Simply By Tamara Nicole: Seattle Weddings

Part of our SBTN Squad, meet the lovely Claire!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 19:30:00 +0000

We are SO lucky to have our very own

(Katie Parra Photography // Honey Crumb Cake Studio // Yessie Libby // Gather Design Company)

"Miss Logistics" . . . Claire on our team!

Claire has been helping with weddings with Simply by Tamara Nicole for almost 4 years now, AND has been a Lead Planner with us for the past 3 years. Her clients ADORE her, and her attention to detail is impressive. She is sweet and calm during any event, even if there are "fires" to be put out, NO ONE will know! She gets things DONE, and is my right hand gal. ALSO I am biased, she is my lil sis and a beautiful person inside and out (love ya!).

(Blue Rose Photography // Hollywood Schoolhouse // From the Ground Up Floral, etc!)

Not only does Claire love helping her clients plan their weddings, BUT . . . she is getting married herself in less than a month in Mexico! SO feel free to ask any questions about planning a destination wedding, OR contact us to book her for your own destination wedding . . . she is your gal!

(Katie Parra Photography //Yessie Libby)

. . . . . .

Here's some random facts from our dear Claire

I absolutely adore my little family, 7 y/o daughter, fiancé, black lab puppy, sweet kitty and Guinea pig (full house!)

My favorite color is pink. Add glitter and even better!

I love all things Seattle, especially the Seahawks, Mariners and the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

I'm a sucker for peppermint white mochas! My go to coffee drink on the daily

My daughter is a definite mini me. She loves all of the same things: pink, animals, dancing, the Seahawks and so much more. Twinning!

The love and excitement from my couples is so magical, and I truly enjoy learning about my new lovebirds each and every year! Their style and energy inspires me to make their day and the days leading up to it just as magical as their love is!!!

. . . . . .

(From Brittni and Ted's Wedding, Nikki Closser Photography)

Hop on over to Claire's IG and leave her some love!

(From Jenovie's wedding: Matdivad Photography // Flora Nova Design // Yessie Libby // Honey Crumb Cake Studio // Rainier Club // Mark Zunino)

ALSO she's getting ready to rock her last wedding for the 2017 season tomorrow (apart from her own), so watch for her behind the scenes IG stories, etc. It's going to be a GOOD ONE!

(from Claire's own styled shoot with Annabella Photography // Krisanna Elizabeth // Yessie Libby // From the Ground Up Floral, etc!)

Claire we LOVE you!

(Yessie Libby // Blue Rose Photography)

Psssst planning a wedding for 2018?! We have a few Full Planning and Design spots with me (Tamara Nicole) and of course Nicole and Claire are booking up, so make sure to contact us soon!

We also have been working like MAD getting our new website and rebrand up and running, stay tuned!!!

Simply Engaged: Reby and Chase!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 06:08:00 +0000

I'd love to introduce another LOVELY

Simply by Tamara Nicole couple . . .

as part of our series

Simply Engaged

Here's a glimpse into the sweet couple that is

{Reby & Chase}

Wedding Date: October 14th 2016

Wedding Location: Axis Pioneer Square Seattle, WA

Photographer: Jordan Quinn Photography

. . .

How did you two love birds meet?

In the beginning, Chase and Reby were an unlikely couple.

They met at their local teacher’s union building, both serving as building representatives for their respective schools. At the time, relationship prospects for the pair were slim: Reby was teaching 5^th grade highly capable students at Lake Youngs Elementary, and Chase was teaching Social Studies at Kentlake High School, both differed in their political beliefs, and Reby was married while Chase was still “playing the field”.

The first time Chase and Reby hung out was at a political gathering in September 2012. Reby was only slightly interested in the political guest, but both Reby and Chase recall being interested in each other! Chase even jotted down “Reh-bee” (the bee being a sketch of a bumblebee) in order to remember how to say Reby’s sometimes confusingly pronounced name.

Then, in July of 2013, Chase and Reby both attended a political organizing training and had the opportunity to stay at the Tulalip Casino. On the first night, they ran into each other on the casino floor and the sparks really flew! For nearly three hours Reby and Chase sat at the bar. They became immediate friends, laughed constantly, and talked about everything under the sun. When it was time to go they shared an elevator ride, which was recalled by the future couple as filled with an awkward, chemistry-filled tension. After the conference, their friendship grew and they began chatting at future union meetings.

The next big step for Chase and Reby was at another conference – this time in Spokane at the 2014 Washington Education Association Representative Assembly. After the first day of business, the Kent delegation met at their hotel lounge, and the sparks flew even hotter this time! All of the Kent educators had a wonderful time and Chase and Reby were the last ones to leave in the early hours of the morning. Again, they had a chemistry-filled moment in an elevator and

began to take note of all these moments in elevators!

Despite the chemistry, Reby and Chase at the time were mutually unavailable. Nevertheless they stayed friends and had fun sitting next to each other at union meetings. They occasionally met up for a drink or a bite to eat just to have a laugh and talk about life.

Eventually, things came to a head in Spring of 2015.

Reby and Chase were at the annual WEA Representative Assembly, this time in Bellevue. They sat next to each other and, although they voted and paid enough attention,

they probably also deserved the “most flirtatious” award

out of the 1,000 representatives present. As the first day of business wrapped up, a fellow teacher gave Chase a quick pep talk, convincing Chase into asking Reby to hang out that evening. It was excellent advice as Chase called Reby on his drive home. The two excited delegates set up a meeting at Joey’s in Bellevue and Chase whipped his car around halfway home on the freeway. Chase and Reby hung out that night and the next, and, since both were now single, the two decided to spend more time together. Eventually, their relationship became solidified when Chase suggested that they be an official couple in early July.

How did he pop the big question?

In December 2015,

Chase decided to make his bold move.

One evening, Chase coaxed an unsuspecting Reby into their apartment building’s freight elevator...a continuation of the reoccurring elevator theme in their relationship. Chase dropped down on one knee after the elevator started towards the basement, and proposed. Reby said YES and shook with excitement. And, in a faux pas, Chase did not put the ring on Reby’s finger! Luckily, the ring fit perfectly and the couple became engaged on February 3, 2016.

What is your fave date spot/activity?

Chase and Reby have fun anywhere they go, but one thing they love to do is to attend Seattle Mariners games!

(Go M's!)

Chase, a sports enthusiast but more of a bandwagon Mariners fan, was not sufficiently prepared to go to the first Mariners game with Reby. In contrast to the bandwagon approach, Reby is a committed Mariners fan. She keeps score at every game, tracks of every pitch, and is a card-carrying season ticket holder in the "All Star Club" section of the ballpark. Reby's love for the Mariners and all things baseball is slowly transforming Chase into a real fan.:)

What is your fave part about the wedding planning process?

Our favorite part of wedding planning was hiring Tamara! Tamara has taken so much stress and pressure off with all things wedding related. Without her, Chase and Reby agree they would be lost in the process!

(I legit did NOT expect this while reading through the answers, SO so sweet!!! I adore working with you guys too Reby!!!)

What first caught your eye?

{Her}

The first thing that caught my eye about Chase was his wonderful smile and his confidence. A few years ago I was able to go into his classroom and see him teach a history lesson. His passion of teaching and the subject of history definitely stole my heart!

{Him}

I remember Reby's confidence, the way she carried herself, and her intelligence. She always dresses well, is fit, and is extremely sharp. She is a beautiful woman inside and out!

{Her faves}

Mariners

playing piano

traveling

running

cooking

eating & sampling wine at new fun restaurants!

{His faves}

weightlifting

reading history books

travel

talking politics

watching movies

sports

bars

On my wedding day I am most excited about . . .

Chase and Reby are both most excited about seeing all of their friends and family.

Fave meal your fiance makes for you?

Chase cooks a mean can of sardines.

Chase's other specialties include dried seaweed and raw eggs.

(teee heee love this!)

Reby is great cook and Chase does the dishes more than cooking! Reby makes amazing dinners, Brussels sprouts, egg breakfasts, and lots more. She loves hosting dinner parties at their home!

If we could travel anywhere for our honeymoon we would . . .

Chase and Reby LOVE to travel. For their honeymoon they hope to spend time in Punta del Este, Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

(jealous!)

Punta del Este is a famous, world class beach resort area. Playing in the ocean, speaking some Spanish, dancing the tango, eating gaucho steak and sipping on Argentinian wine sound fun!!!

. . .

