Friday night after I got home for dinner with girls, I had no trouble falling asleep. I usually can't sleep when Tai's not home. I thought I was going to have to a sleeping pill. I was pretty happy to get a full night's sleep. I hadn't been sleeping well with my cold and all.
So Saturday morning, at 7am, I was awaken by my mother-in-law. She was calling to let me know she was up and ready to get going. I let her know that nothing was going for several hours and I would call her later. About an hour later, when I fell back asleep, she called again. I let it go to voicemail (sorry!). I needed a couple more hours of sleep.
Around 10am, Ashley picked me up to take me to get our nails done. Ashley and I relaxed for about an hour while we got pedicures and manicures. It was nice to have some relaxing time and to hang out with Ashley. Unfortunately in this process, I haven't had lots of time to just hang out. Ashley took me to get some snacks then home to finish getting ready for the day.
Marta came and got me around noon to go pick up the flowers from Whole Foods. We got the flowers and the cakes and went to the hotel to get ready. My aunt let us use her hotel room to get ready (such a relief).
After lunch, Tammy came and did my hair and makeup.
She used to do hair and makeup professionally in California. Now she just does it for friends. It was great to have a friend do this for me. Since we didn't have a trial, she started early in case we had to make changes. But everything went wonderfully!
Tai called me to check in. He needed to make some changes to the set up and wanted to check in with me. I told him to do what he needed to do.
Here we are deciding to get ready. We decided that Marta should get dressed before I get dressed. Sorry no half naked photos of me! I kicked the photographer out while I put the dress on.
We took some shots before leaving the hotel. This on the balcony outside of the hotel room. 
Then we took some photos in the lobby. Here's me and Ashley. I think this is a good one.
Then Marta and I. I like how garden-y the lobby is. I'm glad we got some good shots.Then my mother in law and I waited for the van to take us to the site. This was nervous moment number one. While waiting, I started to get a little nervous. I headed to the bathroom alone to attempt to potty and hopefully calm down. When entering the restroom, I ran into Marta. She helped me calm down and use the restroom. While we were primping, a woman came into the bathroom and saw me in my wedding dress. She congratulated me and then told me I should run. She advised me to say heck, no! I ignored her, left the bathroom and got on the van (which arrived while I was in the restroom). Who gives that kind of advice to a stranger?
*All photos taken by Andrew Sengul.
So I arrived at the site at 5:30-half an hour before the ceremony was to start. I wanted to mill around and welcome guests. I also wanted to see my groom.
Photo by Andrew SengulUnfortunately, he didn't want to see me.
Photo by Jill
Tai decided that he wanted to uphold the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding. But no one told me, so I snuck around looking for him. I saw him a few times, but he never saw me.
So he sat behind the barn with his groomsmen while I greeted guests.
Photo by Jill
Photo by Andrew Sengul
Photo by Andrew Sengul
Photo by Andrew SengulOk, let's get this show on the road.
Photo by JillTai and his mom came down the aisle first. 
Photo by Jill
The boys followed, looking all dapper. 
Marta came down the aisle first.
Photo by Andrew Sengul
Photo by Andrew SengulFollowed by Ashley.
And here we go.
Photo by Jill.
Here is our ceremony in it's entirety. Tai cried though the whole thing!
We are gathered here in this beautiful place to witness the joining of Linda and Tai in marriage. They particularly wanted to invite you here because of their sense of spirituality and the growth of their love is connected to this place. They wanted to share with you the beauty of this place because this is where they have made their home.
During their time together they have come here on days like this one, and walked quietly through the trails, listening to the wind in the pines, their time spent in nature has been a time of connectedness of shared reverence for the world and a deepening respect and love for one another. It is this sense of timelessness and peace that they wanted to share with you on this their wedding day.As you enjoy the beauty of this place please take a moment for reflection and quiet prayer to open your hearts and minds to the love and togetherness we are here to share through this ceremony. You may also want to take a moment to remember those loved ones who are not with us today especially Linda’s mother, Connie, and Tai’s grandfather, Ben.
Today we form a circle of love around Linda and Tai as they enter into marriage. To last their marriage must be a consecration of each to the other and of both to wider community of which they a part. That community starts with each and everyone of you their loved ones. Through their act of marriage, Linda and Tai have gathered you around them like a comforting blanket, forming their community of love and support as they move forward into a shared life as marriage partners. Now let us share in a moment of silently extending our blessing to Linda and Tai for loving, healthy, and happy marriage.Tai, Linda, please join hands.
Tai: Linda, I offer you my Love. I offer you my strength. I offer you my weaknesses. I offer you my support. I offer you my loyalty. I offer you my faith, for as long as we both shall live.Linda: Tai, I offer you my Love. I offer you my strength. I offer you my weaknesses. I offer you my support. I offer you my loyalty. I offer you my faith, for as long as we both shall live.
May I please have the rings?
Rings are adornments carefully chosen for their beauty and simplicity. They quietly sit upon our fingers, reminding us of the power of love and the pledge of the wearer to his or her partner to be faithful and true, and to nurture their love so it will last a lifetime. Linda and Tai, may these ring be for you always be your most treasured adornment and may the love they symbolize be your most treasured possession.
Tai please this ring on Linda’s finger
Tai: This ring is my gift you. May it always remind you that from this day forward you will be surrounded my love.
Linda place this ring on Tai’s finger.Linda: This is my gift to you. May it always remind you that from this day forward you will be surrounded by love.
