A Colorful, Values-Aligned Wedding at Captain Whidbey

Weddings are about love—yes. But they’re also about values, connection, and the communities that have helped shape us. When Silvi and Austin reached out to Tapestry, it was immediately clear that their wedding would be as intentional and wholehearted as the life they’ve built together. With one partner finishing a PhD in Clinical Psychology in Providence and the other practicing law in Brooklyn, these two had already weathered six years of long distance by the time they began planning their wedding. They envisioned a weekend that honored their egalitarian partnership, celebrated their queer and Jewish communities, and created the kind of meaningful, inclusive atmosphere where every guest felt at home. That’s where we came in.

The Couple: Silvi + Austin

Silvi and Austin met in their senior year at the University of Washington and have been together for nine years. They are equal parts brainy and big-hearted, passionate about social justice, and deeply committed to showing up for one another. Their relationship is grounded in shared values and supported by a community of chosen family, many of whom traveled from across the country to celebrate with them in the Pacific Northwest.

“We chose to do our wedding back in Washington because we felt it was the best of what we both wanted: Austin's desire to be near water and Silvi's desire to be in the forest.”

Planning a wedding from opposite coasts was no small feat, and we were honored to serve as their boots-on-the-ground team, guiding them through the logistics and the deeper conversations that helped shape a day reflective of their identities, their values, and their love story.

“In our relationship, we cherish our communication and equal partnership. We strive to support each other in our passions, careers, and relationships with others. We strive to be open and authentic communicators. Social justice is extremely important to Silvi. She has spent much time engaging in anti-racist activism in her communities (both when in Seattle and in Providence), and dedicates her career to fighting systemic oppressions. Austin chooses to volunteer his time by participating in pro-bono work in order to give back to the community in ways that are meaningful to him.”

A Wedding Weekend That Felt Like Them

From the beginning, Silvi and Austin were clear about their goals: they wanted a magical forest-meets-water party that was whimsical, romantic, joyful, and connected. Captain Whidbey was the perfect backdrop—nestled between trees and shoreline, intimate and inviting.

But it wasn’t just about the setting. What made this celebration special was the feeling it created. Together, we questioned traditions, modernized rituals, and curated a weekend experience that allowed guests to feel known, welcomed, and fully themselves.

Tapestry’s Role: Values-Driven Planning Support

We were brought on not just to manage logistics, but to help Silvi and Austin reimagine what a wedding could look and feel like.

That meant:

Collaborative conversations about cultural and religious traditions, including how to reclaim and reshape Jewish wedding customs to reflect Silvi’s values and their egalitarian partnership.
Gender-inclusive and queer-affirming support throughout the process—avoiding outdated language, challenging assumptions, and honoring the nuance of identity.
Designing a weekend flow that was community-centered, relaxed, and celebratory—without sacrificing intention or style.

From big-picture design down to the smallest details, our team helped Silvi and Austin feel empowered to make bold choices that reflected who they are, how they love, and what matters most to them.

If you want to see exactly how we can make your own intentional wedding come to fruition, check out our planning services that give you several comprehensive options for all kinds of budgets. Including a Planning Power Hour option which is all about helping the DIY bride.

Wedding Day Highlights at Captain Whidbey

There are so many moments from this wedding that will stay with us for a long time. A few favorites:

A Multicultural, Egalitarian Ceremony – Orated by C.B. Souther, the ceremony was rooted in Jewish tradition, but reimagined for a modern, queer couple. Loved ones each read personal interpretations of the Seven Blessings, and every ritual was explained to guests in a way that was both meaningful and accessible. It was thoughtful, poetic, and unlike anything we’ve witnessed before.

A Celebration of Color and Creativity – Silvi and Austin encouraged guests to show up in their boldest, most expressive outfits—and the vibe was electric. The hand-drawn seating chart on reclaimed steel and the juicy, maximalist tablescapes were perfect reflections of the couple’s personalities and vision.

The Look(s) – Silvi’s fashion moment deserves its own paragraph!! Think Christian Siriano sleeves, steel accessories, and the confidence to match. Every detail felt personal and powerful.

Chosen Family + Real Connection – Friends and family came together from all over the country—many meeting for the first time. But you wouldn’t have known it. The environment Silvi and Austin curated invited people to connect deeply, celebrate freely, and create new bonds. That’s the kind of wedding that lingers in your heart.

A Wedding That Felt Like Coming Home

Weddings don’t have to follow outdated scripts or center traditions that don’t reflect who you are. They can be modern, inclusive, deeply connected, and unapologetically joyful. Silvi and Austin’s wedding is a reminder that values-led wedding planning creates not only beautiful events, but experiences that are healing, affirming, and true. It was our absolute privilege to walk alongside them in the planning process—listening, supporting, and guiding as they shaped a day that celebrated everything they love most.

If you’re planning a wedding that breaks the mold, honors your values, and invites your whole community into the experience—you’re our kind of people.

If you’d to see more about what Tapestry Event Co. stands for, read up on our values to see if they align with yours.