Real Wedding Inspiration: Vintage Mardi Gras Flare

Without a doubt, one of my favorite things about coordinating a wedding is the chance to help bring to life each bride and groom’s unique vision for their day. Since no two couples or weddings are ever quite the same, I never cease to learn from and be inspired by all of the creative and truly personalized details that make each occasion one-of-a-kind.

When it comes to original ideas, our friends Julie and Nash certainly outdid themselves with their vision for a 1920s Mardi Gras-themed celebration – a well-thought plan that evolved and came beautifully together throughout the past year, culminating this fall into one of the most unique and exciting weddings I’ve seen, let alone had the honor of coordinating.

Here, a few highlights of their day as shot by Jon Fisch of The Seattle Times, along with family members and friends. Photographers at their venue, Urban Light Studios in North Seattle, shot tons more throughout the ceremony and cocktail reception, which I look forward to also sharing soon. 

Julie & Nash's Library 

Jon Fisch

Jon Fisch

Jon Fisch

In keeping with the Carnival-inspired theme, the wedding party and groom wore handmade masks and rang bells as they made their way down the aisle. Vintage hats and feathered headpieces also enhanced the party's attire, while colorful beads and peacock feathers made fitting accents for the flowers and decor. 

Jon Fisch

Jon Fisch

Jon Fisch

Jon Fisch

Jon Fisch

Jon Fisch

Julie's bridal look was beyond breathtaking, as she accented her already stunning gown with a variety of vintage and Mardi Gras-inspired touches, including a colorful sash and necklaces, mask-themed brooch, and headpieces featuring eye-catching feathers and beads. 

Jon Fisch

Jon Fisch

Jon Fisch

Stephen Walrath

Ahead of the ceremony, Julie and Nash exchanged a private first look on their backyard deck, followed by photos with the wedding party, which showcased the group's vintage-focused attire. I absolutely loved the bridesmaids' peacock headpieces and the groomsmen's unique boutonnieres, the latter of which were skillfully crafted by bridesmaid Jessica.

Jon Fisch

Julie & Nash's Library

Jon Fisch

Stephen Walrath

Julie & Nash's Library

Jon Fisch

At the venue, an eclectic Seattle photo studio, the unconventional ceremony kicked off with officiants Chris and Olivia waltzing down the aisle to take their places before a gathering of 100 guests. Once in place, they exchanged the wedding party's "wild" masks for more "civilized" bouquets and top hats to symbolize the groom's impending transition from bachelor to husband.

After walking his daughter down the aisle to Bob Dylan's Wigwam, Julie's father, a Central California vintner, gave a stirring and symbolic speech relating the growth and changes of grape vines throughout the years to those experienced within marriage. Readings, personal vows and an exchange of rings followed. 

Stephen Walrath

Stephen Walrath 

Stephen Walrath

Stephen Walrath

Post-ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception featuring appetizers and drinks, including signature concoctions such as the Mint Julep and Southern Soprano. The two-level venue featured a variety of themed rooms for guests to explore, along with a studio-run photo booth that was a huge hit throughout the night.

Stephen Walrath

Stephen Walrath

Stephen Walrath

Stephen Walrath

Closing out the night with a special touch, Julie and Nash held a midnight marriage certificate signing ceremony to symbolize the start of their new life together and set their official wedding anniversary date as 11.20.2011. 

Venue: 

Urban Light Studios 

Catering: 

Duos Catering 

Wines: 

Fratelli Perata

Photography: 

Jon Fisch & Urban Light Studios 

Officiants: 

Chris & Olivia Bloomquist 

Floral Design: 

Jessica Wilbur 

DJ: 

Ted Garbeff 

Coordination: 

Heather & Stephen Walrath

Thank you, Julie and Nash, for letting me share your day, and many happy wishes for an incredible life together!