Wade Valentine knew that Kelly Yokoyama was the woman of his dreams during their first date. The two were at Safeco Field for a Mariners game when Wade told Kelly how good the garlic fries were. He'd decided to forgo his favorite treat (being it was their first date and all) but Kelly excused herself and came back with fries and a beer for Wade anyway. At that moment, Wade knew Kelly was the one. Three years later, they returned to Safeco Field where they wed in a Buddhist ceremony, complete with an appearance by the Mariners mascot.
The Date August 7
Ceremony and Reception Site In honor of their first date, the couple wed in a Buddhist ceremony on Safeco Field and held the reception in the club's Hit It Here Café. The groomsmen took the field from the home team dugout and lined up on the first baseline, the bridal party from the visitors dugout, lining up on the third baseline. Immediate family sat in the warning track, and remaining guests sat directly behind home plate. (206) 346-4228, Seattle
Photography Kelly and Wade chose Ron Henry to photograph their special day, believing he would capture all the important moments -- and he didn't miss a beat. Ron Henry Photography, RonHenryPhotography.com
Officiant Rev. Donald Castro performed the Buddhist ceremony. Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple (206) 329-0800
Gown and Veil Kelly wore a gorgeous white A-line sleeveless gown with an organza overlay, accent by asymmetrical lace and crystal embellishments. Her medium-length veil was also trimmed in crystals. Both were found at La Belle Elaine's Bridal (206) 404-0888
Hair Though she usually wears her hair down, Kelly felt the gown required an updo, so her friend Shannon came to her hotel to create the perfect wedding day look.
Makeup Kelly and her mother had their makeup done by Erica from Salon Maison (253) 984-0667, Tacoma
Bridesmaid Dresses With four bridesmaids and one junior bridesmaid, it was difficult to find a dress everyone agreed on. The solution -- the bride chose the designer and color (Alfred Angelo, navy blue) and each girl selected her own dress. It was a great way to keep a sense of unity and have beautiful, happy bridesmaids. Bellevue Bridal Boutique (425) 451-1041, Bellevue
Formalwear The handsome groom, his six groomsmen, and ring bearer all wore black tuxedos with navy blue accents to harmonize with the bridesmaids. Men's Wearhouse (425) 643-0987, Bellevue Galleria, Bellevue
Invitations To introduce the baseball theme, Kelly and Wade worked with Stacey Brotherton at Frenettik to create a unique invitation resembling a vintage baseball ticket. The perforated response card looked just like a ticket stub, and baseball terms were incorporated into the wording on the invitation, all contributing to setting the theme of the day, the Wedding of the Season. Frenettik (206) 366-0247
Flowers Arrangements made up of navy blue, purple, and burgundy calla lilies, roses, orchids and freesia filled the two rooms of the reception. The six flower girls walked down the aisle holding a garland between them instead of individual flower baskets, an idea that Sheri Miller from Esprit de Fleur came up with to give the children an extra boost of courage. Esprit de Fleur (206) 533-9277
Catering Rather than typical stadium food, which the guests expected in keeping with the baseball theme, the bride and groom surprised everyone with a delicious buffet complete with carving stations and a separate children's buffet. "We received so many comments on how delicious the food was," Kelly says. "The adults even admitted they went back for seconds to try the kid's buffet!" Centerplate Catering (206) 664-3167
Music A string trio performed the ceremony music, and later the happy couple took to the floor for their first dance, Marc Anthony’s "I Need You." During the Anniversary dance Kelly and Wade were able to wish a special happy anniversary to Kelly's great aunt and uncle, whose anniversary was just a few days away. "It was wonderful to recognize them in front of so many of our family and friends by giving them my bouquet and garter for being married for so many years," the bride says. Cameo String Quartet (425) 485-8380, Kenmore; JP Entertainment (253) 861-8962, Puyallup
Dance Lessons Standing at 6'7", Wade is significantly taller than 5'1" Kelly, so the couple decided to take some dance lessons to make themselves feel more comfortable on the dance floor. ABC's of Dancing (206) 533-8855
Entertainment Two surprises awaited the guests at the reception. The bride and groom created a photo montage made of old and current images of themselves, and it was displayed on the restaurant's TV monitors. Later on, as a special treat for the kids, the Mariner's mascot, Mariner Moose, stopped by for a visit. He signed autographs and took pictures, making all the guests very happy.
Cake Three mouthwatering cakes, including one four-tier cake, were served at the reception. Guests were so eager to taste the poppy seed and citron, strawberry and cream, and chocolate lover truffle torte cakes that "the waiters didn't even make it a foot out of the kitchen before they had a line of people surrounding them," the bride recalls. "The best man even had his cake taken away from him because someone thought he was a waiter!" Cakes by Crème de la Crème (206) 241-0249
Favors Guests left the reception with arms full of the beautiful floral arrangements adorning the tables.
Accommodations Newlyweds Kelly and Wade stayed at the Alexis Hotel in Seattle. Alexis Hotel (206) 624-4844
--Laura Meli
Photography © Ron Henry Photography
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