An Intimate, Fantastical Treehouse Wedding at The Emerald Forest in Redmond, Washington

Chloe Smeby and Joseph (JD) Torres share a love story that blossomed within the disciplined corridors of the military, where their paths first crossed. Chloe recalls, “My husband and I started out as just friends.” Their friendship, rooted in that innocent camaraderie, grew quietly over the years, enduring the ebb and flow of military life. Their lives diverged, leading them in separate directions, only to beautifully reconnect years later. JD, aware of their shared preference for the comfort of privacy and intimacy, chose a moment close to their hearts to pop the question. “He proposed to me in our home in Florida on our dating anniversary,” tells the bride.

The couple’s planning process reflected their personalities—calm yet excited, grounded yet imaginative. Chloe, with her kind, caring nature, and JD, intelligent and unceasingly supportive, were a match made in heaven, their love further nurtured by the small acts of kindness they continually showered upon each other. “I have always loved the outdoors; I am happiest when I am outside in a place I find beautiful,” Chloe says. The lush forests and majestic mountains of the PNW, a place close to her heart, became the canvas for their wedding day.

The bride, who had always envisioned herself in a long-sleeved dress, found the perfect gown with an elegant, long train. The dress, which she wore with a short veil, was a blend of efficiency and fantasy, perfectly suited for their forest venue. “The train wasn’t very practical for the forest but the photos were beautiful with it,” she reminisces. JD, true to his essence, opted for a custom-made blue suit, which his bride notes is definitely “his color.” The suit sported an engraving of their wedding date. His watch, a wedding gift from Chloe, with its blue face and silver band, complemented his look exquisitely.

On the day of their wedding, guests gathered under the serene tree canopies, enveloped in an atmosphere of love and tranquility. The venue was a beautiful realization of the couple’s vision, where olive greens, burgundy and hints of gold blended seamlessly. The decor, a mix of wood, metal and glass, resonated with the couple’s love for nature and elegance. “I wanted my wedding to feel very moody but beautiful, which this venue provided for me,” Chloe says. “The decor was very important to me.”

The ceremony itself was a testament to their journey, intimate and deeply personal. As Chloe walked down the aisle, the garlands and vases of flowers, meticulously chosen to match the theme, added a poetic touch to the scene. The couple exchanged vows at an altar flanked by low arrangements of candles and motif-specific arrangements. Cocktail hour saw guests enjoying the unique touch of the charcuterie board, lovingly created by the bride’s best friend, Anya. It was a vibrant mix of flavors, a nod to Chloe’s attention to detail and her desire to infuse the wedding with personal touches.

The reception was an exciting and unique celebration on raised platforms amongst the trees—creating a whimsical atmosphere that the groom and his groomsmen took full advantage of, taking photos with Star Wars props. Speeches by family and friends added warmth and depth to the evening. The highlight, however, was the zipline that led the newlyweds to a secluded treehouse, their sanctuary for the night, a perfect end to a day filled with joy and magic.

As they embarked on their new life together, Chloe and JD’s advice to other couples resonated with wisdom and love. “Do not plan your day around other people,” Chloe advises. “You need to be happy on your special day. Also, do not procrastinate on anything if you can because you will be very stressed before the day comes, and it’s better to have less to worry about. I found that all the things that stressed me out during our entire engagement did not matter to me on my actual wedding day; I just wanted to be happy and enjoy the day.” And from their journey, one thing was clear: it’s the small acts of love and support, the quiet understanding and mutual respect, that forge an unbreakable bond.