I know this wedding is going to be SO gorgeous, and we have an AMAZING team lined up, not to mention some fabulous details :)

Thanks for sharing with me R & C!

SO happy for you both!

(and how cute is their rainy Seattle engagement, AND her shoes?!)

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

A little Q&A with Borrowed and Blue!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 19:05:00 +0000

Simply by Tamara Nicole

Q&A Collaboration

First of all before we get into this little interview by Borrowed and Blue, I want to share that earlier this year we were voted as one of the top Wedding Planners, as well as the "Most Valuable Vendor" and we are SO honored!

NOW on to a little fun interview:

Recently, the Simply Tamara Nicole team heard from Helen at Borrowed & Blue, who wanted to get to know our business a little better and learn more about Seattle weddings. Here’s a little background from her:

“When you’re planning your wedding, there are a lot of resources you need at your fingertips in order to achieve the awesome celebration of the love between you and your partner. Having a planner is a crucial part of that process—and that’s where Tamara and her team at Simply Tamara Nicole come in, Seattle couples! The industry smarts of this group are just amazing, and they are totally committed not only to helping you figure out the logistics of your day, but to personalizing it so that your wedding feels like the two of you, and not something out of a magazine. They’re all about making sure #everywedding is unique and special, just like we are at Borrowed & Blue! I can’t wait for you to learn more about Tamara and her wonderful team.” - Helen, Borrowed & Blue’s Seattle Market Specialist

Questions:

1. Tamara! Tell us the story of how you became a wedding planner.

Well . . . I planned my own wedding . . . I actually am one of “those” planners haha! Keeping the super long story short (ish) I went to UW for pre-dental. Got my Bachelors in Biology, got accepted into NYU for Dental School. I just felt like there was something missing, and that something was passion. SO I took a year to think about it, with the thought that I would re-apply to Dental School. What happened was 3 months later I met the love of my life, and then decided that sure being a Dentist would be a pretty amazing career, but not for me. It took a little while after to figure out what my REAL passion was, BUT I found it! I’m SO happy that I chose happiness over money and took a risk. Starting your own company can be so scary.

(Woodinville Lavender Farm, Blue Rose Photography, Yessie Libby, Le Salon Bridal, SMG, etc)

Now looking back, this career totally makes sense for me. I’ve always been the party planner in my group. When anyone was getting married, I jumped at the chance to throw any kind of party I could. I LOVED decor and crafts so much, that I started an Etsy shop for some interior decor items for a little while. I love to cook, sew, create, design, plan. I had SO much fun working on all of the little details for our wedding, that I think it just felt right :) AND viola! Here we are now, over 100+ weddings and 6 wedding seasons in and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

(Blue Rose Photography, Rent the Runway, Hollywood Schoolhouse, From the Ground Up Floral, Yessie Libby, etc)

2. What is your favorite aspect of your job?

SUCH a hard question, I love it all! From meeting new people, seeing their relationships, witnessing so much love. DETAILS, wedding design, being social. Fun meetings with treats. I mean it’s all super fun. BUT I would say my absolute favorite is seeing it all come together amazingly well on the wedding day. Seeing my couple’s face as they walk into the wedding space, seeing all of our hard work come together and look fabulous. Being able to be there and see their love shine through their wedding. Meeting all of their loved ones, and seeing really what makes them who they are. It can truly be a hard job, but these moments on the wedding day are truly SO rewarding!

(Morgan Lynn Photography, Bash and Bloom, Suncadia Resort, La Happy, Pedersens Event Rentals, La Tavola, etc)

3. What is the first question you like to ask a couple when you meet with them?

This might sound super cliche, but I love to hear about them. I don’t get too specific, like how they met or anything (which I do love to hear about) BUT I like to keep it more open ended and really see what is important to them. Learn about them, their focus, their relationship. You can really learn a lot about people in the first conversation!

(Ryan Flynn Photography, Butter and Bloom)

4. What does “personalizing” a wedding mean, and how does a couple go about doing that?

This is one thing that we really love to focus on. It’s 2016, and gone are the “cookie cutter” wedding days. You also don’t want your guests to go to your wedding and not feel and see “you” at your wedding. We love to get to know our couples, and let THEM shine through the wedding . I want their family and friends to walk into their wedding, smile at some fun detail (or even chuckle a little) and think “this is SO them!”. Their wedding should be all about them, not just the latest trends on the big blogs, Instagram or Pinterest. This can be anything from the favors, even the names of the signature drinks. Fun facts on your cocktail napkins for guests to enjoy reading during cocktail hour. We’ve seen SO many fun ideas. As long as you are true to yourself and your relationship, you really can’t go wrong:)

(Barrie Anne Photography, Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Lady Yum, La Tavola, Vintage Ambiance, etc)

5. Let’s talk 2016 trends. What are you seeing? What trends do you think will stick around?

Still seeing a lot of the “Garden” trend for flowers and decor, a LOT of greenery, soft whimsical flowing centerpieces. A pretty, classic wedding is always good. Also, what I really love is the pops of modern and minimal styles that are showing up. We’ve had a lot of fun adding these pops of modern touches into romantic weddings and I love it!

(Blue Rose Photography, La Tavola, Florarama Modern Design, Honey Crumb Cake Studio)

6. If you weren’t a wedding planner, what would you want to do for a living?

Perhaps be a dentist?! Haha. But seriously, I previously thought about being a teacher, or a judge. Something that I knew could make a difference in other’s lives. I also secretly (OK the secret is out now!) want to style and design photo shoots (catalogs), and window displays for companies like Anthropologie or Crate and Barrel. I have so many things that I love to do, the list and ideas could go on! Good thing being a Wedding Planner fits just right :)

(Blue Rose Photography, Yessie Libby, Florarama Modern Design, Honey Crumb Cake Studio)

7. Share a memory from a recent wedding.

There are so many great ones to choose from! I would have to say one that stands out was helping to pull off a surprise Gospel Choir performance during a ceremony, from the Bride to the Groom. The ceremony was already jam packed full of fun, intentional moments. A butterfly release, a nod to the Bride’s late Grandma who loved butterflies. I remember at least one still being on the Bride’s dress at the end. Other fun things were a poem written by the Best Man, and brother of the Groom. Also, a musical number by one of their singer friends. A fun pre-ceremony drink. So add to ALL of this fun . . . right during the vows, the Bride was partway through hers, and said she isn’t always the best with words and wanted to say it through music. I was waiting for this exact moment to open the doors to a 9 person Gospel Choir, who walked up the side while starting to sing. The look on his face, and hearing him talk about that first thing when he walked in from the ceremony. What a fun ceremony that was, and I LOVE surprises during weddings and being sneaky with them!

8. I’ve never been to Seattle, but I’m thrilled to learn more about it! Where do you go on your days off?

Being close to Seattle, we are surrounded by so many mountains just a little drive away. My husband and I LOVE to pack some snacks, and our now 2 year old, and take a little drive out to the mountains and go on a hike. We’ve been on over 20-30 different hikes around the area, and it’s just so beautiful, invigorating and relaxing after the hustle and bustle of the city and wedding season. Not only is it fun family time, but it helps to center and refresh life. AND let’s face it, wedding season there isn’t a lot of family time so this helps with that! Even on a Sunday morning, after a 14 hour wedding on Saturday, and 5 hours of sleep you will find us heading out the the mountains!

Other things we love to do is take walks along the waterfront with our 4 Westies, go kayaking, and really anything else outdoors during the beautiful Seattle summers! Also there are so many amazing restaurants to try, and we sure do love our food :)

9. What is your favorite venue in the area?

OH man this is so hard too! I love a variety, and love that Seattle has it all. Some pretty classy hotels such as Four Seasons, The Woodmark Hotel, Fairmont Olympic and The Arctic Club are some faves in this area. I love the industrial/urban feel of venues like Axis, Sodo Park and Westland Distillery. Also you really can’t beat the view atop The Golf Club at Newcastle. SO many more good ones too!

(Ryan Flynn Photography, Bash and Bloom, Vintage Ambiance, Sodo Park, Chalkful,etc)

10. What makes the Seattle area unique?

I think it’s the gorgeous green outdoors here. I mean everyone wants to have a pretty outdoor wedding in the summers here, but we all know that you can never ever count on the weather (even after the 4th of July) here. Always have a back up rain plan, which most venues have here. Also, the variety of venues here is really nice. Anywhere from rustic barns, ballrooms, urban city vibes, to wineries . . . the Seattle area really has it all.

