by Scott Johnson

How is everyone doing as quarantine continues? Hopefully you are finding ways to stay healthy, entertained and uplifted in these weird times. We have come to the end of our second series in the Favorites of 2019 Countdown; Favorite Indoor Weddings. From churches and trapeze centers to legendary landmarks and golf courses, we have run the gambit of all the great places that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Ever the unpredictable when it comes to weather at any point in the year, our great state has limitless places to have a wonderful indoor ceremony. Without further ado, let us take a look at our final five Favorite Indoor Weddings of 2019!

Shuster Wedding - Olympic Rooftop Pavilion

Ballard was (at least up until quarantine) a hopping place to spend a Saturday night. Breweries punctuate the neighborhood while neat little restaurants and hotspots fill out the rest. The name Olympic Rooftop Pavilion might throw you off in thinking it is exposed to the elements, but there is an indoor space that is as close to being outdoors as you can get. Big bay windows open up behind the altar to reveal the hilled communities of Seattle.

Our day with the Shusters in early June was spent roaming the streets of Ballard (literally) and getting adorable moments of Melody and James looking hopelessly in love. Live harp music added a high level of class to an already classy venue. Despite it being a lovely late-spring evening, the night was kept indoors except for some twilight hour beauty. Say, did you notice the caricature artist?

Ochs Wedding - The Golf Club at Newcastle

This is not the last you will hear of The Golf Club at Newcastle in our Favorites of 2019 Countdown, but for now it could throw you for a loop when you consider this was our last wedding of the Spring and it was spent indoors...at a golf course. Nevertheless, the Ochs day had both the sheer beauty of expansive views and intimate indoor gatherings. It was about as grand a day as any to hit the driving range...er, to get married...up high in the Newcastle hills. Dapper dogs, champagne and the thwack of golf balls had the day moving at a splendid pace.

Valeria and Garret had plenty of time outdoors with Seattle looming in the distance. Once the indoor ceremony got going (it was held in a luxurious tent), the rest of the day was mostly inside. On a day with so many wonderful components, it never failed to surprise us. Bagpiper? Check. Amazing sparkler send off? Double check. What was your favorite moment of this wedding?

Hyland Wedding - Pickering Barn

Our only trip to the lovely rustic lifestyle in this edition, the Hyland wedding at Pickering Barn boasted quiet pastures, distinct backdrops and plenty of places for Blake and John to look like absolute lovebirds. After a morning of getting the troops ready to kill with their looks, Blake had a first look with her dad, followed by John. Out by the barn, they met and boy did they look wonderful.

Once we had enough vitamin D, it was time to head inside for the ceremony and reception. The massive ceremony space, only to be outdone by the even larger wooden walls on either side, had no issues whatsoever fitting the many guests, bridal party, and everything in between. A few newlywed photos were all the rest of the time spent outside before hitting the dance floor. If there is one thing Pickering Barn will definitely not disappoint in, is having more than enough space for the biggest of dance parties. Square dancing, anyone?

Murphy Wedding - Private Residence

Jumping right into the heart of the buzzing city of Seattle, our day with the Murphys was about as Seattle as it gets. Overcast but still warm, bright but not blinding, the intimate gathering high in one of the many towering skyscrapers was simple and sweet. Going to show that all you need to have a great wedding is little more than a bunch of balloons, loved ones, a great view and an officiant, the Murphys were beyond excited to get hitched. Rising out of adorable green “pots” the white wedding balloons (along with a dozen more off to the side) led the way down to the altar where the great city opened up beyond.

Once Mingzi and Matt were married, paperwork was nipped in the bud and they had a breathtaking cake-cutting out on the balcony overlooking the Sound. Wine and beer were served, along with some other tasty snacks, before toasts were given, leading to the end of a perfectly splendid wedding.

Yokley Wedding - West of the Waterway

Here we are at our final wedding in this series. Down in Tacoma, Kishana and Eric spent the day at West of the Waterway, a perfect place that can get you hitched indoor and out. Once they had gotten dressed at the Marriott, they made their way over to the Tacoma waterfront for their photo session. Late August is always tricky, we can be blessed with a scorching day (and in recent years, smoky) or a drizzly, rainy day. The Yokleys' wedding day was overcast but perfectly fine to spend outdoors for the photos. Kishana’s flowing veil was a stunning sight billowing down the steps, and eventually when she stood up at the altar.

After the ceremony, the festivities commenced with much of the evening spent in the lavish spaces that West of the Waterway had to offer. Dancing, hilarity and partying kicked off, with not a soul wanting it to end.

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There you have it for our second series in our Favorites of 2019 Countdown! Be sure to check back soon for our next: Favorite Toasts, followed by Favorite Venues! Did you get hitched indoors? Would you consider it now or is your heart set on an outdoor wedding? We are always eager to hear from all of you, so let us know in the comments below!