Kendall and Marc’s Abeja Winery wedding was a breath of fresh air! The couple added modern flair and chic style to the rustic venue, giving it a fresh look without taking away from any of the natural elegance.

I first met the bride more than 10 years ago when I served as her sorority (Alpha Phi) advisor at Washington State University. I always had a special kind of relationship with Kendall and a really looked forward to visiting the sorority and hanging out with her. She would always include me in her weekend plans and I will never forget those live-out dance parties.

We stayed in touch over the years and loved hearing about her life and her adventure moving down to New Zealand for a few years. It was so great when she finally moved back home where we were reunited at a wedding I was planning where she was a bridesmaid in. It was so great connecting with her and finally meeting the love of her life Marc, who served as a groomsman.

I was over the moon when she first reached out to me shortly after getting engaged asking me to her wedding planner. I didn’t even hesitate, it was an honor to be part of this journey with these two for nearly 17 months.

Our first task was to find the perfect wedding venue! After some research, the couple landed on Abeja Winery in Walla Walla, WA. Taking a leap of faith, Kendall + Marc booked the venue only from the photos website and their Instagram account.

We first visited the site exactly a year before their scheduled wedding to see what the venue looked like and to create a wedding design that was perfect for the couple. It was such a huge help to see what the lighting would look like from all angles of the venue and what the heat was like.

This venue truly has it all. From the onsite lodging for the whole wedding party and family to the incredible indoor + outdoor locations for any weather situation, this is a dream location

But want to know the highlight of the venue for me?

It was the long entry driveway, which was the perfect location for their wedding dinner.

Initially, the design concept for their August wedding was an elevated rustic winery wedding, but once we got closer to the date the vision changed and I’m so glad it did. When meeting with Shane with Oak + Fig Floral, the floral design changed to a modern winery wedding with a white and black color palette with hints of greenery.

The dinner tablescape featured the venue’s incredible vineyard tables and chairs and we added a white sheer runner with black plates and napkins with gold flatware. The centerpieces were a dream with locally sourced fruits consisting of figs, blackberries, and grapes scattered along the length of the table with black taper candles and bud vases of stunning white florals.

Trust me when I say the tablescape transitioned beautifully as the sun set that evening.

Planning a destination wedding sometimes makes for a challenge, but then you throw in a global pandemic which makes it a little more complicated. At one point, since individual counties could decide their own rules when it came to the Phases, we were literally waiting on pins and needles to hear what their wedding would look like. Fortunately in May when we learned there would be no restrictions when it came to their wedding, and I think that’s when we could all finally take a deep breath.

Once we arrived in Walla Walla, the weather was perfect, and there was no smoke in sight (one concern we had from visiting the year before when the state was battling a massive wildfire in the area).

This was such a fun group to work with. I love when I get to see old friends and former clients as it makes the wedding that much more memorable.

This day couldn't have gone any more perfect! From a sentimental ceremony, officiated by Kendall’s best friend/bridesmaid Sammy whom she met while living in New Zealand to the incredible toasts by their friends and family.

As the sunset so perfectly, we transitioned from dinner to the barrel room for an epic dance party complete with an ice cream bar and late-night snacks consisting of corn dogs and tater tots.

Thank you Kendall + Marc for trusting me to plan your dream wedding. I love you two so very much!

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 16 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.