(Clane Gessel Photography)

I have many clients that live out of town, but want to get married in Seattle! It’s becoming quite the destination for people. Guests who might have never been will love to plan their trip to allow time to play tourist in the area, there is so much to do and see. I really feel lucky to be a Wedding Planner here in Seattle!

(Barrie Anne Photography, Yessie Libby, Kiana Lodge)

If you’re planning a wedding, head on over to Borrowed & Blue to find your Seattle wedding photographer and more!

Simply Engaged: Mariel and Brian!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 19:50:00 +0000

I'd love to introduce another fabulous (and adorable)

Simply by Tamara Nicole couple . . .

Simply Engaged

Here's a glimpse into the sweet couple that is

{Mariel & Brian}

Wedding Date: July 9th 2016

Wedding Location: Four Seasons Seattle, WA

Photographer: Clane Gessel Photography

. . .

How did you two love birds meet

Here's our story:

Mariel and Brian met on a cold, rainy February evening in Seattle, WA. They were at King's Hardware, Brian's favorite bar back then, and bumped into each other in front of the jukebox. Mariel had stopped there to send her sister a text message. Brian walked up and said, "you should probably get off your phone!"

(I told you it was sassy!)

Before Mariel had a chance to retort back, Brian introduced himself,

charmed the heck out of her,

and they talked until two o'clock in the morning when the bar finally closed.

The couple's first date was weeks later, after hours of phone calls and texts with each other. Brian picked Mariel up, took her to dinner, and surprised her with a ride on the Ferris Wheel. The Ferris Wheel holds a special place in the couple's hearts... it will be in prominent view at the Four Seasons, where they will get married.

How did he pop the big question?

Brian and I took a cruise to Alaska with my parents back in August, and

every moment of the trip was magical.

There was an energy and a sparkle surrounding everything, starting with even just packing for the trip. I didn't suspect anything at the time, but I felt so very happy and loved. Our Juneau excursion was going to be a helicopter tour that would land us on the Mendenhall Glacier, where Brian was planning to propose. However, we woke up on the ship that morning to heavy thunderstorms, rain, and huge waves. We had a feeling the helicopter tour might not happen -- for me, that meant more fun on the ship, which I was excited for! But for Brian, who was planning to propose, it was a disaster!

We had a quick breakfast -- eggs for my parents and me, mimosas and scotch for Brian, in his desperate nervousness. Despite the weather, we disembarked and Brian ran from tour booth to tour booth trying to find a helicopter guide who would fly. His persistence paid off -- while (thank goodness) no pilot would fly in that weather, he found a tour bus that took us to the glacier. In the warm rain, in the presence of my parents, on the most beautiful glacier in one of our now-favorite places in the world, Brian got on one knee and proposed through tears and my screams of happiness.

It's a day we'll never forget!

What is your fave date spot/activity?

We have many favorite traditions we hold dear to our hearts. Sunday breakfast at Queen Anne cafe, outings with the dogs at Marymoor park, spring and summer camping in the mountains, and, once in a blue moon, a night out at the casino. Hard to beat the thrill of hitting it big at a Mega Meltdown machine :)

(side note: Mariel and Brian have a WESTIE! If you know me, you know I have FOUR of them. Instant bonding! :)

What is your fave part about the wedding planning process?

We've absolutely loved having the opportunity to make every element of our wedding meaningful. From my grandmother's box our rings will be carried in, to a piece of my mom's dress that will be wrapped around my bouquet, to the (surprise) groom's gift -- nearly everything will have a story to tell.

This wedding will be the culmination of not only our love story, but also of our childhood, our family stories, and our friendships.

That's what has been most fun and exceptional about this process for us.

Advice for planning a wedding to other couples?

No matter HOW much time you think you have, the time flies by!

Do everything as early as you can.

You should aim to spend the last month(s) before the wedding just dating your fiancee, enjoying long talks with your parents, and reflecting on how blessed you are.

{Him}

Brian is a Marine Corps veteran

a graduate of Seattle Pacific University

a lover of all things 80s

a mountain climber

a field scientist with King County

& a scotch aficionado

{Her}

Mariel graduated from Harvard University

has her MBA from Wharton

hails originally from Brooklyn, NY

loves yoga

reading

wine

camping

and spending time with her family (four- and two-legged!)

What first caught your eye?

{Her}
He was a tall, muscular, gorgeous Marine.

He didn't just catch my eye, he nearly made me faint!

;)

{Him}
She caught my eye because of her beauty initially, and after talking to her, because of her intelligence and laid back nature.

On my wedding day I am most excited about . . .

Seeing one another's faces for the first time that day. Also, being surrounded by all of our loved ones at the same time... we know it'll make us weep.

Fave meal your fiance makes for you?

Brian makes me this incredible roasted tomato, feta, and shrimp dish. It's my favorite because it's delicious, but also because the first time he made it, he was secretly celebrating having bought "the" ring :)

Mariel makes a mean stir fry. She somehow finds a way to add flavor to something that is usually so dull!

If we could travel anywhere for our honeymoon we would . . .

Scotland and Ireland, which we're planning to go to as we speak!!

(jealous, LOVE those places!)

. . .

I know this wedding is going to be SO amazing, and well we have the best team ever for it!

Thanks for sharing with me M&B!

SO happy for you both!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

Frou Studio Giveaway for #sbtnturnsfive

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 19:48:00 +0000

And we are drawing out the celebrating as long as we can! THREE winners so far, and we have a couple more to go!

NOW to a favorite mug I have.

This is for anyone really, but all of those

Naptime Hustlin' moms

the moms who by day are super moms, and by nap and night are super entrepreneurs. Or really anything, because who are we kidding?! Being a mom is the hardest job of all of the jobs, hands down. But also the most rewarding thing ever!

LOVE Alyssa from Frou Studio. Go check out her adorable shop here.

NOW . . .

To enter:

Simply comment below (anyone can win!)

Earn extra entries:

Comment on our post for this giveaway on Instagram

Share this on Twitter, Facebook

Tag your friends on Instagram

(share/tag using #sbtnturns5)

SO many chances!

We will be announcing one random lucky winner on April 25th at 9:00 PM PST

Good LUCK!

Happy WEEKEND!

Simply by Tamara Nicole

Lindsay Marie Designs GIVEAWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 01:28:00 +0000

Hello there!

We are continuing the celebration of

Simply by Tamara Nicole turning FIVE

with some fun giveaways! We already have two WINNERS!

Now's your chance! Next up, these lovely earrings by Lindsay Marie Design!

They are the "Champagne" earrings, in Rose Gold (LOVE)

A $175 value!

AND just so you know how sweet Lindsay is, and why you should support her shop?!

"$10 from every item sold, both in store at your local salon carrying Lindsay Marie and online will be donated to Beagle Freedom Project and a local animal rescue or shelter.

Find out more about Beagle Freedom Project here."

NOW . . .

To enter:

Simply comment below

Earn extra entries:

Comment on our post for this giveaway on Instagram

Share this on Twitter, Facebook

Tag your friends on Instagram

SO many chances!

We will be announcing this lucky winner on April 8th at 9:00 PM PST

Good LUCK!

We have TWO more fun giveaways coming soon:)

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

Giveaway #2 by Helena Noelle Couture for #sbtnturns5 !

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Continuing the celebrating of FIVE YEARS with another fabulous giveaway . . .

The Shop:

Helena Noelle Couture

If you haven't heard of this shop yet . . . well now that you have . . . you're welcome! Andrea has SO many glam custom pieces in her shop. In love with everything.

We recently did a couple editorial shoots with her pieces . . . a few sneaks

(until the features soon!):

(also Blue Rose Photography, Yessie Libby Makeup and Styling, model Natalie Zucchero)

Everything is just adorable and so well made:)

For sure a fave shop to refer to brides!

AND now for the . . .

Giveaway #2 . . .

These amazing earrings by Helena Noelle Couture

(a $105 value)

Note: they can be customized in any Swarovski stone color, and in silver or gold

To enter:

Comment below with where you would wear these OR who you would gift them to

AND other ways to gain more entries:

Tweet about this using #sbtnturns5
Head on over to our Instagram to comment on our post about this giveaway there, re-post and tag friends (1 entry each!)
Comment/Share our post on our FB page for this giveaway (1 entry for each!)

