1. Real Weddings

A Nautical Waterfront Wedding at the Rosehill Community Center in Mukilteo, Washington

Anastasia Ivasenko (26, a financial analyst) and Colin Johnson (25, a project manager) proved that opposite personalities attract when they met throug

Anastasia Ivasenko (26, a financial analyst) and Colin Johnson (25, a project manager) proved that opposite personalities attract when they met through mutual friends from college. Anastasia was an organizer and Colin was carefree, but their differences complimented each other and shared a strong love for their families. When Anastasia and Colin went to the Washington coast to collect seashells one day, Colin pretended to bend down and collect a piece of sea glass. Instead, he picked up a gorgeous engagement ring and asked for Anastasia’s hand in marriage. The couple wanted to incorporate their proposal into the wedding, so they chose to have their nautical-themed wedding ceremony and reception at the Rosehill Community Center that overlooked the Puget Sound, the Mukilteo Lighthouse and the Whidbey Ferry. Invitations were decorated with navy, white and silver foil, accented with a ribbon and seal with vintage stampings. The reception tables had mercury glass centerpieces that were complimented with table number holders made of rope. However, Anastasia’s favorite nautical decor had to be the arch, which was decorated with sea glass that Colin and her had collected.

Engagement and Weddings Rings on Sea Glass
Bridal Party Toasting to Wedding Day
On her wedding day, the bride wore a pair of dark blue open-toed shoes designed by Badgley Mischka, which closely matched the color of her bridesmaids dresses.
Anastasia held an ivory and orange rose bouquet with green berries and leaves accenting the arrangement.
A large anchor served as the welcome sign to the wedding ceremony, which was positioned close to one of the orange lantern aisle decorations.
Flower Girl and Ring Bearers at Ceremony
“We chose to honor our families by giving roses to our moms and we asked Colin's sisters to do readings," says Anastasia. "Making the ceremony special to use helped our guests to know us better as a couple and set a wonderful, loving atmosphere for the rest of the day.”
Bride and Groom Recessional at Ceremony
“My bridesmaids all wore navy dresses that captured the vintage nautical feel. The groomsmen wore grey tuxedos with matching argyle socks,” says Anastasia.
“We choose a venue in Mukilteo that overlooked the Puget Sound, the Mukilteo Lighthouse, and the Mukilteo Whidbey ferry," says Anastasia. "I loved that the venue had a beautiful modern ballroom with windows overlooking the water and had several options for indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces.”
“I fell in love with an Amy Kuschel sample gown I found at a small local boutique,” says Anastasia. “I accessorized with a horsehair ribbon trimmed veil for classic but modern look.”
At the reception, white escort cards were neatly organized on the table, stamped with different nautical symbols.
The table decorations included mercury glass vases and lanterns with nautical rope table number holders,” says Anastasia.
Sweetheart Table With Lush Flower Arrangement
Sea Glass Candy Wedding Favors
Orange Flip-Flops in Bucket at Reception
The three-tiered ivory wedding cake was accented with orange and ivory roses. “We got a delicious cake with layers of guava and chocolate macadamia nut from a local Hawaiian bakery,” says Anastasia.
Bride and Groom Cutting Ivory Cake
First Dance at Rosehill Community Center