Kara and Shawn’s Wedding: A Classic Ballroom Setting with Vintage Touches

Something Borrowed, Something New, Something Blue   


The bride’s classic wedding upheld classic traditions. The bride even doubled up on her "something borrowed"! A vintage cameo brooch in her hair was lent by the groom’s grandmother and a vintage diamond and pearl bracelet was courtesy of her dearest friend. The bride treated herself to a pair of rose gold and crystal earrings as her ‘something new’. The entire wedding party embraced the concept of ‘something blue’ by popping a bottle of blueberry scented bubbles pre-ceremony!

Bride and groom

Colors & Décor


Emerald, gold and champagne were the colors of the evening. Pulling inspiration from the color palate of the venue itself, these colors were no short of regal. Using champagne as a neutral backdrop throughout, the emerald and gold elements were able to shine through. Emerald touches could be seen through the bridesmaids lace dresses, bridesman’s bow tie, satin cocktail table runners, and succulent floral greenery on the dining tables and ceremony cross. Variations of gold were found on the rose bud kissed candelabra centerpieces and glitzy table runners. Champagne and gold vintage furniture completed the vanity suite to create the perfect pre-ceremony space for the bride and her wedding party.

Bride on vintage white and gold furniture
Vintage bride gets ready at the Great Hal
Emerald bridesmaids at the Great Hall
Bride and bridesmaids (and one bridesman!) pose on vintage furniture at the Great Hall
Gold vintage wedding details
Emerald and gold guestbook table
Vintage rose bud kissed candelabra centerpieces
Gold table runners
Gold vintage wedding details
Emerald, gold and champange tables
The Great Hall at Union Station Vintage Wedding
Bride place setting
Great Hall at Union Station Reception Set Up

It Starts with a Kiss

 
The bride and groom decided to have a "first look" at the venue prior to their ceremony. This enabled the couple to have a special and private moment prior to the madness of the wedding ensuing. A photographer loves nothing more than to capture a candid moment such as this. The ‘first look’ also allowed for family and wedding party portraits to be taken prior to the ceremony. Every bride and groom deserves to relax and enjoy their own cocktail hour, especially when devouring Jewel Hospitality’s delicious appetizers.

Bride and groom first look
Bride and groom in front of the emerald backdrop at the Great Hall
Bride and groom

Pioneer Square & Occidental Street


In the heart of Seattle’s historic district, the Great Hall at Union Station neighbors elegant Occidental Street. With classic architecture dating back to the late 1800’s, Romanesque and Victorian inspired buildings line the street. Stunning northwest maple trees made the 92 degree heat of this scorching Seattle summer day bearable for this brave Seattle couple and wedding party!  

Groomsmen
Groomsmen in Pioneer Square
The bridal party
Bride and groom
Bride and groom

Tying the Knot


The ceremony was held in the front of this stunning ballroom. The bride created an intimate space by using ivory colored pipe and drape to segment the ceremony off from the reception. With simple elegance at the forefront, gold chivari chairs and glass hurricane candles completed this romantic setting. The couple was able to incorporate elements of Catholicism into their ceremony through the handmade cross by the bride’s step father and unity candle lighters from their local church. The bride walked down the aisle to ‘Marry Me’ by Train, bringing tears to the groom’s eyes.

Great Hall at Union Station Gold Ceremony Setup
Bride getting ready to walk down the isle
Great Hall at Union Station Ceremony Setup
Great Hall At Union Station Cermeony
Bride and groom Great Hall at Union Station
The happy couple!

Dining & Dancing the Night Away

Guests were greeted during cocktail hour with an assortment of delightful appetizers, from classic crab cakes to braised pork belly skewers with Washington peach chutney. Dinner was served family style on elegant long dining tables. Platters of delicious food graced the tables. The couple’s personal favorite was the wild king salmon filets drizzled in a caviar beurre blanc. First dances took place on the stunning black and white tiled floor for all to view. Embracing the groom’s Filipino culture, the ‘Money Dance’ added a surge of enthusiasm into the evening. The couple was greeted during a slow dance with a hand made money lei from Honolulu and were eventually showered with money from all guests. From slow dancing to some might say questionable dance moves, the ‘Money Dance’ was a success. The couple was showered with love and best wishes of a prosperous future.

