California might be there home now, but Brook and Dima met and fell in love while they were both living in Seattle. Therefore this wet and moody home of Grunge holds a special meaning to the two of them and was the perfect place to tie-the-knot. With this in mind, Seattle became the silent but visually compelling third character in the story that is Broom and Dima’s wedding day.
You will find tons of sweet and edgy elements to love in this gorgeous wedding day, even more of which are waiting for you in our full gallery of images thanks to the photography talents of Caitlyn Nikula.
The Location And Getting Ready
Brooke and Dima’s City wedding was a dream. Held at Axis Pioneer Square, right in the heart of historic downtown Seattle. The venue provided the perfect moody backdrop for their wedding. Back to the wedding! Brooke and Dima actually met at work in Seattle, before moving to CA, so it was so fun for them to bring all of their people up to see their original hometown, and show it off.
The day started for Brooke with her maids all at a fun VRBO rental, getting her glam on with Kendra Springer. Cailtyn Nikula and I met to style and take the detail photos while the girls enjoyed their mimosas and snacks. All of the maids had bright fun robes to get ready in. Brooke had two pairs of Badgley Mischka’s- flats and heels, both blinged out and gorgeous. She had her grandmother’s diamond bracelet and hanky- as her “something old”. Her lace top Sarah Seven Dress with sleeves was a stunner!
Dima and the dapper gentlemen had a chill time getting ready at the Hotel, with Oona their pup! Then everyone went down to Pioneer Square for the First Look- which took place in the alley right behind the venue, where they exchanged their thoughtful gifts.
The Ceremony
Carlee with Rusted Vase Floral did a great job with the textures and wild vibes of the bouquets and all flowers. We had Rented Elegance drape all of the tall arches in the space to soften things up, and Crimson Haze did the bistro lights throughout the venue. We put candles everywhere to add that ambiance!
The copper arch for the ceremony with asymmetrical greenery set the stage for the sweetest ceremony, full of so much laughter. The ring bearer walking Oona down the aisle MIGHT have stolen the show. Brooke’s cousin married them, and they had all of their guests put some stones into a vase (with love) for their stone ceremony, where they filled in their own color stone during the ceremony.
Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoyed Moscow Mules, and Old Fashioned cocktails for cocktail hour while we flipped the space for the reception. Instead of your standard sit down dinner or buffet, Brooke and Dima wanted to showcase their side range of food that they loved- so we had several different stations for guests to enjoy. One was a Farmer’s Market inspired station, then a Street Taco Bar, and then a mac and cheese bar. The wedding cake was a Russian layered cake (Dima’s heritage) which was delicious!
The Reception
For the reception, we balanced farm tables down the center of the room and the head table, with ivory linens on round tables surrounding to give it a different look. Once we had the room ready I was so excited to show Brooke and Dima the space before the guests went in, so we did a room reveal (one of my fave parts!). Seeing the look on their face was priceless.
Then after the sweet speeches, onto dancing! Following their first dance (to “The Best Part” by Daniel Ceasar), the Father/Daughter dance had everyone, including Brooke, in tears. Following the Mother/Son dance, we had a BIG surprise for Brooke! Dima had been practicing with his two professional dancing friends- on an amazing dance for Brooke! He really did an amazing job! Then came a killer dance party, until the Sparkler send off at the end of the night. They drove off into the night as a married couple in a Tesla.
From Brooke, our Bride: “Top Favorite Moments:
1. We were able to incorporate Oona, our little fur child as our ring bearer
2. Dimas Grandpa who primarily speaks Russian wrote and read a speech in English.
3. Dima performed a Dance a for Brooke
4. Brooke wore her grandmothers diamond bracelet. Also, her handkerchief that she used to hold her bouquet was her great grandmothers.
5. Dima – Seeing her walk down the aisle.
6. Seeing everyone we love so much all in one room
