Point Defiance Rose Garden

Wedding Day

Wedding

Point Defiance Pagoda

Reception

Our Wedding

I
moved to Lubbock, Texas in June 2016 after just completing my Masters in Adult
& higher Education at Northern Illinois University and accepting my first
full time job working as a Residence Life Coordinator at Texas Tech University.
I had interned at TTU in summer 2015 and couldn't wait to move from the chilly
Midwest to sunny West Texas. 





I
began this journey with zero intention of getting into a serious relationship
anytime soon. Little did I know, God had a different plan written in the books.
A couple of months into my new life in Texas, I was assisting with 'move-in
weekend', welcoming several thousand students to the residence halls. With so
many students living on campus at Tech, there are 2 days of 'move-in', and in
2016, an invitation for all students to move in on the same day was
accidentally sent out. This caused a bit of a human traffic jam in our all
freshmen buildings, and sent several staff to aid in alleviating the stress and
managing the process--even the IT guys. Mark and I took our lunch break around
the same time, and ended up sitting next to one another. As we carried on
conversation naturally, the small talk was interrupted when Mark asked me if I
have a favorite part of the country and about what traveling I'd done
throughout my life. We shared stories about visiting family members all over
the country. My eldest brother and his wife had recently moved to Washington
and Mark had recently visited Washington on his own. I told him that I would
love to go visit them someday and see the Pacific Northwest while he told me of
the many times he'd traveled there and how gorgeous and fun it is. Our short
lunch break ended, and we parted ways, both feeling some type of connection. 







A
few weeks went by, and Mark and I had gotten to know each other quite well
through small interactions at work and Facebook messages and texting in the
evening. Mark's office was next to the mailroom at work, and I hadn't picked a
piece of mail up late since August 20th. Still, I was not interested in getting
into a relationship, let alone one with someone who worked for the same
department. Mark asked me if I was interested in getting coffee at Sugar
Brown's on September 15th after work. I had another commitment at 7pm, so I
agreed to get coffee knowing if it ended up being awkward, I would need to
leave shortly anyway. Speeding away at 6:45pm, we were already making plans to
see each other again over the weekend.

Alyson Meets Mark

In August 2016, I was helping remedy an urgent, unexpected situation that came up at work.&nbsp; As a staff member for the Housing department at Texas Tech University, I was responsible to help when thousands of on-campus residents moved in over two days.&nbsp; Normally, we worked hard to avoid&mdash;or at least quickly address&mdash;long lines of people, yet when some miscommunication mixed with several hundred very eager students, a bottleneck and long line formed!&nbsp; All of us who were there started racing to make the process more efficient on-the-fly.

Toward the end of the morning, I was working with three people willing to consider my suggestions, including a beautiful woman I had only seen once before who had piqued my curiosity.&nbsp; Getting to witness how intelligent and supportive Alyson was being made me even more driven to get to know her better!

When it came time to eat lunch, I offered to let her go first while I took her place helping the students, but she appreciatively turned the offer down.&nbsp; So, imagine my delight when only a matter of minutes later she happened to arrive at the same place and sat two seats away!&nbsp; As the only other coworker sitting near us got up to leave, I moved over to sit next to her, and we had a great conversation during our meal.

Over the next few weeks we talked more and more, and, naturally, I was looking for the best opportunity to meet with her in our free time outside of work. That opportunity came on September 15th, when we agreed to meet for coffee together after work, which proved to be very enjoyable!&nbsp; The next time we went out, we began by returning to the same coffee shop, and enthusiastically outlasted their hours.&nbsp; So, we moved on to a local pizza place that stayed open later, and continued our lively conversation. Over the next several months, we enjoyed sharing our humor, observations about life, long walks, fun on the road, and many more joyful occasions. &nbsp;

The pattern continued in the spring, when we both started to see a foundation being built for a future together.&nbsp; Amid discussions about similar dreams for our futures, more fun travel experiences, and the joys of our daily routine, I became certain I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Alyson.&nbsp; So, over the summer I poured emotion and thought into when, where, and how I would ask her to marry me!

As Alyson and I both really enjoy nature, trees, mountains, rivers, lakes, and more, I chose to take her high into the Sierra Blanca mountains of Southern New Mexico over Labor Day weekend.&nbsp; There, we experienced much of what we enjoy about the outdoors and saw some spectacular views, especially when I handed her a few beautiful rocks she was very surprised and excited to keep as she said, “Yes!”

