Simply Engaged: Mariel and Brian!

I'd love to introduce another fabulous (and adorable)

Simply by Tamara Nicole couple . . .

Simply Engaged

Here's a glimpse into the sweet couple that is

{Mariel & Brian}

Wedding Date: July 9th 2016

Wedding Location: Four Seasons Seattle, WA

Photographer: Clane Gessel Photography

. . . 

How did you two love birds meet

Here's our story:

Mariel and Brian met on a cold, rainy February evening in Seattle, WA. They were at King's Hardware, Brian's favorite bar back then, and bumped into each other in front of the jukebox. Mariel had stopped there to send her sister a text message. Brian walked up and said, "you should probably get off your phone!" 

(I told you it was sassy!) 

Before Mariel had a chance to retort back, Brian introduced himself, 

charmed the heck out of her, 

and they talked until two o'clock in the morning when the bar finally closed.

The couple's first date was weeks later, after hours of phone calls and texts with each other. Brian picked Mariel up, took her to dinner, and surprised her with a ride on the Ferris Wheel. The Ferris Wheel holds a special place in the couple's hearts... it will be in prominent view at the Four Seasons, where they will get married.

How did he pop the big question?

Brian and I took a cruise to Alaska with my parents back in August, and 

every moment of the trip was magical.  

There was an energy and a sparkle surrounding everything, starting with even just packing for the trip.  I didn't suspect anything at the time, but I felt so very happy and loved.  Our Juneau excursion was going to be a helicopter tour that would land us on the Mendenhall Glacier, where Brian was planning to propose.  However, we woke up on the ship that morning to heavy thunderstorms, rain, and huge waves.  We had a feeling the helicopter tour might not happen -- for me, that meant more fun on the ship, which I was excited for!  But for Brian, who was planning to propose, it was a disaster!  

We had a quick breakfast -- eggs for my parents and me, mimosas and scotch for Brian, in his desperate nervousness.  Despite the weather, we disembarked and Brian ran from tour booth to tour booth trying to find a helicopter guide who would fly.  His persistence paid off -- while (thank goodness) no pilot would fly in that weather, he found a tour bus that took us to the glacier.  In the warm rain, in the presence of my parents, on the most beautiful glacier in one of our now-favorite places in the world, Brian got on one knee and proposed through tears and my screams of happiness.  

It's a day we'll never forget!

What is your fave date spot/activity?

We have many favorite traditions we hold dear to our hearts.  Sunday breakfast at Queen Anne cafe, outings with the dogs at Marymoor park, spring and summer camping in the mountains, and, once in a blue moon, a night out at the casino.  Hard to beat the thrill of hitting it big at a Mega Meltdown machine :)  

(side note: Mariel and Brian have a WESTIE! If you know me, you know I have FOUR of them.  Instant bonding! :)

What is your fave part about the wedding planning process?

We've absolutely loved having the opportunity to make every element of our wedding meaningful.  From my grandmother's box our rings will be carried in, to a piece of my mom's dress that will be wrapped around my bouquet, to the (surprise) groom's gift -- nearly everything will have a story to tell.  

This wedding will be the culmination of not only our love story, but also of our childhood, our family stories, and our friendships.  

That's what has been most fun and exceptional about this process for us.

Advice for planning a wedding to other couples? 

No matter HOW much time you think you have, the time flies by!  

Do everything as early as you can.  

You should aim to spend the last month(s) before the wedding just dating your fiancee, enjoying long talks with your parents, and reflecting on how blessed you are.

{Him}

Brian is a Marine Corps veteran

a graduate of Seattle Pacific University

a lover of all things 80s

a mountain climber

a field scientist with King County

& a scotch aficionado

{Her}

Mariel graduated from Harvard University 

has her MBA from Wharton

hails originally from Brooklyn, NY

loves yoga

reading

wine

camping

and spending time with her family (four- and two-legged!)

What first caught your eye?  

{Her}
He was a tall, muscular, gorgeous Marine. 

 He didn't just catch my eye, he nearly made me faint!  

;)

{Him}
She caught my eye because of her beauty initially, and after talking to her, because of her intelligence and laid back nature.

On my wedding day I am most excited about . . .

Seeing one another's faces for the first time that day.  Also, being surrounded by all of our loved ones at the same time... we know it'll make us weep.

Fave meal your fiance makes for you?

Brian makes me this incredible roasted tomato, feta, and shrimp dish.  It's my favorite because it's delicious, but also because the first time he made it, he was secretly celebrating having bought "the" ring :)

Mariel makes a mean stir fry.  She somehow finds a way to add flavor to something that is usually so dull!

If we could travel anywhere for our honeymoon we would  . . .

Scotland and Ireland, which we're planning to go to as we speak!!

(jealous, LOVE those places!)

. . .

I know this wedding is going to be SO amazing, and well we have the best team ever for it!

Thanks for sharing with me M&B!

SO happy for you both!

{Simply by Tamara Nicole}