Winner will be chosen at random on April 1st at 9 PM PST

If you missed the last giveaway, A03 Designs Clutch, see here, picking a winner tonight 9 PM PST)

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

Simply by Tamara Nicole is FIVE . . . so you WIN! AO3 Designs Clutch Giveaway!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 06:01:00 +0000

Yessss so in celebration of our little company turning FIVE on Feb 28th, we have BIRTHDAY MONTH with some fun giveaways!

We've teamed up with some of our FAVE creatives to celebrate with us . . .

The Shop:

A03 Designs

I have been in love with Angela's items from her shop on Etsy ever since we did our Emerald Botanical Beach, see it featured on Green Wedding Shoes HERE

(Courtney Bowlden Photography, and Luly Yang Couture)

AND a favorite item from her shop, I mean your bridesmaids would LOVE something like this right?

KNOT Clutch in champagne gold silk

ANYWAY on to the . . .

Giveaway #1 . . .

THIS gold sequin clutch by A03 Designs

To enter:

Comment below with where you would use this clutch OR who you would gift it to:)

AND other ways to gain more entries:

Tweet about this using #sbtnturns5
Head on over to our Instagram to comment , repost and tag friends (1 entry each!)
Comment/Share our post on our FB page for this giveaway (1 entry for each!)

Winner will be chosen at random on March 28th at 9 PM!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

Sneak peek of Weddings in Woodinvile 2016, "Urban Chic" at Hollywood Schoolhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 01:56:00 +0000

Last Sunday . . . I can't believe it's already been a week!

Months of planning, so many emails, phone calls and meetings to plan our "Urban Chic" design at The Hollywood Schoolhouse for Weddings in Woodinville!

Our AMAZING team of vendors exceeded my expectations . . . and brought my ideas to life!

A little of the action- check out this video by Denver Nathan Studio!

Behind my inspiration:

AND a few photos from the lovely Blue Rose Photography from the show/shoot:

(we rented our dresses from Rent the Runway, SO fun!)

We couldn't have done it without this fabulous group of people!!!

The Team!

Venue: The Hollywood Schoolhouse

Planner/Design: Simply by Tamara Nicole

Florist: From the Ground Up Floral

Rentals: Grand Event Rentals

Photographer: Blue Rose Photography

Hair and Makeup: Yessie Libby Makeup and Hair

Videographer: Denver Nathan Studio

Invitations/Paper Goods: Impress Ink Design

DJ: Integral DJ's

Lighting and Backdrop: GreenLight Events

Cake/Desserts: Stone Layne Baked Specialties

Chocolates/Favors: Fran's Chocolate

Wine: Market Vineyards

Ice Cream Sandwiches: Smoosh

Jeweler: Sholdt Design

Coffee: Slate Coffee

Photo Booth: The SnapBar

Tailor: Trillium Custom Tailoring and Design

Band: The Apollo Trio

Farm Table Rentals: Seattle Farm Tables

Additional credits:

Dresses: The Dress Theory

Ghost Chairs: Pedersen's Event Rentals

Vintage Rentals: Vintage Ambiance

Calligraphy: Songbird Paperie

Laser Cut Signs: Bellevue Fine Art

Accessories: Helena Noelle Couture, Lindsay Marie Designs

Etsy Shops: Get Marked, Host and Toast Studio, Copper and Solder, Sienna Grace Jewelry, Shiny Girl Designs, Sophisticata

Couldn't have done it without these talented people!

Can't wait to share the styled shoot on a blog or magazine near you:)

Lastly, a few FUN pics from The SnapBar with some of my team!

Because who doesn't love a good photo booth?!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

Glimpse into 2015 with Simply by Tamara Nicole

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 02:26:00 +0000

2015 has been our BEST year yet!!

Coming up on 5 years and just over 100 weddings, we continue to meet the best couples, and have so much fun personalizing each and every wedding. We are the luckiest!

I really want to write SO much about each wedding and person who touched our lives this year, however that will be WAY too long for you,

and I have to go play with my son when he wakes up from his nap haha!

SO a quick recap in photos of our year.

and my goal is to catch up on blogging these weddings in 2016!
Wish I had time to credit each vendor for each wedding, BUT soon blog posts with full credits promise! :)

Whitney & Matthew
Olson Mansion
Jeremy James Roloff

Drew & Scott

Cave B Inn

Jaquilyn Shumate Photography

Sean & Bonnie

Ben B. Photography

Chloe & Brandon

Washington Athletic Club & St James Cathedral

Ryan Flynn Photography

Marissa & Patrick

The Rainier Club

Ryan Flynn Photography

Lauren & Jake

Arctic Club

Alante Photography

featured on Carats and Cak e here

Suzuye & Jeffrey

Columbia Tower Club

C2 Photography

Katie & Jack

Pickering Barn

Ciccarelli Photography

Elba & Dustin

Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Nikki Closser Photography

(coming to a magazine soon!)

Jenny & Cliff

415 Westlake

Lucas Mobley Photography

Katie & Jack

Farm Kitchen

Katheryn Moran Photography

Josie & Rob

Edgewater Hotel

Kristen Honeycutt Photography

Kristen & Mirza

Kiana Lodge

Barrie Anne Photography

(coming to a magazine soon!)

Michelle & Preston

Woodmark Hotel

Melissa Kilner Photography

Carla & Stephan

Escala

Lucas Mobley Photography

Michelle & Rex

Sorrento Hotel

Luma Weddings

Brittni & Ted

Hollywood Schoolhouse

Nikki Closser Photography

Melanie & Suveer

Sodo Park

Ryan Flynn Photography

We are truly blessed to be able to be a big part of all of these weddings, and we have sure met some pretty lovely people/friends/"friendors" this year!

Also we have had many weddings/shoots published in magazines (5 in 2015!), featured on many blogs, etc!

For our features check it out here

a few sneaks of the shoots:

Minimalist Marsala Shoot

featured on Green Wedding Shoes

and in Modern Weddings Magazine

Blue Rose Photography

Foggy Ocean Shoot with Wedding Paper Divas

Featured on Pacific Weddings

Blue Rose Photography

Sailing Editorial, featured on Inside Weddings

The W Portraiture

AND had a great styled engagement shoot (GOATS!)

Barrie Anne Photography

featured on Love and Lavender

. . .

Planned a FIRST birthday party for my son

AND thanks to our clients:

Cheers to all of you, we hope you had a great 2015, and best wishes for an even MORE amazing year in 2016!

Tamara Nicole & Claire

Simply by Tamara Nicole

In Remembrance of Ruby Roxane Linsao

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 06:34:00 +0000

Say not in grief she is no more,

but live in thankfulness that she was
Hebrew Proverb

I have been trying to think of the best way to word this post . . . to give the proper amount of respect, love and honor to Ruby (Rox), her fiance Virgil, and her family. Words just can't say.

Claire and I started helping to plan Virgil and Ruby's NYE wedding at Seattle Aquarium with them in July. Ruby and Virgil had some amazing and intriguing big ideas for the upcoming wedding. Most important to them was taking care of their family and guests, doing things that had real meaning, and creating those special moments for people. Ruby and Virgil were just the sweetest, most loving couple to work with. You could feel the love and adoration just talking with them. The excitement for each other and the wedding was absolutely radiating.

While planning a wedding, being a mom to their adorable little 20 month old Jasper Jade, and working in a selfless and impacting job (see below), Ruby also was dealing with a sudden unknown autoimmune disease.

Ruby started a blog to document her health journey and keep family updated here:

https://rubyroxy.wordpress.com

It just rocked our world when we found out that our sweet bride to be, Ruby, passed away peacefully on December 21st.

Although no longer here with us, Ruby your impact on the world will live on and on in BIG ways. Being around friends and family before the service, through our interactions, and reading about you I know you were and are SO loved and such a big part of so many lives. This will live on. Virgil and your beautiful daughter have so much love and support from these people, and they will always have your sweet spirit with them.

If you are in downtown Seattle this evening for NYE, make sure to look at the Great Wheel from midnight to 12:30, and check out the reader board at the Seattle Aquarium, all in remembrance of Ruby!

Below is a Thank You from the family and Virgil that we wanted to share with everyone.

A world of Thank You to the friends and family in Seattle, around the United States, and throughout parts of the world, who have shared and honored Ruby Linsao’s Life.

Rox’s life has many blessings. It doesn’t matter if you are 100 or 10 years old - Life is short. The best gift we can give each other on earth is time. The most important thing we can do is nurture and develop the Little Jasper Jades of the world. They grow up to inherit the earth and then move on to inherit the universe beyond the stars. LIVE.