Bride and groom's first dance at the Great Hall
Bride and groom money dance
Bride and groom money dance
Bride and groom money dance
Bride and groom do the money dance
Money dance

The Sweet Side


A classic four tiered wedding cake was created by Jewel Hospitality’s phenomenal in house baking team. This stunning rosette designed cake was hard to miss as it sat royally under the black and white vintage clock, waiting to be sliced. The couple cut their luscious vintage red velvet cake in a traditional cake cutting ceremony. Without prompting, Jewel Hospitality sent the bride and groom home with the cake topper as a keepsake to be frozen and enjoyed on their one year anniversary.

Jewel Hospitality created this beautiful rosette wedding cake at the Great Hall
Beautiful rosette wedding cake on a vintage cake stand
Rosette wedding cake

Sparklers! Sparklers! Sparklers!


It started with a kiss, it ended with a kiss. Love was pouring out of this couple from their first look to their sparkler send off. Guests were handed a sparkler and a custom gold matchbox embossed with the bride and grooms first names and wedding date. To prepare for the big finale, guests lined the brick roundabout of this classic 1910 train station. Sparklers lit up the night as the bride and groom were surrounded by their loved ones. The Great Hall at Union Station became the perfect mix of timeless elegance embracing new traditions. A truly classic wedding completed with a modern day send off.

Great Hall Sparkler SendOff
Sparkler sendoff at the Great Hall
Sparkler Sendoff

Thanks to all of the fabulous vendors who helped create this gorgeous wedding! 

Venue: Great Hall at Union Station

Catering: Jewel Catering

Rentals: Pedersen’s Rentals & Vintage Ambiance

Ceremony Draping: Prop Gallery

Flowers: Ravenna Bloom

DJ: Baby Van Beezly

Photography: Alante Photography

Day Of Hair & Make Up: Off White Makeup & Beauty

Wedding Dress: Romashka Bridal 

Bridesmaids Dresses: Nordstrom Bridal Suite

Custom Calligraphy Design Work: Songbird Paperie 

Another Jewel Member is Getting Married: Kara and Shawn’s Fabulous Engagement Shoot!

With wedding season just around the corner, the Jewel Hospitality staff is excited to be producing not one, but two beautiful management staff weddings this summer! We already shared Cybal and Ben’s spectacular engagement photos, but now we are excited to be sharing Kara and Shawn’s!

Read More

Stunning Watercolor-Inspired Wedding Photoshoot at the Ballard Bay Club

Last month, Jewel Hospitality had the opportunity to work with some fabulous Seattle vendors to create a styled wedding photo shoot at the Ballard Bay Club. This shoot was scheduled months in advance, so we were thrilled when it ended up being clear and sunny. It was the perfect weather and setting for an outdoor wedding! After hours of creating floral bouquets, doing hair and makeup, styling the shoot, and taking photos, the result was an incredibly gorgeous and colorful styled shoot. We are absolutely in love with how the photos turned out!

The Ballard Bay Club’s beautiful light hardwood floors, palm trees, and breath-taking views of the Olympic Mountains was an amazing backdrop for this bright and cheerful wedding shoot. The pops of blue, purple, and pink were the perfect addition to the stylish, rustic, and versatile venue. We’ve had to keep these photos to ourselves for the past month, so we are excited to finally be able to share more of these spectacular photos with everyone. A full blog post featuring the styled shoot will be published on a popular wedding blog soon, so keep an eye out!

Browse through the stunning photos below to get inspiration for décor, flowers, dresses, and more for your next event at one of our three enchanting venues. Contact Jewel Hospitality to learn more about how we can help make your perfect day a reality!

