THE PROJECT

I'm a producer and a planner. I love creating unforgettable experiences. So it was a no-brainer that I would be the one to plan our own marriage reception.

Eloping to New Orleans prior, this would be the first in a series of celebrations we would host across the many cities we call port. It was only fitting to hold this inaugural event during the best time of year - summer (ixnay on the ainray puh-leez!) And, being as Seattle is notorious for its abundance of public parks and outdoorsy culture, we were after an alfresco venue. During one of my (many) recce adventures I stumbled upon a hidden gem, right in the very heart of the city that immediately captured my heart...

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Bhy Kracke park not only has a funny name, but it is just sort of funny; tucked away in dead-end residential streets, it is peculiar and just... special. A small plot of land cleverly spread across two levels, where one cannot see the bottom or top from the opposite end. Its quirky layout spurred me (in true Margot style) to keep the venue a secret.

But I digress. 

We knew we wanted a "Big Easy" atmosphere and to keep it laid-back, opting for no ceremony and choosing toasts in lieu of formal speeches. This fun little park was the perfect location to host our casual reception. On the practical side, a park permit granted us 5 hours to set-up, celebrate, and breakdown. Parameters that helped us define exactly what we wanted to accomplish with this event: style, atmosphere and above all efficiency. 

And so our concept became clear: a NOLA-themed secret garden picnic. 

THE CONCEPT

Guests received a snail mail invitation to our reception "do" that doubled as an announcement of our elopement. The design hinted at a whimsical garden theme, and a playful mad-lib RSVP showed our sense of humor. All event details could be found on the invitation and matching website, barring the location. We added a note explaining that the lack of location was not a mistake and that they would receive more info on the morning of our reception.  

On the actual day, guests received a text message and/or email with simple coordinates to a street location. Everyone arrived at the lower level of the park, then followed clues up the winding path, climbing closer to the sound of live jazz music. Finally at the top of the hill, guests found themselves in a secret garden perched atop Queen Anne, overlooking the majestic Lake Union and Seattle's quintessential Space Needle. 

Upon arrival guests could take a cup and personalize it by writing their name - their drink vessel for the evening and gift to keep. Food and beverages were consumed a plenty, stories and jokes shared, photos taken, sweet messages written. Our guests relaxed, enjoyed, and mingled.  

We chose to serve our favorite oysters as appetizers, a Creole food truck for their tasty food and unabashed staff, a scrumptious easy-to-serve cake & cupcake combo, all accompanied by the cheerful tunes of The Speakeasy Jazzcats. "Masculine" and "feminine" libations (i.e. beer and wine) were served in metal and white watering cans - our cheeky way of abiding by the parks' rules. 

Everything ended with what my mother-in-law would tell you was a very auspicious full moon rising over the mountains on the horizon with a simultaneous stunning sunset. Yes, it was a great day. 

And then came the after party... 

DESIGN

WEBSITE

PHOTOS