Thank you for living these moments that matter! We love you all.

Special Thank You to:

*Team Rox!

*All of the visitors and medical staff at the University of Washington Medical Center

*University of Washington for the development of a Scholarship Fund in honor of Ruby Linsao

*The Seattle Great Wheel for making a donation to Children’s Hospital in honor of Ruby Linsao

*Seattle Aquarium for honoring Ruby’s life on the reader board for New Year’s

*All of You “Stepping Up for Ruby Linsao” Supporters

*All of the family and friends, who have honored Ruby Linsao’s life in every way over the past couple months

*Maya, Les, JoJo, Edgar, Randi, and Prak for photos, video, and media.

Again, the Seattle Great Wheel “R *heart* V *heart* R NYE Wedding Light Show” will run from midnight to 12:30am tomorrow, to kick off the New Year 2016. All are welcome. We will watch the show by the Seattle Aquarium.

“Ruby’s life is a blessing. Our daughter is your ultimate gift to the world. I promise to do my best to teach Jasper Jade about her Angel Mother’s life. I will always love you and continue cultivating our relationship through memories. Like we always said, ‘Now and forever one happy family.’ Forever yours.” - Virgil Domaoan

Please send all pictures, videos, and testimonies of Ruby Linsao to email: domaoanv@gmail.com or address: PO Box 94242, Seattle 98124. These will be the building blocks and puzzle pieces that will be shared with Jasper Jade as she grows.

‪#‎GoRox‬

https://www.youcaring.com/rubylinsao

https://rubyroxy.wordpress.com

To learn more about Ruby's life and accomplishments see below (from her obituary, here)

"Ruby Roxane Linsao passed away on December 21st, 2015, at 4:37 a.m. after a short, intense battle with a rare, aggressive autoimmune disease (Dermatomyocitis with Interstitial Lung Disease). She passed peacefully surrounded by her father, brother, fiance, & cousins.

Ruby was born on July 19, 1981, in San Diego, California to Rodolfo and Aida Linsao. As part of a NAVY family, she lived in San Diego, Guam, and eventually moved to Steilacoom, Washington. She attended Saltar's Point Elementary School, Pioneer Middle School, and Steilacoom High School. In addition to being an ASB officer, Ruby was an honor roll student, student leader, and scholastic athlete. She played volleyball and basketball, ran track (won a state gold medal in the 4x100 and 200 meter dash), and served as a member of the cheerleading squad. Ruby continued her education at Western Washington University and eventually transferred to the University of Washington where in 2003 she double majored and earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Sociology.

Ruby was the first Site Manager for Jumpstart in Seattle at the UW and was instrumental in laying a strong foundation for a program that grew under her guidance to include 160 college students reaching over 400 preschool children. This passion for supporting young children at a systems level led to her Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the UW in 2010. While working at Child Care Resources, Ruby was recruited to the Head Start National Center on Quality Teaching and Learning at the UW as a program manager. As an integral member of the leadership team, she greatly influenced the work of that center in supporting better outcomes for preschool children. Over the past five years, Ruby often commented on how grateful she was to be part of that important work.

In her volunteer work Ruby also supported young children as a member of a Seattle Early Education Collaborative Works Group, White Center Early Learning Initiative (WCELI) Community Advisory Committee, and the Asian Pacific Islander Community Leadership Foundation's (ACLF) Community Leaders Program. She was respected and admired in the early learning community locally and nationally.

Ruby's love, thoughtfulness, humor, and brilliance will be missed forever by her large network of family, friends, and colleagues. She has touched many lives!
Ruby leaves behind the loves of her life - her 20 month old daughter Jasper Jade Luna and fiance Virgil Domaoan. She is also survived by her father Rodolfo Linsao; brother and sister-in law Paul and Joy Linsao; and nephew Aiden Linsao. Her mother Aida Linsao preceded her in death."

A big thanks to From the Ground Up Floral (Gina) for helping me with rose petals in a cross for her service, as well as a floral arrangement.

. . .

Our legacy is really the lives we touch, the inspiration we give,

altering someone's plan - if even for a moment -

          and getting them to think, cry, laugh, argue.

          More than anything, we are remembered for our smiles;

the ones we share with our closest and dearest,

and the ones we bestow on a total stranger,

          who needed it RIGHT THEN, and God put you there to deliver.

by Carrie Hamilton

Tamara Nicole &Claire

Lauren & Jake's Arctic Club Wedding by Alante Photography, featured on Carats & Cake!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 06:13:00 +0000

One of my favorite weddings, of such a FUN and sweet couple

Lauren & Jake

was featured this last week over on Carats and Cake . . . HERE!

Hop on over to see all of the lovely eye candy by Alante Photography, and for the full DREAM TEAM vendor list!

Lovely of loveliest flowers by Bella Rugosa. We love making tags to coordinate with the wedding, as well as organize things for smooth delivery!

The dapper wedding party!

Hair: Sorella Salon

Makeup: Yessie Libby

UH-Mazing Chuppah by Bella Rugosa

Rentals from Pedersen's

AND those lovely decals from Ten23 Designs

LOVE this detail!

It's always SO hard to say goodbye at the end of the night. No one wants the wedding day to end, SO sweet!

. . .

AND I'm planning on blogging this wedding, AND all of the others I am behind on here soon, New Years Resolution to get caught up! Because let's face it. All of my couples and their weddings are so worthy of sharing!!!

Hope you have a great week, Christmas is in just 4 days eeeeek!

Simply by Tamara Nicole

We got our MUGS in!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Dec 2015 18:00:00 +0000

They're here!

I've been dreaming this idea up for a while now, and finally made it happen:)

Big thanks to Koordination by Krisanna for her calligraphy for our mugs! She is a dream to work with, and really did an amazing job.

Can't wait to see photos of our clients sipping their drink of choice from these. We may or may not be gifting some for Christmas . . . stay tuned.

Also follow along on Instagram with #sbtnmugs, AND if you end up with a mug make sure to take photos and use this tag so we can see what you sip in this mug!

Cheers!

Simply by Tamara Nicole

Our Minimalist Modern Marsala shoot is featured on Green Wedding Shoes!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 22:56:00 +0000

One of my favorite editorial shoots we have done,

on one of my favorite wedding blogs?! Wahoooo!!!

A few of my faves out of the amazing photos by Blue Rose Photography,

AND for the entire feature, hop on over to Green Wedding Shoes, and as always Pin, and leave some love!

photography: Blue Rose Photography // planning + design: Simply By Tamara Nicole // venue: Floor 13 Seattle, Washington // florals: Florarama Modern Design // cake: Honey Crumb Cake Studio // paper goods: Dahlia Press// rentals: plates + glassware from Seattle Farm Tables, Grand Event Rentals, saaranin table from Rosicelli Design // lighting: Greenlight Event Design // model: Devyn A from TCM Models // dresses: Laineemeg Bridal (Tara Keely,Hayley Paige and Allure Bridals) // hair + makeup: Yessie Libby Makeup Artistry //jewelry: Yellow Ginger Boutique// shoes: Charlotte Russe // ribbon: Silk & Willow // hanging concrete planters Frae & Co. // grey linen bracelet: Dreams Factory // candles + napkins: Ikea

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

{Simply Engaged: Chloe & Brandon}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 05:01:00 +0000

OH I can't wait for this wedding . . . coming up on Saturday!

Another one of my sweet couples . . .

Simply Engaged

Here's a glimpse into the adorable soon to be newlyweds:

{Chloe & Brandon}

. . .

Wedding Date: April 11th 2015

Wedding Location: St. James Cathedral & Washington Athletic Club

{How did you two love birds meet}

"When I first moved to Seattle I was out with a group of my girlfriends when I bumped into some guys I went to college with in Montana. That following week they invited me to go to a BBQ which happened to be at Brandon’s apartment with his roommate, Brady. The apartment was filled with people from Montana or small towns who were genuinely nice people and fun to be around. From there, my friends began to meet up with the Montana contingent on the weekends and it wasn’t long before I was a regular fixture at Brandon and Brady’s apartment as a friend. We dated other people but became good friends and about 7 months after we met,

finally figured out we liked each other.

It took another 6 months or so before we were officially dating but it was perfect because we were friends first so know we like to do much of the same things together (except shopping!). Last September we will have been together for 4 years!"

{How did he pop the big question?}

"There's a long story to this but the short story is Brandon went to my hometown for a Fall fishing trip. I wasn't there with him but my brother, Grandma, and parents were in town. They all went out on the river for the day and on the way home,

he asked all of their permission!

