Every single time I book a Chateau Lill wedding, I am thrilled. This place is a fairy tale, and to have gotten to shoot here twice this year was a privilege. Definitely one of my favorite Seattle wedding venues which I know isn’t really in Seattle, but close enough!
The first time I met Katie and Joe was actually on their wedding day. We’d Skyped a couple of times since they live in Boston, but I was excited to finally give them hugs. The moment we connected, we clicked.
Katie is witty and totally unaware of how beautiful she is. She reminds me so much of my mom’s younger sister in all the best ways I remember my aunt Irene. The way Katie laughs. That surprisingly loud voice emanating from that tiny physique you cannot help but obey. The warm look she gives you right after you do whatever it is she’s asked as if to say, “I got you you know that right, you silly goose.” Enamored is what you are when you meet this feisty little professor of psychology (that’s what she is, literally).
Joe, on the other hand, is this tall, quiet drink of water that could not be more the opposite of Katie. I don’t think we exchanged more than ten words. The only similarity is their warmth and kindness. One cannot help but wish for more time to hang out, to get to know these two wonderful people.
The Wedding
Katie and Joe were wed spring of this year at the always beautiful Chateau Lill in Woodinville Wine Country. A lot of Katie’s inspiration for her wedding came from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
“It seemed like a fitting theme for us, given that it is classic and goofy, and brings in an outdoorsy but magical element that seemed appropriate for the PNW. So, that meant twinkly lights, gold accents and mercury glass, apothecary jars with flowers and gold-spray painted fairies, baroque gold frames, gold candelabras, but also moss, flowers, , and other natural elements. And books, of course.
The centerpieces were also inspired by my budget mindset, and I found these almost antique-looking candelabras at Marshall’s for a super sale, and then proceeded to hunt down every candelabra at every Marshall’s in the area and gold-leafed them to blend the different finishes.”
When asked what her favorite part of the wedding was, Katie said it was their sharing of vows with their friends and family.
“We’ve moved so much over the years, from Seattle to British Columbia, Mississippi, Massachusetts, and met so many amazing people that we don’t see often enough. They’ve each known us at different stages of our 15-year relationship. Having everyone travel, in some cases so far, was very special and felt a little like our worlds colliding, in all the best ways.”
Why a Chateau Lill Wedding?
“It’s funny, because we decided on Chateau Lill without even seeing it in person! My stepmom visited, with me Skyping in from Massachusetts. But even through Skype it was clear that it was a unique, stunning venue. I knew I wanted something with an outdoor area with pine trees for the ceremony, and an indoor area as a rain backup. The gorgeous views, ponds, gazebo, and alpacas were definitely selling points, as was the indoor area with its vaulted ceilings, rustic old beams, chandeliers, and fireplace. The fact that it was a French chateau also seemed serendipitous, since we had just gotten back from a trip to France and Italy where were got engaged, and also visited a number of vineyards. Diane, the site coordinator, was so kind and helpful, it just sealed the deal.”
Despite the gusty winds, on and off rain, on and off clouds and on and off sun (typical PNW weather I’d say), it was perfect. And here are the photographs to prove it.
ps. This was the wedding I was introduced to croque-em-bouche. I left wondering where it had been all my life. The best thing in my mouth to date. Need more!
Florals: Anna Brandt
Wedding gown: Vows (Boston, MA)
Bride’s shoes: Lanvin
Groom’s tux: Indochino
Caterer: Alexa’s Catering
Cake: The Cakewalk Shop
Croque-em-bouche: Suzi Dixon
Wedding party attire: Vera Wang, David’s Bridal, Adrianna Papell, Le Chateau, Jenny Yoo
Makeup: Renee Saia
Hair: Sunnie Style Studio
Quartet: Caixa
DJ: Randy Cruse at Sounds Unlimited
