Rocker Femme Vows in Seattle: Leia + John

Leia and John are two fiercely independent humans who kick butt and take names in all the things they set their minds to. The yin to each other’s yang, these two committed to making a life together in their Seattle home almost a decade ago. Marriage was not a part of their story; instead, this family focuses on creating a relationships full of love, support, understanding, and generosity. We were lucky enough to work with them on an intimate celebration of their relationship and an exchange of vows as a milestone marker of their commitment to one another.

Leia and John met at a concert. He instantly like her laugh, her tattoos, her Philly accent, and her taste in friends. She instantly like his kind nature, his beard, and the miracle that he was single. Together, they founded a relationship on travel, independence, and job love. They had their son Johnny six years ago and never looked back.

John admires Leia for her positive attitude and her drive. Leia admires John for his generosity. They share a lot of strengths: Their ability to be their own person and “do what they want,” to follow their hearts, to do what they feel is right as individuals, and to support each other’s personal decisions. Together, they work hard to grow into parents and do the #adulting thing. They encourage each other’s growth by accommodating their family’s busy schedules and communicating about everything.

Marriage is not a part of their story; but commitment and love and support are. When Leia shared with us that she wanted to forego the big soiree but wanted to have an intimate celebration of the commitment she and John share, we had to make it happen. We were inspired by their fierce independence and how the City of Seattle brought them together to create a shared story of family. The reasons these two rock were brought literally and figuratively into the design of their day: a geode cake, a vignette of mountains on their vows, a leather jacket, their tattoos, and a non-traditional wedding ring highlight the strength and resilience that these two share. We created softness to contrast with feminine details with layered lace, pink and purple florals, cushy rentals, and elegant hair and make up.

While fierce independence lives at the heart of these two individuals, it is the kindness and flexibility they share with one another that makes this a story of love and celebration. Leia supports John by always sharing the next chapter together: “If he feels he needs to change something, move, or find a new job, I will be there to help him through his life choices.” John supports Leia in her career growth: “I want to support what she does, or decides to do, every day.” They are most excited to watch their son grow and the impact that will have on their family.

Leia shared that, “My mom is my hero and I want to be just like her — a strong, happy, easy-going, beautiful woman. I am constantly sharing my childhood stories, traditions and photos to John and Johnny so they know what it was like growing up in Philadelphia. And to this day I still ask my mom questions about parenting and how to be an adult.” John is similarly inspired by his parent’s commitment to stay together, the sense of closeness his family felt, and the sense of always helping each other out. Marriage is not a part of their narrative; family is the brilliant centerpiece. Their story just happened and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

— Kate, Tapestry Creative Director

Photos courtesy of Kate Miller Photography.