He returned back to Seattle and

officially asked me to marry him :)"

{What is your fave date spot/activity?}

We like to go out for dinner in our neighborhood and just talk about our days and what's coming up in our lives.

Going 3-par golfing (with loser buying dinner) is always a favorite as well!

{What is your fave part about the wedding planning process?}

I think my favorite part so far has been the realization we will have two families, who love us both, coming together to celebrate us.

It's really touching to know we are taking such a big step and have so many people who want to be there every step of the way.

{Advice for planning a wedding to other couples?}

"I think my advice would be to take your time :) We will be engaged for about a year and a half and I'm happy we didn't have to rush to make decisions for the wedding. There's enough going on in life so I'm happy we haven't had added stress!"

{Her faves}

running

watching sports

shopping

reading magazines and daily blogs

spending time with family and friends

{His faves}

relaxing

working on our cabin

watching sports

home improvement projects

spending time with family and friends

{What first caught your eye?}

Her: "how genuinely nice he is to everyone, and perfectly confident in his skin"

Him: "Her hair"

{On my wedding day I am most excited about . . . }

"I am most excited about seeing all our favorite people and having a

GREAT dance party!"

{Fave meal your fiance makes for you? }

Her: "His mom's lasagna"

Him: "Apple pie"

{If we could travel anywhere for our honeymoon we would . . . }

We would go to Bora Bora (or anywhere tropical) to relax, lay on the beach, and swim in

the ocean. Emphasis on relaxing!

Chloe & Brandon:

Thank you SO much for taking the time to do this. These photos by Ryan Flynn Photography are amazing!!!

Also thanks for being seriously fabulous to work with, I am ready to adopt Chloe's mom as my own:) This wedding is just going to be perfect, can't wait!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

OH 2014 WHAT a year!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 02:38:00 +0000

2014

. . . . . . .

I can honestly say has been the best year of my life

I don't have enough time to do this year justice with ALL that went on, but I'll give you a little glimpse into Simply by Tamara Nicole's year

. . . . . . .

In January

we found out that we were PREGNANT!

Although we had weddings fully booked for the year, I wasn't worried . . . and apparently either were any of my clients! They ALL wanted to stay with SBTN, even if their wedding was ON My due date (lots of love to you Shabana!) which was Sept 6th, 2014.

What a joy it was to experience growing a human in my belly. God sure blessed us this year with some amazing strength and health to be able to grow this little gift, all while working my crazy wedding schedule with weddings every single weekend from May until several weeks AFTER he was born. PTL!

Also Tillie & Daniel got married at the Arctic Club, Photo Elan

. . . . . . .

Feb

We were able to find out if we were having a boy or girl . . .

BIG thanks to Carla from Honey Crumb Cake Studio for making the gender reveal cake.

AND I had to change my Pinterest board for the nursery because it was a BOY!

Also I got my plaque for Best of the Knot for the 3rd year in a row, woot woot!

AND to top off the month, Kati & Freddy's wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty!

(Melissa Shaw Photography)

. . . . . . .

March

Carrie and Joe got married!!!

Ciccarelli Photography

Babymoon time!

My handsome hubby and I jetted off to Paris and Spain, for an amazing 2 week vacation. Bebe Anderson sure enjoyed the pastries and food . . . but mama stayed in shape by walking 12-18 miles a day! WHAT an amazing vacation! We took SO many photos, but here are just a couple . . .

(3 month baby bump)

(we wrote our names and Weston as well!)

AND then I found out that I was voted top 3 Wedding Day of Coordinators by Seattle Bride Magazine!!! YAY!

. . . . . . .

April

{Patti & Laine}

Dan'Yelle McNeely Photography

. . . . . . .

May

Styled Shoot time! Parisian Pastel inspiration with an Amazing team!

(Lora Grady Photography)

See here on Grace Ormande's Wedding Style Magazine

{Jenna & Max}

. . . . . . .

June

Seattle Bride Magazine had their party, I am SO proud to be among some amazing local talent in their awards! I'll take the top 3, wahooo!

{Kelli & Eric}

(Amy Walton Photography)

{Marc & Laurel}

(Jenny Lindquist Photography)

{Natasha & Jason}

(Allison May Photography)

{Jackie & Matt}

(Blue Rose Pictures, featured on Style Me Pretty here)

. . . . . . .

July

BIG thanks to M+A Photography for my glam maternity shoot!

Flower Crown: Il Bel Fiore

Hair/Makeup: Pacific Brides

Accessories: Ivory & Lace

{Maria & Alex}

(Lora Grady Photography)

{Kerry & Nick}

(La Luz Photography)

{Ali & Abbie}

{Samantha & Ryan}

(Jeff Marsh Studios)

. . . . . . .

August

Another maternity shoot, this one more relaxed:

(Hair/Makeup by Yessie Libby)

Photos by Blue Rose Pictures

{Joseph& Sophia}

(F7 Photography)

{Jennifer & Dustin}

(Tonhya Kae Photography)

{Maggie & Jerry}

(I was almost ready to pop here!)

{Tara & Branden}

(H & H Photography)

. . . . . . .

September

BEST day of our lives, our blessing of a son Weston Vincent was born on Sept 4th, at 6:06 PM. Weighing 7 lbs 4 oz. BEST. DAY. EVER! He has changed our world for the better, and I don't think we could love him more!!!

{Shabana & Vivek}

(2 days after Weston was born! I did oversee set up and the ceremony, then Claire took over!)

(Luma Weddings)

{Surrey & Matt}

(Rick + Anna Photography)

{Lili & Shawn}

(Affinity Photography)

. . . . . . .

October

Weston is a month old!

Big thanks to C2 Photography for doing his 5 week photos!

{Lindsey & Andrew}

(Mark Malijan Photography)

{Jessica & Gabe}

(Barrie Anne Photography)

. . . . . . .

November

November was great! My belated maternity leave finally!

Weston turned 2 months old, and what a doll!

. . . . . . .

December

{Jennifer & Tim}

(Jenn Repp Photography)

Weston's first Christmas, was amazing!

(Blue Rose Pictures)

. . . . . . .

There is SO much more I could talk about . . . but we are running out of time for 2014 and I want to cuddle up with our little family and enjoy the evening:)

In addition to above, we had many featured weddings on some big name blogs and also magazines . . .

Looking forward to 2015!

I'm not sure it can get close to how amazing 2014 was, BUT I am so excited to see what it has in store for both Simply by Tamara Nicole, and our family!

With Claire by my side as my Associate Coordinator I know we will be rocking some amazing weddings!

(Blue Rose Pictures)

(Yessie Libby)

Happy New Year!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

{Simply Engaged: Jennifer & Dustin!}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 06:26:00 +0000

Another fabulous Simply by Tamara Nicole couple . . .

is ALREADY married! BUT this summer with having a baby and working so much, time got away. However, I'd love to share this because this couple truly is so sweet and just perfect for each other:)

Part of my series:

Simply Engaged

Here's a glimpse into the sweet couple that is

{Jennifer & Dustin}

. . .

Wedding Date: August 16th 2014

Wedding Location: Swiftwater Cellars

{How did you two love birds meet}

"We both met randomly on February 23 of 2007 at the Longhorn in Auburn, WA. We both were persuaded to go out by our friends. Once at the Longhorn, Dustin and one of his friends came over to our table because they knew my friend Britt who had went to school with one of his sisters.

Dustin and I connected right away and have been together ever since."

{How did he pop the big question?}

Every year a big group of friends plan a winter vacation for Presidents Day weekend. Typically, we rent out a lodge in Sun River Oregon and go skiing/snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor. However, this year was different because of a big special surprise. We decided to go to Whistler, Canada a world renown ski resort where the 2010 Winter Olympics was held. This was no ordinary place to go skiing/snowboarding. It has a beautiful village with shopping, restaurants, plenty of night life, and fun things to do. This happens to be the first place Dustin & I took a vacation together so it has special meaning. Dustin planned an extravagant night out for everyone to go snowmobiling to the top of Blackcomb Mt. to a lodge named the Crystal Hut where they would be dining over a Fondue dinner with live acoustic music and singing. Dustin asked me to come with him out on the balcony in the middle of a snowstorm and proposed. He stuttered for a while, but finally mustered up the courage to spit it out! After returning to the cabin everyone was clapping and cheering. The musician then began to play Wonderful Night by Eric Clapton. It was indeed the beginning of a wonderful night and life together where we shared, adventure, family, friends, and happiness.