Ballard Bay Club
Ballard Bay Club
Wedding Stationary
Ballard Bay Club South Room
Wedding table decor
Ballard Bay Club South Room
Ballard Bay Club South Room
Six Strawberries Ice Pops
Six Strawberries Ice Pops
Six Strawberries Ice Pops
Ballard Bay Club
Ballard Bay Club North Patio
Ballard Bay Club North Patio
Ballard Bay Club Styled Wedding Shoot
Bride and groom
Ballard Bay CLub Wedding Reception
Ballard Bay Club South Room Reception
Bride and groom
Ballard Bay Club
Bridesmaids
Ballard Bay Club South Room
Gorgeous wedding cake
Signature wedding drink: moscow mule
Six Strawberries Ice Pops
Ballard Bay Club South Patio
Bride and groom at the Ballard Bay Club
Beach ouside the Ballard Bay Club
Ballard Bay Club South Patio
Ballard Bay Club

Tips for Choosing the Best Wedding Party

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

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!

Bridemaids

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

First dance | 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

Here comes the bride... | Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

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

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

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 Photography

Kristen Marie Photographer

Kristen Marie Photographer

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

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

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

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 Signature Chicken Mateo | Kristen Marie Photography

Jewel buffet | Kristen Marie Photography

Jewel buffet | Kristen Marie Photography

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

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

Kristen Marie Photography

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! 

Summer Wedding Centerpiece and Décor Inspiration

Summer is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Seattle, making it the perfect season for a wedding at one of Jewel Hospitality’s beautiful venues! Summer offers a multitude of different flower types and colors, allowing brides to get creative with their centerpieces and décor. Décor should reflect your taste and personality, but also complement the venue. When deciding on décor, don’t forget to consider seasonal aspects and what might be available at the time.

Once you have defined your wedding style (elegant, rustic, beachy, classic...), your color palette, and the venue – it’s time to get started on your fabulous décor!

Whether you are going for bright and colorful, or subtle and neutral – take a look at some lovely summer wedding concepts to gain inspiration from past Jewel events!

Show Your Personality!

This wedding at the Canal was filled with beautiful purple tones, while also incorporating the couple’s interests and personality. With a dragon cake topper and books integrated into their table décor, there were small hints of personality all throughout this truly festive wedding!

Jenn Repp Photography

Jenn Repp Photography

Neutrals with Pops of Bright Colors

This gorgeous wedding reception at the Ballard Bay Club added pops of color to the venue with bright napkins and simple, peach flowers. Using pops of bright colors throughout allows the décor to make a statement, without being too overwhelming. Isn't this turquoise and peach color scheme stunning? 

Arlene Chambers Photography

Arlene Chambers Photography

Simple and Elegant Greenery

Sometimes a location is just too beautiful to have bright décor all over it! Green and white (or another simple color) can be a great option for a classic or simple wedding. 

Kristi Lloyd Photography

Kristi Lloyd Photography

Bright Colors with Black and White

This flawless color scheme at our summer wedding includes an array of sunset colors! The bride used a rainbow palette, and paired it with black and white for a fun, yet classic décor style. This effect could be done with any color pattern and paired with basic colors like cream, black, brown, or white. 

Belathée Photography

Belathée Photography

Subtle Tones

Some venues like the Canal come with built in décor that already makes a fabulous statement. This bride still wanted to incorporate her pink and green concept, but allowed the natural beauty of The Canal speak for itself simply by using subtle pink and green tones in her floral displays. The votive candles (which Jewel provides on every table!) add the finishing touch to this lovely delicate centerpiece. 

Meredith McKee Photography

Meredith McKee Photography

Themed Décor

If you have decided on a specific concept for your wedding, themed décor can be a festive yet elegant approach. This Vintage Oscars theme was subtly incorporated into the the centerpieces  while still looking stylish and beautiful. 

Vintage Oscars Wedding Decor

Jewel Hospitality’s venues are the  picture-perfect location for an event any time of the year. For more wedding inspiration from Jewel Hospitality, check out our other blog posts and Pinterest page

Tips for Picking out Your Perfect Wedding Dress

Picking out the perfect wedding dress (along with the venue!) is one of the most important and fun aspects of your wedding. On your wedding day you want to feel gorgeous and comfortable. In order to have a stress-free wedding dress experience, here are a few steps to assist in picking out your perfect gown!

