A Black-Tie Garden Wedding with Skyline Views in Seattle

Stephanie and Jared’s wedding at THE ADMIRAL’S HOUSE in Seattle was the perfect blend of refined elegance, heartfelt tradition, and modern black-tie flair. Captured beautifully by BLUE ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY and flawlessly planned by the team at YOUR PERFECT BRIDESMAID, the day honored both timeless romance and the couple’s personal story — all set against sweeping views of the Seattle skyline, the Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier.

Stephanie and Jared first crossed paths while waiting in line to see a Luke Combs concert at Seattle’s Showbox Sodo. They were attending with mutual friends, and a spark quickly formed over shared conversation and spontaneous dancing. Years later, Jared proposed in the most magical setting — in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Disneyland. Though Stephanie suspected something was up (Jared was notably nervous), she was overwhelmed with joy when she turned around to see friends and family there to celebrate the surprise engagement.

As Seattle locals, Stephanie and Jared wanted a venue that spoke to their shared roots and offered a true sense of place. THE ADMIRAL’S HOUSE checked every box — a historic estate perched on a bluff with expansive views of the city and water. The stately home gave the day a classic garden party feel, while the iconic backdrop added grandeur that perfectly complemented their black-tie vision.

The day began in the bright, modern suites at The Thompson Hotel. With floor-to-ceiling windows letting in soft natural light, the couple got ready surrounded by family and their wedding parties. Mimosas, music, and laughter filled the space, helping ease any nerves and setting the tone for the celebration ahead.

Although Jared was originally hesitant about a first look, this moment became one of their most treasured. Seeing each other before the ceremony melted the nerves away, and they took the opportunity to exchange private vows—a deeply personal decision that allowed them to fully express their promises in a quiet, meaningful setting before the festivities began.

Stephanie and Jared fully embraced their black-tie theme. The bridal party stunned in personalized black floor-length gowns, while the groomsmen wore classic tuxedos. Jared looked sharp in a traditional tux for the ceremony and later switched into an ivory dinner jacket for the reception. Stephanie wore a classic sweetheart ballgown from KLEINFELD’S and changed into a beaded fit-and-flare gown from I DO BRIDAL. Their fashion choices added a timeless yet modern twist—and the dual outfit changes were a fun surprise for guests.

Rachel, their florist, created a lush English garden feel with all-white blooms and cascading greenery. Floral urns and elegant installations brought softness and sophistication to the tented spaces. Their outdoor ceremony, officiated by a close friend, was heartfelt and full of character. Stephanie’s brother walked her down the aisle, a deeply meaningful moment for the bride.

Though the couple missed most of cocktail hour, guests enjoyed signature drinks — espresso martinis, Tiger’s Blood margaritas, and old fashioneds — with cocktail napkins featuring their beloved dog Sullivan’s face (some guests even used them as pocket squares!). In a nod to Stephanie’s Chinese heritage, the couple also hosted a tea ceremony during this time, honoring their elders and uniting their families through tradition and symbolism.

Under the tented reception, guests were treated to a three-course meal and unforgettable speeches. From the maid of honor and co-best men to the father of the groom and mother of the bride, each toast was filled with love, humor, and emotion. The night continued with a packed dance floor thanks to DJ MARC, who kept the party going with an expertly curated playlist across genres. Even Grandma couldn’t resist joining in.

Before their grand exit, Stephanie and Jared stole away for a private last dance. Just the two of them, swaying beneath the lights, taking a final moment to soak it all in. It was a perfect pause — a reminder of what the entire day was truly about.

The newlyweds embarked on a three-week European honeymoon through France and Italy, savoring rooftop views of the Eiffel Tower, wine tastings in Tuscany, balcony breakfasts in Positano, and gelato-fueled walks through Florence, Milan, and Rome. From cooking classes to opera nights, their adventure was the perfect romantic start to married life.

Stephanie and Jared’s wedding was a reflection of intentional planning, timeless taste, and deep love — made even more unforgettable by the city that means so much to them.

Photographer BLUE ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY shares her thoughts on the day with us; “Stephanie & Jared had an ultra-classic black tie formal wedding at The Admirals House. I really loved her dress and the boning detail in the corset. She got to go to Kleinfeld’s in NY to pick it out ! What a dream! I also love that they incorporated their golden retriever and even put a tuxedo on him. He was also featured on their custom cocktail napkins and Stephanie had a first look with him before she even did her first look with Jared. The most emotional part of the day was the private vows in the window room at The Admirals House. Just the two of them alone reading the most beautiful vows to one another. I shot this on about 4 different cameras, one was the square format Hasselblad 501c with Ilford delta 3200 inside, and then also the Contax 645 with Fuji 400h. Then some on my Fuji GFX digital camera and my point and shoot Yashica T4 (yes, they are all completely necessary for a moment like this! It was an on again, off again rainy day typical for the PNW. But during the ceremony the sun came out for a few minutes and it was stunning light! The black and white theme was carried into the reception with the checkered dance floor and black signage and chairs. I loved the black bow details on the dinner menus at each place setting. Guests had fun taking selfies and mingling on the lawn overlooking beautiful views of downtown Seattle and the Puget sound.”