photo: katie parra Me: “Where’s the wedding?” Friend: “At XYZ! We’re so excited.” Me: “Oh that place is awesome! Did you book your coordinator yet?” Friend: “Oh, they provide a wedding coordinator.” Me: (knowing this isn’t entirely accurate) “Are you sure?” As you begin planning, you might find “Day-Of Coordinator” services to be listed … read more
New Day Northwest // How to Be Pop Up Party Ready
How do we celebrate and savor spontaneous moments in a life that is over scheduled and programed? How do you celebrate the small but meaningful win at work? Can you embrace the on-the-fly picnic with the kids? Do you have (or want) a special stash of clean, matching and beautiful dish ware for you house guests? Sheena … read more
Ask the Expert // 7 Things to Know Before Buying Your Dress
photo by Carina Skrobecki Interviewed by Sheena Kalso I met celebrity bridal stylist, Lindsay Kenna, founder of Bridalinstaglam in 2015 and immediately loved her energy and sense of style. Always in-the-know of latest trends and styles, I had to ask Lindsay for her gown shopping advice. She answered me with: 7 Things you … read more
Ask the Expert // Why We Charge What We Charge
Before you read this post, please know: The purpose of this post is to provide context as to why modern day weddings cost what they do. It is also written in gentle defense of the accusation that the wedding industry is a price gouging racket. (eww) Yes, your mom probably got married for less than half of what you are … read more
Planning Advice // Our Favorite Dessert Trends
photo: @thrifter.cool Cake will always be the Queen Bee when it comes to wedding desserts, but every now and then we see some stand out sweets that make memorable moments. Here are some of our favorite dessert ideas and a story about a sun-induced leaning cake: Click the image to watch our full take (and see Natasha’s devastating … read more
Ask the Expert // What to Know When Buying a Suit
photo credits listed below Interviewed by Sheena Kalso If you’ve been in Seattle long enough, there’s a solid chance you’ve already met our styling expert Brent Martin. A true renaissance man, Brent Henry Martin, Image & Wardrobe Coach, works with tech CEOs, rock stars and schleppy husbands. My own husband had his “Pretty Woman” moment a few … read more
Planning Advice // Fashionably late to weddings is not a...
photo: Amber French Photography I don’t know a soul under 50 who plans a party, expecting guests to actually show up “on time.” The concept of fashionably late is so expected, that it is alarming when the doorbell rings “on time.” Like, WTF guest who doesn’t understand I’m still in my bathrobe wiping melted butter off the … read more
Kelsey + Matt // Romantic Food Lover’s Fête
The Couple: Kelsey & Matt Their Coordinators: Natasha Larsen and Kristine Parra Their Date: 9/2/16 Where they wed: Westland Distillery Photographer: J Tobiason Photography Floral Designer: Carrot Flower Company Venue: Westland Distillery Caterer: Skillet Calligraphy: Cablecar Calligraphy Officiant: Jason Groenink Rentals: Pedersen’s Drapery: Prop Gallery Beauty: Michelle Chappron Hair: Charbon Salon DJ: Ottomatic Mobile Music
Kristine + Ben // SoCal Desert Vibes
Meet our very own Kristine and her husband Ben Their Date: 6/13/15 Where they wed: Casa Encantada, Malibu CA Hello world! My name is Kristine Parra. I’m a Coordinator and Lead Designer at The Invisible Hostess. How I got into weddings I want to share with you what got me into the … read more
Ask the Expert // What a Photographer wants you to know
Interviewed by Sheena Kalso If you follow anything The Invisible Hostess does, you know we’re big fans of Katie Parra Photography. She’s been capturing our team and our work for the last year and a half and so we know first hand how comfortable she makes her clients feel in front of the camera. I … read more