good idea for both of you to include your new family in your wedding party! Think of all the holidays and exciting family vacations you will be spending with them in the future. Even if you aren’t super close with them now, chances are after a few years you will be! If you or your fiancé come from a big family and simply can’t include everyone, consider giving them a small role like passing out the beautiful programs or manning the guest book table.

Alex Studio Photography

You Can Have As Many (Or as Little) Maids of Honor and Best Men

Do you have two besties you simply can’t decide between? Is a family member making you feel obligated to pick them? It’s okay to have more than one maid of honor or best man, and some people even decide to forgo the tradition all together. Do whatever feels right for you! Just know that if you don’t choose a maid of honor or best man, the tasks that they normally do will have to be given or split up among everyone else.

Wedding Party at Golden Gardens, a beach less than a mile from the Canal and the Ballard Bay Club! | Natalie Hilliard Photography

A Ring Bearer and Flower Girl Aren’t Necessary

If you have a cousin or a friend with a kid that is the perfect age for a flower girl or ring bearer, go for it! Otherwise, if there are no kids you know or feel close to, don’t feel like you need to have these roles filled. Of course it is always fun to dress up kids in a charming tux and an adorable flower girl dress, but it isn’t necessary to have them. On the other hand, if you know too many kids, don’t feel like you can’t have more than one walking down the aisle. The more the merrier!

Anna Simonak Photography

Now that you have gotten over the part of picking out your wedding party – it’s time to have fun! Decide on a time to start shopping for the perfect wedding dress, begin planning your bachelorette party, and thinking up those perfect little wedding details with your bridesmaids that will make your day absolutely fantastic! Jewel Hospitality can help make this experience even easier with our 3 gorgeous venues, delectable food and desserts, and spectacular event planning services. Visit our contact page to learn more!

Real Jewel Wedding Inspiration: How to Have an Elegant Winter-Themed Wedding

Marcia Evans May 7, 2015

When planning a traditional or themed wedding, remember that the beauty lies in all those fabulous details. Having a winter or holiday themed wedding can be a very sweet and elegant concept with lots of tasteful decor. This past February, we had a winter-themed wedding at the Canal full of lovely winter-themed ambiance, including a pinecone bride and groom cake topper! If you are looking to plan a winter wedding or event, here are some tips and some exquisite photo inspiration!

Photos courtesy of Kristen Marie Photography.

The Location

Picking a location that fits in with your theme is just as important as picking the décor. The Canal’s warm glowing lights, wrought iron sculpture work, and blown glass provide an extremely versatile backdrop for any event. Although it rained during this wedding, the Canal’s heated patio provides an option for an outside ceremony even in the winter time!

Kristen Marie Photography

First dance | Kristen Marie Photography

Wedding Colors

Red and green may seem like an obvious choice for a winter wedding, but this color scheme is easy to overdo. Darker colors like green, purple, or red, paired with a more neutral color like white, silver, or gold fit in with the winter theme but look more elegant. This wedding was full of sage green, white details, and greenery throughout.

Here comes the bride... | Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Details

This bride created a beautiful winter ambiance with greenery, pinecones, and wood details throughout the Canal. The centerpieces were simple and very elegant, with candles, greenery, and a sage runner on every table. The bride and groom got married under a gorgeous archway, made primarily of greenery and white flowers. In keeping with their theme, every guest left with fern seeds as wedding favors. Such a fun concept for their beautiful winter wedding!

Kristen Marie Photography

Food and Drink

We absolutely love the adorable pinecone bride and groom on top of their wedding cake! Going with a neutral cake and adding some winter-themed details (in this case, pinecones!) created a unique and completely elegant wedding cake. Jewel Catering provided delicious food and drinks, which was dressed up with beautiful sage-colored linens.

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photographer

Roma Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Crostini topped with Portuguese Sea Salt and Olive Oil | Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Wild Northwest Greens served with Greek Olives, Tomato Wedges, Sliced Cucumber, and Julienne Carrots with Lemon Balsamic Vinaigrette | Kristen Marie Photography

Jewel Signature Chicken Mateo | Kristen Marie Photography

Jewel buffet | Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

The Bride and Groom

This bride was able to have the best of both worlds with her wedding gown! She rocked a gorgeous strapless dress for the ceremony and reception, yet paired it with a white, fur sweater while outside. She selected a stunning winter bouquet, composed of white flowers, greenery, a few hints of red, and pinecones. The groom’s look was exquisite and totally classic, with a black tie and a matching boutonniere.

Kristen Marie Photography

Jewel Hospitality puts on hundreds of weddings at the Canal and our two other fabulous venues all year round. Visit our contact page to get more information and to start planning your wedding today!

Simple and Sweet Winter Wedding at the Canal

Marcia Evans April 29, 2015

A mix of indoor and outdoor space at The Canal creates an ideal location for a winter wedding. If the weather permits, couples can get married on the beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the Salmon Bay Bridge. If it happens to be raining, which is considered good luck on a wedding day, the inside is still a picture perfect option - with gorgeous views overlooking the Ballard Locks.

This bride and groom chose to have an indoor ceremony and reception at the Canal, but they were still able to get some lovely photos outside! They went with a simple color scheme of blue and purple – using light blue hydrangeas and purple flowers in their centerpieces. Their love for being active was displayed in their festive décor, with frames having terms like “squat,” “deadlift,” and “burpee” on them.

All photos are courtesy of Katie from Red Sparrow Photography. Scroll down to see more photos of the wedding, reception and all the stunning wedding details!

Red Sparrow Photography

The Canal Inside Ceremony Setup | Red Sparrow Photography

The Canal Inside Wedding Ceremony | Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Northwest Salmon Fillets: Grilled with a Citrus Gremolata and drizzled with a Champagne Buerre Blanc | Red Sparrow Photography

Organic Watercress, Spinach, and Arugula Salad with Dried Cherries and Cashews tossed in a Anjou Pear Vinaigrette and garnished with Sweet Crispy Onions | Red Sparrow Photography

Reggiano Green Beans Infused with Lemon Zest and Garlic garnished Grated Parmigiano | Red Sparrow Photography

Shell Pasta Primavera with Sautéed Summer Vegetables in a Pesto Sauce and Dusted with Pecorino Romano

Tuna Wonton Seared Ahi Tuna, Wonton Crisp, Wasabi Ginger Aioli & Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Skewer with a Mango Dipping Sauce | Red Sparrow Photography

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

A Beautiful Fall Wedding at The Canal

Marcia Evans December 4, 2014

While spring and summer may be the most popular seasons for a wedding, we love the look of a fall wedding in Seattle! Although it’s cold outside, the Canal has a covered and heated outside patio – making it the perfect spot a wedding all year round.

We love the look of the bride’s subtle striped wedding dress, and how Bre and Jonah worked peach and royal blue into their November wedding. The wedding and reception was held indoors, and even though it was chilly outside, they were still able to get some lovely shots in front of the Salmon Bay Bridge and the palm trees.

All photos are courtesy of Meredith McKee Photography, check out her website to see more of her fabulous photos!