How should I dress?
The wedding ceremony and reception will be outdoors on the grass. If you'd like to explore during the reception, there are also dirt roads, gravel paths, and a sandy beach nearby. Lawn games will also be available. The wedding party will be dressed formally; we think dressing up is fun! However, we invite our guests to dress to their comfort level.
What are your wedding colors?
Deep emerald green with metallic gold accents.
How do I get there?
The Emel House is located at Scenic Beach State Park in the Kitsap Peninsula of northwestern Washington. The address is 9565 Scenic Beach Rd NW Seabeck, WA 98380.
FROM THE SOUTH: Take Highway 3 N, then exit 43 for Newberry Hill Rd. After 3 miles, turn right onto Seabeck Highway NW. After another 5 miles, turn right onto Miami Beach Rd NW. Then make a left onto Scenic Beach Rd NW and follow into the park.
FROM THE NORTH: Take Highway 3 S, then take exit 45 toward WA-303 N. Turn right onto Greaves Way, then at the traffic circle, take the second exit onto Old Frontier Rd NW. Turn right onto NW Anderson Hill Rd. After almost 4 miles, turn right onto Seabeck Hwy NW. After 3 miles, turn right onto Miami Beach Rd NW. Then turn left onto Scenic Beach Rd NW and follow this into the park.
Do I have to pay to park?
Parking at Scenic Beach does have a cost, however the bride & groom would be happy to cover this cost for you. When you check in with the ranger, you may either (1) display your WA State Discover Pass, or (2) tell the ranger that you are here for the Smith-Spalding wedding, or (3) pay $10 for a day use parking pass. Any of the above will grant you access to the park!
When should I arrive, and how long will the event last?
We plan to have the ceremony around 2:00 pm, so please feel free to arrive a bit earlier than that to get settled in. Following the ceremony, there will be a mostly unstructured reception with games, socializing, a treasure hunt, and dancing. The bride and groom plan to depart around 7:00 pm.
Will the event be indoors or outdoors?
The event will be outdoors. In the event of rain, we will use the covered picnic area adjacent to the Emel House.
Is there going to be an open bar at your wedding?
No, neither of us are big drinkers so we will not be serving alcohol. However, park rules allow you to bring your own drink or two if you so desire.
What food will be served?
Food will be served buffet-style. Dinner will feature mini waffle bites with toppings; summer spinach salad; lemon oven roasted red potatoes; and chicken thighs with blackberry compote. All items except the waffle bites are gluten free. Dessert will consist of several varieties of cake and a cheesecake.
Where will we be sitting?
Chairs will be arranged for the ceremony. During the reception, there will be a limited number of tables with chairs for our guests age 40 or older and those with disabilities. All other guests are welcome to make use of the picnic benches on site during the meal.
What will your reception be like?
After the ceremony, we will have a treasure hunt, lawn games, and a self-serve dance floor at the gazebo. We will also have dinner available, followed by cake! However, we will not be doing the cake cutting ceremony, bouquet toss, garter toss, first dances, or any toasts. Please feel free to wander, chat, play, and generally enjoy yourselves!