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 

Mint, Peach and Gold Spring Wedding Reception at the Canal

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.

Mint and Peach Wedding
Lace wedding gown
Mint and peach bridal bouquet
Canal Wedding
Bride and groom outside the Canal
Bride and groom at the Canal
Bride outside the Canal
Gold Seating Chart
Gold and emerald table numbers
The Canal
Peach and white flowers in a textured green vase
Peach, mint, and gold wedding cake
Custom Salmon Bar at the Canal
becca_andrew683.jpg
Jewel Catering Assorted Desserts
Wedding reception at the Canal
Wedding reception at the Canal
Wedding reception at the Canal

Simple and Sweet Winter Wedding at the Canal

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

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

The Canal Inside Ceremony Setup | Red Sparrow Photography

The Canal Inside Ceremony Setup | Red Sparrow Photography

The Canal Inside Wedding Ceremony | Red Sparrow Photography

The Canal Inside Wedding Ceremony | Red Sparrow Photography

The Canal Inside Wedding Ceremony | Red Sparrow Photography

The Canal Inside Wedding Ceremony | Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

Red Sparrow Photography

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

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

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

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

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

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! 

Martha Stewart Magazine Feature: Wedding at the Great Hall

Martha Stewart Weddings Spring Issue

Martha Stewart Weddings Spring Issue

We are thrilled to announce that one of our wedding ceremonies at the Great Hall at Union Station has been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine! This spectacular wedding ceremony was filled with bursts of color, beautiful gowns, and classic, elegant touches.

The photographers over at Belathee Photography shared some beautiful photos from the ceremony that were not featured in the magazine; take a look below!

The Couple

While the bride (Hanna Ritt) and groom (Bret Richheimer) share an apartment in New York City, they chose to have their large wedding ceremony in the bride’s hometown of Seattle. According to Martha Stewart Weddings, the bride’s wedding planners Sinclair and Moore recommended the Great Hall. “When I saw it, I was ecstatic,” she recalls. “Its black-and-white tile floors resonated with me. Our apartment is furnished in all black and white.” The bride decided to incorporate a sunset rainbow color theme, with shades of yellow, orange, coral, and fuchsia incorporated into the décor and details.

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

The Bouquets

The bride’s lovely and fruity bouquet included garden roses, tea roses, poppies, kumquats, tangerines, Meyer lemons, ranunculus, phalaenopsis orchids, peonies, blackberries, clematis, and sweet peas. The bridesmaids created an enchanting rainbow with their flowers, starting with yellow and ending with fuchsia.  

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Pre-Ceremony Drinks

These delicious pre-ceremony cocktails included champagne with a scoop of sorbet, all matching the bride’s color scheme! These elegant black and white striped napkins had the wedding’s theme, “A wonderful love,” foil-stamped onto them.

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

The Flower Girl and Ring Bearer 

Hanna’s 5-year-old cousins took over as the flower girl and ring bearer. This cute snap was taken on one of the Great Hall’s antique and historic bench. 

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Details

This stunning wedding was covered in flowers galore. The programs and flowers were laid out with the same rainbow effect as the bride’s bouquet. The florist created a fabulous 200-foot-long isle, which was created by piling rose petals four inches thick, and was also given a beautiful ombré effect. The bride and groom stood under a gorgeous ivy and rose chuppah, which was made to honor Bret’s late mother; Ivy. 

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Photo: Belathée Photography

Can you imagine a more spectacular wedding ceremony? Take a look at the entire Martha Stewart Wedding feature here, and visit our contact page to learn more about having your wedding or next event with Jewel Hospitality at the Great Hall!

Ceremony Hall: Great Hall at Union Station

Photography: Belathée Photography

Event Planning, Flowers, and Design: Sinclair & Moore

Stationery and Calligraphy: La Happy

Rentals: ABC Special Events Rentals by Cort

Chuppah Rental: Dennis Warshal

Linens: Choice Linens

The Best of the Best: Our Favorite 2014 Jewel Events

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: Meredith McKee Photography

Photo: Meredith McKee Photography

Photo: Meredith McKee Photography

Photo: Jenn Repp Photography

Photo: Jenn Repp Photography

Photo: Jenn Repp Photography

Photo: Jenn Repp Photography

Photo: Jenn Repp Photography

Photo: Jenn Repp Photography

The Canal
The Canal Wedding Ceremony
The Canal Wedding Reception

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

Photo: Arlene Chambers Photography

Photo: Arlene Chambers Photography

Photo: Arlene Chambers Photography

Photo: Arlene Chambers Photography

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

Photo: Starr Photography

Photo: Starr Photography

Photo: Starr Photography

Photo: Starr Photography

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

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

Photo: Kathryn Krogstad Photography

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