WEDDING IDEAS

A number of colors, themes, and motifs brought the wedding day together, each with its own unique meaning and relationship to Vietnam. Cara, staying true to her design background, chose a color palette of chartreuse green ("reminiscent of fresh spring grass in the Methow Valley and of the tropical foliage throughout Vietnam") and bright orange ("it reminds me of Southeast Asia as well, yet it didn’t feel out of place in the mountains of Washington," she says).

The ceremony unfolded on the paved patio of the main lodge at the Freestone Inn. Guests sat facing the property’s small lake and the rest of the Methow Valley beyond. A wooden arbor with a bright burst of flowers at the top denoted the altar where the couple recited vows they had written themselves. Though they decided not to have attendants for the ceremony, both the bride and groom had their parents escort them down the aisle, and each of their sisters read a poem of special significance to their love story.

For an extra-special "something borrowed," Cara wore her paternal grandmother’s wedding shoes from 1940.

Cara made the programs herself using a silk-screened grassy motif an an Asian Hand-binding technique.

In an impressive test of patience -- and with an old tabletop letterpress printer she found on eBay -- Cara not only designed, but also printed all of the invitations and other paper products for the day herself.

The newlyweds came out swinging (literally) for their first dance. Thanks to six hours of lessons, they performed a swing dance to the song, "The Trouble with Boys and Girls," which put the evening in full party mode.

The centerpieces were designed by none other than Cara herself (though placed by her florist), and included a tall, rectangular vase filled with greens and a single mango calla lily, as well as a shorter rectangular vase filled with river rocks. Both were set on a bright green, square rattan mat.

Foregoing the usual cake-cutting tradition, the couple opted to serve carrot cake cupcakes for dessert, made from Cara‘s grandmother‘s recipe. The yummy morsels were displayed on two wooden tables and flanked by old photos of Cara and Doug’s respective family members.

To pay homage to Vietnam once more, the couple gave guests small wooden frogs (imported directly from the country) in gratitude for celebrating with them. In Vietnam, frogs serve as symbols of emerging, transforming life qualities.

Cara & Doug in Mazama, WA

Photos By: La Vie Photography
Event Planning: Ada Knowles, Freestone Inn at Wilson Ranch, Mazama
Location: Freestone Inn at Wilson Ranch, Mazama

When Cara and Doug each signed up for a Whitman College alumni trip to Vietnam in 2004, neither one could have imagined what a life-changing journey it would turn out to be. After two weeks of travel, it was clear the two had discovered more than just a new country, and when Cara returned to the States after staying on to travel solo, Doug was there at the airport waiting to pick her up.

The Bride Cara Haskey, 33, graphic designer and business analyst
The Groom Doug Elliott, 38, economist
The Date June 17, 2006

About 18 months later, on Cara's birthday, Doug presented her with a series of homemade coupons. They were good for "love," "laughter," "friendship," "exploring the world together," and, finally, "me." Each was valid "for a lifetime." After staying up into the wee hours of the morning to revel in their newly engaged excitement, the two immediately got down to wedding planning.

-- Meredith Gray