Welcome BBQ

Fireseed Catering

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Social Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story began in 2020, as so many did, with a swipe. For our first date, Juliet chose bowling—a public place with lots of witnesses, just in case Luke was a secret murderer. Thankfully, he wasn't, and our second date was a much more fitting outdoor adventure: a hike. Just as our relationship was getting started, the world shut down with COVID-19. Juliet was under house arrest, unable to see Luke for a month. We stayed in touch every day, and once restrictions lifted, we jumped right back in. Soon after, another curve ball was thrown when Juliet moved to Portland for a job. We made it through the long distance and were able to pick up where we left off when she moved back. We eventually decided to take the next step and moved in together to Luke's house in Coupeville. Though Luke was a little nervous about the idea (he did a good job of not freaking out!), we were a perfect fit. Today, we're an adventurous team who loves hiking, camping, backpacking, and traveling to new places, always with a new food to try. We can't wait to see what adventures married life brings!

Our Story

Luke and Juliet finally took engagement photos!

The old photos we had up, enjoy the photos from the past!

Photos

Officiant

Seth holds a special place in our hearts, and we're so excited for him to officiate our wedding. Luke and Seth's friendship goes way back to their college days in Montana, and they share the unique bond of both being from Iowa. No matter the situation, Seth has always been there to make the best of it—whether that meant a ball breaking trip to the emergency room or getting into some unforgettable campus shenanigans. We can't imagine anyone better to guide us through this important moment.

Seth

Groomsmen

A friendship with Kevin is one I'll always be grateful for. We met during Navy flight training and our paths have continued to cross since, including living together in Jacksonville. He's always been there for me, from letting me crash at his place between deployments to hosting Juliet and I in Italy. An expert at selecting the perfect bottle of wine, Kevin is the life of the party and a loyal friend.

Kevin

From exploring the mountains of Norway to cliff jumping in Greece and even climbing Mount Etna on a "relax day," Jordan and I have shared countless adventures while 'working'. We even recently had to be cellmates on prison 68. He's also the one who introduced me to my obsession with hunting, and I can always count on him to come up with another crazy fun adventure.

Jordan

I've had some of my best adventures with Jesse, whether we're playing ultimate frisbee, bear hunting, or duck hunting. He's an all-around great guy, and I'm still trying to get him to teach me his secret to duck calling. As a Whidbey local, you might even spot him out on the water with Luke, trying to fill their quota of crab, shrimp, or salmon. Juliet is still hoping to get Luke to master Jesse's wild game preparation—it's that good!

Jesse

Bridesmaids

My sister, Lauren, has been my best friend and partner in crime since day one. We grew up creating our own adventures and she's been there for me through everything. Her love for her cat and two dogs shows just how big her heart is, and I couldn't be happier to have her standing with me.

Lauren

This is my big sister, Kaitlin. We've been goofing around our whole lives, and I'll never forget that time she locked me and our sister Lauren in the car until we learned all the words to "She's in Love with the Boy." She's an awesome mom to her three kids and is always down for a coffee date. I'm so happy to have her by my side today!

Kaitlin

I'm so happy to have Gina by my side! We went from only hearing about each other from working at the same company to official carpool buddies during PTA school. The long drives were filled with hilarious karaoke sessions and non-stop "yap sessions." We even got married in a bouncy house at the end of our program, so you could say we have some history! Her caring and hilarious spirit are what I love most about her.

Gina

Wedding Party

Transportation to and around Whidbey Island is limited so we would recommend folks have cars to make it to all the festivities! Sea-Tac Airport is the best airport to fly in if you are flying in. You can choose to either drive up I-5 and then down the entire Island via Deception Pass and Highway 20.ORIf you want a Puget Sound experience you can take the <a href="https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/default.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mulkiteo/Clinton</a> ferry just North of Seattle to get on the Island. You can take you car on this ferry! Two other airports that your could fly into would be <a href="https://www.portofbellingham.com/888/Airport" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bellingham International Airport</a> in Bellingham, WA or <a href="https://www.painefield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Paine Field</a> in Everett WA. These are smaller airports with fewer flight options but they are closer to Whidbey. If you are meeting folks on Whidbey and sharing a vehicle, you can get on the Island by the <a href="https://www.seatacshuttle.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Whidbey Sea-Tac Shuttle</a>. We don't know if shuttles run from Paine Field or Bellingham International Airport. You can get around the Island via bus if needed but it isn't recommended for the wedding and barbeque. <a href="https://www.islandtransit.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Island Transit</a> is the bus system on Island. The bus is free!

