by Scott Johnson

Wurtz Wedding on 5/5/18 at The Ballard Locks in Seattle, Wa

Music licensed from -
Song Freedom - songfreedom.com
The Music Bed - themusicbed.com

"Reid and crew are flat-out exceptional (all our thanks and due credit to Jeff and Matt, too!). From the onset, Reid is no stranger to carrying himself and the tight communication with such poise, confidence and excellence. He takes extra weight off your shoulders that you didn't even know existed until you endure and share an immense gratitude for vendors/partners like Reid that allow such finesse during Wedding planning; the type that will never be taken for granted but all-the-more appreciated in the final product and keepsakes, thereafter. Not once did we ever feel concerned that our voices weren't being heard or that our feedback was being compromised. Reid has this get-it-done mentality that is exciting to witness and see translated in his quality of work. We were, first, referred Best Made Video's way by an old colleague in the Marketing Media/Production industry and deservingly so. We had a very unique Same-Day edit vision and, not only was Reid up for the challenge but, Best Made Videos over-delivered and exceeded our expectations. The entire process is set-up for success. I recall our Day-Of Coordinator assuring us that he "knows what he is doing" when sharing and reviewing that our Videographer contract was good-to-go. During the morning of our Getting Ready phase, he showed up to the Bridal Party location ready, enthusiastic as ever and took control of all the timing that he had to work with. Not in the least bit of the over-bearing type but the kind where you truly don't know how the Day-Of is going to go until you are fully immersed in it and it is happening (you can only bake in slots of timeframes to a point) and Reid got the job done with intended shots while paying great attention to each and every little detail that could possibly be captured. He did so in such a refined and encouraging way. Another family friend asked post-wedding if we had a personal relationship with Reid just by the embracing way we were able to hug it all out at the conclusion of the crazy, wild, fun and beautiful day's filming but I firmly believe his natural passion in this business has the tendency to reflect in this way. Without a shadow of a doubt, take on Reid and his team if even slightly considering. The new Mr. & Mrs. Wurtz have the utmost respect and admiration for the level of service exemplified here. The highest of recommends we are able to give. There are not enough thanks in the world to convey how much Best Made Videos truly completed our day!"

After what seemed like a never-ending winter, complete with bitter cold and ceaseless rain, us here in Seattle have been treated to a warm and sunny spring time--even if it was a little late to get into motion. With days reaching the 70s, we are officially in Wedding Season, and along with it a whole new batch of wonderfully bright and toasty outdoor ceremonies. For the Wurtz Wedding, we got a chance to head somewhere we’ve never been before--at least not while on a school field trip--the Ballard Locks.

Acting as the ebb and flow between the Pacific Ocean and Salmon Bay, which bleeds into Lake Union and Washington, the Locks are in many ways a poignant reminder of what marriage is: the meeting of two worlds.

Clear skies mean drone footage, and boy did we capture some wonderful shots of the waterways. But the day got started in a quaint little Queen Anne neighborhood, with the sun streaking in through the windows. Grey suits and lilac dresses adorned the bridesmaids and groomsmen, while the maid of honor wore peach. Goofing around beforehand, the guys got in a quick workout session to be extra ready for the wedding.

Once everyone was ready to go, we headed off to the Locks for some pre-wedding shenanigans. Hopping around the hills with the groomsmen, the boys were having quite a blast coming up with new and unique poses.

As everyone showed up for the wedding, which was held in a little grove between two towering trees and a balloon arch, the Josh beamed with excitement as he saw his bride Jasmyn approaching down the aisle. As they delivered supportive, emotional vows, their love rang true. And then, with a kiss, they were officially husband and wife.

Heading off for some private time, and to cuddle their kitty, we got some shots of the newlyweds wandering around the neighborhood looking stylish and cute amongst some of their favorite stomping grounds. Stopping for some celebratory drinks and more group photos (this time overlooking the Space Needle from the north), the group was full of jubilation.

When it was time to head to the reception, the newlyweds emerged into the beautiful event space with a roar of applause. Opting for a same-day edit, we were able to compile a quick video of the events of the day so far for the guests at the reception. Modern technology allows for a lot of cool things, and the Wurtz’ really took advantage of all that we offer!

Taking their first dances, it was an absolutely gorgeous time with wall-to-wall windows illuminating the space along with some beautiful chandeliers. After cutting their cake, it was time to dance the night away. Getting everyone in on the action took some time, but once everyone was on their feet the night zipped by with all the guests having a grand time celebrating.

