Let’s face it – we couldn’t be who we are, without our fabulous vendors. Over the years we’ve met so many wonderful individuals in the wedding industry. We decided to reach out to some of our vendors from the past and present, and ask them what fuels their business and what they're all about! So, sit down and relax with us as we sit down with our vendors to discuss what is at the heart of their business. We are so excited about this week’s vendor:

Essence of the Thymes

Essence of the Thymes provides food and service for the most memorable days of people's lives. We have PNW style and are creative with menus. We are full service which means that we can also manage your rentals and handle full set up to final clean up.

 We’re dying to know – what made you dive into the world of weddings?
My friend asked me (knowing that I wanted to cater) to cater her wedding.  It started out for 200 people.  What? Of course I said yes and knew I would figure it out.  I kept getting phone calls from this friend the month prior telling me her guest count was going up to 225, then 250 and finishing at 295 as her final count.  I loved it and started advertising at Wedding Shows the first chance I got.  

Tell us about how you started your business.
I originally planned to have a restaurant. I was working as a corporate restaurant trainer. We would train the crew before the restaurant opened. It was challenging and unpredictable. Then when I had someone ask me to cater an event it felt similar and good. I knew what I wanted to do!

What's the secret sauce behind bringing that touch of elegance to your projects?
Essence of the Thymes team is the BEST! The whole team has passion for the events we serve. It makes all the difference when people care. When we pair that up with great food, it is the perfect recipe.

Any wild, funny, or heartwarming tales from your wedding adventures?
We see all the amazing, the good, the bad, and the ugly. We have experienced couples using the rented dishes for their ceremonial breakage, guests getting in fights, couples singing to each other, the most heartwarming speeches, generation tables with family wedding pictures dated back to the 1800s, and cakes built upside down, This is just to name a few.

Advice you want to give couples about the wedding planning process?
Breathe! And enjoy, don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions to feel comfortable with your vendors. Then, you can trust their processes for success.

What trends do you hope to see or want to see in 2024?
We predict that couples will want more out-of-the-box menus and step away from traditional menus. We also see menus that foster interaction! 

Spill the tea – what's the next big thing in weddings that has you buzzing with excitement?
We are SO excited that more clients are wanting to feature food throughout the day. This means food can begin before the ceremony, interaction, and fun food choices, and end the night with snacks to go!

We love working with you, why do you love working with us?
The style of Elegant Affairs events is top-notch.  Some of our most beautiful weddings have been serviced by them.  And I will add, these weddings feel smooth. 

Anything else we must know about you?
Reach out to us today! 
Essence of the Thymes LLC
360-876-9200
www.essenceofthethymes.com
EssenceoftheThyme@hotmail.com

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 18 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.