Jenn and Adrian returned to the Pacific Northwest, where they met, for a back-to-nature wedding on Whidbey Island set among forests, flowers and friends.

The location:

I grew up in Seattle, where we met, and while Adrian had been around the world, no place felt like home quite like Seattle. We wanted to get married in a place that captured the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Fireseed was enveloped in tall evergreen trees, had gorgeous colorful gardens, and even a dock that led out to a peaceful body of water surrounded by tall grass and reeds. The reception hall was a gorgeous renovated barn with rustic elegance. It was the perfect backdrop for the ceremony reception and a fun place for people to explore.

Adrian and I fell in love with Fireseed the moment we toured it with [owner] David Noble. It was in the middle of winter, so the gardens were not yet in bloom, but we could see the potential. At the time, I was visiting from Atlanta, where I was working, so we were in a long-distance engagement. Fireseed was everything we wanted and needed. It not only served as a venue, but it also handled the catering and cake, rentals, and even helped coordinate the wedding day. David and Dawn answered every one of our questions and helped make our wedding day go off without a hitch. It made long-distance planning so much easier for me!

What served as your inspiration?

With Fireseed being the perfect embodiment of the Pacific Northwest, we wanted to keep things light and simple. Our theme was fresh, natural, with a touch of whimsy and elegance.

How did you know your dress was "the one"?

I knew I wanted the Watters 'Ashland' dress the moment I saw it online. The problem was that none of the boutiques in the Seattle area had the dress. I called everywhere. Annabelle Hemmeter from the Seattle Nordstrom Wedding Suite surprised me one day with an email saying she had the gown in the store for me to try on! I had no idea she had ordered it from another store. Annabelle was amazing and also helped me choose my Toni Federici veil before the big day.

Do you have any advice for other brides to be?

Instead of wedding favors, consider hiring a performer to entertain your guests! We hired magician Nash Fung, who was a delight to everyone! He mingled around friends and family during cocktail hour, performing various different acts. It was a lot of fun and one of my highlights! If you have a photo booth, consider not having props and see how creative guests can get! It's also nice to see everyone's faces without props getting in the way.What were your favorite moments of your wedding?

Photos by Chantal Andrea Photography

There were so many wonderful moments on our wedding day. We loved our first look, the ceremony, the reception, the toasts and the dancing at the end of the night. Everything was perfect.

Did you find your wedding gown or bridesmaid dresses at Nordstrom? We love a good wedding story! Email Nordstrom Wedding Stories for details on getting your wedding featured on our blog. And for more inspiration, make a complimentary appointment with a Wedding Stylist or browse our Wedding Suite.