This past weekend, one of my closest friends married the love of her life in a magical Kelley Farm wedding… and we were beyond honored to photograph their special day.

Mandi is one of those souls that lights up an entire room when she walks in. If there were an item that could represent her perfectly, it would be anything sparkly. She can make a friend in mere moments and make new people feel like she’s been their friend for a lifetime. She’s also one of those friends that is there in a moments notice – whether day or night, she is there to listen or offer advice or just make you feel heard. She’s wise beyond her years, and yet optimistic and filled with hope. Michael is the quieter of the two – but quick with a smile that can make any day feel 100x better. He is a strong foundation of drive and ambition and values – and better yet, he loves Mandi’s son like he was his own. And you can tell that he respects him in return, and loves him just as fiercely back. There is this … sparkle … in Michael’s eyes when he looks at Mandi – that part of him that is the perfect match with her. They “zinged”, and seem to forever zing in eachother’s presence, too. They’re the kind of couple that people truly write love stories about. That’s why, when she was talking to me about her theme idea for the wedding, I *knew* it would not only be beautiful, but it would be the two of them poured out into a day in the most perfect way. And it truly was. Their Nordic/Viking Cinderella Kelley Farm wedding was a fairytale, magical day. But now of course, we all want to hear the story behind these two and some of their Kelley Farm wedding details. Here’s the story according to Mandi herself:

How did the two of you meet?

Tinder……………….. hahaha. Not much more explanation is needed- I was about to delete the app all together and I saw his Marine Corps Greens… the nasty sweats we all know and love… (and that we still wear). The first time he ever saw me I was without make-up and had just spent 3 hours under the needle so.. I was worn. He still couldn’t finish his meal because we were talking so much.. so I must say it was a good first date… and the rest is history! 🙂

Tell me all of the awesome proposal details.

Well… of course he waiting for the perfect time… at the Disney castle in California. We were on a BIG family vacation with my siblings and all our children- so that all the cousins could get together. We were on our last day of the 3 and ALL vacation long I was complaining about not enough professional photo spots- you see I had paid for the ultra awesome ‘get what ever you want’ pass… and I was very disappointed in lack of Disney photos. Well we were heading to go get my son from my sister and my mom.. we were at California Adventure with my nieces drinking a fruity margarita drink and walking around. Michael says- before we meet them can we have a ‘you and me’ photo at the castle? DUH – mind you I thought nothing of it cause I had literally been complaining, asking, hunting down photographers at the park. Thinking about it now I can barely remember the details cause once i saw him on his knee I was a goner. Long story not as long, we waiting in line and took some cute couple photos- almost done my amazing boyfriend at the time goes- ‘whats that?’ (He pointed to something behind me of course) I thought ‘there is a tree behind me babe’… wait why am I even looking? (I was thinking this while I was looking at where he pointed) That’s when I had a hopeful- MAYBE this is it! ……………………. and it was. Sly guy of mine had told the photographer… and she was so smitten with us she took us to the side and did a handful of ‘proposal’ shoots.  I look at them daily while I plan this wedding… I cannot lie.

Is there a special reason you chose your venue, The Kelley Farm?

Because YOU (GSquared Weddings)  helped show it to me!  I love the PNW and the lush greens… I am a rustic country girl at heart and the Kelley Farm is BIG, VERSATILE, and STUNNING. Many options and many picture opportunities.

What are some of the DIY projects you made for your Kelley Farm wedding?

All of the centerpieces and party favors… 1.The table numbers are viking god/rune tarot cards 2. the centerpieces are all made by my mom and nieces (Wood rounds with flowers and a candle). 3. The party favors (2) are a: (1) handled mason jar mug- with name stickers (chalkboard) for writing names (grab a jar head to the bar- keepsake to take home) (2) mini shot glass mason jars filled with M&Ms and Gummy Bears. (as a family have worked as an assembly line to get a lot of this done) 4.The place markers for each seat are little wooden rounds with everyone’s name on them- I did that 🙂 5. the Guest Log and the hollowed out trunk for gift cards – ETSY purchase but I have a little write up from the vendor- and it has my sentimental stamp on it ;). 6. The (almost entirely) fake cake, my mom is doing a Styrofoam fondant cake with the top layer being a real cake for us the cake cutting ceremony.

Is there anything unique about your Kelley Farm wedding we should know?

We are having a s’mores bar; my dad and I are performing a waltz, and we are having karaoke as part of our reception!

If we were to bump in to you on a relaxed weekend, where would we find you?

haha. If we were having dinner at a dive bar- I would be meeting people and dancing or singing (if they had karaoke). If it was during the day on an adventure we would be walking or cuddling – or hiking. If we aren’t wrapped up in each other- we like adventure, and I am not afraid to meet new people or try a new activity.

The Awesome Kelley Farm Wedding Vendor Team

Venue: The Kelley Farm

Hair & Makeup: Seattle Bride Hair

Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal

Groomswear: Men’s Wearhouse

Men’s Viking Braiding: Brenda the Braider

Photographer: GSquared Weddings

Coordination: Mandi, the bride Kate from GSquared Weddings (day of)

Officiant: Nick, friend of the bride

Invitations: Chalk.Ink.Style

Florals: Gorker’s Greenhouse

DJ/MC/KJ: DJ Stephen the Stylist

Catering/Bartending: Gallucci’s Catering

Videography: Tennison Weddings

Baker: Jacqueline, the bride’s mom

Wedding Party Apparel: David’s Bridal and Men’s Wearhouse

The Awesome Kelley Farm Wedding Vendor Team

Venue: The Kelley Farm

Hair & Makeup: Seattle Bride Hair

Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal

Groomswear: Men’s Wearhouse

Men’s Viking Braiding: Brenda the Braider

Photographer: GSquared Weddings

Coordination: Mandi, the bride Kate from GSquared Weddings (day of)

Officiant: Nick, friend of the bride

Invitations: Chalk.Ink.Style

Florals: Gorker’s Greenhouse

DJ/MC/KJ: DJ Stephen the Stylist

Catering/Bartending: Gallucci’s Catering

Videography: Tennison Weddings

Baker: Jacqueline, the bride’s mom

Wedding Party Apparel: David’s Bridal and Men’s Wearhouse

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