Once upon a time there was a beautiful piece of property in Olalla Washington.
“This unique venue has taken over 25 years to build. From conception through construction, it has taken a very special builder; one who fell in love with the storybook cottage concepts made popular through stories of fairy tale romances. Enter the enchanted forest and enjoy the ambiance of a time gone by, blended with wonderful modern touches.”
King Spencer and Queen Tessonja are expecting their firstborn in November 2011. A call went out across the land inviting all their loved ones to join them in celebration of the joyous event! (Tessonja hand printed each and every invitation! – see photo left)
The Costume Optional event was planned and hosted by “Fairy Grandmother-to-Be”, Mari Odette-Kanotz mother of Tessonja, courtesy of The Storybook Cottage and crew, Lori Smith, Evonne Bess and Jeremy-award-winning chef!
Upon the guests arrival “Disney” music played as Robin Hood (Chad Kanotz) served up blended Sangrias and a variety of beers. An appetizer platter and chocolate fountain flowed. The tables were set finely with ivory linens, brown napkins, china, glassware and flatware with a beautiful woodland centerpiece created by Lori. The guests of honor had a table beneath a shaded tent.
Our photographer, Mark Williams – Images with Imagination took pictures to document the event and did a marvelous job! Take a look at the gallery: [cincopa AALA7s6KoF2K]
Before the buffet was opened we played a couple of icebreaker games and everyone relaxed and visited under the beautiful sunny weather. Spencer and Tessonja led the procession through the buffet line consisting of BBQ chicken wings, ribs, beans, mini chicken salad filled puff pastry sandwiches, green salad, macaroni salad, potato salad and a fruit platter. Since this was a co-ed, family bash we wanted to be sure the menu was substantial and went with the “Storybook” Theme.
After dinner, Robert Stephens put on a one hour show dazzling guests with his extraordinary Magical talents! It was fabulous! Once the show was over we handed out a “Photo Scavenger hunt” list of items for guests to roam the enchanted forest and take pictures of items matching the riddles. Shrek island boasts a tree house you can walk into (in the photo gallery above).
Gifts were abundant and everyone sat watching toward the end of the event while the Couple opened each one in surprise, wonder and awe while feasting on Dessert: Petit Fours (Tess’ Favorite) and Owl Shaped Cake Pops hand-crafted by Robin Lapping – Tess’ Best Friend. The cake pops were chocolate dipped with strawberry cake inside – Yummy!!
It was an awesome event in honor of Tessonja, Spencer and baby to be – we hope everyone had a great time and that they will remember how many people love them and will be there for them in the future! Thank you all for making the trip across the water to the Storybook Cottage!
Hung and Stephen Lee Celebrate their beginning at the Joy Palace
