Final wedding updates before the big day!

We can’t believe that Isabelle and Galen’s wedding is in just a little over a week! It’s probably been one of the stranger wedding planning experiences, to say the lest - starting out strong, putting everything on hold, cautiously making plans and then… bam! Once it felt like we could move forward with a plan, it’s been a whirlwind of decision-making and online ordering.

Isabelle did a wedding planning update back in April (during the cautiously optimistic phase) and we also wrote a post with our best COVID-wedding planning advice, which had our best ideas of what we were planning to do and would recommend. Overall we think we did a pretty good job predicting based on where things are now! We thought it would be fun to check in with progress and just a few fun updates for you today :)

So what scenario are we going forward with?

Plan A! (ok, well actually Plan A would be a normal wedding with no pandemic, but usually you don’t have to list out a whole series of contingency plans…) All things considered, this is pretty good. In our planning advice post, our first option was to be able to do a 50-person ceremony this year (while streaming it for the other guests), outside with everyone having enough space. We’ll also get to have a fun picnic style dinner where everyone gets their own basket. We’re lucky that we originally picked an outdoor venue where this whole plan adapts pretty easily and based on recent reports, we feel pretty good that everyone can safely gather outside. Everything with our contract changed, but the plan is to do a big reception next year with all our friends and family!

What about the fun pre-wedding pampering?

Thanks to everyone doing their part #wearamask and diligent small business owners making sure everyone is safe, we’ve been able to schedule some of the fun things like hair, makeup, nails and sugaring (not sure if that counts as fun?). We know it’s just some small parts of the whole experience, but it really helps to make this time feel more special.

But did you pick out a wine?!

Why yes, yes we did. Isabelle and Galen grabbed a selection of wine from Costco since they are allowed to bring their own and we had a fun family wine tasting night. Honestly, doing something ‘normal’ felt good. There were a variety of incompatible ranking systems and possibly too many spreadsheets, but they picked some winners!

Our best advice: if you can, try to still do some of the fun things you were looking forward to and enjoy this time, even when there is so much that’s unpredictable and scary. Everyone is grateful for a little happiness right now :)

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5 fun things for the 4th and 1 important reminder

This weekend is the 4th of July and for so many reasons it’s going to look different this year. We might get together for a small backyard picnic with our parents, the primary purpose of which is ultimately to enjoy s’mores. Even though there can’t be any big parties, here are a few fun (and tasty) treats we’re adding to our list of things to try this summer!

Snow Cone Cupcakes

So cute and won’t melt!

Blueberry crumb cake

Have you ever made anything from Smitten Kitchen that wasn’t amazing (and usually super easy)? Nope, me neither.

Red, white & blue snack mix

Ok this post actually has 25 recipes for you including this fun snack mix

Strawberry & Cream Popsicles

These look so impressive and perfect for a hot day

Blueberry cheesecake ice cream

WHOA, yes please.

With all the fun decorations and food, it’s also important to remember that the 4th of July did not, and still does not, mean freedom and equal rights for everyone in this country. As we’ve been reminded over the last few months, the fight for equality is not over. We hope you will also take some time to reflect on history (you can read Frederick Douglass’s entire speech here) and think about all the things we can do to make this a better country, and world, for everyone.

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Color inspiration No. 7

We’ve started seeing more orange pop up lately in wedding color schemes and thought it would be fun to play with in a few different ways. It definitely makes a statement and probably isn’t utilized as much as other colors, but it is so versatile and fun!

Bold look - let orange be the center of attention in all its shades, especially paired with moody jewel tones

Fresh new take - go for a surprise combination of orange and purple

Classic interpretation - let orange be a bright sunny spot set against green and light florals

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#blacklivesmatter

This week, in solidarity with the movement to amplify voices of BIPOC, we wanted to share things we love that help us grow. One day or one week will not be enough to end racism. It will take an ongoing effort to learn and pursue anti-racism.

There are so many resources being shared right now from books to movies and petitions to sign or donation funds to support, we hope you check those out! We wanted to offer places where you can adopt small, everyday changes to increase your awareness and keep the momentum going to build lasting habits. It can feel overwhelming and like there is a lot to learn and do right now (there is), but you can start by examining your own life and leverage simple, but powerful ways to make an impact. Think of it like ‘expanding your circle of influence’, but rather than what you influence, what you might allow to influence your way of seeing the world.

Look

Think about who you follow on social media. Making a small change like adding new influencers and creatives (fashion! music! Disney!) to your feed gives you more perspectives on every day life, or big events. There are also great educational accounts like BlackPastHistory and BlackHistory.

Artist Barry Johnson

Listen

Already love podcasts? Add Ear Hustle to your list., which covers “the daily realities of life inside prison shared by those living it, and stories from the outside, post-incarceration”. It’s so important to listen to stories different from our own and push back against the dehumanization of prisoners, a population disproportionately made up of BIPOC and other POC.

Shop

So we’re all doing a little more shopping online these days… Etsy is a great way to support small businesses anyway and this is a huge list of Black-owned shops. Plus, there are lots of artists on Instagram who will brighten up your feed, consider purchasing a piece you love!

Artist Kendra Dandy

Eat

We all like to eat out! (or rather, get takeout at the moment…) So consider checking to find a a Black-owned business that serves whatever you’re craving. The Intentionalist actually lists a variety of businesses and you can select from a list of communities you might want to support.

Restaurant Fat’s Chicken and Waffles

Remember, the work doesn’t stop here. It’s important to grow and figure out what it means to be anti-racist, but at the end of the day the system needs to change. Support policy changes, be vocal about what you want from your representatives and vote!

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Party Mixology: fancy cocktails at home!

This post is kind of like a cocktail, it combines two things we love: supporting small businesses and making drinks! Obviously with the pandemic situation we aren’t all able to go out for drinks right now and even though it’s fun to make them at home, sometimes you just want that special treat and to hang out with friends. For the latter, the virtual happy hour has been invented and for the former, many small businesses are now coming up with ways to continue to support their staff and help you step up your home cocktail game. So it’s time to…

Here are some great places to order from or watch for fun recipes!

Shug’s Soda Fountain

Whether it’s for a celebration or just a Wednesday, these Champagne and Prosecco floats look so good. Plus the rest of their pick-up/delivery menu sounds delicious. They have an even more extensive ice cream cocktail menu that we would love to try when things open again! Plus with a spot near Pike Place Market, this will definitely be on our list the next time we go.

Canlis - Bottle Service

So this is a real ‘treat yo rself’ moment, but we had to include it in the lineup. They also have a CSA box and family meals, all delivered right to your door. Of course it’s a bit of a splurge, but what a fun date night! The cocktail kits make 12-16 drinks and are $10-14/drink, which isn’t too bad. They also have a nice selection of wine. Plus, don’t forget to turn on the piano livestream for the full experience.

Craft and Cocktails

If you want to see the cutest, most beautiful, creative cocktails then you need to follow this account. It was honestly hard to pick just one photo to use! She has so many fun ideas and great recipes to try. Plus she’s been doing some tutorials on Instagram, definitely some of the best photos that pop up in our feed.

Happy Camper Cocktail Co

This is the most adorable mobile drink company and they are changing up their business to deliver cocktail kits. The delivery area is expanding and based on demand, so you can sign up here to show interest in having them come to your neighborhood (or you can always pick-up from their location in Wilkeson). Keep an eye on their Instagram for updates!

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