A Summer Wedding Full of Hot Pink and Disco Ball Magic

When it comes to planning weddings, every couple brings their unique style and vision to the table. Summer of 2023, I had the pleasure of working with an amazing couple who wanted their big day to be as bold and fun as their personalities. Their theme? A dazzling combination of hot pink and disco ball chic, perfect for a vibrant summer celebration!

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Setting the Stage: The Vision

From the start, it was clear that Aja and Austin weren’t afraid to make a statement. They wanted their wedding to be an explosion of color, joy, and sparkle. Hot pink became the cornerstone of the color palette, accented by metallics and the undeniable shimmer of disco balls. The goal was to create a celebration that felt glamorous yet playful, a party their guests would never forget.

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

The Venue Transformation

Rock Creek Gardens, located in Puyallup, WA is a stunning garden venue and it transformed into a disco and pink wonderland. We incorporated hot pink elements in every corner — from the custom signage and floral arrangements to the neon pink cocktail and dinner napkins. To complement the bold hue, we used disco balls of varying sizes throughout the space, creating a dynamic interplay of light and reflections that truly set the mood.

The ceremony backdrop was a showstopper: a lush floral swag along the top of the arbor featuring bright pink blooms, pops of orange, and lush greens. At the reception, tables were adorned with sequined runners, hot pink napkins, and modern glassware. Centerpieces combined hurricanes with candles, adding just the right touch of romance.

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Fun Personal Touches

Every detail was infused with the couple’s personality. For their signature cocktails, the couple chose vibrant drinks that matched the color scheme complete with edible glitter in every glass and disco ball drink stirrers.

One of my favorite elements was the insanely stunning display of desserts by Florida Peach Sweets. She really outdid herself with the beautiful ways she displayed everything and really tied in the couples theme so well. They were not only beautiful but delicious!

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Entertainment & Atmosphere

No disco-themed wedding would be complete without an epic dance party. The DJ kept the energy high with a mix of classic and modern hits. The bride had her own disco ball studded microphone and when she wasn’t getting down on the dance floor you may have seen her singing her heart out to her favorite songs.

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

The Grand Finale

The evening ended with a silver tassel wands being handed out to everyone and bubble machines to outpour bubbles that shimmered in the dance floor lighting as the couple ran through the crowd on their way to their getaway car.

Photo By: Cassie Pepper Photography

Why This Wedding Stood Out

What made this wedding truly special was how unapologetically it celebrated the couple’s love of bold colors and joyful moments. It was a reminder that your wedding day should reflect who you are as a couple, no matter how unconventional or vibrant your vision may be.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s bursting with personality and unforgettable details, let this summer celebration serve as inspiration. With the right mix of creativity and collaboration, your day can be just as magical and uniquely you! Reach out to begin planning your dream day, I would love to help bring your vision to reality with the help of our in person or virtual planning tools.

Vendors That Made This Day Possible and Instagram Handles

Venue: Rock Creek Gardens @rockcreekgardens

Photographer: Cassie Pepper Photography @cassiepepperphotography

Makeup Artist Seattle Makeup Artist @seattle_mua

Hair for Bride: K & Hart @kandhart

Florist: The Farm Bar @the_farm_bar

DJ: Elevate Sound and Entertainment @elevate.dj

Bartenders: Drinks with Dahila @drinkswithdahlia

Photo Booth: Photobooth Puget Sound Photo Booth Company @pspbc

Additional Rentals of Disco Balls: The Disco Edit @thediscoedit

Baker: Florida Peach Sweets @floridapeachsweets

Caterer: Jacks BBQ @jacksbbq

Videographer: Lloyd Photo and Films @lloydphotoandfilms

Planner and Rentals: Us :)

Top 5 Reasons Why Hiring a Virtual Wedding Planner Is a Game-Changer for Your Big Day

Hi there! I’m thrilled you’ve landed here as you’re considering how to make your wedding planning journey stress-free and enjoyable. As a wedding planner with over 120 weddings under my belt, I’ve had the honor of helping couples turn their dream weddings into reality. Now, through virtual wedding planning, I’m excited to help even more couples across the United States enjoy their planning experience without the overwhelm.

Virtual wedding planning is the perfect way to have an expert in your corner while keeping you in control of your big day. Here are the top five reasons why hiring a virtual wedding planner like me can transform your planning experience:

1. Relieve Stress by Tackling the Details

Planning a wedding comes with a never-ending to-do list, and that can quickly become overwhelming. My goal as your virtual wedding planner is to help shoulder that stress. From creating a detailed timeline to ensuring every vendor is aligned with your vision, I’m here to manage the details so you can focus on the fun parts—like tasting cake and picking out flowers!

