Summer Heartfelt Wedding: Meaningful Moments with a bit of Football
Photos by TK Photography
Nova & Dan were married July 25th, 2015 at Events on 6th in Tacoma, WA. They said their vows and celebrated their day with generous, helpful friends and family, and enjoyed a day full of special touches and meaningful moments.
The couple planned the day and decorations together, and friends and family helped decorate and make the day extra special. They embellished the chapel and formal entry with black and white decorations, and chartreuse accents. The couple chose a lovely monogrammed aisle runner, white rose petals, and white candles in hurricane lanterns to line the aisle.
That Saturday was overcast, with some light rain in the morning; the wedding began at 5pm, with Dan walking down the aisle to Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and Nova with her grandmother to Canon in D. Nova’s bouquet was wrapped in a handkerchief embroidered by her late grandmother, and her beautiful ivory gown had a sweetheart neckline, A-line skirt with pockets, and an embellished sash. The bridesmaids chose their own black cocktail dresses and the groomsmen also chose their black suits and white shirts, finishing the crisp look with chartreuse ties. Dan’s father performed the ceremony, which was one of Nova’s favorite moments of the day. “I love that Dan’s dad performed the ceremony, and particularly appreciated the homily he delivered," said the happy bride. The couple enjoyed a song performed for them during the ceremony by close friends, and after being pronounced man and wife, triumphantly exited to Tripping Billies by the Dave Matthews Band.
Dan’s favorite moment came earlier in the day, when he was first allowed to see Nova. “It was an INCREDIBLY long wait, paid off by the first chance to see my bride, just the two of us and the photographers in the chapel...I will never forget that moment,” said the groom.
Another wonderful moment came after the official pictures, when the groomsmen crossed the street and picked up donuts from Legendary Donuts. “They were delicious,” said the groomsmen.
Nova and Dan met through eHarmony and planned their first date to combine Nova’s great loves: the PLU Lutes and playoff football. Dan was working the sidelines at the PLU vs Linfield game so Nova made the trip from Corvallis to McMinnville to meet up with him. They found each other at various times during the game, but made absolutely no contact until the ACTUAL first date at a Mexican restaurant about an hour after the final whistle. “We only had drinks and chips and salsa, even though we talked for over three hours!" exclaimed Nova. “Linfield won, in case there was any doubt....as did Dan it turns out,” she added with a laugh.
Dan proposed on a surprisingly lovely Saturday in January, a day packed full of errand running. He suggested they take Nova’s dog Barley on a walk to enjoy the break in the rain and offered up the Corvallis Covered Bridge, a walk that both had discussed but never done together. Nova exclaimed, "that's a brilliant idea!" but apparently so did everyone who lived in Benton County, as the park was full of walkers, runners, bikers, and dog-walkers. After walking through the bridge, Nova decided it was time to head back. Dan suggested they exit the same way they had arrived, through the bridge, to which Nova replied "we've already done that, why don't we walk around the path that loops back" (voice in Dan's head: "crap"). The loop ultimately passes near several information signs about the surrounding farmland and Nova stopped to look, which is when Dan asked if there was a sign ABOUT the bridge. Good for Dan, there was one and it was ON the bridge, so they journeyed back to the historic landmark. Nova intently read the sign, while Dan looked around to see if he had a window of no people (he did) and reached for the ring. (Voice in Nova's head: "Why the heck is he NOT reading the sign, he WANTED to read the sign, what is he doing?!"). Dan then got on one knee and proposed and Nova said ‘yes’ in between moments of shock. “Barley was there, and well-behaved...no seriously people, she just sat there and was well-behaved,” added a surprised Nova.
During their 6 month engagement, the couple was very happy to discover Events on 6th. “We liked that it was an indoor, weather safe, and all in one space venue," said the couple. “We liked the historical significance of the building and that it was a church; the history of the building adds an incredible sense of charm and character, and honors the history of Tacoma and the 6th Ave District in particular," they said. The couple was also happy they did not have to decorate very much to make it a beautiful day. “Both the reception and ceremony spaces (plus lovely interior courtyard) are truly beautiful on their own, and required very little decorative additions to make them feel like our own personal wedding. We feel truly blessed to have found such a fantastic space,” said Nova and Dan.
The reception was also filled with fun and family. On the tables were Nova and Dan’s gift to their guests, monogrammed Rally towels, which everyone waved as the couple entered the party. Black and white linens were used on the tables and decorations included white orchid centerpieces in antiqued flowerpots, a DIY project by the couple. Another special touch on display was Nova’s family Russian Orthodox icon.
The guests all enjoyed a lovely dinner of Huli Huli Chicken, Beef Bourgeon, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans with Bacon, Fresh Spring Salad, Dinner Rolls, and Macaroni and Cheese for the Kids, all by Picasso Catering. The delicious chocolate and vanilla layered cake with buttercream frosting was provided by a close family friend.
Dan and Nova danced their first dance to Snow Outside by the Dave Matthews Band, and the family and wedding party started off the rest of the dancing with What A Beautiful World by Louis Armstrong. The night continued with tunes arranged by the DJ from Disco Royale.
As the night ended, the guests created a tunnel of rally towels and the couple charged through to the waiting car and on to their relaxing three night “MiniMoon” at Semiahmoo Resort & Spa in Blaine, Washington.
Caterer: Picasso Catering
Cake: Friends
DJ: Disco Royale
Planning/Decoration: Bride & Groom, Friends of the Couple
Florist: Metropolitan Market on Proctor
Photographer: TK Photography
Dress: AniA Collection in Portland