Our team was lucky enough to cater Amy and Ryan’s special day at the stunning JM Cellars this past June. We always love having the opportunity to cater a wedding with an intimate guest count, and this one did not disappoint! We’ve learned a few tips over the years that are key to making an intimate wedding so special.
Here are our three tips to curate the perfect intimate wedding:
1. Pick The Right Venue
Amy and Ryan’s special celebration took place at the breathtaking JM Cellars, recognized as the “Best Winery Venue” by Washington Wedding Day’s Best of 2024 Awards. This small, family-owned winery and tasting room, established in 1998, is nestled in beautiful Woodinville, about a half hour’s drive from Seattle. The venue offers a picturesque setting that’s perfect for any intimate celebration.
The wedding package features exclusive access to the entire venue, including the JM Loft—a beautiful private home for all-day wedding preparations. The venue offers rustic decor, ceremony and reception furniture, in-house sound systems, cozy fireplaces, fire pits, and more.
Contact JM Cellars here to start planning your intimate wedding!
2. Choose The Perfect Vendors
Choosing vendors you trust and connect with is essential for a stress-free celebration! We designed the perfect menu for Amy and Ryan, ensuring their day was filled with delicious food. One standout dish was the Seared Wild Sockeye Salmon with Blueberry Green Onion Salsa—yum! To top off the evening, the wonderful Deru Market provided their delectable cakes, and everyone capped off the night with a lively dance party fueled by sugar and great vibes!
The whole team of vendors brought their expertise to this special celebration, and it showed. We’re always amazed by Wendy Bouillon from Weddings with Wendy and her ability to create beautiful experiences. Little Joy Fleurs did an incredible job with the elegant florals in charming clear vases! We can’t forget Bear Beau Photography, who captured the intimate moments of this magical day so perfectly. Collaborating with such a talented team on that beautiful summer day was a joy, and the couple graciously set aside a table for us to enjoy dinner with their guests!
3. Make It Personal!
One of my favorite things about an intimate wedding is the ability to make it as personal as you would like. They truly allow us to create a one-of-a-kind experience and focus on the special details that matter most to the couple. Whether it’s finding the perfect takeaway treat or picking a specialty cocktail that actually means something to the family, every detail has intention. For example, the signature cocktails at Amy and Ryan’s wedding paid a lovely homage to the couple’s grandparents, one of which included a classic Whiskey-7. Named after their grandparents and served in elegant cut glassware, these drinks served as a beautiful tribute to family members who couldn’t be there to celebrate.
A Tip for Couples: Focus on what matters most to you and your fiancé! If food is a priority, ensure you love the menu. If drinks are key, concentrate on crafting a standout bar. And if music is a passion, consider investing in a live band! Intimate weddings give you the freedom to channel your energy and budget into the details that truly matter to you.
Words From Amy + Ryan
After the wedding, I received a heartfelt handwritten note from the couple that is still taped on my wall! It reads, “Thank you so much for all you did to help make our wedding day so very special. Our guests raved about the food (one even said it was the best meal of their life!), along with the warm hospitality, too.” Making couples happy is the reason we do what we do, and we’re looking forward to many more intimate celebrations like this one!
Planning your own intimate wedding? Reach out to our team to start crafting your special day—we can’t wait to hear from you!
Venue: JM Cellars | @jmcellars
Photography: Bear Beau Photography | @bearbeauco
Coordination: Weddings with Wendy | @weddings_with_wendy
Catering & Bar: Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes | @tuxedosandtennisshoes
Cake: Deru Market | @derumarket
Floral: Little Joy Fleurs | @littlejoyfleurs
Musician: Robbie Christmas | @rxrobbie
DJ: Chris Graves Music | @chrisgravesmusic
Rentals: Pedersen’s Event Rentals | @pedersenseventrental
H&MU: Alexis Michael | @alexismichaelhmua
Bridal Gown & Accessories: I Do Bridal | @idobridal
Stationary: Perfect Press Invitations | @perfectpressinvitations