Mark Meets Alyson

Our Story

Venue

Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park began as a military reservation after the Wilkes Expedition visited the Puget Sound in the 1840s to map the bays and estuaries. With a fort positioned at the point, and at Gig Harbor across the narrows, Wilkes thought one could "Defy" the world in this location, hence the name, 'Point Defiance'.&nbsp; Today, the 760-acre park is one of the largest metropolitan parks in the U.S. and brings in over 3 million visitors each year. We knew we found the perfect place for our wedding&nbsp;when discovering the many miles of forest and trails, multiple flower gardens, surrounding body of water, wildlife, and overall abundance of opportunity for exploration and discovery.

There is so much to discover at Point Defiance Park! We encourage you to <a href="https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/point-defiance-park/" target="_blank">check out the Metro Parks Tacoma website</a> if you're interested in taking advantage of the beautiful scenery during your stay in Tacoma.

Directions

Directions From Interstate 5





Take Exit 132 (Highway 16 West). Exit at 6th Avenue (exit #3) and turn left. Take the next right on to Pearl Street. Follow Pearl Street into Point Defiance Park. 

Alternate Park Entrance







You can also enter the park using the Mildred Street Entrance. Follow Pearl Street northbound as directed above. Turn left on North 51st Street and drive to Mildred Street. Turn right on Mildred and follow Mildred into the park.

Parking

Parking at Point Defiance Park is free, and available along Waterfront Drive.Note that the park will be open to the public on September 1st, and public parking spots closest to the Rose Garden & Pagoda are first come, first served.

Where to Eat in Tacoma

'The Red Hot' located at 2914 6th Ave, Tacoma WA

Absolutely delicious hotdog place! We highly recommend you swing by, and get adventurous with trying some unique dogs (if Alyson can, you can, too!) Alyson's recommendations: The Gangsta Mac, 6th Ave Strut Mark's recommendations: Hound Dog, The Gangsta Mac

<a href="http://www.redhottacoma.com/" target="_blank">The Red Hot Website & Menu</a>

'Bluebeard Coffee Roasters' located at 2201 6th Ave, Tacoma WA

Chill coffee place with excellent pastries!

<a href="https://bluebeardcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Bluebeard Coffee Roasters Website</a>

'Valhalla Coffee Co.' located at 3918 6th Ave, Tacoma WA

Premium coffee brewed locally! <a href="http://www.valhallacoffee.com/" target="_blank">Valhalla Coffee Co. Website</a>

'Legendary Doughnuts' located at 2602 6th Ave, Tacoma WA

Can't go wrong with a variety of freshly made doughnuts! <a href="http://www.legendarydoughnuts.com/" target="_blank">Legendary Doughnuts Website & Menu</a>

'Over the Moon Cafe' located at 709 Opera Alley, Tacoma, WA

Scratch kitchen you don't want to miss! Lunch only served 11:30am-2:30pm and dinner starting at 4:30pm, Tues-Sat <a href="http://overthemooncafe.net/" target="_blank">Over the Moon Cafe Website & Menu</a>

'State Street Beer Co.' located at 606 N. State Street, Tacoma WA

Cozy spot to enjoy a flatbread & pint! Mark & Alyson recommend the sun dried tomato flatbread <a href="http://www.statestreetbeer.com/" target="_blank">State Street Beer Co. Website & Menu</a>

'Devil's Reef' located at 706 Court C, Tacoma WA

Get lost under the sea at this nautical-themed tiki bar! Alyson's recommendation: Order of the Idol <a href="https://devilsreeftacoma.com/" target="_blank">Devil's Reef Website</a>

'7 Seas Brewry & Taproom' located at 2101 Jefferson Ave, Tacoma, WA 

Great place to grab a flight of local brews and hang out! Mark's recommendations: American Hefeweizen, Broken Mast Brown Ale, Cascadian Dark Ale, Pilsner <a href="http://www.7seasbrewing.com/" target="_blank">7 Seas Brewing Website</a>

Details

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

Tacoma is located 35 miles South of Seattle, Washington on the banks of Puget Sound. From the beginning of our destination wedding planning process, we were looking for a location where guests could make their own memories relaxing, sight seeing, and exploring a unique and eclectic city and the beautiful nature in and around it. The Pacific Northwest, specifically the Seattle/Tacoma area, offers a variety of opportunities for guests to visit museums, local shops, nature parks, and restaurants, or take day trips to explore islands, surrounding cities, and even another country if desired!We hope you find somewhere comfortable and affordable to stay while you explore the area and join us for our special day. Please see our recommendations below, and take into consideration that our wedding falls during Labor Day Weekend--don't wait to book your stay in Tacoma.

