At a Mediterranean-style winery, Caitlyn and Alex toasted to their future during a late-summer wedding that radiated with warmth and good times. Tell us about the location.

We wanted an outdoor ceremony and reception, my husband is from the area, and we both love wine, so it only made sense to have the wedding at a winery! Tagaris is a special place for us. We would go there every time we were in town visiting family. They have a beautiful outdoor patio with a stage, bistro lights, fire pits, fountain...all the feels. Not to mention their wine and food are to die for! So Tagaris was a no-brainer; when we got engaged, we knew that it would be the perfect wedding venue for us.

What was the theme or inspiration for your wedding?

As a couple, we enjoy hosting friends and family out on our patio on warm summer nights, and that is exactly how we envisioned our wedding. Our color scheme played off of Tagaris's rustic Mediterranean vibe, with merlot, blushes and greys that felt fitting in September and also complemented the moonstone color in my gown. We kept our tables very simple, adding a more formal touch with silver chargers and wine bottles that served as vases, plus a take-home personalized "A&C" wine glass for guests as our thank-you.

Alex's stepdad is quite the craftsman, and he built personalized decor that was spread throughout the venue, including a pallet-wall photo booth backdrop, cork-holder guest book, and a beautiful wine box that was incorporated into the ceremony with personal love letters and a bottle of wine to be opened on our five-year anniversary.

What was your favorite moment?

Besides a killer venue, our one wish for our wedding was to have an '80s cover band as a nod to our love of '80s music. The band we chose, VooDoo Alley, totally rocked the house! One of my favorite moments was when Alex and I were surrounded by all of our friends and family singing and dancing along to "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, one of our favorites. We really felt the love from everyone; it just made the night even more special.

How did you know your dress was 'the one'?

I was so in love with the thought of a lace trumpet gown and had found a few online that I bookmarked for my appointment at the Seattle Nordstrom Wedding Suite. That day, I took another look through the website and came across the Roxanne gown from Hayley Paige. I loved the color and beaded bodice, and that back detail-amazing!

When I met with bridal stylist Heather, she had a room with tons of options similar, but not limited to, the dresses I had previously shown her. After a few try-ons (and laughs-lace was so not my style), I mentioned that I had seen Roxanne on the website and was interested in trying it on. She seemed a little shocked, but in a good way, and really excited that I was open to a gown that wasn't so traditional. I loved the style with its moonstone skirt and studded open-back detail, but I was a tiny bit concerned that it wasn't "bridal" enough. Once we slipped it on, I knew it was the one for me. Heather made me feel confident that I could rock this dress on my wedding day, and I'm so glad she did because I wouldn't have chosen any other gown to wear!

Any advice for brides-to-be?

Don't sweat the small stuff. I spent so much time and energy trying to perfect little things like table signs-including endless hours at the local print store-to not even use them due to high winds! But table numbers don't affect how smoothly the whole day goes. Your special day is really about you and your partner!

Hiring a planner was the smartest thing we did, especially when you're not very familiar with the area that you're getting married in. She put us in touch with other vendors that she knows and trusts, which helped to put our minds at ease. Our wedding planner made the experience, from the engagement to the big day, so fun!

Where was the honeymoon?

Grand Velas resort in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico!

Photography by J.M. Hunter Photography

Did you find your wedding gown or bridesmaid dresses at Nordstrom? We love a good wedding story! Email Nordstrom Wedding Stories for details on getting your wedding featured on our blog. And for more inspiration, make a complimentary appointment with a Wedding Stylist or browse our Wedding Suite.