2. Accessible Expertise, Wherever You Are

One of the reasons I shifted to virtual wedding planning was to help more couples across the country, no matter where they’re located. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a small town, I’m just a phone call, email, or text away. Together, we’ll tackle everything from finding the perfect decor rentals in your area to making sure all is coordinated with your vendor team. My mission is to make the planning process smooth and enjoyable, no matter where you're tying the knot.

3. Comprehensive Day-of Documents for Flawless Execution

I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to have clear communication and detailed plans for wedding day success. While I won’t physically be there on your big day, I’ll equip you and your day-of point person—a trusted friend or family member—with a comprehensive wedding day timeline, vendor contact list, and step-by-step instructions to ensure everything runs seamlessly. We will also work with you to arrange your processional order how you like and give step by step instructions to whoever is running the rehearsal for you. These documents will give you peace of mind and help your day-of helper feel confident and prepared.

4. Custom Support Tailored to Your Needs

Every couple’s planning needs are unique. Whether you need guidance on timeline, what to tackle each week, or design ideas, I’m here to provide personalized support. My virtual packages are designed to be flexible, so you can choose the level of help you need without paying for services you don’t. I’ll be your sounding board, problem solver, and cheerleader every step of the way.

5. A Focus on What Matters Most: You

At the heart of my work is my love for helping couples enjoy their engagement season without being bogged down by stress. Your wedding should be a reflection of your love story, not a source of anxiety. I’ll help you stay organized, make confident decisions, and, most importantly, be your sounding board and make sure you are tackling what you should each month leading up to the big day, let’s get things done now so you aren’t as stressed month of. 

Why I Love What I Do

I added virtual wedding planning to my services because I wanted to make expert wedding planning accessible to more couples. I understand the weight of planning such an important day and the challenges of juggling busy schedules. By working together virtually, I can help you achieve the wedding of your dreams, no matter where you are or what stage of planning you’re in.

Let’s Work Together!

If you’re ready to experience a stress-free, streamlined wedding planning journey with an experienced planner by your side, I’d love to help! Together, we’ll ensure your big day is everything you’ve envisioned—and more.

Reach out today through my Check Availability tab to set up a free 30 minute consultation to learn more about how my virtual wedding planning services can support you!

Photo by: tmInspired Photography

Florida Peach Sweets Bakery in Tacoma, WA

I'll be honest you guys... I never used to be a cake person. For Cody and my wedding we even did pies instead because cake just wasn't our thing. Until one day... I worked with Kendall from Florida Peach Sweets Bakery, located in Tacoma, WA. When I tell you that my mind has forever been changed on the cake front, I am telling you the truth.

Kendall has lived in many different states, however, she considers Georgia and Florida where she grew up. Hence her business name Florida Peach Sweets. When asking her some questions for this blog post she said she went back and forth for ages about choosing a name for her business. She knew wanted it to be a reflection of her roots, where she came from. She said, "While I may be a born Georgia Peach, my time as a Florida Orange really shaped who I am today. So I just combined the two!"

Kendall just recently moved to Washington in 2019 from Alaksa. Her and her sister have been in the wedding circuit together for almost 10 years now. Her sister owns her own Cakery in North Carolina and is that one who got Kendall interested in the world of baking. Her sister has been doing custom cakes for over 15 years now and is very sucessful. So Florida Peach Sweets has been in the making for some time now, but over the last three years its really grown into its own identity.

Kendall has always loved working in the kitchen, after she completed culinary school she knew she wanted to focus more on pastry and baking. She said, "It's so methodical for me and such a great way to destress and focus on detail-oriented tasks." I can completely tell by the cakes I have seen of hers in person that her attention to detail is something that she takes very seriously and it makes for the best experience for us as clients.

I asked Kendall a series of questions and here are her answers below.

Q. What is your favorite thing about what you do?

A. "Oh gosh, haha. I think what I love the most is bringing the creativity of the design and flavors together with that Southern homebaked feel and creating a happy customer. There's no better feeling. I get anxious and excited every time waiting for a customer to try their cake, like it's the first time."

Q. What is your all time favorite cake you've made?

A. "Oh lawd! That's difficult! As much as I love the more alternative themed ones I have done, I think my most recent fave would have to be your birthday cake! I had SO much fun picking out all the candies and chocolates and then of course hand-tweezing the placement of them all! All my OCD dreams came true, haha."

