Pakistani and Trinidadian Touches Decorate Beautiful Wedding Day at WithinSodo in Seattle

Shazia Shafaat couldn't help but notice Theron VanPutten when she saw him for the first time, so much so that it became a delightfully ironic start considering she was on another date. The duo spotted each other while in line at Monkey Loft and their first date the next day solidified the start of a truly meaningful romance. Exactly two years after the day they met, the couple returned to Seattle and wed at WithinSodo: a gorgeous urban venue that sits directly below Monkey Loft. After a night of stylish elegance and celebration in bold colors, the after-party raged on at Monkey Loft, which welcomed Shazia and Theron back to their meeting spot as an official married couple in a heartwarming moment. The couple's vision was to have a wedding that mirrored the ambiance of a family get-together, and their Seattle nuptials brought a bold flair to an intimate evening of celebration.

For their actual nuptials, Shazia and Theron wanted to keep a focus on showcasing their cultures while also paying homage to American wedding traditions. The appeal of WithinSodo offered the couple a sleek and classic backdrop that could mold to their vision with ease; Pakistani and Trinidadian influences found themselves prominently displayed in a cascading boom of florals and colors that accented wedding-day décor. A true celebration was uniquely planned by Laura with Your Perfect Bridesmaid which was the optimal blend of all the elements our newlyweds were looking for. 

Shazia expanded upon the wedding festivities that were key to the couple, "We had a Pakistani event before our wedding called a Mehndi, during which our extended family and some friends gathered to have dinner and celebrate. We wore traditional Pakistani clothing and my cousins drew beautiful henna designs on whoever wanted them for the wedding day. During the wedding, we made sure to include Trinidadian soca songs, and the only real traditions we kept were the Mother-Son and Father-Daughter dances. My dad and I danced to 'Dancing Queen' by ABBA - a song we’ve danced and sang along to together my whole life!"

A partial arbor adorned with tropical flora and greenery served as a small but statement-making focal point for the ceremony, and a hanging floral installation expertly crafted by Diadem Flower Co. was a luscious cloud over the center table. Risen arrangements were also a unique addition to the two side tables that complimented the hanging arrangement with a unique contrast of height. WithinSodo transformed into a welcoming dining setup for the reception, featuring vibrant coral napkins, ivory gold linens, blue candles and gold vessels on tables. Two side tables featured bench-style seating, adding to the intimate feel the couple was hoping to create and making for a cozy and lively evening. An homage to both culture, color and family, Theron and Shazia's wedding day actualized their hope of extravagant florals and colors. Set below a spot holding immense personal significance for the couple allowed the duo to celebrate in style before a night of partying in their old stomping grounds at Monkey Loft.