by Scott Johnson
Ta Wedding on 5/26/18 at Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle, Wa
Music licensed from –
Song Freedom – songfreedom.com
“It’s so good! We love it!! Thanks so much!!”
While they might not usually sound like the most “romantic” of wedding venues, conference centers, like the Bell Harbor, are convenient and ready to go for just about any event you wish to host. The Bell Harbor International Conference Center on the historic Seattle Waterfront bucks that trend and is probably one of the most famous (and beautiful) in the area. Boasting some extraordinary views of the waterfront, the Olympics, Mt. Rainier, and the famous Seattle skyline the Bell Harbor is a tough venue to beat conference center or otherwise! You also get food, parking, and just about everything else you need to make the day absolutely perfect, but hey, we just like the idea of the food.
For the Ta’s big wedding, it was a pleasant May day that was neither too hot nor too cold. As everyone milled about getting ready, the ladies popped the champagne bottle, the boys snacked on goodies, and the clouds rolled in to cover up the sun. For an outdoor wedding, this could either be a blessing or a curse. Clouds can often stifle the heat, but too much and everyone will be shivering; luckily it was the perfect middle ground.
Once all the girls’ makeup was done, the groomsmen and Jason participated in some cultural games including push ups while singing Backstreet Boys (don’t ask me…) and a Q&A session where wrong answers resulted in the application of makeup to all of the guys present. After “successfully” completing the games (and posing for a “manly” photo makeup and all) it was time for the first look. Walking into his bride’s room, Jason greeted Stephania with a passionate kiss before the two of them headed off outside to pose for some shots. With both as bashful and happy as can be, we got some really great shots of the two of them wandering around the area. As the excitement continued to grow, we gathered everyone together for some awesome group shots. After some photos with all of their extended family, it was time for the wedding ceremony.
With onlookers from a nearby cruise ship parked in the harbor, and an already packed venue, this was one of the biggest weddings we’ve had the pleasure to shoot. As the gathered overlooking the iconic Seattle waterfront, it was a beautiful, heart-touching wedding with an imposing view and nothing but happiness and love.
Heading on into the Conference Center for the reception, guests were able to pose for photos in a photobooth and sip soda and alcoholic beverages to pass the time before the newlyweds arrived. With applause, the two emerged for the celebration. Cutting the cake and their first dance as husband and wife got things off to a rousing start. Soon there wasn’t much room to even stand due to the amount of people who got on the dance floor.
As far as receptions go, this one was sure a blast! The evening went on and on, and it sadly had to come to an end. To send the newlyweds off, the guests lined the stairs leading away from the reception. With a vibrant new dress, Stephania and Jason headed off into the future and a new life.
Thank you again to Stephania and Jason for choosing Best Made Videos to film their wedding! We hope the first month of marriage has been incredible.
I’m sure you get tired of hearing it, but if you have a question or comment please leave it below and we’ll get back to you!
Venue – Bell Harbor International Conference Center
Photographer – Affinity Photography
Design and Coordination – Rebecca Grant w/ New Creations Wedding Design and Coordination
Officiant – Ray Van Winkle
DJ – Scott Dulin
Cake – Hoffman’s Fine Cakes & Pastries
Hair and Makeup – Angela w/ Salon Maison Bridal Beauty & Style Bar
Stephania and Jason’s story in their own words:
How did you guys meet?
High School
Tell us about the proposal!
On the night of December 30th, 2016, they had a nice evening together by going to dinner and spending time at home playing board games. At the end of the night, Jason took a leap of faith, pulled out a ring, and popped the question.
Why did you choose your venue?
Big enough to accommodate our party size, has a waterfront view
What are you most excited to see in the video?
The first dance, the father/daughter and mother/son dances.
Our Story
They met during high school summer P.E. and would spend most of their time together playing games such as Maplestory online. After high school, they went to different universities all while keeping in touch, Jason would assist Stephania with her writing skills in English. Eventually tutoring needs turned into long leisurely conversations for hours on end, before budding into a long distance relationship.
With Stephania in Reno and Jason in Seattle, Skype became their essential means of communication. They would meet up during summer and winter breaks. Their dates consisted of watching Netflix shows at the same time and eating dinner together. After university, Stephania attended pharmacy school in Las Vegas while Jason began working in Seattle, keeping the relationship long distance for 3 more years.
After being in a long distance relationship for 4 years, Stephania graduated pharmacy school and relocated to Seattle. On the night of December 30th, 2016, they had a nice evening together by going to dinner and spending time at home playing board games. At the end of the night, Jason took a leap of faith, pulled out a ring, and popped the question.