by Scott Johnson

Hello there, dear readers. It has been quite some time since we have brought you a new slate of content. Things seem to be finally settling back into some form of normalcy. Mask mandates are ending, the number of infections are decreasing (at least at the time of writing this) and we have really just been missing a lot of the love we used to see on a daily basis. Weddings haven’t been all too easy over the last couple years: whether it was a venue closing down, a relative unable to come or drastically reducing the guest list we have seen and felt the pain of all the couples we have worked with since early 2020. But the good news is: we are back and brimming with fresh material. Who is ready to get back to celebrating love and weddings?

Early on in the pandemic, we spent the day with Alisyn and Erik Schroeder. If there was one good thing that came out of the pandemic, it was the implementation of technology to allow for anyone to be “in attendance” while also remaining safe and healthy. Of course, this technology already existed, but along with our drone footage the Schroeders really leaned into the future (as any happy couple should!) 

Despite it being late summer, the pandemic kept mostly everyone indoors and masked. As we spent the morning getting ready with the bride (the groom got ready separately) there was champagne popped, mimosas sipped and good times to be had. While the ladies got ready early, the gents had time to sleep in and lounge around. After several hours of hair, makeup and dress-adjusting, Erik and Alisyn met for their First Look Photos at the Olympic Sculpture Park. 

Tucked away in a little grove, the bride approached her groom from behind ensnaring him in a hug. The two couldn’t keep their hands off each other from that point forward! With Puget Sound in the background it was a breathtaking view on a blissful summer day. The rest of the bridal party soon joined in as we made our way back to the Bell Harbor International Conference Center. The ladies strutted their stuff in lovely blue gowns while the gents rocked gray suits. Once we captured enough of the fun and silliness (safely distanced in some situations) it was time to get ready for the ceremony. 

Out in the beautiful open air, with still a while to go before sunset, the bride and groom met to be wed surrounded by their loved ones both near and afar. Delivering some mirroring vows, Erik and Alisyn both touch on the struggles of the pandemic, how much stronger they are because of it, and that they can now make it through whatever life throws their way. As the sun started to dwindle, the newlyweds  shared their first kiss as husband and wife before making their way indoors to sign the official documents. 

Making their way to Palisades and their reception, the newlyweds kicked off their first night as husband and wife with dancing, delicious food, an impossibly delectable cake and celebrating far past the sunset. Once the lights had dimmed, the newlyweds embarked on their new adventure through a tunnel of sparkling noise makers. What better way to end a night than that? 

How did you guys meet?: Erik and Alisyn met at their apartment complex on the water in Monona, Wisconsin while Alisyn was in her graduate program and Erik was beginning a new job. Alisyn bumped into Erik's roommates on the elevator and they scheduled a game night with all their roommates. It was like a scene straight out of Friends. The six roommates and neighbors played games and became friends spending the weekends together. Alisyn and Erik started out as just friends getting to know each other. Over time their relationship blossomed into more and more until they realized they were made for each other and could not spend another day without being a part of each other's lives.

Tell us about the proposal!: Erik and Alisyn came back to Washington State for the Christmas of 2018. Erik and Alisyn's mother brought Alisyn down to the Gig Harbor waterfront to "take family pictures" with her entire family including her sister, brother-in-law, and niece. As Alisyn and Erik were taking their pictures together, Erik got down on one knee and asked for Alisyn's hand in marriage forever. Of course Alisyn said 'yes!!'

Why did you choose your venue?: Of course, the incredible downtown Seattle views! Also, we love water and it is right on the water. 

What are you most excited to see in the video?: The first look (Alisyn) and us at the alter exchanging vows (Erik)

When and where's the honeymoon?!?!: Hawaii!!

Wedding Planner and Florist - Katy Warner
www.seattlestunningevents.com

Photographer - Adina Preston
www.weddingsbyadina.com

Videographer - Best Made Videos®
www.bestmadevideos.com

DJ - Justin w/ Ottomatic
www.ottoolson.com