Jenna Garner first met Ryan Gronberg at a mutual friend’s birthday celebration back in 2010. She quickly learned that Ryan was the go-to guy for all questions related to international travel, which came in handy when she decided to take advantage of her flight attendant travel benefits in early 2019.
“I was nervous because, at that point in time, my international travel experience was, well, not much,” Jenna recalls. “I decided to reach out to Ryan to get his advice.
“The beauty of the room, everyone, and everything in it took my breath away.”
The conversation of travel turned into messaging everyday about anything and everything. We decided to meet for a drink, which turned into a wonderful evening of catching up, sharing stories, and genuinely enjoying each other’s company until around 4 a.m. After that night, I knew we had something special.”
In no time, she and Ryan were traveling all over the world together, visiting Hawaii, Mexico, China, Japan, Thailand, and Australia during their first year together. “For me, Ryan’s knowledge of navigating new places and the way he viewed them was intoxicating,” says Jenna. “For him, it was exciting to see my love for exploring and learning new cultures. The following year, COVID-19 hit and halted all of our plans, which included a trip to Paris where Ryan had planned to propose.
When it became apparent to Ryan that it was going to be a long while before we would be able to make it to Paris, he pivoted. Knowing my love for the mountains, Ryan planned a camping trip. He took me on a hike to a cliff overlooking a beautiful lake. There, at sunset, he asked me if I would spend forever with him. Obviously, I said yes!”
The couple knew they wanted to work with a talented wedding planner, especially when they’d have to navigate the complications of hosting a celebration during a pandemic. After speaking with Hannah of Elite Events, both Jenna and Ryan knew they’d found their wedding planning match. Envisioning a timeless wedding that integrated elements of travel and modernity, Hannah helped bring their dream wedding to fruition at the Lotte Hotel in Seattle.
“Our wedding day was nothing short of a dream come to life,” the bride shares. “From the beautiful breakfast with a view of the city in the presidential suite, to getting ready with all of our loved ones, to our emotional first look, through to the end of the night, everything was absolute perfection. I remember entering the Grand Ballroom and walking down the aisle to meet the love of my life at the altar, when the beauty of the room, everyone, and everything in it took my breath away.
Can we talk about the flowers?! Sal’s Floral Design did exquisite work. I had never seen bouquets this beautiful. In that moment, with the string quartet playing softly in the background, I was able to take it all in and let it wash over me. Later, I was told that partway down the aisle, I had audibly said, ‘Wow!’ I laugh about that now, but it truly was a ‘wow’ moment.”
Robert Wood, the groom’s loving uncle, performed a personal and touching ceremony. This was followed by a wedding reception that was the perfect balance of relaxed, elegant, sophisticated, and fun. To help set the mood for dinner, the DJ played jazz and classical style covers of recognizable pop songs. Among gorgeous floral arrangements, gold cutlery, custom world globes that served as table markers, and the glow of warm candlelight, guests enjoyed a five-star dinner service provided by the Lotte Hotel.
After dinner, the groom made a heartfelt speech thanking all the guests, as well as everyone who helped make the day so special. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Throughout the course of the evening, everyone enjoyed the dance floor, open bar, and photobooth. Since the couple made it a requirement for each guest to receive a COVID PCR test prior to their wedding day, and also provided professional onsite rapid testing, it was the first time in over a year that everyone could relax and feel a bit closer to “normal,” which felt like an incredible gift.
“Ryan brought me to tears when he surprised me with a honeymoon at the romantic Brasada Resort in Bend, Oregon,” Jenna adds. “We indulged in a cabin with a private hot tub overlooking the mountains, massages, horseback riding, amazing food, wine, and beer. It was the perfect start to our marriage! Fast forward to present day, we are so excited to have a trip to Paris booked for honeymoon number two.”
WEDDING TALENT
Planning & Design: Elite Events, Seattle, WA; Dress: Ines Di Santo; Photography: Samuel Lippke Studios, Los Angeles, CA