Q. What is your favorite flavor of cake?

A. "Gosh you know how to ask hard questions. Is it even allowed to have a favorite as a baker?? If I had to choose, favorite to eat: Red Velvet, favorite to make: probably Strawberry Pink Champagne.:

Q. What inspires you to work in this industry?

A. "I think I enjoy the challenge, trying the newest trends, pushing the boundaries for flavors and styles. I love being able to surprise my customers and really see that "wow" on their faces."

Q. Tell me about a time when you felt like a hero at work.

A. "Anytime I get a vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free cake haha. They're always a challenge, and when I can really impress a customer with one that actually tastes good, I can toot-toot my own horn a little bit!"

Q. If you had an unlimited budget, what would you want to create?

A. "Now we're talking! I would probably do some major fondant sculpting. I absolutely love it. Do a crazy horror movie theme like Beetlejuice or The Shining."

Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A. "In five years I will be committed to doing my day job in the US Navy but if you know me, you know I don't know how to slow down. So I'll probably be sneaking some cake baking in there on the side!"

As of now I have hired her three times for personal events and she never disappoints. We have asked her to make a birthday cake for my mom that was German chocolate and oh so tasty. She has made a strawberry champagne cake with a buttercream that was to die for for a girls night in event. And most recently she made the most epic cake I have ever seen/tasted for my 30th birthday. It was a chocolate and Oreo cream cake (featured above) with the most amazing specialty chocolates on top. I have gone on to refer her to every client I have for Wedding Planning that is still looking for that Vendor. I highly recommend her to you all! Hire her for your next event and I promise you will not regret it.

Getting Married at Laurel Creek Manor in Sumner, WA

Located in Sumner, WA among fields of daffodils is the beautiful wedding venue called Laurel Creek Manor. Established in 2004 by Laurel Cabodi when it came time to find a wedding venue for her son and they found this gorgeous home and after a lot of hard work and an eye for romance - Laurel and her husband Al remodeled the 1917 estate.

When it came time for my now husband and I to begin our search for a wedding venue I did a map search and saw it was close to where I was living (in Puyallup at the time) so I figured we would kick off our search local. I honestly was expecting to visit a few different places but as soon as I stepped out of our car and onto the property I knew that we had found our venue.

It's truly the perfect setting for a summer wedding. It's the best of both worlds because the property is large and there is a ton of room for parking and different photo opportunities. Yet once you step into the garden it feels like quaint, lush and romantic. The Manor on the property is so charming, from the vintage wall paper to the beautiful front porch and large window in the bridal suite. Every detail is well thought out and allows for a perfect space to get ready upstairs and welcome guests downstairs.

Throughout the planning process the owner Kirsten was so amazing at helping us answer all our questions and gave us plenty of solutions for how we could best plan the day. You could tell how proud of the property her and her family were and they worked so hard to make sure our day was perfect. When I asked Kirsten what her favorite thing was about owning a wedding venue she said the following. "It is so wonderful to do something that makes me happy and feels meaningful. Maintaining a 100 year old historic home, getting the opportunity to be creative with the estate grounds (I love gardening), always striving to offer our clients a beautiful escape for their wedding, and service that feels like you are part of “the family.”

The ceremony area is lovely as well and comes with a large white arbor and lots of space on the grass for guests. The simple white of the arbor allows for such a variety of decor depending on your wedding style. The layout is great because as a bride you stay hidden inside while guests are arriving and when it is time to walk down the aisle there is a lovely path way leading you to the aisle from the beautiful french doors of the Manor.

The reception is honestly the ultimate layout as well. They have a huge stunning white draped tent perfect for your entire wedding to enjoy dinner. Not only is it large and beautifully draped but they also have two stunning chandeliers that just adds the perfect ambiance. When it comes time to dance in the moonlight they have a perfect dance floor with lights overhead that creates a beautiful ambiance.

From their perfectly manicured grounds to the winding paths and fountains, the decorations really didn't have to be over the top which made things even easier for us. The day felt so perfectly us. We had the best time partying it up on the dance floor and when they tell you the day goes by fast... THE DAY GOES BY FAST my friends. Looking back on this day brings a huge smile to my face because it truly was perfection. I highly recommend you check it out if you are looking for a venue in the Sumner, WA area. Kirsten and her team will surely take the best care of you and your day will be absolutely stunning, I promise.

When I asked Kirsten what their favorite moment on wedding days were she replied, "I have two answers for this. My favorite moment of my OWN wedding day was a quiet moment on the front porch of The Manor right after the ceremony. My husband and I got to toast and reflect on how amazing it all felt. For the weddings we host- my favorite moment comes when the sun is setting and dinner is over, dancing has begun and I look around seeing the gorgeous setting I have worked so hard to build being enjoyed to the fullest. The joy of the guests and the couple hits me at that time and always reminds me of my mother and why she created Laurel Creek Manor."