Getting To and Around Whidbey Island, Washington

Below are just a few of the lodging options we would recommend to folks staying on Whidbey Island for the wedding. Hotels can be hard to find on Whidbey and lodging gets booked fast for the summer season so book early! AirBnBs, cottages, Bed and Breakfasts, and etc could all be good options. We just recommend you stay South of Deception Pass and on the Island.

This 4-star hotel is a laid-back getaway featuring a spa and upscale dining, plus warm lodging with panoramic water views. It is a 9 minute drive, and 4.1 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 40 minute drive, and 30.7 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Inn At Langley

A 3-star hotel offering homey rooms and a suite in an understated guesthouse with free breakfast and afternoon wine. It is a 9 minute drive, and 4.4 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 40 minute drive, and 31.9 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Saratoga Inn

A 3-star hotel offering homey rooms and a suite in an understated guesthouse with free breakfast and afternoon wine. It is a 11 minute drive, and 5.9 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 42 minute drive, and 33.4 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Comforts of Whidbey Winery and B&B

A 3-star Victorian B&amp;B with elegant rooms (some with water views), plus hot breakfast and a sitting room. It is a 30 minute drive, and 24.7 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 9 minute drive, and 5.8 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Anchorage Inn

A laid-back inn offering traditional quarters with free Wi-Fi, plus conference space and yoga classes. It is a 32 minute drive, and 24.9 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 10 minute drive, and 5.2 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

The Coupeville Inn

A 3-star waterfront inn featuring log-walled rooms and cozy cabins, plus upscale dining and a tavern. It is a 35 minute drive, and 27.1 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 6 minute drive, and 2.8 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Captain Whidbey

A 3-star straightforward property offering free hot breakfast and parking, plus a conference center and a pool. It is a 46 minute drive, and 35.6 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 16 minute drive, and 9.7 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Best Western Plus Oak Harbor Hotel & Conference Center

A 3-star relaxed, low-rise hotel with free breakfast and a gym, plus a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub. It is a 45 minute drive, and 35.3 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 16 minute drive, and 9.4 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Coachman Inn

A 2-star all-suite hotel featuring a gazebo and a 24-hour gym, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. It is a 46 minute drive, and 35.6 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 17 minute drive, and 11.4 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Candlewood Suites Oak Harbor by IHG

Not a lot of options for hotels. AirBnBs or other lodging sites could offer houses, Bed and Breakfasts, and etc. If you find a place in, or around, Freeland it could be a great place to stay! It is a 10 minute drive, and 6.2 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 30 minute drive, and 23.4 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Freeland, Washington (Town)

Not a lot of options for hotels. AirBnBs or other lodging sites could offer houses, Bed and Breakfasts, and etc. If you find a place in, or around, Clinton it could be a great place to stay! It is a 8 minute drive, and 4.9 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 40 minute drive, and 32.4 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Clinton, Washington (Town)

Not a lot of options for hotels. AirBnBs or other lodging sites could offer houses, Bed and Breakfasts, and etc. If you find a place in, or around, Greenbank it could be a great place to stay! It is a 17 minute drive, and 13.3 miles from the wedding venue. It is a 21 minute drive, and 16.1 miles from Fort Ebey (Welcome BBQ).

