Impressionist Artwork Inspired Spring Wedding At Kingston House
Amy and Frank's wedding day was filled with beautiful, artistic details. From the hand-painted backdrop to the incorporation of impressionist artwork in their invitation suite and escort display, every detail was intentional. This wedding was also unique in that Amy and Frank found special ways to pay homage to their Chinese culture, while still maintaining the fine-art style they so desired. The double happiness character on the top of the escort display is a prominent symbol in Chinese weddings. It is meant to convey double the joy and happiness for the newlyweds as they begin their marriage. Including it on the escort display, which featured bookmarks (a nod to their love of reading) made from one of Van Gogh's most beloved pieces of artwork (a nod to their love of the impressionist artist) created a wedding day piece that was uniquely 'them'. The table numbers featured both their favorite quotes about love from literary works and Chinese blessings for a happy marriage. They found subtle ways to include red, a prominent color in Chinese weddings that signifies luck, without losing the fine-art feel of their Monet-inspired color palette and overall aesthetic.
Amy's wedding day fashion featured two show-stopping gowns. Amy loved the architectural movement of the bodice on her ceremony gown by Luly Yang Couture. She wanted the romantic, more fitted style for the first portion of the day, but hoped for a slightly more traditional look for the ceremony. Luly Yang Couture fashioned a custom full skirt that could be added for the ceremony and it was such a beautiful juxtaposition with the more modern bodice.
Amy and Frank chose not to have a traditional bridal party, and instead honored Amy's sister as their maid of honor and chose their beloved golden retriever Woody to be the best man.
Frank worked with the brilliant tailor team at Sew Generously Bespoke to create his navy wool suit. His Hermès tie featured a whismical "loves me, loves me not" daisy motif to complement the garden theme of their wedding. Frank finished his look with handmade Vass dress shoes, custom cufflinks featuring cats portraits of Millie and Claire, and an A. Lange & Söhne timepiece.
Amy and Frank wanted to do more than serve a meal to their cherished guests; they wanted to create a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience that allowed them to celebrate alongside their friends over delicious food and drinks. Enter Chef Aaron Tekulve of Surrell Seattle! He worked alongside Amy and Frank to develop a 6 course tasting menu that spanned the duration of three incredible hours. The menu drew inspiration from seasonal locally sourced ingredients of the Pacific Northwest and traditional Chinese cuisine to create dishes like oysters with Asian Pear Pink Peppercorn Mignonette, roasted Peking duck with dehyrdrated beets, and chilled noodles with chili oil. Each beautiful course featured a wine pairing and guests were repeatedly wowed not just by the unique flavors but the impeccable presentation. Guests were delighted with a unique bar & beverage experience presented by the Bustender of Kitsap Bartending Services. The Bustender by Kitsap Bartending Services is a mobile bar custom built from a 1973 VW bus. The beverage menu featured specialty drinks in honor of Amy, Frank, and their three beloved pets, Claire, Millie, and Woody.
Much like every other detail on this wedding day, the floral design approach was incredibly intentional. The design featured minimal yet impactful florals that take their cues from the serene environment of the Kingston House's grounds and architecture. Early summer flowers in a restful palette of whites and soft, neutral hues accented with the palest pink to enhance the already lovely natural setting. Rebecca and Jesi, the floral designers, focused on materials with graceful form and soft, ethereal textures. When designing florals for the ceremony, which was held under a canopy of big leaf maples, the goal was to bring an ethereal feel into the dappled light of the grove while not detracting from the natural beauty of the space. An organic ground installation, composed of billowing textural arrangements, started at the top of the aisle with arrangements placed in alternating steps leading up to the altar, where they merged into a broken arch that was designed to mimic the natural framing of the surrounding trees. The reception featured arrangements varying in scale, from small organic centerpieces in low bowls to delicate and graceful ikebana-inspired pieces. Table ends were accented with billowing arrangements and the sweetheart table was framed by a broken arch, bringing the ceremony and reception design full-circle. Amy's bridal bouquet was loose and organically formed, with an emphasis on movement and light textures. Her bouquet included garden roses, her late father's birth month flower, to honor his memory as she walked down the aisle. One special floral element was Woody, the family dog and honorary "best man's" floral collar!
Creating Amy and Frank’s cake was a true work of collaboration with their artist Lisa of ‘Ālewa Bakeshop. They knew they wanted sugar flowers reflecting the same florals used on their day, and also wanted lilies on their cake to culturally signify good fortune and happiness. They also desired flavors that were light with hints of florals, so ultimately chose the roasted strawberry buttercream, yuzu curd with vanilla chiffon and the milk chocolate lavender ganache with earl grey cake.
The Invitation Suite: Every element of their paper products was intentionally curated and held special meaning to the couple. The suite featured one of their favorite works from Monet as an envelope liner. They designed the oval floral crest (which was also used in their welcome sign) and while it appeared minimal and refined, held so much personal significance. The crest includes each of their birth flowers (cosmos and snowdrops) their last names in Chinese in the path of the oval to symbolize their union and the joining of their families. The custom crest also featured their birth flowers and each of their first initials.
The Seating Chart: Another nod to their love for impressionist artists, the seating chart featured Van Gogh's Almond Blossoms, one of the couple's favorite pieces. In addition to being a painting that they love, almond blossoms also symbolize true love! The seating chart was also a nod to their shared love of reading, featuring bookmarks for each of their guests, topped with vellum butterfly seat numbers. In Chinese culture, butterflies also represent eternal love, happiness, and good fortune.
Woody: Amy and Frank love animals, and their pets are very special to them. They knew they wanted to honor them on the wedding day, but wanted to do so tastefully. Woody, their golden retriever (who happens to have his own Instagram!) served as their best man/dog of honor and really soaked up all the attention that day. Frank wore custom cufflinks featuring portraits of their cats Millie and Claire and their sweet kitties were also honored with specialty drinks at the bar and on the cocktail napkins.
