A birthday weekend, sassy flirting and perfect timing is all Alexandria and Luís needed to make their destination wedding dreams come true. When they first met on Alexandria’s birthday a year prior to their wedding, Alexandria was in town for a friend’s wedding and Luís had just gotten back from being deployed in Iraq. Both had no clue in a year’s time they would be saying their “I do’s.”

With a deep love for nature and the Pacific Northwest, TreeHouse Point proved to be the intimate fairy tale setting they both wanted. Lodges that had a treehouse feel, grassy meadows and tall, moss-adorned trees were enjoyed by the couple and their 26 guests.

“We didn’t want a long engagement and needed a venue where we could get everything planned and ready within 90 days,” the couple says. “A destination wedding was perfect for us.”

Despite being nervous about having to plan a destination wedding from afar, everything turned out to be beyond what the couple could have imagined – thanks to the bride’s mother who doubled as a wedding planner.

Losing some traditional wedding elements and incorporating a combination of religious and spiritual components added to the celebration. A pair of birds bought by the groom while the couple were dating long distance were set on top of the cake to represent their union. A hand washing ceremony, which symbolized forgiveness and opening the door to a loving and compassionate marriage, was also incorporated into their ceremony. 

With a personalized ceremony followed by a cocktail hour and dinner, the couple enjoyed the relaxed feel of their special day. A long table that seated the entire wedding party and wood rounds handcrafted by the bride enabled the couple to sit and enjoy dinner and their guests’ company without having to rush off.

Happy with the laid-back feel of their event, the bride offers some advice to any couple looking to plan their own wedding away. “There are so many traditions and customs that it can be overwhelming, but choose the ones that are important to you and toss the rest,” Alexandria says. “If a tradition doesn’t work for you – change it!”

Vendors: Photographer: Crozier Photography, Ceremony/Reception Site: TreeHouse Point, Florist: Down to Earth Flowers, Stationery: Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas & Custom Stamps from Zazzle, Catering: Green Apple Events and Catering, Gown Designer: David Tutera, Groom’s Clothing Designer: United States Army Service Uniform, Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: United States Army Service Uniform, Officiant: Kent Buttars from A Heavenly Ceremony.