Know Your Venue

Are you getting married at a beautiful waterfront venue like the Canal? Or having a casual ceremony on the beach? Wherever it may be – pick your location before you pick the dress! A lace gown may not be ideal for the beach, but perfect for an elegant ballroom like the Great Hall. Most fabrics work all year round, but be mindful that some may be too warm or too cool for certain climates. 

Great Hall at Union Station Wedding

Set a Budget

Setting a budget for the dress is just as important as setting one for the wedding. No one wants to try on a dress, fall in love, and then realize they can’t afford it! Remember to budget for the dress, veil, alternations, accessories and undergarments. This should be about 10 to 15 percent of your budget.

Know What You Want

Do your research. Browse through wedding magazines, Pinterest, and blogs.  Have fun as you discover which design you’re falling in love with. Are you going for a romantic look? Elegant? Simple? Figure out what you want so you can go into your appointment with a vision in mind.  

Wedding Dress Shopping Cheat Sheet

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

A typical wedding dress should be selected six to nine months before the ceremony. This gives you plenty of time for the dress to be created and to complete necessary alternations or finishing touches.

Plan It Out

Most bridal shops require appointments, so remember to call a few weeks in advance. Make an effort to limit the number of appointments you make on any given day. There are only so many dresses you can try on before they all start to run together. Remember to take notes on price, fit, style, etc., so you can remember which ones captured your heart.

Try on Several Styles

White by Vera Wang - Strapless Tiered Tulle Ball Gown Style Wedding Dress

White by Vera Wang - Strapless Tiered Tulle Ball Gown Style Wedding Dress

Jewel Collection - Lace and Tulle Trumpet Wedding Gown with Illusion Halter

Jewel Collection - Lace and Tulle Trumpet Wedding Gown with Illusion Halter 

Limit the People You Bring

It’s no fun to pick out the most important dress of your life alone, but hearing the opinion of 15 different friends and family members isn't enjoyable either. Be mindful about who you bring. Having a large group of opinionated people can be confusing and cause you to second guess yourself. Bring a few close friends and family members that you know you’ll have fun with and that you trust to give you their honest opinion.

Read the Contract

Thoroughly reading the contract will insure that you know how much the alterations are estimated to be, when the dress will be ready, and what the cancellation policy is. Make sure to also double check that the style number, color, and size are correct as well.

Have Fun!

Picking out a wedding dress can be the most rewarding experience, so enjoy your time at the salon. Go with your intuitions and remember that your dress will be what you love and feel comfortable in.

Now that you've picked out your stunning wedding dress, it’s time to move on to the next part in the planning process! 

Wedding Invitation Etiquette and How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Stationary

Save the Date: TheMunch via Etsy

Save the Date: TheMunch via Etsy

Your wedding invitation is truly one of the most important aspects of your wedding. After all, it is the first thing your guests see! Once the date, theme, and color scheme has been decided – it’s time to get to work on your lovely invitations. Read below for tips and etiquette for sending out proper wedding invitations and save the dates.

When to Send

Save the dates typically should be sent out three to four months beforehand. If your guests are spread out across the country, sending them out a little sooner is courteous. Formal wedding invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding, with an RSVP request for two to three weeks beforehand so you can provide your vendors with a final headcount. 

What to Include

Save the dates should include the couple’s names, date, and a note that says the invitations will be sent out closer to the wedding date. Invitations should include the full names of the couple, the place, and the time. Your wedding website can also be included so that people can access your registries. If you have several out of town guests, it is courteous to include travel information as well, such as places to visit, hotels, and transportation. Remember to be clear about who is invited. For example, if children are not invited, just include the adult’s names on the invite, not the “Smith Family.”

Wedding Invitation: JulieHananDesign via Etsy

Wedding Invitation: JulieHananDesign via Etsy

Pick Your Design

In order to keep the wedding theme consistent, we suggest picking out beautiful save the dates and invitations that go together. The wedding invitation is the one thing that each guest will see; it helps set the mood for your wedding. Do you want it to be simple and elegant? Bright and colorful? Incorporate these feelings into your invitation and pick colors that go with your scheme. If you’re getting married in an elegant ballroom like the Great Hall at Union Station, try going with a timeless, classic invite that embodies the hall. If your wedding is taking place on the outside patio at The Canal, a stylish floral design is a good way to go. 

