C'est Darci: A garden wedding on Vashon Island, WA

I love most weddings, the joy, the energy, the gathering of family and friends, the new beginnings. But when weddings capture the true spirit of the couple, that's when magic really happens. That was my friend Dawn's recent wedding to her beloved Jeremy.

The wedding was on Vashon Island where Dawn's family has it's roots and many still live. Husband and I took the Pt. Defiance ferry to Talequah landing. It was a slow ride, the salt air smelled so refreshing and the sounds of lapping water and boats buzzing. The transition to Island life had begun.

Brad and I on deck

the Talequah landing on Vashon Island

The wedding was set at Triplebrook Farm, a working farm which has been recently renovated. The buildings are set amongst gardens and lawns. The event utilized all to their fullest.

A peek-a-boo view of Puget Sound

a rustic archway leading into another garden

a rooster weather vane atop the residential building

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed to refresh at the Beverage tent, surrounded by raspberry patch, fruit orchard and upper lawn. There was time to pause, play bocci, bad mitten, and soak in the much appreciated sunshine and visit before the ceremony began.

Offerings of strawberry lemonade, minted punch and iced tea

A view of the beverage tent through the raspberry patch

We gathered in the lower lawn area for the wedding ceremony. The setting was calm, casual and nestled amongst the vegetable garden and the residential house. The jazz ensemble played softly from beneath their black tent, announcing the beginning of the ceremony.

gathering in the lower lawn for the ceremony

the raised veggie garden

the residential home

The vows were personal. Their friend officiated. He shared a message of the depth, significance and fabric of moments that over time, constitute a marriage.

the exchange of vows

The message reminded me of how blessed my family is and to take nothing for granted. Life is comprised of many small moments and to cherish each one.

Following the ceremony, the band played again. We followed the wedding party up near the barn where were a heartfelt toasts from friends and relatives, sharing more good wishes for the future and some stories from the bride and grooms past. The sparkling wine felt refreshing as we clinked glasses with those around us.

Appetizers arrived on trays. They were simple, fresh and delicious! The appetizers were passed by the professional, friendly and all-black clad caterers from Herban Feast Catering.

seared beef with pickled red onion and horseradish on grilled bruschetta

a collection of the incredibly savory appetizers

Again, the personal connection for Dawn and Jeremy was Herban Feast started in West Seattle, where Dawn used to live. I was both lucky enough to be Dawn's next door neighbor there and had worked occasionally for Herban Feast in their prep kitchen. Small world! Not surprising, BJ Duft, the owner of Herban Feast Catering and now Fresh Bistro and SoDo Studio has done so well for himself. He is a hard-working, innovative, friendly person who continues to expand his vision of offering fantastic, fresh and local food in glorious environments.

The wine bar next to the antique truck used to stage extra glasses

A view of the barn through the wine bar

a shaded seating ring of covered hay bales outside the B & B

Dinner was both elegant and casual in and around the renovated barn. Dawn and Jeremy had strung globe lights throughout the barn, adding another layer of cheer.

The tables were set formally but used a mix of vintage vases and table numbers, crisp white tops, rustic linen runners and charming country bouquets.

We started with plated salads of fresh greens, bacon bits and roasted beets.

We were lucky enough to be seated with 3 toddlers, their parents and another couple. These two were happy to pose for pictures on my iPhone and be passed around the table in between salad and main course. Our third boy was wanting to run around outside in the gardens, so no slowing down for any pictures!

The main course and sides were served family style and equally fresh, well prepared as the salad and appetizers!

herb and shallot compound butter on rustic bread

my dinner plate

I especially enjoyed the Parmesan and roasted veggie pasta that looked like Israeli cous cous, the perfectly grilled salmon with huckleberry sauce and the medium rare beef tenderloin with caramelized onions. Oh heck, the veggies were uber-fresh and perfectly roasted as well!

"It's all good" was the consensus at our table!

the much anticipated wedding cake

So, we missed the amazingly appetizing cake and the cutting ceremony to catch a ferry back to the main land. It was sad to leave a party in mid swing but it was gratifying to see my friend and her new husband celebrating their union with their family and friends. Good friends are a gift in life. I'm so happy to have spent this day with my husband, sharing in Dawn and Jeremy's celebration.