What’s better than 1 day of wedding festivities? Try 3!

For Neil + Kate, they wanted to treat their family and friends to a destination wedding weekend of events for their cultural celebration that included a henna party, Summer boil, Sangeet, Indian and Western wedding ceremonies followed by an outdoor reception at Alderbrook Resort & Spa in Union, WA.

When they first booked the venue, they had planned on well over 200 guests coming from all over the world including a large position of Neil’s family who live in India. Flash forward a few months later, a global pandemic hit, and the couple made the tough decision to postpone their wedding for a year until it was safe to have the wedding they wanted.

As we moved into 2021, restrictions were still in effect, and we didn’t know until a few months before if they were able to have the wedding and reception with all of their friends and family. Sadly, due to some travel restrictions, Neil’s family in India were not able to attend, but they were all in the minds of everyone this weekend.

One of the perks of renting out the entire venue for a long weekend, guests were able to really enjoy their mini-vacation at an incredible resort. To make the most of all their time together, Neil and Kate decided to have a 3-day wedding extravaganza.

Their celebration began on Thursday when guests were invited to a henna party.

Henna plays an integral role in traditional Indian weddings. Before the wedding ceremony, the bride (and occasionally their guests and bridesmaids) often have intricate designs painted on their hands, arms, and feet. This practice originated in India and the Middle East and remains an important part of the wedding process.

Kate started her henna at 6 am and due to the intricate design on her hands and feet, the process is very time-consuming and took nearly 6 hours. Her henna turned out beautifully and even got stunning as the weekend went on

One tradition that Kate followed was having Neil’s name hidden within the complex mehndi design on her palm. It took some time, but Neil did find his name. It was so much fun seeing him search for his name

To officially welcome all of their guests to their wedding, Neil + Kate hosted a tasty summer boil. It was the perfect way to start the festivities.

On Friday, guests were treated to an incredible Indian Dinner followed by the Sangeet.

A sangeet is another prewedding event that consists of dancing, singing, and celebrating for the couple and their closest relatives and friends. This extravagant celebration often happens the night before the wedding ceremony.

Guests were dressed in traditional Indian clothing, and it was such a colorful sight. All of the sangeet performances were so much fun and I love how every group was so creative in creating the best performance.

After some concern of weather, when Wedding day arrived the weather was the perfect backdrop for the morning Indian ceremony.

After photos, lunch, and a quick outfit change, the Western Ceremony was next. Again, like with the Indian Ceremony, Neil and Kate opted to wait to see one another until the ceremony.

As we were waiting to get started, I was with Neil, and he was starting to feel all the feelings of the day. He decided to just let his emotions come through and he was such a beautiful sight. I think a combination of waiting for this moment for nearly two years and knowing he was going to marry his best friend.

Neil walked down the aisle with total confidence and then seeing his face when he first got a glimpse of his bride was a total tearjerker. These two have a love that is so powerful and was incredible to witness.

After a beautiful ceremony, officiated by the bride’s Aunt Peg, the nuptials concluded with the kiss that ended all kisses.

One special moment that still makes me tear up nearly 7 months later is when Kate had a private moment with her grandmother. Kate surprised her by showing off her bridal bouquet and the special photo charm attached. The photo was of her grandfather who passed away a few years ago. And to see the reaction Kate’s grandmother seeing her husband’s face was so beautiful. There were so many happy tears it will be a memory I will forever treasure.

The only thing that Neil + Kate really wanted to do for their wedding was to fully embrace their venue, Alderbrook and that included an oyster bar. It was a great interactive station during their cocktail hour.

As the day turned to night the real party got started with not 1 but 2 first dances embracing both of their cultures before heading inside for an all-out dance party.

Having Neil + Kate choose us to be part of their wedding is something we will never forget. We have developed a lifelong friendship and I cannot wait to see them again and celebrate once again

Congrsts Neil + Kate, I love you two so much and I wish you two all the happiness.

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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.

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