• All photos were taken by the amazing and talented Lloyd Photographers. I highly recommend them if you are looking to hire someone for your wedding day.

Twin Baby Shower Planning and Design

I had the honor of hosting a baby shower for my long time best friends Daniel and Rebekkah and it was beyond special. When I found out they were expecting again I was elated! They had wanted another baby for years since their first daughter was born a few years earlier and when they finally found out they were expecting again they got a huge surprise!... Can you guess what it was?? Yup, twins were on the way! Both a baby boy and girl were on their way!

When I offered to host their baby shower they asked for the shower to be coed because they really just wanted it to be a special time with their best friends. A cook out vibe with games was the all they were looking for. Being that they were expecting a boy and a girl they wanted to theme to tie in both classic boy and girl colors. They told me they were going to be decorating their nursery with hot air balloons and sort of an Up, Up, and Away theme. So I decided to play on that for the shower as well. I immediately began brainstorming on ways to tie everything they were looking for together. Party City and Amazon had some great finds for Up, Up, and Away plates and cups. Walking up to our house which we used for the venue, I lined the walkway with pink and blue balloons.

In the entryway of our house I decorated our entry table with a blue banner from the Target dollar spot. This adorable sign was custom made for me on Etsy by Themilkandcreamco, I loved the chalkboard background style and pink and blue hot air balloons. The DIY hot air balloon was super easy to put together and I made a few and scattered them throughout the house to tie in the theme. I found these cute scalloped white and gold buckets from Target, paper lanterns from Party City, and found some cute colorful paper from Target and made a little banner to tie around the lantern using ribbon. The hooray banner is from Party City.

Here is another look at the DIY hot air balloon.

I saw this idea on pinterest and thought Daniel and Rebekkah would get a kick out of it. I bought a pack of diapers and laid them out for people to write a funny phrase on the diaper that the couple could laugh about when they were changing their babies diapers at 3 am in the morning some day.

To incorporate more hot air balloons I came up with an idea to arrange the cupcakes I got for the event in a hot air balloon! It was super easy and fun! I just used colorful paper straws to act as the structure of the hot air balloon.

The event date was going to be rainy so we put out a pop up tent off our back door onto the deck so that people could step out to get some fresh air when needed as our house was on the smaller side. I found these hot air balloon and cloud garlands on Amazon and hung them off the structure of the tent.

In my opinion any good party needs a photobooth so I hung up a sequin tablecloth I had and framed the backdrop with some streamers that matched the decor for the event. Here is a photo of me and the mom to be, my bestie, Rebekkah.

We had several games we played as a group which were so much fun! Our favorite was a game where we had the guys first un tie their shoes, then they had to sit on a bench and put a blown up balloon under their T-shirts and try to tie their shoes. That was quite entertaining!

We opened gifts outside as there was more room to congregate together and the day started to clear up weather wise. It was so fun to see all the cute baby items they received! I am a sucker for cute baby clothes!

We took a quick group shot as the day was wrapping up and we ended the event by playing some games in the garage (hence the not so cute backdrop). The day was so fun and special and I loved getting to shower my best friends with love. Their babies are now perfectly healthy and getting bigger every day! So fun to get to see them grow up and see again what amazing parents my friends are to their kiddos.

If you're planning a baby shower for your best friend, have fun with it, cater it to their personalities and you can't go wrong. If you are in Washington state and wanting some help decorating your next special event, I would love to help! Contact me using the contact tab at the top of my website and I can help take your vision for your event and bring all the decor elements together.

10 Ways To Style Gauze Napkins

I don’t know about you… but I love whimsical looking napkins. You know the ones I am talking about the airy, flowy, pretty kind? :) I searched high and low to find the perfect napkins for an event I am doing soon and it was getting down to the wire if I was going to have something shipped to me in time. THEN I SAW THEM. Snassy Crafter’s beautiful hand dyed, glorious linens. Not only did she have napkins but she has countless options for runners. Her runners go up to 93 feet in length. 93 FEET?! That’s impressive if you ask me.

So here I am finally finding the look I was going for and I realize her shipping said it was not going to get to me in time. So I quickly messaged her and asked what the options were to get to me ASAP. She responded in no time at all and told me she had everything in my order so she could ship to me THAT DAY! Wow… talk about impressive. I am extremely impressed with her service and quality of her product so I knew I needed to shout her sweet self out for sending me the most amazing napkins and runners I ever did see. Thank you so much Snassy Crafter! Everyone please go check her shop out on Etsy. ~Click Here~

Now to get to what you have all been waiting for 10 Ways To Style Gauze Napkins. ENJOY!