{What is your fave date spot/activity?}

We love to snowboard, hike, work on house projects together, crossfit and our favorite date night is a dinner out on the town sharing a bottle of wine.

{What is your fave part about the wedding planning process?}

When we picked our wedding venue. We both feel in love with Suncadia and Swiftwater Cellars because of the serene views. It was the perfect venue because it reminded Dustin of the outdoors where he grew up and it also had the winery feel that I was looking for our big day.

{Advice for planning a wedding to other couples?}

Even though wedding planning can be extremely stressful, enjoy the process together, include your fiancé in the decisions, delegate tasks and most of all relax because everything will all fall into place.

{Her faves}

a hot Caramel Macchiato

crafts

Paris

dancing

knitting

cupcakes

{His faves}

Crossfit

snowboarding

hiking

loves the Seahawks

working on the yard

{What first caught your eye?}

Her: His cute dimples, beautiful smile and his infections laughter.

His: Blue eyes, dark hair, and cute butt!

{On my wedding day I am most excited about . . . }

Her: Seeing his expression on his face when he sees me in my dress for the first time.

His: Seeing everyone I love on the same day.

{Fave meal your fiance makes for you? }

Her: I love it when Dustin cooks his Halibut.

His: Pork chops and bacon.

{If we could travel anywhere for our honeymoon we would . . . }

Ireland, Scotland, and England to see the land, castles, and talk with the people.

Stay tuned for MORE of their amazing wedding photos soon:)

(thanks to Tonhya Kae Photography!)

Jennifer & Dustin thank you SO much for taking the time to do this, AND for allowing me to be such a big part of your wedding. The night was magical, and everything was perfect.

CONGRATS!!!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

{Welcome WESTON!!!}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 03:27:00 +0000

PHEW!

It has been a crazy whirlwind of amazingness over here . . .

Since the last blog post on August 29th I have worked 6 super fabulous weddings and . . . had a BABY!

I can't believe he's already 9 weeks old?!

Here are some photos of the little man, and I'll be back soon to post some of the weddings from this summer, and maybe throw in some cute baby stuff here and there, of course!

Born: September 4th 2014

6:06 PM

7 lbs 4 oz

19.5"

Ignore the ugly hospital gown!

(all photos by Bella Photography from Overlake Hospital)

I don't think we could be happier, best thing we have done! LOVE him, and he has grown so much!!! Next I'll post photos from his 5 week photo shoot:)

We're PARENTS!!!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

{Simply Engaged: Tara & Branden}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 21:18:00 +0000

Another fabulous Simply by Tamara Nicole couple . . .

is getting married TOMORROW!!!

Part of my series:

Simply Engaged

Here's a glimpse into the sweet couple that is

{Tara & Branden}

. . .

Wedding Date: August 30th 2014

Wedding Location: Kelley Farm in Bonney Lake, WA

{How did you two love birds meet?}

We met while working together at the mall our senior year in high school. We lived over an hour apart from each other so if wasn't for this job who knows if we would have ever met!!

{How did he pop the big question?}

Branden loves to tell this story because I actually turned him down when he first asked. But the story goes something like this (of course depending on who you ask): On December 27^th 2012 Branden (looking dashing in suit I must add) walked out of the elevator on the 19^th floor of my work carrying a box of chocolate covered strawberries. I knew something was up once he walked straight towards me smiling with that mischievous grin of his. He walked around the reception desk, dropped down to one knee and before he could say one word I said “NOO! Seriously, here?!!”. I asked him to hold his thoughts and wait since it was 2 minutes till my lunch. I didn’t want it to happen at work so about 10 minutes later on our way to lunch, I told him “okay, I’m ready now!!”. And trust me this time I said YES!

{What is your fave date spot/activity?}

We love to go to dinner and a movie, but honestly our favorite spot is right at home. It may sound weird to a lot of people but we are true homebodies and to be right here together couldn’t get any more perfect. We don’t need a fancy dinner or a couple drinks to have a great time together. A home cooked meal, a great tv show and a fun game is all it takes for us.

{What is your fave part about the wedding planning process?}

I know Branden would say test tasting the cake and doughnuts, but for me it would be planning every detail with him. He has been there for every step of the way from the tiniest details for the invitations to picking out the biggest which was our venue.

I have to say I am the luckiest lady to be marrying such and incredible man!

{Advice for planning a wedding to other couples?}

Take as long as you can and enjoy each moment of the engagement for there is no reason to rush it.

I mean you’re already planning on spending the rest of your lives together so by taking an extra 6-8 months to plan won't be that much time in the long run. We’ll have been engaged for 18 months on the day we marry and it was the best decision we’ve ever made. We were able to take our time and select each vendor (like Tamara!!) on our own time without having to stress or rush into any decision. It makes things so much easier, trust me! Also don’t worry about what great aunt Betty thinks or wants. This is your day and about the start of your lifelong journey together.

{His faves}

Seahawks

Tara’s baking

Under Armour

{Her faves}

Baking

Smoosh (our business together)

crafting

decorating

travel

{What first caught your eye?}

The funny thing is I thought Branden was a little weird when we first met. Maybe I was too cool or something at the time but he was also just not my type. He had spikey hair and a mischievous smile. But the night he walked me to my car after work was the night he truly caught my eye.

He was gentleman, I’d never met anyone so sweet.

{On my wedding day I am most excited about . . . }

The first look, I’m going for tears!! Also being surrounded by so much love and support from our family and friends. Sharing this moment with them is something we both look forward to.

{Fave meal your fiance makes for you?}

When we can we actually like to cook together, but we both love our bbq pork rib nachos and lasagna. YUMMM!

{If we could travel anywhere for our honeymoon w

e would go to . . . }

We’re going to Cancun for our honeymoon and we can’t wait to zipline, parasail and snorkel. We’re very excited about the all-inclusive resort food as well, the wedding will be over so we can indulge a little.

. . .

I just adore these two, can't believe it's already your wedding day tomorrow!!!

SO happy for you both!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

{Simply Engaged: Surrey & Matt!}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 15:00:00 +0000

I can't wait to share more of my AMAZING clients and their love stories with you!

as part of my series:

Simply Engaged

I am so lucky!

Here's a glimpse into the lovely couple that is

{Surrey & Matt}

. . .

Wedding Date: September 13th 2014

Wedding Location: Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma

{How did you two love birds meet?}

"We met at a mutual friend's house whose name is also Matt. My Matt opened the door and pretended to be my friend Matt. I didn't believe him but he insisted so I made him show me his driver's license to prove it . . . and the rest is history. :)"

{How did he pop the big question?}

"At his dad's house on New Year's Eve 2012.

It was where we had our first kiss.

He had wanted to propose in front of a bonfire to really recreate the moment but he didn't tell anyone what he was doing aside from asking for my parent's permission earlier in the day. Needless to say, his dad vetoed the idea so Matt went with Plan B and tried to propose at the top of the hill while the neighbors were lighting their fireworks. By the time we got to the top, the fireworks had stopped and I immediately wanted to walk back and get out of the rain/cold. Worried that he was going to lose his shot, he stopped me in the driveway and told me how much he loved me and that he had one question for me.....I felt him reaching into his pocket and looked down and saw a ring box. He then asked me to marry him and all I could think to say was, "Seriously?!"

Of course I said yes immediately after. :) "

{What is your fave date spot/activity?}

We love to eat!

We love to try new restaurants. John Howie and Umi's are a few of our favorites.

{What is your fave part about planning your wedding?}

"Trying all the food and desserts!"

{Advice for planning a wedding to other couples?

"Start planning early!

And try to remember the day is about you as a couple or you'll go crazy trying to please everyone."

{Her Faves}

Cooking

baking

crafting

sparkling wine

glitter

pink

football

reading

dancing

dogs

{His faves}

Hunting

fishing

camping

trucks

football

archery

dogs

driving

{What first caught your eye?}

"Oddly enough Matt wasn't my typical "type" of guy that I went for. He had long hair, tattoos, a total rocker vibe but his personality and fun attitude caught my attention. I'm glad I ended up straying from my norm. :)"

{On my wedding day I am most excited about . . . }

"Finally being able to call Matt my husband!"

