Ted&Alex

October 16, 2021 · Woodinville, Washington

Our Story

Our first date was at an ice cream shop, which is extremely on-brand.

Alex had recently returned from his semester abroad and was in that phase where you are incapable of talking about anything else. Luckily, Ted was a very good listener, and after the date he sent the absolute sweetest text message. That led to a second date, which led to a third, and eventually Ted told Alex he loved him. This made Alex angry, because he’d wanted to say it first.

In the spring, we ended up in New York City at the same time on separate trips, which meant Alex ditched everything he was supposed to do in order to hang out with Ted and his art school friends. He made an excellent first impression on them by arriving at the first meeting, excitedly hugging Ted and knocking his drink out of his hand. Very smooth.

Since then, we’ve lived together in three different apartments, traveled to eleven different states, and both graduated college. Alex introduced Ted to Parks and Recreation, Drag Race and Schitt’s Creek, and Ted showed Alex the joys of Asian and Indian cuisine. We’ve helped each other succeed, celebrated the good times and weathered the bad, and eaten so much ice cream. We’re so excited to be getting married; it’s a new chapter, but it’s the same story, and we’d like to thank you all for helping us tell it.

2021 update

The past year has been a whirlwind for us. In February, Alex was offered a job in Seattle with Paizo, a tabletop roleplaying game publisher. Two weeks later, lockdowns began, throwing all our plans to move and get married out the window for several months. We ended up moving in August, and Ted got a job with the University of Washington just before leaving Ohio. We’re now living in Redmond, and while we haven’t been able to do everything we’d have liked yet (we haven’t even been to the Space Needle!), we’re settling in well and enjoying the change of scenery. We can’t wait to have everyone come and visit us!

Wedding Day

when

Saturday,
October 16, 2021

11am–4pm

where

Willows Lodge

14580 NE 145th St, Woodinville, WA 98072

Q&A

  • What’s the plan for the event?

    On Friday night from 5:30 to 7:30pm, our parents will be hosting a welcome party at the Archer Hotel in Redmond. Hors d’ouvres and drinks will be served. This is an extremely casual event, no need to dress up.

    On Saturday, we are aiming to start the ceremony at 11am at Willows Lodge, with photos and lunch to follow. We have the space until 4pm; plans for after the luncheon are still TBD.

    Outside of these two events, the weekend is yours to use as you wish! Go see the sights, enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and spend time with us and our friends and family. We can’t wait to see you all!

  • What should I wear?

    The dress code is “look nice but be comfortable.” Gentlemen, ties are not required but they’re not going to be out of place either. Ladies, you are free to wear your nicest gowns if it fills you with joy, but we encourage something more casual if it is more comfortable for you!

  • What’s Seattle like in October?

    We anticipate typical fall weather: cooling temperatures, the possibility of rain (it is Seattle), but lovely fall colors and foliage. We have an indoor and outdoor option for the ceremony depending on the weather that weekend. Bring layers, a good raincoat, and sturdy hiking shoes if you’d like to get out and experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest!

  • What is there to do in the area?

    There are plenty of online and printed guides to Seattle itself, I trust your ability to find those on your own. We recommend taking a trip to Kerry Park for some of the best skyline views and photo opportunities.

    Woodinville is home to nearly 150 wine tasting rooms, including the Speidels’ favorite winery, Chateau St. Michelle. Willows Lodge also has two excellent restaurants on-property as well as a spa.

    Redmond has a thriving and walkable downtown area with shops, restaurants and plenty to do! Some of our favorite stops are Brick and Mortar Books, Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, Dough Zone and Kanishka. Marymoor Park is a wonderful park right near downtown.

    Some other attractions within driving distance are the Bellevue Botanical Garden, Snoqualmie Falls, the Bellevue Square mall and Evans Creek Preserve. Check Ted’s blog for more recommendations!

  • What are the safety requirements for your wedding?

    The state of Washington is currently under an indoor mask mandate. While there are exceptions for “small private gatherings where everyone is vaccinated,” we don’t yet have any guidance on what that means, nor do we know if this mandate will still be in place by the wedding. For now, we’re assuming it will be, and planning accordingly. Please make sure you have enough masks with you, as Seattle generally is taking safety pretty seriously.

    If at any time you decide you do not feel safe traveling to the wedding, we absolutely understand. Please let us know ahead of time; we’ll miss you, but safety comes first.

  • Why did you choose to move across the country in the middle of a global pandemic?

    Because we’re very smart and we make excellent choices.

Website designed & coded by us

Engagement photos by Grace E. Jones Photography