1. Real Weddings

An Elegant, Outdoor Wedding at Union Station in Tacoma, Washington

Lively fuchsia, yellow and tangerine accents harmonized beautifully with a refined navy background at Annie Gutierrez (29) and Robert Yu's (35) elegan

Lively fuchsia, yellow and tangerine accents harmonized beautifully with a refined navy background at Annie Gutierrez (29) and Robert Yu's (35) elegant celebration at the federal courthouse in a converted train station.  Annie immediately bonded with Robert when she became an extern for the law office where Robert worked in 2012. The pair began dating when Annie left the firm to study for the bar exam. Robert proposed two years later. 

For their outdoor ceremony and indoor reception, the couple decided on a palette of navy with bright yellow, tangerine and fuchsia accents. “We wanted the decor to be an honest representation of how our two personalities collide,” Annie says. “Robert is very stylish in a modern yet classic way. I have been called loud, fun and bright, so I have always been attracted to this color combination.” Their 230 guests looked on as Annie and Robert wed under clear skies on the University of Washington Tacoma campus, which was walking distance to the reception site at the federal courthouse —a converted train station that boasts soaring domed ceilings, beaux arts architecture and colorful Dale Chihuly glass art. “It was the perfect mix of law and art in a nonpretentious genuine way,” Annie says. After a plated dinner and rounds in the on-site photo booth, guests indulged in wedding cake from Tacoma's Corina Bakery and chocolate chip cookies from local grocer Metropolitan Markets. While they reveled in their celebration, Annie and Robert encourage couples to remember the true purpose behind the event. “At the end of the day, a wedding is a public expression of someone's lifelong commitment to another,” Annie says. “Few other things in your lifetime will so profoundly alter the trajectory of your life. Everything else is gravy.” —Carolyn Meers

Annie paired her engagement ring with a similar diamond wedding band. Robert's wedding band was a simple brushed titanium.
Annie's ivory satin dress from Seattle's Cicada Bridal matched her veil, which was edged with a smooth ribbon of silk.
Maintaining a casual yet refined aesthetic, Robert paired his navy suit with a slate blue tie and tawny brown shoes. Groomsmen wore gray suits.
Annie's ivory satin trumpet-style gown from Seattle's Cicada Bridal was warmed up with a colorful bouquet of yellow calla lilies and fuchsia roses.
Reflecting the bright accents of the event's palette (and mirroring the vibrant Dale Chihuly glass artwork at the reception space), a curtain positioned behind the couple as they exchanged vows held tiny glass vases with colorful blossoms from fine twine.
Annie's father, wearing a tie that fit with the colorful accents of the day, walked her down the aisle to Elton John's "Your Song."
Annie and Robert exchanged vows in front of 230 guests on the campus of the University of Washington Tacoma.
Annie's nine bridesmaids wore strapless, knee-length navy dresses with a vibrant bouquet that matched their Tieks leather ballet flats.
Annie's nine bridesmaids wore strapless, knee-length dresses with a vibrant bouquet that matched their Tieks leather ballet flats.
Each groomsman wore a gray suit of his choice, a neutral complement to the knee-length navy bridesmaid dresses.
At the reception, the high domed ceilings and elegant beaux arts architecture of the federal courthouse (formerly a train station) was on full display. Dale Chihuly glass artwork hung from the ceiling and decorated the windows.
Before entering the reception, Annie and Robert's guests located their names and dining tables on tall framed lists.
Beer, wine and signature cocktails were outlined on a chalkboard as guests entered the reception.
Vibrant orange tulips submerged in water and topped with floating candles served as centerpieces.
Each place setting included a small thank-you note from Annie and Robert tied with a bright ribbon that matched their accent colors.
The four-tier cake from Tacoma's Corina Bakery was accented with navy ribbons and yellow and orange roses.
At the indoor reception, each table was set with a crisp navy tablecloth and topped with one tall glass vase with greenery, as well as several smaller vases filled with flowers in the accent colors (yellow, orange and pink).
Each guest was given a fresh chocolate chip cookie from a local grocer as a late-night treat.
Vibrant lights (consistent with the event's bright accent colors) illuminated the federal courthouse (formerly a train station) as the night went on.