Greenbank, Washington (Town)

Anacortes, WAIf you are willing to make a long drive for the wedding, Anacortes has a lot of great lodging options. Only book if you are willing to make a long drive though. We would recommend closer if you could find something closer. If you are staying a long time it could be a fun place to spend a couple of days and nights though. Port Townsend, WAPort Townsend offers a some more lodging options but this will require taking the <a href="https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/default.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Port Townsend/Coupeville</a> ferry to get to Whidbey Island and the venue. During peak summer times the lines can get up to a 3 hour wait so this may not be the best option. You can make a reservation for this ferry, just make sure you arrive 30 minutes before the ferry departs! If you are willing to head to the venue early or kill time before the wedding at other locations this could be an option. Mulkiteo/Everett, WA (Unknown Time!)Mulkiteo/Everett offers a lot more lodging options but this will require taking the <a href="https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/default.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mulilteo/Clinton</a> ferry to get to Whidbey Island and the venue. During peak summer times the lines can get up to a 3 hour wait so this may not be the best option. This ferry does not do reservations. If you are willing to head to the venue early or kill time before the wedding at other locations this could be an option. If you are staying a long time it could be a fun place to spend a couple of days and nights though. CampingFort Ebey State ParkGreat park! If you are willing to rough it they provide RV and trailer sites. Book early though!&nbsp;Deception Pass State ParkAnother great camping location in N. Whidbey. It will be a drive to the venue but it has great camping and sites!

Travel

Recommendations of Local Things to Do from Juliet and Luke

Salmon Fishing: Pink Salmon should be running in Puget Sound during this time, and if you go to Fort Casey, Deception Pass, or Driftwood Park (Keystone), you may run into Luke trying to fill his daily quota.Shellfishing: If fishing requires too much gear, you can always <a href="https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shellfish-beaches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dig for clams</a> with a shovel and bucket. Mussels can usually be found in the same area too. We have had some nice dinners cooking local clams and mussels we collected and cooking them with a nice local bottle of white wine.Fort Casey Historical State Park: Step back in time and explore the old military batteries and bunkers. Juliet’s parents would go here to see Luke heading out on trips with the Nimitz. Luke is just hoping he can be standing here instead next time, watching others leave for deployment!Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve: Hike the popular Bluff Loop Trail for dramatic views of the Olympic Mountains and explore the historic farmlands. We used to take walks from our house in Coupeville to these breathtaking views.Deception Pass State Park: A must-see! Explore the famous bridge, enjoy sweeping views, and hike the many forest or bluff trails. You might even spot whales! Bowman Bay is a part of this park and a great place to bring a lunch and jump in the cold water if you are up for it!Food: We are food people, and the PNW has so many options. A few favorite spots of ours include: Front Street Grill - Coupeville, Oystercatcher - Coupeville, Seabolts - Oak Harbor, Adrift - Anacortes, Greenbank Farm (Marion Berry Pie!) - Greenbank, Ultra House - Langley. There are so many more, so please check out the great restaurants all around!Port Townsend: Port Townsend is a great place to visit from Coupeville. On Thursday afternoons, we would take a drive down to the Coupeville terminal and walk on the Port Townsend-bound ferry with dinner and a picnic blanket to check out <a href="https://ptmainstreet.org/concerts-on-the-dock" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Concerts on the Docks</a>. The downtown area is amazing, and you can always stop by any of the restaurants nearby if you are still hungry or weren’t able to pack a dinner!

Places We Recommend You Check Out for a Full Day Experience

San Juan Islands: There are two islands that we would take a day or multi-day trip to and highly recommend you check out if you have a day to kill or even want to spend a couple of days. Ferries run from Anacortes, and this is truly a PNW experience.San Juan Island / Friday Harbor: This island is a little more built up but has amazing whale watching places such as San Juan Island National Historical Park and Lime Kiln Point State Park. If you have time, check out Roche Harbor. It has great food and amazing views!Orcas Island: A little more laid-back and easygoing is Orcas Island. Luke has been known to bike this island while making stops at Eastsound and Mt. Constitution. The Madrona Bar &amp; Grill in Eastsound has some great chips and fish!Bellingham: Take a drive up Chuckanut Drive (Highway 11) and stop at all the local shops on the way. If you want a good hike, you can always stop at Oyster Dome for a good leg burner.

