Love for Tacoma is something that binds those who call themselves Tacomans. This city is special and you kind of have to want to live there. Kali + Shawn have been a part of this town for quite some time and they have a solid mass of roots that tie them to the city, it’s only fitting that they get married in such a quintessential Tacoma location at the Foss Waterway Seaport near Downtown Tacoma.

The day started off perfectly, the Groom and his party got dressed in their custom Brooks Brothers suits on a boat docked at Johnny’s aptly named “Happy Together”. Champagne corks a poppin’ and the palpable joy of being on the seacraft elevated spirits and set the tone for the day. Shawn was joined by his closest friends in their supportive role for the day ahead. After docking the boat at the venue, a convenient jaunt just down the Foss Waterway, the boys were all dressed up and ready to embark on the rest of the adventure ahead.

I met Kali at her parents house, not too far from the retail core of the Proctor District, high on the hill above Old Town Tacoma. Kali was mostly prepped and just slipped into her dress and we got rolling to meet the boys on the Murray Morgan Bridge for the first look and some portraits of the whole crew together. This may have been one of my favorite first looks ever, just the scene itself was perfect but their reactions were not insignificant in playing a role either.

We had a little time to kill before the ceremony while final preparations were being made and guests were slowly trickling in. We were able to snap a few photos in some great light inside of the Seaport. There’s a lot of Tacoma history to be seen here, the industrial and maritime relics proudly on display alongside large whale skulls and skeletons that paint a tapestry of the history of our fair city. A large group gathered for the ceremony and they were met with a heartfelt speech by the family’s minister in the shadow of the Murray Morgan Bridge.

Live music by The Barleywine Review greeted the guests after the ceremony and provided great ambiance for dinner service and the First Dance. Speeches by close relatives friends created emotional moments felt by all and lead into the Father/Mother dances. Kali’s family is very tight and it shows because during her dance with her Father Kali’s mom burst in and they all danced together on the floor with the lovely finishing move of Kali dipping her mother. Afterwhich everyone followed suit and got down on the dance floor!

 

Venue:
Foss Waterway Seaport

Kali’s Dress:
BHLDN 

Bridesmaid Dresses:
Macy’s
Portland Vintage

Shawn & Groomsmen Suits:
Brooks Brothers

Flowers:
WA Floral
Downtown Farmers Market

Catering:
Dombrowski Catering

Tatjana and Brady have opposing personalities but in the complimentary way, he’s a little more outgoing and extroverted and shes a bit more reserved and introverted. However the two of them combined are quite the pair when it comes to having a good time. This Seattle Country Club wedding was certainly one for the books.

Broadmoor Golf & Country Club is located kitty corner to the UW Arboretum and naturally we used that proximity to our advantage and utilized the scenery and the classic aqueduct for our first look and formal shots. We also used the pristine manicured greens of the course for some contextual shots as well. The gents got themselves ready in downtown Seattle at the Seattle Athletic Club and the ladies opted to take the Champion’s Room at Broadmoor all to themselves. Tatjana surrounded herself with her closest friends and her Mother while Brady kept his closest buds at hand and seeing as how the guys get ready faster that also means they get to start the party sooner!

Once everyone was on site at the country club we shot our formals and took our time before the ceremony to just relax and make the last minute preparations. The staff at Broadmoor handled their end of the deal beautifully and the catering and decor looked excellent. One of Tatjana’s friends; Carey of Bleedfoot Florals handled all of the flower arrangements, bouquets and her unique style really shined through. I especially loved the low key and subtle decor on the cake as well as the bushy and wild look of the fireplace mantle. She also put together the flowers and decorations at the ceremony site alter.

The ceremony was touching and heartfelt, given by a friend of the family who happily stuck around and partied with the rest of the crew through the night. A short poem reading by two dear friends was a touching addition. After the ceremony the buffet opened and the drinks started flowing and by the hour the fun kept getting bumped up a few notches. I was lucky to get a few minutes with just Tat + Brady for some twilight portraits later in the evening, it can be hard to pull the main attractions away from an event where they are in high demand for attention.

Great people, great guest and a great location. It takes a village to make it all work.

Bride’s Dress:
Katie May

Bridesmaid Dresses:
Aritzia

Groomsmen Attire:
Men’s Wearhouse & Tie Bar

Florist:
Carey Wendel @ Bleedfoot Florals

Venue:
Broadmoor Golf Club

Cake:
Bakery Nouveau

Invitations:
Crane & Co – Vera Wang Collection