"Our wedding day was incredibly personal and fun for so many reasons.” The ceremony was officiated by the couple’s longtime friend who originally introduced them. Each element of the wedding had a personal touch, from handmade decorations and handpicked bouquets to the location. The two held their wedding in their own backyard, which they had spent the last two years remodeling and landscaping. Many of the guests who attended had helped them along the way so it was a perfect setting to showcase all of their hard work. “Every time we look at our backyard it’s a great reminder of such a wonderful day, and we can’t wait to build more memories here.”

  The dress was a perfect combination of comfort and beauty. Cory captured a vintage Hollywood look and feel with her gown from the Maggie Sottero collection. It was alabaster white, strapless fit and flare, made from smooth satin fabric; perfect for dancing in. The couple’s first dance together was to “Ho Hey” by the Lumineers. They created a playlist of their own song collection over the years, giving their wedding music a personal touch.

   The dinner was a true Pacific Northwest style meal with fresh salmon and halibut caught by the groom, his father, and friends. 

  A buffet dinner full of northwest flavor catered by Aramark accompanied the delicious fresh fish. For dessert, guests were asked to bring their favorite treats to share. This mouth-watering dessert potluck included caramel corn, lemon wedding cookies, meringue, white chocolate blondies, oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies, and even donut holes from Lafeens Donuts, Cory’s favorite.

   After dinner and dancing, the party relocated to the Island Mariner for a gorgeous sunset cruise around Bellingham Bay. Surrounded by friends and family, the newlyweds enjoyed the spectacular views, drank local beer, and danced the night away together. “It’s hard to top getting to marry your best friend in your backyard with all your friends and family by your side and then take them out on Bellingham Bay for a beautiful sunset evening.”

   When the sun had set and the cruise had ended, Cory and Chad made their exit on Chad’s father’s boat. It brought them to downtown Bellingham, where the wedding festivities continued at the Green Frog Tavern. The restaurant opened up its kitchen to make the hungry party guests grilled cheese sandwiches