Stylist Amy Imes and photographer Karen Kirsch of Kirsch Creative in Renton conceived this lush lakeside tablescape to capture the essence of an intimate sunset gathering at the height of summer. With a palette inspired by ripe and luscious summer fruits and the late-evening sky, this lovely tableau is an invitation to linger.
About 30 miles southeast of Seattle in the tiny mining town of Ravensdale, Genevieve Tharp of Events Northwest and a team of local wedding pros found the perfect setting for a summer-themed celebration. Beside the lapping waves of Lake Retreat, the team realized a romantic vision in rosy-rich hues of blackberry, fig and plum. “The sun decided to cooperate, too, providing us with a beautiful amber-pink sunset to end the day,” says Tharp. We asked her to outline the elements that comprise this charming scene.
1. BERRY BLOOMS
“My design inspiration was the blackberry, which is found in abundance in the Northwest in summer. I wanted the flowers to feel romantic and warm, and for the whole scene to look like it was floating in flowers on the lake,” says Danielle Hull of Dandy Flower Co. in Maple Valley. Similar bouquets start at $175.
2. VINTAGE VIBE
“I reflected the rustic, vintage vibe of the venue with a hand-painted watercolor oar with blackberries around the handle. Because my style is inherently classic, I chose a beautiful serif font and a simple border in a lush shade of red-purple,” says Elizabeth Rolf of Queen Anne–based Elizabeth Loves Paper. Custom invitation suites start at $200.
3. NOT TOO SWEET
To complement the berry flavors on the menu, Georgetown-based Deep Sea Sugar & Salt created a dark chocolate cake with semisweet ganache and sweet pistachio butter with cream cheese frosting. $105 for a 6-inch extra-tall cake, which serves 35.
4. GREAT PLATES
Stylist Amy Imes set the table with place settings in the vintage pink and green “Desert Rose” pattern by Franciscan. Dinnerware available through replacements.com.
5. FIZZY SIPS
“A crowd-pleasing, bright, fizzy and refreshing drink, the Farewell to August calls for our Simple Goodness syrup in marionberry mint, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, vodka, club soda, fresh mint and edible flowers,” says Belinda Kelly of Happy Camper Cocktail Company in Enumclaw. Bartending packages start at $15 per guest for four hours.
5. LOCAL BITES
Seattle chef Kristina Capulong aspired to showcase local, seasonal ingredients. “I foraged the blackberries myself and chose brightly colored vegetables and fruit— which taste just as delicious as they look,” she says. Catering rates for intimate gatherings start at $30 per person.
