Weddings

Malea & Cole’s San Juan Island Wedding

May 22, 2020

Malea and Cole met their Senior Year of High School. They attended High School Prom together and a month later Cole asked Malea to be his girlfriend! His first, last and only. After High School they dated long-distance for a year as Malea went to college in Arizona (ASU), while Cole went to Oregon (OSU) for his first year. The following year Cole became a Sun Devil and transferred to ASU to be with Malea where they graduated together in 2017. Fast forward to the date of the proposal, Cole proposed at sunset on the cliffs of Shaw island at his families beach house. Afterwards the surprises continued with all of their closest family and friends hiding in the garage to celebrate their engagement! The San Juan Islands were the obvious choice for their wedding day as Malea and Cole fell in love during their first trip together as they sailed through the San Juan Islands and Malea’s family has a home off Westcott Bay. Playing nod to the location, Malea and Cole incorporated the natural beauty of the surrounding area with a beach inspired wedding complete with lush greenery and cream, blush and light blue floral throughout the waterfront property. As guests walked along the waterfront from the parking area to the ceremony area signs telling the story of their love story dotted the pathway.

Local musician Oliver Stausser played in the background as friends and family arrived and were greeted with Sparkling Wine before the ceremony began.

The focal piece of the ceremony was a driftwood arbor and a stage built by Malea’s Father. With the seal of a kiss, Malea and Cole were “Just Married!” With a group photo complete, signature drinks and appetizers were served. A Moscow Mule for Malea and a Whiskey Sour for Cole. Appetizers of Crab in Lettuce Wraps, Caprese Bruschetta and Shrimp Kabobs were enjoyed! It was a labor of Love as Malea’s grandpa had hand built this wooden canoe which would serve as a beverage holder for non alcoholic beverages. With the dinner hour here, friends and family found their seats among tables that were adorned with ivory linens and set with lush floral arrangements and place settings complete with gold rimmed cream chargers and ivory napkins. With the wedding party and newly weds announced, a dinner buffet of seasonal favorites was served! After toasts filled with laughter and tears, Malea and Cole cut their wedding cake and hit the dance floor for their first dance. And a celebration isn’t complete without a surprise performance by Malea and Cole’s parents. Too good! Taking a break from the dance floor Malea and Cole celebrated with a sparkler “send-off” before making their way back on the dance floor for the bouquet toss and garter toss. After another hour of dessert and dancing guests made their way down to the waterfront as they sent their well wishes to Malea and Cole as they headed off on a row boat for a night on the water of an awaiting larger boat! I have to jump in and echo Kim’s comments, we are so full of gratitude and appreciation for all of your work! Your planning, attention to detail, and special touches were top notch. I can’t even count how many people have texted, phoned and emailed (messages still coming in this morning!), saying it was by far the best wedding they’ve ever attended. The descriptor “EPIC” is on repeat!! Huge thanks to you both, Laura (Mother of Groom)