When our youngest daughter decided to get married in Edmonds, I said, “Great, I know where you can get the best wedding cake!” Of course, it didn’t stop there. My husband and I knew better than to insist, but she and her fiancé also knew better than to resist: This was going to be an Edmonds kind of wedding.
Of the many beautiful venues we have here, including, The Yacht Club, Edmonds Conference Center and The City’s Plaza Room above the Library, the Plaza Room fit our budget and the time of year would be perfect for views.
It was a spectacular evening. The only downside to using the Plaza room is that your guests will prefer the sunset to the DJ for a while. It was great for the little kids, since they could play outside. It also has many spots and benches for those smaller, quiet conversations.
Being an accountant, mu daughter is a bargain hunter. She started looking online for wholesale flowers, budget caterers and cheaper wine. “Let me call around and do a little comparative shopping,” I offered. My husband and I were hosting this wedding, so it was hard for her to say no.
We found Stadium Flowers (technically in Lynnwood but right next door to Edmonds) hard to beat. Their wedding specialist, Chelsea, makes the process fun, flexible and very affordable – they offer wholesale prices too. They can do complicated or they can do simple. I found a dozen little vases at our Goodwill Store for about 50 cents a piece, and so we used those for the deep red bud roses that went on each table.
Booking the caterer took a little more time. The couple wanted Southwest food. No, make that Mexican. Then again, what about classic Northwest, grilled salmon, chicken, pesto…? When my daughter lined up meetings with caterers in Tukwila and beyond, we went, but were concerned about cost of delivery and the challenge of keeping things hot and cold. “We have several really good local caterers here too, can I get some quotes?” “Yes,” she responded. All were extremely responsive, and she decided on Celebrations Catering in Perrinvillle. They did an excellent job. The food was delicious and beautiful, the crew outstanding and the set up and cleanup went without a hitch. The added bonus was that they worked directly with AA Party Rentals to arrange for chairs, pedestals, linens and dishes. We visited the showroom a few miles away to pick out colors and styles.
She lives in Anchorage, so the dress was a challenge. But, if she lived here, we would have recommended and she would have found the perfect dress at Cynderellie’s Closet on Main Street.
You might be able to find a little bit cheaper wine at Costco, but they’re not going to keep it chilled for you and then deliver it – without cost, but Arista Wine in Edmonds will. Stephanie Buono from Frosted Cupcakes and Cakes, based in Nama’s Candy Store delivered a beautiful three-layered carrot cake with white frosting and flowers.
David Anderson of DA Productions provided the music. He’s local, he’s professional and he can play anything you want before, during and after the ceremony. If you’re not affiliated with any one church, we can recommend Rev. David Cooper of Forever Together. He worked with the couple to create a ceremony that reflected their beliefs and kept all of us engaged and relaxed.
Right before the ceremony, our daughter passed out a small box to each of her three bridesmaids. They were delighted with the lovely necklace created just for them from Blue Fish Designs on 5th.
Of course, a wedding often means lots of company from out if town. In our case, we were combining it with a mini family reunion. Piece of (carrot) cake!
Friday lunch was at Las Brisas. The Best Western Harbor Inn provided a very affordable group rate and we also reserved their dining room for the Friday evening rehearsal dinner. Everyone from out of town was invited. We picked up greek food from Kafe Neo and had a great buffet from 5-8 p.m. It worked well, because we knew everyone was coming in at different times.
The wedding was Saturday evening, so that left Saturday morning and afternoon open for taking a ferry ride, Saturday market, the beach and games at City Park. We reserved Shelter #3, which was close to the playground, bathrooms and ball field, and a five-minute walk from the hotel. I took orders ahead of time and delivered about 40 individually made sandwiches and salads from Petosa’s and then rushed over to Soma Salon, where we were all getting hair and make-up done.
The only suggestion my daughter did not jump on was renting Segways for her and the bridesmaids to ride from our home up the hill to the Plaza Room.
Now that would have really been an Edmonds kind of wedding!
Advertising . . . . or editorial??
Maggie Fimia has several times written about shopping local and is one of Edmonds’ biggest promoters. No one mentioned in this article paid any money to be mentioned and in fact this article wasn’t “assigned” to be written — Maggie submitted it in the spirit of encouraging people to shop in Edmonds.
I am constantly amazed at how little I have to go outside of Edmonds to get what we need, whether it’s a good haircut or hand made basket from Ghana or a “wedding package”. Spending dollars locally generates more tax revenue for Edmonds, keeps shops open and saves me lots on gas and time. In fact, we’re thinking we can sell our 1996 Dodge Caravan because we really don’t need 2 cars anymore.
So, I like to crow about local businesses and services – in general and specifically. I’m grateful for them, and happy to spend a little time sharing what I know about them and hopeful that more folks will buy more than an occasional gallon of milk or birthday card – Edmonds offers so much and with a smile. So, I guess it is both an editorial and advertising – but as Teresa explained, it’s in the spirit of promoting all of the businesses in Edmonds.
Hi Maggie! You’re so good to remind us to shop locally and support small businesses here, especially since you don’t have to compromise value and price.
And where are the pics of the wedding party?! Who doesn’t like photos!
…A beautiful “read”… Thank you, Maggie. You captured the “essence” of your daughter’s “celebration” … (while “selling Edmonds” … at the same time!)
PS Please consider the Edmonds Senior Center as another “perfect” venue for a wedding … next to the sandy beach of Edmonds! None of the other venues you recommend are “on the beach”… on the Edmonds Waterfront !