Zephyr Lodge was one of those venues where, before 2021, I had not had the pleasure of coordinating a wedding, then I booked one wedding there and suddenly 3 more followed… Jessica and Aaron’s wedding was one of those. When they first booked with me, we had conversations revolving around a “plan b” because it was still June in the Inland Northwest, so we all know anything can happen. Well at the time, that “anything” did not include 106-degree weather, but that’s what we got! And now that I know Zephyr Lodge venue very well, let me give you some tips… 1. Hire a coordinator! The property is expansive making set up extensive. Having a professional helping to execute your vision can relieve so much stress. 2. Rent a golf cart (or two if it is in your budget). Again, the property is expansive, and the overflow parking lot is a bit of a walk without one. You and your guests will 100% appreciate having a golf cart available. But, please, give one or two reliable people the job of “driver” because a ton of drunk people and golf carts typically do not end in super happy situations for you as the renter or the rental company. 3. ICE ICE ICE! There is a small ice machine on property, but it absolutely will not keep up with your needs. Bring in several extra bags and bring coolers to have extra storage for those bags. 4. Advise your guests who are staying in the lodge or in the cabins onsite that it is going to be more like “glamping” rather than like you are in a hotel. Be prepared to bring everything you need with you… hair dryer, shampoo/conditioner, etc. 5. Hire a bartender (or two). Have I said before that the property is expansive? Well, it is and if you end up having your cocktail hour in the lodge and your reception down in the meadow you will need to have bartenders there to assist in the bar transition and movement of alcohol. This is also where a coordinator will come in handy. Okay, now that I got those pro tips off my mind, let’s dive into Jessica and Aaron’s perfectly beautiful and fun day!
The main goal for this couple’s day was to have FUN and par-tay! They wanted to create a laid-back, family friendly atmosphere in hopes of giving everyone a good time while allowing them to enjoy each other’s company. I think they definitely accomplished this goal! Aaron and his groomsmen are very musically versed so, of course, everyone involved in that aspect of the wedding was also either part of the bridal party or going to be a guest on top of playing music, DJ-ing & MC-ing. And following the reception, they threw an after party & live concert in the lodge, and holy cow did they ever throw an after party… I’m talking strobe lights and fog machines! But you could tell that was the kind of day it was going to be right from the start. Jessica and Aaron’s first look was so fun and sweet! Aaron was appropriately impressed with Jessica and her amazing dress and Jessica even gave Aaron a little round of applause because he was looking quite dapper himself.
And let’s talk about those florals! Jessica’s mom, Bonnie, is a florist out of the San Diego area so it only made sense that she put together all the amazing pieces incorporated into her daughter’s wedding day. The delicate natural of the palette really softened up the ceremony and reception area – especially with Zephyr’s own dark wood chairs. Yes, please!
However, I think one of my favorite parts of the evening was when Aaron pulled out a squirt gun on Jessica during their cake cutting. Who does that? Don’t worry, Jessica came back and not only shoved some cake right up Aaron’s nose but got ahold of the squirt gun and returned fire! See what I mean, this couple was there just to have a good time and be their authentic selves. To cap off the night and these beautiful photos collages, I can’t not mention the pure magic that Jaime captured during sunset photos. Every wedding I have coordinated at Zephyr now has had absolutely stunning sunset photos, so I would definitely say it is not something you want to skip, and it is something you should do on the dock.
Overall, Jessica and Aaron’s day was flawless, and I think these photos are something I will be gawking at for a long time to come! Excited for all my future weddings already booked at Zephyr Lodge!
Vendor Team –
Venue: Zephyr Lodge
Photography: Jaime Denise Photography
Coordination: A Piece of Harmony Events
Florals: Bonnie, Mother of the Bride
Catering: Nectar Catering and Events
Dates are booking continually are booking up fast, so if you have been thinking at all about how a planner or coordinator can benefit you on your wedding day, let’s have a conversation ASAP! Head on over to the services page for my packages and pricing information. Better yet contact me or leave a comment below so we can start working together right away!
#weddingplanner #pnwweddings #pnwweddingguide #eventplanner #eventdesign #idahoweddings #washingtonweddings #pieceofharmonyevents #plannerlife #weddingplannerlife #weddinginspiration #wedinspo #creativelywed #weddingdeatils #theknot #weddingwire #wedni #weddingblog #weddingplannertips #weddingplanningadvice
From the beginning stages of creating a budget to comparing venues and all the way through keeping all your vendor contact information in one place.