Mackenzie & John's Coastal Sunrise Inspired Wedding at Ray's BoatHouse
Getting Ready: Near Your Ballard Wedding Venue
Makenzie and John's wedding day began in the heart of Ballard, where Makenzie got ready at their cozy home surrounded by her mom, sisters, and best friend. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as Makenzie prepared for one of the most important moments of her life. She wore a stunning La Perle Wedding Dress, (Shine Style No. LP2335). The A-line strapless wedding dress was non-traditional with colored flowers, a slit, and pockets. Crafted from lightweight organza, the dress featured a whimsical touch with green and pink floral prints. John, on the other hand, donned a striking dark evergreen suit from Suit Supply.
His parents reaction upon seeing the groom in his suit on the wedding day, “Oh, you don't look like a leprechaun! When you said green suit..."
They were pleasantly surprised to see how dapper and stylish he looked. Their first looks were nothing short of magical, capturing the perfect blend of anticipation and joy.
And let's not forget their beloved dog, Jackson, who looked absolutely adorable in his green tuxedo dog harness from Twinkle Mingle on Etsy. Jackson, a Cattle Dog and Border Collie mix, was more than just a guest; he was part of the family. His presence added a special touch to the pre-ceremony festivities. Ensuring Jackson was well-behaved and photo-ready was Dana from To Wag and To Hold, who was an absolute lifesaver. Dana came prepared with treats, water, and tricks to keep Jackson's attention for every photo. She made my job as a wedding photographer so much easier and the photos turned out fantastic!
If you’re planning to include your furry friend in your wedding, To Wag and To Hold is a must. Dana’s professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine love for animals ensured that Jackson was comfortable, happy, and perfectly posed for every shot. It’s not just about having your dog at the wedding; it’s about making sure they are part of the celebration in the best possible way.
Before heading to the venue, Makenzie, John, and Jackson took some time for photos at Golden Gardens, one of the most picturesque wedding photo locations in Seattle. The stunning coastal backdrop was perfect for their pre-ceremony photos, capturing their love and excitement in a serene and beautiful setting.
Funny Story about Wedding Photos with their Dog
They frequently bring their dog, Jackson, out and about. They will lay down a blanket for him and he knows that’s his spot. Upon fluffing the brides train, Jackson trotted right over to lay down.
He thought her train was his bed.
Ray’s Boathouse Ceremony Photos
The ceremony took place on the deck next to the Northwest Room at Ray’s Boathouse, under a clear tent that showcased the stunning waterfront views. Guests were given crisp white paper fans with a QR code encouraging photo sharing, cheekily captioned, "pics or it didn’t happen!" The bridal party walked down the aisle to the soothing tones of Jack Johnson’s “Better Together,” setting a relaxed and intimate tone for the ceremony.
Makenzie made her grand entrance to Sam Smith's acoustic version of “Latch,” creating an emotional moment that left many in tears. The officiant delivered heartfelt words, saying, "I’ve seen them help each other in ways that are obvious and unnoticed, but always appreciated," encapsulating the essence of their relationship. In a playful twist, Makenzie and John played a quick game of "rock, paper, scissors" to decide who would go first for the exchange of rings, adding a lighthearted and memorable touch to the ceremony.
Cocktail Hour, Reception & A Grand Exit with Bubbles
The cocktail hour and reception were held in the Northwest Room at Ray's Boathouse, with doors flung open to welcome sea breezes and views of Shilshole Bay. Guests enjoyed a scrumptious Pacific Northwest dinner featuring New England clam chowder, farmers market salad with maple rosemary vinaigrette, grilled wild Pacific Coho salmon, roasted vegetables, and whipped Yukon gold potatoes. Desserts included vanilla crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, and seasonal fruit tartlets.
The reception tables were adorned with hydrangea blue sea glass numbers, pieces of twisty driftwood, and floral arrangements in shell pink, blue, and white, creating an elegant coastal ambiance. Makenzie and John’s beloved dog, Jackson, a Cattle Dog and Border Collie mix, joined the festivities wearing a tuxedo dog harness from Twinkle Mingle on Etsy. Expertly handled by Dana from @toWagAndToHold, Jackson was camera-ready, making it easy to capture perfect Seattle beach wedding photos.
Makenzie later changed into her second outfit of the evening – all white Jordans paired with a mini white sheath dress by Sachin & Babi, featuring a show-stopping oversized bow. This bow, a top wedding trend for 2024, added a playful and stylish touch to her look. The couple's guestbook was a stormy blue with gold engraving, accompanied by a periwinkle blue Instax Mini 12 for guests to snap selfies, ensuring plenty of memories to look back on.
As the evening drew to a close, Makenzie and John made a grand exit with bubbles, surrounded by their loved ones. The setting sun provided the perfect backdrop for their final Ray’s Boathouse wedding photos, capturing the love and joy of their special day. From the heartfelt ceremony to the festive reception, every moment was thoughtfully planned and executed, making it a day to remember for everyone involved.
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Find out if we’re available for your wedding date at Rays Boathouse!
John & Mackenzie’s Wedding at Ray’s Boathouse
Address: 6049 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107 | Phone: (206) 789-3770 | Wedding Email: rayscatering@rays.com
⚓ Getting Ready in Ballard
- Makenzie wore a stunning La Perle wedding gown, Shine Style No. LP2335. It’s a whimsical A-line strapless wedding dress with colored flowers, a slit, and pockets.
- John looked stylish in a dark evergreen suit from Suit Supply, winning over everyone with his bold choice.
- Jackson, their adorable dog, stole the show in his green tuxedo dog harness from Twinkle Mingle on Etsy.
- Dana from To Wag and To Hold ensured Jackson was well-cared for and photo-ready, making her service a must for any dog-inclusive wedding.
-Pre-Cremony photos at golden gardens captured their love in a serene and picturesque setting, one of the top wedding photo locations in Seattle.
🛳️ Ceremony at Ray’s Boathouse
- Held on the deck next to the Northwest Room under a clear tent with beautiful waterfront views.
- Guests received white paper fans with a QR code for photo sharing, captioned, "pics or it didn’t happen!"
- Groom walked down the aisle to Jack Johnson’s “Better Together.”
- Makenzie made a grand entrance to Sam Smith's acoustic version of “Latch.”
- A playful ring exchange decided by a game of "rock, paper, scissors."
- Stunning Seattle wedding photos were taken post-ceremony with views of Shilshole Bay, perfect for sunset photos at Ray's.
🐚 Reception overlooking Shilshol Bay
- Held in the Northwest Room with open doors to let in the refreshing sea breezes.
- Tables adorned with hydrangea blue sea glass numbers, driftwood pieces, and floral arrangements in shell pink, blue, and white.
- Dinner menu included New England clam chowder, farmers market salad with maple rosemary vinaigrette, grilled wild Pacific Coho salmon, roasted vegetables, and whipped Yukon gold potatoes.
- Desserts featured vanilla crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, and seasonal fruit tartlets.
- Makenzie’s second outfit was all white Jordans paired with a mini white sheath dress by Sachin & Babi, featuring a show-stopping oversized bow.
- Grand exit with bubbles, surrounded by loved ones, against a stunning sunset backdrop.
- Captured unforgettable Ray’s Boathouse wedding photos, showcasing the love and joy of their special day.
Makenzie and John's Ray's Boathouse wedding was a perfect blend of coastal charm, modern simplicity, and heartfelt moments. From the Ray’s Boathouse ceremony photos to golden gardens wedding photos and Seattle beach wedding photos with their dog Jackson, every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed. Ray's Boathouse is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque wedding photo locations in Seattle. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness for Makenzie and John!
