Winter weddings are officially upon us and that means we’re turning up the charm. Today, it comes in the form of a glowing candlelit reception, a palette dressed in black and white (and a little gold for good measure), hydrangeas so fluffy they look like cotton candy, the coziest throws to stay warm during the I dos and so much more. It’s those tiny details that Valley & Co. dreamt up for this Bride & Groom, that made a big impact on their classically glam day. And thanks to O’Malley Photographers, we get to experience every bit as if we were there.
From Valley & Co.… Nestled in between new skyscrapers in downtown Seattle is the most quintessential of Seattle properties: The Rainier Club. We started working with Nina and Matt about 18 months before their wedding and knew after visiting their home (also in a century-old brick Queen Anne building) that they wanted to give their guests an unexpected experience with decadent, yet classic and understated tones. Nina, so sophisticated and lovely, knew that a dance party was next on her list in terms of importance, right under the ambiance and great food, so The Rainier Club was the perfect setting.
They gave us carte blanche to truly surprise them with every turn – we knew they both really adore winter and that Nina is enamored with white hydreangeas, so creating a breathtaking ceremony that carried those favorites through was really important to us. Nina and Matt envisioned a black tie wedding but also wanted a high level of comfort and fun, down to the late night delivery of Dick’s Drive-In cheeseburgers (a Seattle staple!). Nina works in non-profit now, but had her heels in the wedding industry for years, working at Seattle Metropolitan Bride and Groom Magazine. Matt is an attorney, and they wanted everything to feel balanced and fresh – while peppering in those unexpected details and fun.
We welcomed guests with champagne and whisked them up the old gold elevators where the ladies each chose a cozy shawl, perfect for the blustery February afternoon. After each scene of the wedding, we transformed each room with different layouts and lighting, welcoming guests back for dinner into a cozy and enchanting wintry dining room. They were then whiskey downstairs for cake and desserts and – dancing! One of the most unexpected elements was the leaf pattern we projected onto the building over the valet entrance – we watched from above as guests departed in their taxis and Ubers and snapped photos!
Photography: O'Malley Photographers | Dress: Carolina Herrera | Hair and Makeup: Kelly Taylor | Lighting: Crimson Haze | DJ: Michael Garcia | Band: The Dudley Manlove Quartet | Venue: Rainier Club | Bride's dress: Nordstrom | Design and floral: Valley & Co. | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Planning: Valley & Co. | Stationery and calligraphy: La Happy