Red Star Taco Bar

Pre-Wedding Luncheon

Dorky's Arcade

Welcome Gathering

The Press Room

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

McMenamins Elks Temple

After Party

Our Wedding

Chantel &amp; Wyatt first met in Waikiki during a job interview in the fall of 2018. However, it wasn't until January 2020 when the two began dating. Chapter One While Chantel &amp; Wyatt would text about Survivor, The Bachelor, and life with cats, as Chantel had recently adopted her black cat, Freddie, it wasn't until Chantel invited Wyatt to join her and some friends for drinks at Pint + Jigger that Wyatt finally picked up on the clues and asked Chantel out 🤦 They spent their first date drinking wine and partaking in a painting class. They quickly realized how much they enjoyed each other's company. Wyatt took Chantel to Hawaii's only ice skating rink to teach her to skate, Chantel introduced Wyatt to new-to-him cuisine and took him to some of her favorite restaurants, they hung at the beach, went on hikes, and countless other adventures, both big and small! (Pan)demi Season The two were about to entertain visitors for 5 straight weeks 😰 when the pandemic hit. Rather than meet each other's friends and family, the two got the opportunity to truly spend quality time together. They walked to the local Baskin Robbins (no Licks Unlimited in Hawaii 💔) whenever Chantel craved some mint chip, had lots of card &amp; dice games, played Animal Crossings, tried to learn TikTok dances, had movie nights, backyard pool happy hours, and learned new recipes to cook at home. Wyatt had surprised Chantel with an inflatable pool and backyard games for her birthday after their trip to the Big Island was canceled and beaches had been closed. The pink pool had quite a run #longlivepinkpearl #RIP Two tickets to Paradise As restrictions began to lift, the two quickly took off! Some might say they never stopped 😉 Their first trip together was to San Diego to celebrate the marriage of one of Chantel's close friends. It was also when Wyatt got to meet and spend time with Chantel's mom for the first time as Chantel's boyfriend. Shortly after, Wyatt surprised Chantel with a weekend trip to Seattle...clearly that trip went well! They quickly realized how important travel was as they shared their favorite places and dream locations. Notably, Chantel's favorite was Paris... December 2020, Chantel's first visit to Minnesota was certainly memorable. She had one of the last flights in before the rest were canceled due to a blizzard ⛄ After a quick stop at Mall of America, while the two were heading home, they drove past a car stuck off an on ramp. Turns out, it was Wyatt's mom and sister! While Chantel was meeting them for the first time, Wyatt was digging out the car while wearing a pair of Crocs and no jacket. How Far We'll Go Shortly after their first anniversary, the two had decided they would move away from Hawaii at the start of 2022. The new location could not be California or Minnesota and had to contain seasons, a major city, and the ocean/a large body of water. They were between Seattle &amp; Chicago. After the two went to visit Chicago, they decided Seattle was a better fit. Quickly after they established where they would be in 2022, Wyatt snagged two flights to Paris... The two spent their last year in Hawaii with lots of visitors, remarkable sunsets, a trip to Maui, and lots of poke &amp; sushi 🍣 Hello Seattle! Being a pug 5lbs shy of the worlds largest, Henry had to fly with the livestock from Hawaii to the mainland. Sadly we’ll never hear his travel stories of flying besides ponies, goats, or pigs. The route only goes from Honolulu to LA so the two met up with Henry in LA, before stopping at Disneyland (Wyatt's first time) and a week in Monterey where Wyatt met Chantel's family for the first time. A 14-hour road trip can only get better with a cat and dog, right? Chantel &amp; Wyatt packed up what they could into the back of Chantel's SUV and made the journey for their lil ohana to start anew in Seattle. The two spent their first weeks hunting for new jobs and apartments. Once they had more than a heated blankie and air mattress in their new home, they were able to explore and found how much they love Seattle. And that is doesn't actually rain as much as you might think! And the summers are hot as balls 🥵 The City of Love The trip-in-waiting was finally here nearly a year after booking the flights, and Chantel and Wyatt were off to conquer Europe! This was their third international trip together and Wyatt's first time to Paris. Because Wyatt was so excited for his first trip to Chantel's favorite travel destination, he had a jam-packed itinerary full of fun activities planned for them. Chantel was just happy to be there! Perhaps it was her chill mindset, the jetlag, or the fact that Wyatt had their first full day start at 8am, that she was completely unsuspecting of what was to come. On their way to a "Parisian history museum" that didn't exist, Chantel suggested they stop on a bridge for a selfie with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Little did she know that was the exact spot Wyatt had scoped out with a photographer, who was already waiting to capture him asking Chantel the question. After said selfie, Chantel was too worried about her hair being frizzy to notice the photographer shooing people away or Wyatt waiting for his cue. It wasn't until Wyatt pulled out a ring box that she realized what was happening. Wyatt asked Chantel to marry him not only in the City of Love, but her favorite city, with just the two of them (and the photographer) in the most picturesque and memorable location. Where are they now?After the most blissful vacation in Paris and Greece to celebrate their engagement, Chantel and Wyatt are back in Seattle planning their next big adventure...a wedding!

