Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/101127
c l o c k w i s e f r o m t o p : a r t i s p h o t o g r a p h y, n ata l i e p h o b e s p h o t o g r a p h y, c 2 p h o t o g r a p h y good chance for them to get together and catch up,��� Uchechi says. After attending the Seattle Wedding Show in 2011, Uchechi decided the historical building in her hometown would fit the urban and trendy look she pictured for her wedding day. Unable to resist the graceful glow from the Czechoslovakian crystal chandeliers, Uchechi and Ed decided the Crystal Ballroom would suit their reception and ceremony. Happy to accommodate, the WAC staff transformed the room into a classy dance venue while guests sipped cocktails in the Noble Room after the ceremony. ���We wanted everyone to have a good time,��� Uchechi says. ���But the most important thing is that we both said ���I do.������ The accessible downtown location and recently renovated rooms and suites within the Inn at the WAC make guests��� stay convenient and simple. Recent bride Stacy Hanks recalls the ease of having all the amenities for her and her bridesmaids nearby. ���We took over the salon���they let us play music, order food, and all I wanted was the WAC���s French onion soup���it���s the best,��� Stacy says. Catering Sales Coordinator Amanda Schwanitz points out that the Club���s fullservice approach and extensive amenities reduce stress for the bride and groom. ���Having everything here makes it a lot easier,��� she says. Faced with Seattle���s unpredictable weather, couples can take photos in various locations in and out of the WAC, including the Top of the WAC, which offers a breathtaking view of the skyline and Puget Sound. The traditional winding staircase, the vintage Voogd Library, and the Chihuly glass exhibit in the Johnson Lobby Lounge also offer time-tested photo ops. As for service, WAC Catering helps ensure everything runs smoothly and works tirelessly to accommodate specific arrangements and exceed expectations. Bride Ashley Sharp, for one, loved seeing a little slice of gluten-free cake stashed behind her larger wedding cake. ���It���s the little sweet touches like these that made our experience unique,��� she says. ���I was able to cut my own wedding cake and eat it.��� Ashley and husband Chris decorated the Noble Room in a garden-like theme with candles and an iron flower archway that later embellished the large windows of the Crystal Ballroom. Five months after their wedding day, Ashley giggles. ���Our family is still talking about it,��� she says. At the WAC, couples share their love stories in their own distinctive ways. The staff is superb, the atmosphere is sophisticated, and the hospitality is generous. ���We were able to incorporate our own touches of whimsy,��� Stacy says, referring to her turtle cake-toppers and plentiful decorations. ���It was exactly the type of wedding that you picture when you���re a child.��� Clockwise from top left: Ashley and Chris Sharp; Maria and Troy Finlayson exchange vows; Stacy and Patrick Hanks embrace as husband and wife; Uchechi Mitchell and her bridesmaids light up Voogd Library; JANUARY 2013 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 13