Elegant Wedding Invitation: PinkDahliaPrintable via Etsy

Elegant Wedding Invitation: PinkDahliaPrintable via Etsy

Floral Wedding Invitation: EnchantedPrintables via Etsy

Floral Wedding Invitation: EnchantedPrintables via Etsy

Decide on a Print Style

Before printing, you need to decide which print style fits your theme and budget. The four most common types of print style for wedding invitations are letterpress, thermography, flat printing, and engraving. Letterpress leaves deep impressions on the surface and has a more artsy feel. Thermography is printed with raised letters on the card, giving it an elegant look. Engraving is one of the most classic styles of invitations, with the design etched onto a copper plate and filled with ink. Flat printing is the most simple and reasonable cost of printing, creating invitations that are smooth; with nothing raised or indented.

Once you have designed your gorgeous save the date and wedding invitations, you can start planning your wedding on our Pinterest page!

Contact Jewel Hospitality if you are interested in learning more about our delicious catering or our four beautiful wedding venues.

Valentine’s Day Wedding Inspiration

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: Shy Socialites via Etsy

Invitation: Blue Fence Designs 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

Wedding outside the Canal

Photo: Firstlight Photography

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!

Valentine's Day Cupcakes
Raspberry Cheesecake

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: Becca Rillo Photography

Photo: foreverphoto.ca

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

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! 

2015 Wedding Trends

With a new year comes new wedding trends. Wedding styles are always changing throughout the years. At one point it was popular to have long and patterned bridesmaid dresses - now brides are going the mismatched route! Below are some of the predicted wedding trends of 2015 – which ones are your favorite?

Wedding Dresses

2014 was definitely the year of the crop top – and now that style is working its way into wedding gowns! If done tastefully, it can be a very elegant and fashionable look. Other trends we are seeing are different shades such as blush pink, silver or gold, softer ball gowns with a more relaxed silhouette, and sheer fabrics.  

Wedding dress designed by Theia

Wedding dress designed by Theia

Food

“Late Night Snacks” are a big trend at weddings, and we see this continuing to grow in 2015! Jewel Hospitality offers several late night snack options, from Caramel and Fleur De Sel Popcorn, to truffle scented fries and sugar dusted beignets. For couples that want their reception to continue long after dinner, this is a great option for your guests! Couples requesting locally sourced or seasonal food is also becoming more popular. Not only will the food be fresh, but it helps support your community.

Wedding Colors

Pantone predicts that the top color for this year’s weddings will be Aquamarine, along with 9 over soft and muted hues. These other colors include scuba blue, lucite green, toasted almond, classic blue, strawberry ice, tangerine, custard, glacier gray, and marsala. Soft colors look great on a lot of different skin tones for your bridesmaid dresses and these colors will look timeless in all of the photos. Try pairing a stand out color (scuba blue or marsala for example) with a neutral tone like toasted almond or glacier gray.

Photo via Pantone

Photo via Pantone

Décor and Flowers

Mason jars defined 2014 weddings, but what trend will define 2015? Temporary tattoos are becoming very trendy, and we predict we will see more of them in 2015! These tattoos are (usually) custom made and given out to the guests to sport throughout the night. Other trends we expect to see are copper in precious metals, bouquets that look “just picked from the garden,” and vintage décor.  

Wedding Cakes

Couples are starting to choose simple cakes over ones covered in flowers and other designs. Metallic colored icing and dustings of glitter will be popular this year, as well as simple designs such as patterns of lace, ruffles, and other festive trim. Some are even choosing “naked” cakes, which are cakes without frosting on the outside.

Which wedding trends are you most excited for? Jewel Hospitality specializes in putting on the perfect event for you, whether it is sophisticated and elegant or festive and trendy! Contact us to learn more