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A Wild City Wedding Can Also Be Kid Friendly

  • Dec 20, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 7, 2025

It may seem like these two things, city wedding and kid friendly, simply do not mix well, but in the case of Riley (she/her) & Alex (they/them) this could not have been more untrue. They found the perfect balance of incorporating their children that still allowed for exciting and romantic moments all throughout. From their first look to the late night snacks there was always something for the kids to participate in. Between these moments the couple was still able to let loose, enjoy wild spontaneity, dancing with drag queens, and... t-shirt sling shots?


First Look

Just a block away from Occidental Square and the Puget Sound waterfront, the 101 event venue is perfect for couples who want an accessible city wedding with a variety of gorgeous city backdrops. Riley and Alex shared their first look with the addition of their two kids right out front of the venue, where we captured some silly and sweet moments of their family. Giving them time to get some energy out we then jumped right into couples portraits around the Occidental Square area. Having time to step away from their children they made sure to entrust another family friend to help with parental duties, so they could fully enjoy their wedding without worry.


  • queer couple holding hands behind corner wall with child in white dress behind
  • queer couple holding hands behind corner wall with child in white dress behind
  • queer wedding couple portraits in orange and white with four children in front with white floral dresses
  • queer wedding couple portraits in orange and white with four children running with white floral dresses
  • queer wedding couple kissing in orange and white with four children running with white floral dresses
  • wedding couple holding hands looking at each other walking down brick alley way
  • wedding couple holding hands looking at each other walking down sidewalk with trees and fall leaves
  • wedding couple holding hands looking at each other walking down brick alley way
  • queer couple in white dress and orange suite holding each other looking at camera with green trees and cement seating
  • wedding couple kissing with sun behind them and brick buildings
  • wedding couple lounging on couch with windows behind, in black and white
  • trans masc wedding attire suite in orange and black with wedding party in gray dresses and suites
  • bridal party in red and pink dresses holding flowers in brick alley way in Seattle
  • industrial vibe wedding formal wedding party photos standing in alley way with brick buildings, holding flowers, attire is orange and gray
  • industrial vibe wedding formal wedding party photos standing in alley cheering way with brick buildings, holding flowers, attire is orange and gray

Ceremony

In the elegant and chic white brick painted venue, Alex & Riley shared their vows amongst all their closest friends and family. The beautifully crafted floral arch was designed by Lauritzen Flower Farm and included all of the wonderful orange and reds from their wedding palette. Choosing not to be "given away", a more meaningful approach they decided was to walk in after their parents and meet each other at the end of the aisle. This meant that they could then join hands and walk in together. Of course the kids had another task as flower children and immediately took their family friends side seated in the wedding party.


  • floral arch with orange and red flowers in white brick wedding venue
  • lgbtq couple walking down indoor aisle in orange suite and white dress surround by guests
  • flower children walking down aisle dropping flower petals
  • queer couple reciting vows to each other in front of floral arch and white brick building
  • wedding couple dip kiss indoor wedding with flowers being thrown
  • wedding couple first kiss indoor wedding with flowers being thrown against white brick backdrop

Reception

Alex & Riley had an absolutely wild and energy filled evening, with dancing and engaging activities for all of their guests and kids! After toasts and their first dance together the DJ was immediately queued to play songs where everyone could join in and celebrate, including their kids. This allowed for the tight structure of the day to finally include some breathing room where all they had to do now was celebrate! Skipping things like a cake cutting meant that there was no start and stop to the dancing and merriment.

However a very important addition to the evening was Charlie Foxtail, a Seattle Drag Artist who came out and dropped an absolutely killer performance! She engaged the crowd and and left no crumbs. It was after these performances that the evenings energy was at an all time high and guests and kids continued to dance! For kids needing breaks there were play zones set up for them and tables to color. And for kids (and adults) needing late night snacks a milk bar was set up with a variety of children’s cereal.

Around halfway through the evening the wedding party initiated a T-shirt sling shot! The couple had designed a silly shirt with their shared name and cutouts of their face to launch into the audience. This was created as an alternative to a bouquet toss and was enthusiastically received by all of the guests who put their bodies on the the line to win these shirts!


  • Fall themed Floral bouquet centerpiece sitting on white table with orange, red and green flowers.
  • queer couple signing marriage license in lounge chair and wood table in the city
  • first dance with queer couple in orange suite and white dress
  • dancing with kids at wedding in white dresses and orange suite jacket
  • lgbtq+ couple holding each other laughing during speeches at indoor wedding
  • wedding party wearing sunglasses and laughing while piled up for group photo, wearing gray and orange
  • drag queen in blue and black one pice performing at wedding dropped to the floor with money
  • drag queen in blue and black one pice performing at wedding dropped to the floor with money being tossed
  • drag queen in blue and black one pice performing at wedding dropped to the floor with money and guests dancing
  • queer couple wearing matching white sunglasses holding each other dancing with string lights behind
  • wild dancing at wedding motion blur and head banging
  • bride and friends wild dancing at wedding motion blur
  • wild dancing at wedding motion blur and party lights
  • wild dancing at wedding motion blur and party lights
  • t shirt sling shot at wedding indoors into crowd of guests

Riley and Alex’s wedding was a perfect testament to how a city wedding can be both wildly entertaining and wonderfully kid-friendly. They shattered the notion that you have to choose between including your children and having a high-energy, unforgettable celebration. By creating a day filled with thoughtful touches, engaging activities, and space for spontaneity, they crafted a wedding experience that truly had something for everyone. Whether it was dancing with drag queens, enjoying late-night snacks, or catching T-shirts from a sling shot, their big day was a joyful, inclusive celebration of love, family, and community. It’s clear that Riley and Alex didn’t just plan a wedding—they created memories to last a lifetime.


Wedding Day Vendors

Venue: @the101.828

Rentals: @vintageambiance

Video: @amournmotion

Artist: @charlifoxtail

Photography: @rovecoast

 
 
 

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YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Hello I'm Alesha! Your lgbtq+ wedding & elopement photographer based in Seattle, Washington. I'm here to bring a supportive, enthusiastic, and all around easy-going energy to your wedding day! Get to know me a little bit more to see if we're a good match.

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