Places We Would Recommend if You Are Taking at Least a Week Vacation Out in the Pacific North West

Olympic National Park: Camping trips here in the summer are magical. You can relax in the hot springs, walk among giant trees in the Hoh Rain Forest, or walk along the Pacific Coast. Cape Flattery could be a good place to stop along the way around this park. Just make sure you call ahead of time to see if they are open; Luke forgot to do this for the 4-hour trip from Whidbey once…North Cascades National Park: The views and water here will take your breath away. You could just drive up for a day to check out Diablo Lake, but a camping trip is worth it in the summer. Just bring your hiking shoes.Victoria (B.C. Canada): Victoria is a drive, ferry ride, and border crossing away but worth it for a great time. We enjoyed staying at the Hotel Fairmont Empress and having a little high-noon tea! Butchart Gardens is one of Juliet’s favorite places as well. Overall, a great city worth checking out.Whistler (B.C. Canada): Talk about an outdoor paradise. The drive to here is amazing, and the activities, food, and atmosphere are worth the trip. Juliet and Luke go skiing here in the winter, and while the slopes won’t have snow on them, you can always go mountain biking. Or you could just take the gondola up and be amazed by the views!

Other Miscellaneous Things To Do or Information 

Outdoor Adventures &amp; Scenic Views:Price Sculpture Forest (Coupeville): A unique outdoor gallery where art enhances nature. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the forest discovering various sculptures.Double Bluff Beach: A popular spot for beachcombing, picnics, and if you're into it, kiteboarding. It's also known as a great off-leash dog park.Meerkerk Gardens: A beautiful botanical space near Greenbank, perfect for a peaceful stroll among rhododendrons.Whale Watching: Depending on the season, you might spot gray whales or orcas passing through the straits. The Langley Whale Center is a good place to learn more.Kayaking/Boating: Many opportunities to get out on the water, whether on Penn Cove or around the island.Charming Towns &amp; Local Culture:Coupeville: Stroll through this historic waterfront town, shop in local boutiques, and dine on famous Penn Cove mussels. The iconic red Coupeville Wharf is a great photo opportunity. Visit the Island County Historical Museum for local history.Langley: A quaint "village by the sea" known for its art galleries, bakeries, boutiques, and excellent restaurants. You might catch a live performance at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.Oak Harbor: The largest city on Whidbey, offering a mix of history and amenities. Visit the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum or explore Windjammer Park for waterfront walks.Food &amp; Drink:Penn Cove Mussels: A local delicacy, available in many restaurants, especially in Coupeville.Wineries &amp; Distilleries: Whidbey Island boasts several local wineries (e.g., Dancing Fish Vineyards, Spoiled Dog Winery, Comforts of Whidbey Winery) and the Whidbey Island Distillery, offering tastings and tours.Farmer's Markets: Check for local farmer's markets, especially in Langley (Bayview Market, South Whidbey Tilth Farmers Market), for fresh produce and local goods.Diverse Dining: From fine dining to casual cafes, Whidbey offers a range of culinary experiences. Popular spots include The Captain Whidbey, Prima Bistro, and Saltwater Fish House &amp; Oysterbar in Langley, or Frasers Gourmet Hideaway in Oak Harbor.Tips for Guests:Discover Pass: Many state parks require a Discover Pass for parking. Guests can purchase a day pass or annual pass.Ferry Travel: If coming from the mainland south of Whidbey, they'll likely take the Mukilteo-Clinton ferry. Check ferry schedules and consider arriving early, especially on weekends, as lines can be long.Driving the Scenic Byway: A scenic byway runs the length of the island, connecting Deception Pass to Clinton, offering a beautiful way to explore the various towns and sights.

Juliet & Luke

Juliet & Luke

Q + A

What does Semi-Formal Cocktail Garden Party attire entail?

Invitations and RSVP?

Can I bring a plus one?

Can I bring my kids to the wedding?

Can kids come to the welcome BBQ?

What kind of weather can I expect on Whidbey Island?

What time should I arrive to the wedding?

What time should I arrive to the Welcome BBQ?

Where should I stay?

Is there parking available at the venue?

What are some things to do in the area?

Do you still have questions?