A few days after the November 2012 election and Ref-74 passed, I received word from Mark and J. to have their Save the Date cards printed. They were finally getting married 19 years after first meeting, dating, and building a life together.

We had met earlier in the fall to discuss their wedding, get a few items in place, mainly the venue and design ideas for the save the date card, since we were hopeful about the referendum’s outcome. Once the vote was confirmed, we rolled out the plan. Cave B Inn & Spa, sitting on the Gorge in Quincy, was the ideal location. It had been a favorite destination for Mark and J. and they looked forward to sharing the venue and breathtaking views with family and close friends. Tarsha Rockowitz designed the save the date card and invite using central Washington’s landscape for inspiration and provided four original watercolor works. The save the date card was printed on a 4×6″ wood panel and mailed in a wildflower seed envelope. The invite was printed on a heavy 5×7″ cotton cardstock, mailed in a wildflower seed envelope, along with a weekend itinerary, a card noting their three favorite charities (in lieu of gifts), and a RSVP response card.

Guests arrived Friday afternoon and enjoyed a delicious dinner highlighting Cave B’s beliefs of farm to table cooking. On Saturday, guests enjoyed wine tasting events, the spa and were able to explore the grounds. In the early evening, before the ceremony, guests enjoyed Cave B’s wines, appetizers and an amazing view of the vineyards and Gorge from the Estate Room. The ceremony was officiated by Mark’s sister, Gay, and included handfasting and ribbon rituals. As a surprise for the couple, Gay had asked Mark and J.’s siblings to read the handfasting’s traditional poem. The ribbon used for the ceremony was passed to and held by their 38 guests, joining them together. After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed the reception dinner in the Winery’s Cave, which showcased the flavors of PNW. For dessert, 40 individual wedding cakes were served. 

Ending note: there had been a major wind storm the entire day, making moving between buildings a major battle. About mid-way through the ceremony, the wind graciously (and finally) died down. The photographer, Taylor, seized this moment of complete stillness right after the ceremony, while the sun was setting, and captured Mark and J. in the Piazza. These last two are my favorite photos from the weekend. Thank you to Mark and J. for allowing me the honor to be a part of this phenomenal milestone in their lives.

Event Planning: Sparrow Soirées / Photography: Taylor Gage Photography / Miniature Cakes: The Sweet Side / Venue & Catering: Cave B Inn & Spa, with Executive Chef Adam Thompson & Della Gonzales, Catering Manager / Orchid Boutonnieres: Flowers on 15th / Floral Centerpieces: Signature Flowers & Events / Table Votives: Glassybaby / Save the Date & Invite: Tarsha Rockowitz

For additional images, visit Sparrow Soirées’ Facebook album related to this event.