Meet newlyweds, Doug and Rachel, who had their Great Gatsby wedding on a sunny summer day in 2016. Rachel and Doug met on a blind date set up by Rachel’s mom and Doug’s grandmother. The couple instantly hit it off, attracted by the other’s outgoing nature. Their summer Great Gatsby wedding was complete with a beer unity ceremony and Hulk wedding cake. If their wedding day was any clue to their marriage, it will be filled with love and happiness.

Occupations? 

Doug: Civil Engineer, Rachel: Recent EWU Graduate/Lead Lifeguard for YMCA.

How you met?

 Rachel’s mom cut Doug’s grandmother’s hair and they both talked about us and how we should meet. We exchanged info through Facebook and met for the first time on our blind date at Tomato Street.

Hometowns?

 Rachel: Connell, WA; Doug: Spokane, WA.

First Impressions? 

Doug: She was outgoing and really pretty. Her smile and laugh was infectious. Rachel: He was funny and outgoing. He had a big laugh.

First Real Date? 

After our blind date/first meeting, we went out and saw Ice Age 2 in theaters then went to Coldstone afterwards. Doug was too afraid to hold Rachel’s hand.  

Proposal in brief? 

Doug convinced Rachel to go to her favorite country bar to swing dance with a group of friends. Proposed to her on the dance floor in front of everyone, then took her to her best friend’s house to celebrate with her friends and family waiting.

Favorite ceremony moment?

 Doug: Seeing her walk down in the aisle most beautiful dress ever. Rachel: Our vows because we made our own.

Favorite reception moment? 

Doug: Nailing our first dance. Rachel: Same, it was pretty awesome.

Surprise elements?

 How well our videographer captured the beauty of the landscape and scenery of the estate.

Wedding theme?

 1920’s Gatsby/Hollywood Golden Era.

Wedding Dessert?

 Hulk holding Wedding Cake by Just American Desserts.

First dance song? 

Grow Old With You by Adam Sandler.

Touching speeches? 

Rachel’s Dad explaining how we came together and giving credit to Rachel’s mom and Doug’s grandma.

Splurge?

 Keg.

Day in three words?

 Unique, Sweet, Breathtaking.

Wedding time? 

5pm 

Number of Guests?

 150+

Colors?

 Mint, Raspberry, Champagne/Gold, and Black.

Flowers or centerpieces? 

Centerpieces provided by Commellini’s with additional decor added.  

Favors for guests?

 Gold and white Sixlets in champagne glasses.

Advice to other couples?

 Your wedding day is about you. Don’t let anything else distract you from the love that brought you to that special day.

Nontraditional & Traditional elements?

 Nontraditional: Beer unity ceremony, First Dance and Hulk cake. Traditional: Pretty much everything else.

Wedding day weather? 

Sunny with a slight breeze. Overall perfect.

Honeymoon?

 Sandals at Montego Bay Jamaica.