Linda and Tai our best wishes go forward from this day with you. We wish for you a fulfilling life, rich in caring and in happiness. We wish for you a gentle and peaceful life that nurtures and comforts you. We wish for you a noble life, which reflects your honesty, kindness, and integrity. We wish for you a adventuresome life exploring the fullness of your own and each others true selves.Linda and Tai, there is a wonderful life a head of you. Live it fully. Love it’s changes and choices. Let life amaze you and bring you great joy.
And now, by the power vested in us by the State of Washington, we pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride.
Join us in welcoming Linda & Tai!
All pictures by Andrew Sengul.Now, it's time for the fun. First, our first dance.
Despite the fact that we hadn't been really practicing, we did a good job. Our song is Far Away by Nickelback. It's been our song almost since we started dating.
I was trying to make him laugh since he was Mr Serious, trying to get the steps right.Next the speeches, with Brian going first.
Brian and Tai have known each other since they were kids. Back then they used to get in trouble a lot. Now Brian works as a corrections officer and he's on a volunteer hostage rescue team. Tai kept saying "my best man can kick your best man's ass!" Brian welcomed me to the family and said I was stuck with him now. I can't think of a better guy to have on our side!
Ashley gave her Matron of Honor speech. I remember she said something about seeing me less now that I met Tai. That's how she knew I was smitten. Very true. Sadly, now that I'm old and married, I have less time for all the clubbing we used to do as kids. But we still have a good time. I can't wait for Madonna in the fall, Ashley!
Marta giving her Maid of Honor speech. She used the anecdote I threatened to use on her. The first time we met when was Marta was still in college. Since it was a Saturday night, she had been consuming some adult beverages and doesn't remember meeting me. We re-met after she graduated and moved back to the Seattle area.
Carlo gave an impromptu speech. Sadly I don't remember what he said. I'm sure it was a lovely speech.Before the wedding, moments before I walked down the aisle, I had a small panic attack. Carlo rushed over and give me a big hug. He held me while helping me get my breath back. I can never thank him enough for that.
Now the cake cutting.
Here were are cutting the cake. We chose the fresh fruit which was a least pleased with. The tiramsu and the swiss chocolate were my favorites.
My honey preparing to feed me cake.
But I smooshed him! This had been planned. I was to smash the cake while he was preparing to feed it to me. It was very funny and everyone laughed!
Yes, I licked cake off my new husband's face!Well that's pretty much it. Unfortunately the music had to be turned off at 9pm so we didn't do much dancing. Which I was kind of bummed about but nothing I could do at that point.
It was a great wedding. We had a wonderful time. I was pretty glad to get out of my dress at the end of the night. The beading under my arms was digging into my skin (ouch!) and the bustle had broken. My hair was so secure in all those pins that it didn't move all night or the next day. I left my hair up until we got home the next day!
All photos by Andrew Sengul.
Here are my reviews for all our wedding vendors.
Transportation: Shuttle Express-A. I only needed a ride from the hotel to the ceremony/reception site. I reserved a van for 6 but only myself and my MIL used it. Shuttle Express was reasonably priced and easy to use. The driver was early and got us there safely. I felt the price was pretty reasonable.
Florist: Whole Foods, Bellevue-A. I worked with Jim, the floral manager. He was honest about the flowers that would work best for our wedding. I didn't like their ribbon selection so I brought my own ribbon in. He did an excellent job. The flowers turned out really well and held up all day.
Rentals: Grand Events Rental-A. I was able to change our order the week before the wedding. Everything arrived in perfect condition. They dropped everything off on time and picked it up.
Rentals: Grand Events Rental-A. I was able to change our order the week before the wedding. Everything arrived in perfect condition. They dropped everything off on time and picked it up.
Venue-Tolt MacDonald Campground (King County Parks Department) B-They were super sweet when we reserved the site and sent the contract quickly. Some of our guests booked additional campsites and they had no trouble.
The only trouble we had (and the reason I gave them a B) was the day of. The site was clean and ready for when we reserved it. Before we had been told that we needed to turn down the music at 9pm. But the campground host told us to turn off the music at 9pm. He was rude to a couple of our guests and he hovered until we turned off the music.
I still would recommend the site but be aware that everything must be shut down at 9pm.
Caterer-Larry's Smokehouse-A. The tasting was amazing. We brought a couple of friends and Larry actually feed us dinner. No snack or little portion! In the days leading up to the wedding, they touched base with me a few times to make sure they had the right time, etc. They arrived on time to the wedding. Set up and feed everyone. The food was delicious. They left the leftovers in boxes, labeled with what the contents were. Wonderful vendor. Very easy to work with! Highly recommended!
The only trouble we had (and the reason I gave them a B) was the day of. The site was clean and ready for when we reserved it. Before we had been told that we needed to turn down the music at 9pm. But the campground host told us to turn off the music at 9pm. He was rude to a couple of our guests and he hovered until we turned off the music.
I still would recommend the site but be aware that everything must be shut down at 9pm.
Caterer-Larry's Smokehouse-A. The tasting was amazing. We brought a couple of friends and Larry actually feed us dinner. No snack or little portion! In the days leading up to the wedding, they touched base with me a few times to make sure they had the right time, etc. They arrived on time to the wedding. Set up and feed everyone. The food was delicious. They left the leftovers in boxes, labeled with what the contents were. Wonderful vendor. Very easy to work with! Highly recommended!