Thank you again to Jazmyn and Josh for picking Best Made Videos to film their wedding! We really appreciate you being adventurous and taking a shot with some of our specialty packages!

As always, if you like what you saw or have a question, don’t hesitate to let us know below!

Venue - Hiram M. Chittenden Locks - Ballard Locks, China Harbor Restaurant - 中國海景
Photographer - William James Photography
Videographer - Best Made Videos
Drone - David Owen Hawxhurst
Dress - MeaMarie Bridal Atelier
Day of Coordinator - Carol Gavhane
Designer - Rodney Bamboa
Decor - Danielle Edvalds
Officiant - Narin Vann
Emcee - Luke Anderson
Hair - Gather, the salon
MUA - Jane So
Transportation - Butler Events
Florist - Golden Bow Gifts
DJ - Tyler Steckler

Jazmyn and Josh's Story in their own words:

High school sweethearts. Different high schools, though, everyone at Bothell High believed Josh was enrolled as a fellow Blue Train Cougar. Some still do. Would like to think that it then manifested itself into the life - or, shall we say,  Crimson - blood line that we were fortunate enough to shed and share as WSU Cougars.

Met through Ricky McDonald; being Jazmyn's best friend, first (in Junior High after their St. Luke and St. Markian ties), then becoming tied at the hip with Josh during the height of their Meadowdale Maverick days. Young Jazz clearly had no idea what she was in for when Ricky insisted that he had a good guy he thought she should fancy meeting.

Hot Tub Official. One, fine evening, four friends casually got together on a weeknight after school in the Summer of '06. Giddy, naturally, one of Jazmyn's girlfriends "suggested" she needed to quench her thirst by grabbing a soda inside, whereby Ricky followed suit in getting whatever hint Jazmyn didn't see coming (she swears she is, otherwise, really on-point when it comes to paying attention to details but all of that can tend to go out the window when emotions come into play). Sitting a cute, arm's-length distance apart in the awesome hot tub set-up his family had in their backyard - the, ultimate, cool factor for any high schooler - sweet, little Josh then got up the courage to ask Jazz to be his girlfriend.

The rest is history still in the making.

It even comes full circle. Hawaii makes the dream work. Not even a year after being together, Josh and Jazz had the tremendous opportunity of joining the Sanchez family for a memorable vacation in Kona. Fast-forward to present day, November 2017 where Josh executed an astounding, full-blown proposal on the beaches of Maui. Even surprised Jazmyn by flying her mom out for this special, momentous occasion; capturing incredible, behind-the-scenes footage - giving paparazzi a run for their money - of the bended-knee moment from an overlooking balcony.

Why so long to tie the knot?

Why not? Agreeing that there was no rush from the onset or, at least, knowing we, both, wanted to feel in a good place before this part of our journey. No one can ever really produce or anticipate the best timing but we would like to think we created a loving, trusting, encouraging and promising foundation that can only continue to grow and thrive from here. Learning how to love ourselves, first, before tackling on the wants, needs and desires of the other really lends itself to how special this relationship is. Now, we couldn't see it any other way and only want to bring out the best in each other and our loved ones. We are thrilled to solidify our courtship in marriage with you, all, come 05.05.2018!

Going on 12 Years strong, together.

Why did you choose your venue?

After experiencing some of the most serene, extravagant and beautiful wedding venues that the Pacific Northwest had to offer, we couldn't help but admire how accommodating China Harbor's staff and personnel were in advising and curating a hard-to-beat Reception package for us in the heart of the city. 5 is the Bride's favorite number (soccer number growing up) and May 5th happened to land on a Saturday which makes it easy to always remember such a joyous, momentous occasion (plus, all-the-more reasons for the bride's select liquor choice: Tequila!). Its gorgeous backdrop overlooking SLU during an unpredictable Seattle weather timeframe with easy access for close friends and family that have shared 12-some years together with was just right. As for the ceremony, Ballard is home to the soon-to-be newlyweds first "Seattle" residency and after Trooper Bowser mentioned that anyone can get married at the Locks for free with a suggested grounds-keeping donation (while the couple went jogging one, fine Summer), it clicked and lined up perfectly.

What are you most excited to see in the video?

A collation of all the wonderful memories we will get to continue to share with each other and our closest loved ones as a testament to all that our relationship stands for and will continue to thrive from.