Staying in Tacoma

Sea-Tac International Airport is located approximately 25 miles from Downtown Tacoma and 30 miles from North End, Tacoma.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

10 rooms blocked under 'Cole & Williamson Wedding' from 8/31 - 9/2 for $139/night. Group rate room options include a standard King room (1 King bed) or a standard Queen room (2 Queen beds). Parking: $17/day valet, $12/day off site 21 miles from Sea-Tac Airport (no shuttle service available to/from) 5 miles from Point Defiance Park 1.5 miles from the Seymour Botanical Conservatory at Wright Park 1.5 miles from LeMay America's Car Museum 0.6 miles from the Museum of Glass 0.5 miles from the Washington State Historical Society Museum 0.2 miles from the Tacoma Art Museum Reservations must be made by Monday, July 30, 2018. Reserve your room(s) online here, or by calling (253) 591-9100 and mentioning that you are a part of the Cole & Williamson Wedding room block.

Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Book your stay <a href="https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel=76784&Chain=21650&promo=WEDDING" target="_blank">via this link</a> for a 15% off discount of best flex rates. Parking: $20/day valet, $16/day self 

25 miles from SeaTac International Airport 6.3 miles from Point Defiance Park 1.5 miles from LeMay America's Car Museum 1 mile from Seymour Botanical Conservatory 0.8 miles from Museum of Glass 0.5 miles from Washington State History Museum 0.3 miles from Tacoma Art Museum

Hotel Murano

Bus fare: $2 (cash only, exact change only) for 2 hours or $5.00 for a day pass. Day passes can be purchased on the bus, or online.

Pierce Transit 

Bus, light rail, and train services in the Puget Sound area.

Sound Transit 

Book your stay <a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/tacoma/seacs/hoteldetail?qAAR=IL4D4&qAdlt=1&qBrs=6c.hi.ex.rs.ic.cp.in.sb.cw.cv.ul.vn.ki.sp.nd.ct&qChld=0&qCpid=100235822&qFRA=1&qGRM=0&qIta=99502056&qPSt=0&qRRSrt=rt&qRef=df&qRms=1&qRpn=1&qRpp=20&qRtP=IL4D4&qSHp=1&qSmP=3&qSrt=sBR&qWch=0&srb_u=1&icdv=99502056&_PMID=99634986&cm_mmc=CJ-_-3449840-_-5431261-_-IHG-YourRate-EN&glat=AFFI&url=https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/tacoma/seacs/hoteldetail?qAAR=IL4D4&qAdlt=1&qBrs=6c.hi.ex.rs.ic.cp.in.sb.cw.cv.ul.vn.ki.sp.nd.ct&qChld=0&qCpid=100235822&qFRA=1&qGRM=0&qIta=99502056&qPSt=0&qRRSrt=rt&qRef=df&qRms=1&qRpn=1&qRpp=20&qRtP=IL4D4&qSHp=1&qSmP=3&qSrt=sBR&qWch=0&srb_u=1&icdv=99502056" target="_blank">via this link</a> for a 10% discount of the best flex rate. 

25 miles from SeaTac International Airport 7 miles from Point Defiance Park
 1.8 miles from the Seymour Botanical Conservatory at Wright Park 1 mile from the Museum of Glass 1 mile from LeMay America's Car Museum 0.6 miles from the Washington State Historical Society Museum
 0.4 miles from the Tacoma Art Museum

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tacoma Downtown

Airbnb options in North End, Tacoma range from $75 - $150 per night. We highly suggest you stay in North End, Tacoma and avoid South End, Tacoma. We recommend you book your Airbnb prior to May 1, 2018 to receive the best available options. Approximately 5 miles from Point Defiance Park Approximately 5 miles from Downtown Tacoma

Airbnb

Lyft

Uber

Travel

<a href="http://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/about-us/history-vision/" target="_blank">About</a>

<a href="http://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/visit/hours-admission/">Hours & Admission</a>&nbsp;

Tacoma Art Museum

Museum of Glass

<a href="https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/conservatory-hours-location-admission/" target="_blank">Hours & Admission</a>

W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory

Washington State History Museum

<a href="https://www.americascarmuseum.org/visit/" target="_blank">Hours & Admission</a>

Alyson & Mark