Handwritten Seating Charts and Rainy Vows at a Jackson Manor Wedding
Kailee (she/her) and Kerri (she/her) built their love story across countries, oceans, and years apart. What began as a chance meeting in a New Zealand hostel turned into a relationship that endured long distance, visa hurdles, and a global pandemic. After a proposal in Hawaii and a small backyard ceremony, they finally gathered friends and family from around the world for a rainy August celebration at Jackson Manor Events in Arlington, Washington. With DIY details, heartfelt vows, and a dance floor that stayed packed all night, it was a day that felt entirely their own.
Tell us about your love story.
Kailee: We met by chance in a hostel in New Zealand. Kerri was living there, and I was traveling. What started as friendship quickly grew into something more, and before I even returned on a working holiday visa, we had made things official.
When Covid hit, I chose to stay in New Zealand, and we built a life together for nearly three years. Eventually, I moved back to the U.S. so we could begin the visa process. Kerri proposed on a family trip to Hawaii, and two months later we had a small backyard ceremony to make it legal.
After nearly two years of long distance, her visa was finally approved, just in time for our big August wedding with friends and family from all over the world. Technically, we got married twice, and loved every second.
How long were you engaged?
Technically, we were engaged for three months. It was short, but with the distance and visa process, we needed to move more quickly than most couples.
What was the wedding planning process like?
Kailee: We were both really involved. I handled the details and decor, while Kerri focused on bigger logistics like finding vendors and helping wherever I needed. It worked really well.
How did you choose your vendors?
Kailee: Our vendors were incredible. We prioritized booking the venue and photographer first since those mattered most to us. I immediately loved the vibe and support from Jackson Manor Events, and Ashley’s style at Ashley Kristine Photo sealed the deal. Since Kerri isn’t a big picture person, it was important that photos felt comfortable and effortless. Ashley made it so easy.
What advice do you have for managing the wedding budget?
I made my own Excel spreadsheet to keep track of everything. Planning and paying as far in advance as possible helped spread out the costs, and using credit cards for points was a bonus.
Did you take on any DIY projects?
Most of our wedding was DIY. I made the seating chart with handwritten letters for each guest, using meaningful places from our relationship instead of table numbers. We picked out flowers at Pike Place Market the day before and arranged them in bud vases and bouquets. I also designed all the signage on Canva, printed and displayed them with ribbons or frames. A family friend baked our cupcakes. It was a lot of work, but I loved the creative process.
How did you approach the ceremony and vows?
Kailee: We wanted it to feel really personal. One of our best friends officiated and wrote a beautiful speech about our relationship. Kerri and I wrote our own vows in homemade vow books. It was intimate, meaningful, and we received so many compliments on how heartfelt the vows were.
Walk us through the wedding day.
Kailee: It rained all day (in August!). We started with breakfast at the hotel with some of the bridal party, then I went to Inspired Hair Studio for hair while Kerri followed an hour later. Makeup was done by Jennifer Olsen. We got ready at Jackson Manor Events and did a first look to ease our nerves before the ceremony.
Afterward, we took photos with Ashley Kristine Photo, enjoyed happy hour with catering from Twist Catering, then moved into dinner and speeches. Having friends and family from all over the world in one space was incredible. We spent the rest of the night on the dance floor with music by Ives Audio.
Even with the rain, our vendors made everything seamless, and it honestly felt like good luck.
What non-traditional choices did you make for the day?
We had our bridal parties sit in the front row instead of standing with us so they could enjoy the ceremony like everyone else.
Were there any standout vendors who went above and beyond?
Kailee: Our venue owner, Britta of Britta’s Brides, was also our day-of coordinator, and she was absolutely amazing. The day wouldn’t have gone as smoothly without her. Between her and Ashley Kristine Photo, I was in the best hands and would hire them both again in a heartbeat.
How did you approach traditions that don’t always translate for LGBTQ+ couples?
Kailee: Kerri’s mom walked her down the aisle first, and then my dad walked me down the aisle. We wanted to involve our families in a way that felt natural. The DJ introduced us simply as Kailee and Kerri Dorland instead of “Mr. and Mrs.” Kerri and her mom chose not to do a dance, but Kailee did a father-daughter dance with her dad out of appreciation. We didn’t worry about traditions and just did what felt right to us.
Photography by Ashley Kristine Photo
Cake Allison O’Young
Caterer Twist Catering
DJ Ives Audio
Dress Boutique I Do Bridal
Dress Designer Lillian West
Hair Stylist Inspired Hair Studio
Make Up Artist Jennifer Olsen
Photobooth Photonatix Photobooth
Venue Jackson Manor Events
Wedding Planner Britta’s Brides
