Winter Wedding: Rich Romantic Colors & Lovely, Meaningful Details
Photos by Carissa Grace and Hanna Brandon

Melody & Andrew were married in a beautiful winter ceremony December 19th, 2015 at Events on 6th in Tacoma, WA. The day was full of family and friends and moments special to the couple.

Melody and Andrew were engaged for 8 months, which Melody stated was “too long!”; they didn't want to wait until the next summer, so chose Christmas break as Andrew would be off of school. Happily, it was a good time, as many family and friends were able use the vacation time to visit for the wedding and a Christmas gathering. “In fact, while one of our groomsman photographed our engagement, his two sisters were able to come in from Illinois to photograph the wedding,” said Melody.

The happy couple met in California, where they were both working as baristas in a little independent coffee shop in Santa Clarita. Melody said Andrew's proposal completely surprised her. “We walked up to the top of this park where there was a cobblestone courtyard, and as we walked in he told me he had talked to my dad who had given his blessing. A friend of ours had placed the ring box on the wall at the edge of the courtyard, and was hiding nearby with his camera. Afterwards we went out to lunch, and there was a little engagement party that evening at our friend’s house,” said Melody.

The wedding day was cloudy with patches of blue sky and Melody and Andrew took advantage of the weather to get some outdoor photos at Point Defiance Park. Melody's favorite moment of the day was at the park for their 'first look' photo. “It had been a rollercoaster of a morning, and even though it was freezing and my heels were sinking into the ground, when I got to see him and hug him, the day was perfect from that point on,” she said. “It was very cold and muddy, but fun nonetheless. We had to wash out the train of my dress afterwards,” she added.

Events on 6th was beautifully decorated in burgundy, gold, and blush, with dining tables and cocktail tables set throughout the reception hall and lounge area to accommodate the large guest list. A friend helped with planning and decorating. The wedding began at 3:30, with Melody walking down the aisle to a song one of her bridesmaids had written years ago. “I had always told her I wanted to play it at my wedding,” said Melody. A family friend played the piece on his violin. Melody's dress was a Craigslist find: a perfect fit, flattering, soft, and elegant. “I never actually went dress shopping,” laughed the bride, “and I was happy also to find gold and sparkly shoes!” The couple's officiant was a long-time friend of Andrew's and father of the best man, and after their vows before friends and family Melody and Andrew exited the chapel to LOVE by Michael Buble.

The newly married couple had always wanted to marry in a church building, which was one reason they chose Events on 6th. “I wanted to get married in a church building because my faith is the most important thing to me, and the same goes for my husband,” said Melody. “Everything about Events on 6th was beautiful, every detail was perfect,” she added.

During the social hour, guests could enjoy a hot cocoa bar and sign their names and best wishes on a quilt Melody's mom designed and sewed. Dinner was by Picasso Catering, and the cake was a beautiful gluten-free naked cake made by the younger sister of the couple's wedding planner. “It was beautiful and delicious!” exclaimed Melody.

Melody and Andrew danced their first dance together as husband and wife to Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran. “He was an artist that was listened to a lot when we first started dating and when we worked together in the coffee shop where we met,” said Melody. The DJ for the party was Disco Royale. “He did a fantastic job. He worked with any last-minute changes I wanted, his music choice based off my preferences was spot on, and it was obvious that he loves what he does,” said the bride.

After a long, wonderful day, the couple headed out and spent some time in Sequim for their honeymoon.

What a beautiful wedding day!