Our Story

Photos

Bridal Party

Chantel & Kyra first met in a Musical Theatre class in the 4th grade! They don’t remember what song they sang for their recital, but they do remember the red and white striped jumpsuit that was their costume and, of course, meeting each other. Although they went to different schools, Chantel & Kyra saw each other almost every day at their dance studio and soon, they began hanging out pretty much every weekend! Not only did the two become extremely close, but their families did as well. They had Christmas dinners together every year, and Chantel became a part of the Burns family summer vacations. Every chance they get to see each other feels like only a day has passed and they pick up right where they left off! In a lot of ways Chantel & Kyra are like sisters, which is evident in the way they love and care for one another.

Kyra Burns

Chantel & Summer met in their first year of college at the University of Hawaii, where they were freshman dorm neighbors! The two quickly hit it off, bonding over being biology majors, their love for music, good food (aka not the cafeteria), Sons of Anarchy, pillow pets, and jokes that no one else found funny. Their first holidays at home, they celebrated two New Year’s Eves together via Facetime as they watched the ball drop on the East Coast (where Summer is from) and the West Coast (where Chantel is from). Over the years, they always remained friends, but grew especially close after graduation when they both decided to continue living in Hawaii. It didn’t matter what they did, as long as they were together, they had the absolute best time! Distance doesn’t mean a thing to these two because they’re still close as ever, even while living on opposite coasts.

Summer Stimson

Chantel & Christina met in the 7th grade when they went to the same school for one week before Christina transferred (terrible timing!). Luckily for them, they ended up going to the same high school, where they both joined the cheer team their freshman year and realized they lived only a 7 minute drive from each other. What started off as a typical high school girl friendship, dealing with “drama” and gushing over cute boys & celebrities, grew into a deep and everlasting bond. Much like life, their friendship has evolved over the years and they’re closer and even more connected now than they were before, despite not having lived in the same city since high school. After sharing such momentous life milestones together, standing side by side at the wedding will be such a surreal moment.

Christina Bae

Chantel & Garrett first met in 1999, when Garrett was born and Chantel was no longer an only child. Whether by choice or not, these two were really close growing up and learned to share a space while also compromising on what to watch or what game they should play. They’ve always supported one another in all of their endeavors, from hours-long dance performances to football games in the cold wind or blazing sunshine, and they’ve never missed a graduation (even the 5th grade ones). No matter what, these two are always there to support each other because they’re family and their love is unconditional, but they also understand one another in a way that only siblings truly can.

Garrett Galdo

Grooms Party

I was just chilling in Freshman Art Class when a young lad by the name of Daddy E came strolling in. Next thing we know, we’re slapping salads working Target produce while the bakery lady is QMOSing us some goodies and bopping to My House at the Marchell. My best friend Eric and I frequently enjoy a city view and MCU review. E has a big heart, strong drive, and great sense of humor. I should also mention how good of a problem solver he is. You see, when he was visiting me in Hawaii, we were trying to break out of a parking ramp at 3am…can’t recall why but he couldn’t escape the same way Chantel and I did 🙊He’s incredibly caring and supportive. If you’ve ever crossed paths with him, consider yourself blessed, I certainly do.

Eric Krohn

Who would have thought denying my shift swap in 2013 would lead to the stroll down the stairs behind Coffman…NOT ME! Believe it or not, we were just trying to follow a list of 7 ways to better ourselves not knowing it would turn into a best friendship that almost got us shot, a hostile experience that almost ended up as a Netflix documentary, a health department nightmare, and jeopardizing a free stay over a questionable martini dinner. Some interesting experiences no doubt! A life that includes Hannah is a life full of adventure - literally a drive to Krispy Kreme and some 7/11 stops for Big Bites after our soccer & flag football 😰 matches became memorable. My best friend (& cousin) Hannah has pushed yet supported me through my highest highs & lowest lows. I’m extremely fortunate we have gotten so close and I truly wouldn’t be here in life without her.

Hannah Brausen

She was there for me the second I popped out the womb. She’s my older sister for those that don’t know (which would be shocking). You see, Melc used to chase me around the Osseo arena tryna smack me with her 10lb purse. This is what we called fun growing up. Melc always did…and still does bring chaotic energy into my life whether we’re baking cookies or playing board games, she makes life more fun and exciting. She’s also been the support for me growing up that helped me become the person I am. She guided and protected me during some of my most challenging days. She was the comfort I needed while growing up and still gives that feeling when we’re reunited. Truly blessed to have the best sister in the world.

Chelsea Cashman

I could write a novel on our summers together at Licks dealing with Shadow and whatnot but that’s for another story. What you may not know is my lil sister was a dominant force on the D-Line during our 2017 U of MN homecoming Flag Football Championship run and was my translator on our trip to San Diego (honorable mention: Dartha.) Sydney and I have had some of the best, yet most difficult, times together but there’s nobody I’d rather have…or could have experienced those moments with than her. Anyone who has met her knows how creative, fun, caring, and selfless she is. She’s down for any adventure or any challenge you need help with. I always struggle to put into words just exactly how important she is to me. 

