Washington wives Rue (she/her) and Lauren (she/her) are affectionately known by their couple moniker “LaRue.” The two met in the registration line at a week-long camp for queer women. After joking about sharing the raffle prize with each other if either of them won, they instantly connected.

A black-and-white image of two brides: one white and one black, standing outside with their arms around each other. The taller one kisses the other on the head as she smiles at the camera.

Two wives, one white and tall and one black and shorter, walk hand in hand down a walkway surrounded by greenery.

Two brides, one white and in a white suit with a green garland around them, and one in a long white gown, hold hands as they walk down an aisle together.

That spark carried them through their long-distance relationship over the next few months. When the pandemic hit, LaRue realized that life is short and decided to elope. Taking only two weeks to plan, they had a private wedding ceremony in their home with only a photographer and an officiant.

Two brides, one black and one white, stand facing each other in front of a large window, reading vows.

The marriers dance together in a mist of manufactured fog.

The marriers dance together in a mist of manufactured fog and confetti

Two years later, they were able to have the elegant summer celebration of their dreams with family and friends. LaRue welcomed their guests to their wedding weekend with a buffet-style Italian dinner. Their ceremony took place against the picturesque backdrop of Commencement Bay and was followed by a glamorous and festive reception.

A black-and-white photo of the marriers pouring champagne on a champagne coupe tower.

The marriers stand on either side of a drag queen, who is dressed in a blue and pink jumpsuit.

The marriers hold up champagne flutes with a pink drink and lavender sprigs in them-- a nod to their shared last name: Lavender.

The couple twirled into a cloud of smoke and confetti for their first dance. LaRue and their loved ones danced the night away, enjoying a drag queen performance, a champagne tower and confetti cannons. At the end of the evening, the couple shared a private last dance that mirrored their living room ceremony, a romantic sway with just the two of them on the dance floor.

A black-and-white photo of one of the brides hugging an older white man.

The marriers, one white and one black, stand smiling at the camera under a white veil.

A black-and-white photo of the marriers, one white and one black, standing on the dance floor in front of their sweetheart table.

The marriers share a kiss at the end of an aisle of their guests, holding rainbow flags.

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FEATURED VENDORS
Photographer: Lessie Blue Photography

Venue: Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront

Second Shooter: Loewyn Behold Photography

Makeup Artist: Allegra La Bella

Lighting: Crimson Haze Event Lighting

Music: Arcobaleno Strings

DJ: Puget Sounds Event DJ Services

Equipment Rentals: Bickner Dance Floors

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