A night of wedding dresses, gorgeous venues, incomparable wines, freshly-shucked oysters, decadent chocolate, expansive catering and more sounds like a memorable wedding, but this night was much more than that. It was definitely memorable, but not a wedding, per se. The Get Hitched, Give Hope Gala was a night of celebration, fundraising, wedding planning, dance and more organized to bring philanthropy and the wedding industry together.
The gala had it all – a silent auction providing everything from a photo booth for an event to wedding and engagement rings to honeymoon packages, a live auction that included an extravagant honeymoon package, bridal gown, wine tours (such as JM Cellars), and a feature in Seattle Met magazine Bride and Groom edition. And if the auction wasn’t enough, the night served amazing food courteous of several vendors including fresh oyster shucking from Taylor Shellfish, S’More Amore, Espresso Elegance, Baked, and more. The drinks flowed from Swiftwater Cellars, Karma Vineyards, Heritage Distilling Co., Hilliard’s Beer and more.
Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Seattle, presentation began as soon as you ascend the staircase which was decorated with candles surrounded by rose petals. Each room at the top of the stairs had something amazing in it. One room had the Seahawks game displayed on an 80 inch television, knowing full well that to secure an event on a game night, a large TV was in order, a bar and a shoe shine station (Old Style Shoe Shine, a unique vendor to have at your wedding or special event.)
Before entering the other rooms, you were greeted by a large sign made of flowers and a photographer taking photos of guests. In the center room, a fresh oyster-shucking station, Fran’s chocolate table, bar, and raffle table. To the right a room full of a potato bar (unique catering of different types of French fries and tater tots along with a bevy of sides, two types of photo booths including a slow motion booth, and a s’more making table – a very unique dessert offering for a wedding or special event and, of course, a bar.
The main ballroom was full of many silent auction tables, models donned in wedding gowns by Cicada, soup catering and charcuterie and vegetable table, along with gorgeous displays of floral arrangements, music and live auction and emcing by Movin 92.5 radio station Brook and Jubal from Brook and Jubal in the Morning show.
If you are planning a wedding or a special event, this is the must-attend event of the year. Because not only do you receive a lot of free swag, especially if you purchase the VIP tickets, but you have the chance to see and talk to some of the top vendors in the industry to find what is right for you (including top wedding planners like Clutch Events, a chance to bid on some fantastic packages at reduced prices, and a chance to win free packages through raffles, all while contributing to a great cause and having a great time drinking, eating and dancing.
Get Hitched, Give Hope raises money for two charities, The Dream Foundation and the Young Survivors Coalition.
The Dream Foundation is the first national wish granting organization for adults suffering life-threatening illness. The mission of the Dream Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families who are battling life-threatening illness. Dream Foundation helps adults find peace and closure with the realization of a final wish.
Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. YSC offers resources, connections and outreach so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful.
Be sure to check out next year’s gala or the next event that GHGH hosts…they sure know how to throw a party!
