Their love started when they found themselves as new roommates. At the time, Tracy was divorced with two children, neither was really looking for a relationship. However, a strong friendship grew and eventually their relationship was undeniable. They married in Seattle, surrounded by their loved ones in a ballroom wedding.
Words by Alyssa
I met Tracy in July of 2015 when I moved from San Diego to Seattle. She would be one of my new roommates in a house of women I had met through church. I knew that Tracy was divorced and had two daughters who would stay with her on the weekends and during school breaks. The day that I moved in, Tracy and her youngest daughter (8 years old at the time) didn’t hesitate to help me move my boxes and set up my furniture.
This was only the first of many moments where I learned that hospitality and helping each other were at the heart of how this household operated, and it didn’t take long for them to feel like family.
Tracy and I began growing our friendship over meals, deep conversations, and shared experiences. After about a year of living together, Tracy moved out in order to work as a live-in Resident Coordinator for a non-profit organization that provided an aftercare program for women who had been sexually trafficked. Her bold courage to immerse herself and her daughters in the lives of these women who were on a path of healing was inspiring to me.
Even though we were no longer roommates, our relationship continued to deepen and our commitment to one another kept growing.
In June of 2017, our incredibly rich friendship developed into something more. Something that we had both been feeling for some time, but too afraid to admit to one another. Something clicked once we confessed our true feelings for one another, and we knew that we couldn’t hide it for long. Following this, we did face some adversity within our community and families. It has not been easy fighting for our love, but we know that we are stronger for it.
Fast forward to December 29th, 2018, Tracy and her two daughters invited me out for a “Family Date Day,” including visiting some of our favorite spots in Seattle. It was a rainy, stormy day and when we arrived at our first stop. I was sure she was going to pop the question! We discovered it had been temporarily closed due to weather. I could see the wheels turning in Tracy’s head as her plans had clearly been disrupted.
We ended up going to a nearby brewery to hang out until the weather calmed down. At a long community table full of loud people watching football, a small white box was suddenly in front of me. I looked at Tracy across the table, gave her an eyebrow raise and said, “You’re doing this here?” Not exactly the romantic moment I was hoping for.
With knots in my stomach, questioning if she even knew me at all, I proceeded to open the box and discovered a bright red Ring Pop candy inside.
In simultaneous relief and joy, I realized she knew me better than I even thought she did. I was surprised and delighted by the decoy and knew the real thing wouldn’t be far behind. As we left the restaurant, the rain had stopped. Tracy pulled me aside to a quiet spot on the patio overlooking the city lights. She pulled out a ring box and said, “Nothing has gone as planned tonight, but I love being spontaneous with you. Will you continue on this adventure with me and be my wife?”
I said, yes!
We got married at the Georgetown Ballroom in Seattle, WA, where we exchanged personalized vows. It was a gorgeous sunny day filled with family and friends. We drew from Tracy’s heritage and filled the room with bright jewel-tone colors and Mexican food. Our guests helped up complete a tile mosaic art installation that now hangs on our living room wall, reminding us of the love we are so thankful to share.
Photographer Olive and Opal Photography
Accessories Olive + Piper, Unique Vintage
Bridal Boutique I Do Bridal
Cake Sugar Queen Bakery
Catering Georgetown Ballroom
Celebrant Kent Anderson
Ceremony & Reception Venue Georgetown Ballroom
Decorative Elements AyMujer
Engagement Ring Baraka Gemstones
Event Coordinator Jennifer Colaner
Florist Shady Vines Floral
Gown Designers Sincerity, Maggie Sottero
H&MU Pinup Salon
Shoes Michael Kors, Nine West
Stationery JP Stationery
Wedding Favors Nepantla Art Gallery
