Upscale and Modern Nuptials at The Lodges on Vashon

Dakota Mackey and Erika Kay’s bespoke garden wedding at The Lodges on Vashon began in a similar fashion for each of them: getting ready with their friends while sipping drinks and blasting music. Erika had a special guest, her 70-pound pit bull, Big Boy, who spent the morning soaking up attention from the group. Vashon Island’s natural beauty was transformed into a colorful garden with an array of blooms in summery hues. Dakota and Erika each walked down the aisle with their parents at their sides and exchanged beautiful, loving vows that brought tears to the guests’ eyes. The ceremony came to a close with a moving rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Lover,” performed by Erika’s siblings. Dinner was of key importance to Dakota, who previously had a successful food blog. To create intimacy and celebrate togetherness, guests were seated at long feasting tables, where they dined on an upscale buffet-style banquet. In addition to cake, cookies played a starring role at the reception, the recipes being famous from Dakota’s blog as well as renowned among family and friends. The couple capped off the night by sneaking off for a photo session with their beloved scooter and a bottle of Champagne. But the party didn’t end there; Dakota and Erika later joined their guests for an epic after-party, which was spent dancing into the wee hours, fueled by pizza and drinks.