Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
We wanted a band… a band who would rock and keep the party going, not necessarily a “wedding band.” I lamented about it in this post. I wanted to rock out but was conflicted with my desire for some old school hip hop. Is there a band out there that is both rock and old school hip hop? Probably not, so we focused on a band who would rock.
*All photos from Amore Studios unless otherwise noted.
I think we were successful! We stayed clear of “wedding bands” and started searching Gig Masters. Read more…
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
I mentioned how much Mr P and I enjoyed taking dance lessons and choreographing our first dance. After a couple of weeks of lessons I thought that Papa Pretzel might also enjoy dance lessons.
* All image courtesy of wedding guest, Mrs Cherry Pie {Persimmon Images} unless otherwise noted.
Papa Pretzel isn’t much of a dancer but is always down for a challenge. One evening when Papa Pretzel and I were catching up, I floated an idea. I asked him, “Would you consider taking dance lessons Dad?”
He replied, “Gosh darn it Pretzel, you certainly know how to ruin a surprise. I had already decided to take lessons and was going to surprise you.” Whoops! Read more…
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
When I sat down with Papa Pretzel to review the budget for our wedding there was one line item that he was curious about. He was confused about the photo booth entry. We talked a little bit about it and why Mr P and I wanted to have a photo booth. He didn’t understand completely but was OK with it. After the wedding he told me he thought the photo booth was one of the best ideas that we had and that it was totally worth the money.
We went with a digital only photo booth by USnaps.com. All photos below are courtesy of USnaps unless otherwise noted. *Warning, photo heavy post*
I wanted a bright backdrop and the options that the photo booth company had were blah, so I made the backdrop with fabric from IKEA. Read more…
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
After our dads spoke it was time for food! City Catering really outdid themselves at our reception. We opted for what I like to call a “Eat and Mingle” buffet. The food was light, fresh and summery. Most importantly, it could all be eaten with a fork.
Image courtesy of wedding guest, Mrs Cherry Pie {Persimmon Images}
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
The dads were all that was keeping us from yummy food so we were appreciative that their speeches were heartfelt and brief. Read more…
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
Mr Pretzel and I were introduced at the reception over the last few refrains of Kodachrome by Simon and Garfunkel; an appropriate choice for our colorful wedding. Our DOC ensured the dance floor was clear and that we had a clear path to it so we could immediately start our first dance as husband and wife.
*All images by Amore Studios unless otherwise noted.
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
After formal photos with our family and wedding party we piled into the party bus again and made our way to Georgetown. We pulled up to our venue and our family and wedding party joined the cocktail hour already in progress while Mr P and I took a stroll through the neighborhood.
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
Mr Pretzel and I were so happy to have our reception at Georgetown Studios. We loved our venue in the original Rainier Beer brewery building in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. I am not sure which we loved more, the building or the neighborhood. The best description that we have heard for this neighborhood is “post-squat, industrial Bohemian chic.” The building and the area aren’t exactly what most people think of when they imagine a wedding reception but for us it was perfect and we consider ourselves lucky. Read more…
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
After our little photo shoot in the parking lot of the Church we were ready to play model for a bit. Instead of going back into the Church for formal portraits we loaded into our party bus and headed south to Seattle. Like many Catholic brides we had a couple hours’ gap between the ceremony and the reception. We used this time to take some family and wedding party portraits while we made our way to our venue in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle. For formals, Mr P and I chose a modern backdrop, Olympic Sculpture Park.
Perhaps my favorite of all of our formals is this picture of my parents, SIL Tig, Niece, Nephew, and Big Bro Pretzel. The kids really make this shot for me and I love the lighting. Read more…
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
Jerry and his wife are two of Mama Pretzel’s closest friends. They always have the most fun together and are super supportive of each other. There was no question that Jerry and his wife would be guests at our wedding. The generosity of this man knows no bounds and Mr Pretzel and I are blessed to have him in our lives. Both Jerry and his wife showed a lot of interest in our wedding planning and my mom kept them up to date with all of our brightly colored vintage laced plans. When Jerry saw our engagement photo shoot with my friend’s classic car he decided that he knew the perfect addition to our wedding.
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
After receiving communion we were almost finished. One element that Mr P and I wanted to include in our wedding was presentation of flowers to the Holy Family. This tradition is an added element, not part of the normal Wedding Mass. Traditionally the couple will bring the bride’s bouquet or a smaller special bouquet and lay it at the feet of a Statue of Mary. Mr P and I chose to honor the Holy Family because we see the love of Mary and Joseph as a wonderful example of living God’s love.
*All photos are by Amore Studios unless otherwise noted.
As we left our seats and made our way across the church, Jeannette sang a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria.
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
In the most recent Pretzel recap we exchanged vows. For Catholics who choose not to have a full Mass, the wedding ceremony ends soon after vows are exchanged. However, if you are celebrating Mass you proceed to the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the presentation of gifts.
Preparation of the gifts
Big Bro Pretzel and Pretzel nephew “the boy” brought up the gifts of bread and wine to the Priest while we sang my favorite hymn, The Summons.
I was really glad to have my brother and nephew bring up the gifts. At their home church my nephew and niece are frequently asked to bring up the gifts at Mass and I had no worries that “the boy” would do an awesome job. Read more…
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
In an earlier post I walked up the aisle to my Groom, and then we celebrated a very personal Liturgy of the Word. Now it was time to stand up before our family and friends and state our intentions and receive the Sacrament of Marriage. If you celebrate the Rites of Marriage inside Mass or outside Mass, in the Catholic Church the Rite of Marriage are the same in either situation. I like that Mr P and I said the same words to each other that our parents said in their vows, our grandparents said in their vows, and that generations upon generations have vowed before us.
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
After months of planning and preparation I was standing next to Mr Pretzel and ready to begin our Nuptial Mass. If you ask either of us what our favorite part of planning was you might be surprised to hear that it was planning our Mass together. For us, the celebrating our marriage with Mass was the highest part of our day and the real purpose of all of our preparations.
I frequently get comments and questions from other Catholic brides looking to personalize their Mass. At some point I will try to pull a list of tips. This post details exactly how our Nuptial Mass flowed and some commentary to why we selected each piece. In hindsight, I really wish that we had a video or audio recording of our Mass. I would be happy if we had just made an audio recording. Where possible I have found YouTube videos of some of the songs and Mass parts. All images by Amore Studios unless otherwise indicated.
Introductory Rites
“The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
While we were greeting our guests at the Church time flew by and all of a sudden it was time to line up for our processional. Mr P’s brother M headed into the church to play trumpet. M had arranged for a member of the Army band based in WA to play our wedding, but an email mix up left us trumpeter-less. The plan all along was to have M play trumpet for our recessional. At the last minute he stepped up and did double duty, standing as a groomsman and playing trumpet for the processional, mass parts, and recessional. This was perhaps the best gift he could have given us—he is an amazingly talented musician and Mr P loves to listen to him play.
We were also blessed to have the equally talented Dr Carlene Brown accompany him on organ and piano.
Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
