Mariela and Naoto's Wedding on 5/31/22 at Twin Willow Gardens in Snohomish, WA
How did you guys meet?: We met when we were 3 years old in pre-kindergarten and were childhood friends. We're from a relatively small town in Puerto Rico.
Tell us about the proposal!: It was supposed to be during a romantic getaway to the Oregon coast. However, once at the Oregon coast (Rockaway Beach), we were hit with a wind storm that led to a power outage, then wildfire began to creep up from north and south, and I (Mariela) almost fell off a cliff during a hike gone awry. Realizing the sky was red due to wildfire, we booked it back to Washington and had to take mountains to avoid fire. Once in the comfort of our living room, Naoto asked me if I wanted to spend my life with him, and I thought he was talking about that series of close calls (no idea he was proposing). He clarified he wanted to marry me, not talking about our Oregon series of unfortunate events, and I said yes from the safety and comfort of our living room. A very thrilling story of survival and love.
Why did you choose your venue?: It checked all the boxes and it was beautiful. I wanted something outdoors with a forest area and I LOVE florals. I love wearing florals, I love floral decor, I love visiting gardens, and I wanted my wedding to be obnoxiously floral. What better place than a garden! And it was nice and manicured enough to appease our non-outdoorsy anti-nature family members.
What are you most excited to see in the video?: People's genuine reactions, including my own. One of my favourite thing about my parents wedding video is seeing how candid and real everything is.
When and where's the honeymoon?!?!: No honeymoon yet. We are saving our PTO to visit Naoto's family in Osaka, Japan this winter.
Cake/Dessert - Grain Artisan Bakery
Caterer - Shooby Doo Catering
Coordination/Planner - New Creations
Dress - La Belle Elaine's Bridal
DJ - Blue Beatz Entertainment
Florals - Oak & Fig
HMUA - OffWhite Hair & Makeup
Linens - BBJ Linens
Music - Seattle String Quartet
Officiant - Rev. Ray Van Winkle
Photographer - Dan Manning
Rentals - Cort Party Rentals
Rentals - SBL Rentals
Stationary - Perfect Press
Venue - Twin Willow Gardens
Videographer - Best Made Videos®