{Fave meal your fiance makes for you?}

"Matt loves my stuffed tomatoes! I love when he makes me eggs for breakfast in bed. :)"

{If we could travel anywhere for our honeymoon we would go to . . .}

"Bali and lay on the beach eating all the food we've missed eating because we've been on this crazy healthy wedding diet and enjoying a few dozen drinks together."

Surrey & Matt I can't wait to help with your BIG DAY!!!

Thanks for sharing with us!

xoxo

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

{Jackie & Matt's Wedding is Featured on Style Me Pretty!!!}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 03:25:00 +0000

SO excited to share this!

Ok ok I know I have been MIA, just rocking the weddings every weekend while 8 months preggo now :) Just a little busy, but I will be back soon to share the amazing weddings of 2014!!!

For now, check out this AMAZING wedding featured on

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

{Parisian Pastel Inspirations}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 May 2014 17:07:00 +0000

Happy Friday!!!

I hope you have some exciting, adventurous things planned for this weekend!

(Me? Date night (yay!), a baby shower, a styled Engagement Session, new client meetings, and of course some family time in there!)

Sooo . . . I know it has been forever and a day since I have been consistently blogging!

I have made some much needed changes in my life schedule, and will (hopefully) no longer be working 80+ hours a week through this pregnancy! SO excited to slow down, enjoy this amazing time in our lives (24 weeks down wooo hooo!), spend these last few months with my husband before we grow as a family, and focus on my AMAZING summer weddings! Non stop weddings begin here in a couple weeks, wahoo!

Anyway so I'm back!

What have I been up to lately? A LOT!

BUT one crazy exciting event was a recent styled shoot we did. I had a GREAT team and I am SO excited to get the photos back and to share!

For now, here is some of my inspiration for the shoot.

(credits/links)

(we used this dress from BHLDN!!!)

(Now isn't that gorgeous?!)

For the full Pinterest board, and for all links and credits go here

Make your weekend BEAUTIFUL!!!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

{Simply Engaged: Jacqueline & Matt by Blue Rose Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:47:00 +0000

This here is another post in SBTN's series:

Simply Engaged

Yet another sweet and adorable couple of mine . . . who are so in love!

Here's a little more about the lovely

{Jacqueline & Matt}

. . .

Wedding Date: June 28th 2014

Wedding Location: Golden Gardens

Photographer: Blue Rose Photography

Hair and Makeup: Yessie Libby Makeup and Hair

{How did you two love birds meet?}

"The two of us met at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, WA.

We knew each other from middle school and high school orchestra, but it wasn’t until my senior year and Matt’s junior year that we started really getting to know each other (Matt: She was waaaaaay better than me)

I still remember the fateful day when we were both attending one of our high school’s football games and our eyes met from across a crowd of people

(we are both rather tall). My best friend looked at me and said, “That Matt is kind of cute”. I agreed, and that evening I “friended” him on MySpace. He struck up a conversation with me, and from then on we wrote back and forth to each other every evening after school. I remember eagerly awaiting his responses in between homework and practicing violin

(Matt: I always responded eagerly between homework and deciding if I was going to practice violin or not that night or just read a book instead. She was way better at violin).

After a few weeks of this, and meeting with groups of friends at football games,

he asked me on a date. Two days before we even had that date, he asked me to “go steady” with him. He utilized the help of my best friend to arrange a locker scavenger hunt, where the final locker held a tape recording of my favorite classical piece and him speaking over it, complete with a rose and chocolates. Two days later we went on our first date

(Matt: Fifteen points to anyone who can guess which classic 2005 Nicolas Cage film we went to go see. Hint – it was The Weather Man)

and have never been apart since."

{How did he pop the big question}

"In December 2012, Matt arranged for the two of us to take a trip to Victoria, B.C. to celebrate my 25^th birthday. Victoria is where we took our first trip together, so we have fond memories of being there for the holidays. Having already been together for 7 years and having been living together for a few years, it was very difficult for him to be secretive

(Matt: It was the challenge of a lifetime).

The holidays are such a busy time for us, when we’re traveling across the country trying to catch up with family and friends, and I had my doubts that we could find time amidst all of that. But he insisted (which was the first red flag). The day of my birthday we took the Victoria Clipper up from Seattle, and spent the day exploring. We’re photographers when we’re not doing graduate school work, so we enjoy seeing the sites and finding ways to creatively document our explorations

(Matt: And keep in mind, I had a big ring box in my pocket through all of this. So it was more than a little awkward, trying to hide an engagement ring sized lump in my coat pocket).

As we went about our day, I could tell something was up since he was being a little bit quiet. He clearly was thinking hard about something, and I just had that feeling that this was the day! So all day long I kept trying to find ways where the two of us could be secluded from other people –trying to find any opportunity to help make it happen (Matt: Including one awkward moment where we walked into an alcove after I’d temporarily transferred it to a zipped pocket in my camera bag. There’s no way I was going to wait that long and not be at least a little smoother than fumbling with a zipper).

It wasn’t until the end of the day that we were walking around Buchart Gardens for their holiday lights festival. We stumbled across a cabin that overlooked the main display of lights and when I turned toward him, he was down on one knee."

{What is your fave date spot/activity?}

"Our favorite activity, by far, is photography. It’s just so fun for the both of us to go out and explore new areas. We could go for a hike and not make it very far because we both just start snapping away. I love that we both appreciate the beauty in nature and share a common passion in finding ways to share with others the way we see this beauty. When we’re not out shooting, we enjoy watching movies and shows and snuggling up with our two cats, Lorne and Cosmo. We try to find balance in all things we do, so we’re never bored and always loving life (Matt: Ditto)."

{What is your fave part about the wedding planning process?}

"My favorite part about the wedding planning process has been the inspiration and planning of small details that set the mood and feel of the wedding day, and make the whole day unique to us. I love daydreaming about the way things will all look when they come together, and I have trouble with having too many ideas (Matt: Fortunately I’m always there to offer a non-committal shrug, cause they all sound fine to me).

Additionally, I have really enjoyed making connections with our vendors. We have such an awesome line-up of talented people!"

{Advice for planning a wedding to other couples?}

"I would say to start as early as possible.

There are lots of things to do, and it’s really important if you want to find the right vendors and make sure they’re available for your day, to book them way in advance. And it’s never too early to look at all the vendor options that are out there and start getting an idea of ones that would work in your style/preference and budget. First up, is the venue. Once you have that and a date set, then everything else can fall into place. So research venues asap, especially if considering a popular time such as during the summer months (particularly August)."

{Her Faves}

Loves photography

nature

lavender

cloudy days

tall pine trees

our two cats

a good pair of skinny jeans

vanilla lattes

rustic modern décor

{His Faves}

Loves photography

chocolate chip cookies

role-playing games

fantasy novels and comics

warm summer nights

the cats

trying new things

Jackie ;)

I mean really could they be any cuter?!

I am SO honored to be chosen as their wedding coordinator, and CAN'T WAIT to help with their big wedding day. Oh and to work with an AMAZING team!

XOXO congrats again Jacqueline & Matt!!!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

{Seattle Engagement Session: Kiley & Jason by Meet The Burks}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 22:01:00 +0000

 This colorful and fun Seattle engagement shoot was submitted to my blog by Heather of Meet The Burks, a talented photography duo based out of North Carolina! 

Their images  from Kiley and Jason's engagement session are a perfect showcase of quintessential Seattle! Post Alley, The Space Needle, the Gum Wall, Pike's Place Market . . . check it out!

(oh and I am loving Kiley's red hair, and Jason's tats!)

From the bride Kiley:

"Jason and I met in North Dakota in 2005 after we were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. We dated for six months before he moved to England for grad school and I came back to the Pacific Northwest—talk about long distance! We made it through, though; in 2009 Jason made the move to Seattle, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.

He proposed on New Year’s Eve in 2011. I was actually making the bed at the time, and when I heard him call my name I just figured he wanted to ask me a question. Little did I know, he was asking THE question! I turned around and he was down on one knee, ring in hand, saying that he didn’t want another year to go by without knowing I would be his wife. It was perfect, and of course I said yes!"

What a sweet story and engagement shoot . . . in the rainy Seattle! 

Thank you Heather from Meet the Burks for submitting this to SBTN!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}

{FEATURED on Style Me Pretty! Whaaaaaa!}

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 04:57:00 +0000

YAYYYYY I am so so excited to make it on the best wedding blog EVER!

If any wedding is deserving, it's Kati and Freddy's! These two (and mom Molly) were so great to work with throughout the entire wedding planning process!

Check it out here

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}