Sydney Overfors

🚨New groomsman just dropped! Looking back to where it all started at Licks, I’m not sure if the death of our sweet prince, Harambe, or our agreement that Culvers is fast food 😉is what really brought us together. Either way, I’m glad Chew was served up in my life. Whether we’re hitting up new ballparks and breweries together, surviving a vicious cat at the sorority AirBnB, knocking out spooky & jolly movies, or tracking hurricanes, there’s never a dull moment with Chew in it. Even when life throws moments that can’t be as hyped, Chew is always there for support (dude loves some tea) I’m incredibly thankful that a job scooping ice cream turned into such a great friendship #BleachBrothers

Matthew Taylor

Wedding Party

Q + A

Seattle or Tacoma?

The wedding is in Tacoma! We highly recommend checking out Seattle and staying for a night or two, there is so much to do and see in this city that we love. On Sunday, book a hotel room in Tacoma as the drive to and from Seattle is quite long!

Fly into Sea-Tac! Our favorite airline is Delta :) Uber &amp; Lyft are readily available at all hours for airport pickup and are also the most convenient way to get around!

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

This is our recommended hotel for the wedding weekend! It's conveniently located walking distance from the wedding venue- literally a 1 minute walk- and has several restaurants/bars. They are a boutique hotel and do not offer room blocks. We highly recommend you book in advance as they have no upfront charges and you are able to cancel up to 48 hours prior to your reservation. Be sure to select the Elks Temple property! If you have issues booking a room online, please give them a call!

Hotel Murano is a great alternative to McMenamins Elks Temple! It's a 4 minute drive or 11 minute walk to the wedding venue.

Hotel Murano

This Courtyard Marriot location is also a great alternative to McMenamins Elks Temple! It's a 4 minute drive or 15 minute walk from the wedding venue.

Courtyard by Marriott Tacoma Downtown

This is our recommended hotel if you'll be enjoying an extended stay and coming to Seattle at all! Moxy has a fun lumberjack theme, free games (and a seesaw!) in the lobby, and is conveniently located near downtown and many restaurants. Fun fact: Chantel &amp; Wyatt stayed here on their very first trip to Seattle together in 2020, and again in 2022 while apartment hunting after the move. Henry &amp; Freddie stayed here as well, Moxy is pet-friendly!

Moxy Seattle Downtown

Travel

Seattle

For anyone heading up to Seattle, here are some of the iconic spots and some of our favorites!

Museum of Pop Culture

Space Needle

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Pike Place Market

Starbucks Reserve Roastery

Flatstick Pub - South Lake Union

We love to get ice cream here and then walk over to Kerry Park if it's a nice day out!

Molly Moon's Homemade Ice Cream

Pick up some Molly Moon's ice cream then walk over here! On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Rainier!

Kerry Park

Tacoma

We surprisingly don't make it down to Tacoma very often, so take all of these recommendations with a grain of salt! Some of these are on our list of things-to-do or just considered popular activities in the area!

Chihuly Bridge of Glass

Tacoma Art Museum

Washington State History Museum

Stadium Golf

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

LeMay - America’s Car Museum

Museum of Glass

Staying a While?

Spending some extra time in Washington to explore?! September is a great month. Leaves change, mountains are still hike-able and lots of apple picking (Washington is the leading apple producer in the US)!

Our "easy" hike recommendation! It's one of the closest hikes to Seattle that we've ever done, the trail is well-maintained and fairly flat, and it's pet friendly (Henry has done this hike). Details: ~45 minutes drive from Seattle, about 2.5 miles roundtrip, 500 ft elevation gain, and mostly shaded trail.

Twin Falls Trailhead

One of the most beautiful hikes we've been on in Washington. Gives you great views of the Olympic Mountain Range (National Park) as well as tons of wild life on the hike. It's a drive tho! Roughly 2 hours 45 min. We were able to do the entire thing in a day, just a longer day :)

Hurricane Ridge Hike - Mount Olympus

Absolutely stunning views of Lake Diablo and Lake Ross while enjoy the Cascade Mountain Range (National Park)

Thunder Knob Hike - Lake Diablo & Lake Ross

She's hard to miss when in Tacoma or Seattle but spending time out at Rainer hiking or site-seeing is worth it if you have extra days.

Mount Rainer National Park

Things to Do

Registry

Sundays in the Fall

We're extremely grateful for everyone making the trip out to celebrate our Sunday wedding. We also acknowledge our wedding is taking place on a Sunday in the fall - football season. But that's actually good news! What?! Sports gambling is legal in Washington within casinos. Our venue is a 10 minute drive from Emerald Green Casino, home of an MGM Sportsbook, perfect for College Football Saturdays &amp; NFL Sundays. Plus, with our wedding on Pacific Time, Sunday may be spent at the sportsbook for the first &amp; second slate of games. Please drink responsibly (AKA do not get plastered before the wedding)!

Emerald Queen Casino | Bet MGM Sportsbook 

5700 Pacific Hwy E, Fife, WA 98424<a href="https://emeraldqueen.com/sportsbook/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://emeraldqueen.com/sportsbook/</a>

Chantel & Wyatt