The Ruckman Farm

Rehearsal Dinner

Thornewood Castle Inn & Gardens

Wedding Day

Ceremony & Reception 

McMenamins Pub at Elks Temple

Post-Wedding Brunch

Summer

Our Wedding

Gutierrez Wedding Photos 09.14.25 🫶

Tony and Seaj met in the spring of 2016 through mutual friends during a night out in West Hollywood. Just a few months earlier, they had both made the leap to Los Angeles—Tony from Santa Barbara, California and Seaj from Tacoma, Washington. That fateful evening, they exchanged numbers and quickly began texting, leading to a cozy first date at Seajs apartment. Seaj spent the next 24 hours stressing over what to make for dinner. After careful guidance from the Ralph’s grocery clerk, he settled on frozen vegetarian ravioli and a couple bottles of red wine. In stereotypical gay fashion, they moved in together a few months later, and made things official during unforgettable trips to Seattle for Pride and Vancouver, B.C. Eventually, they put down some roots in Seaj’s hometown of Tacoma, Washington, after Tony was accepted to, and earned, his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington. Seaj loved introducing Tony to his closest friends, and the pair collected even more life-long friendships through their time working in Tacoma’s restaurant industry. In the summer of 2022, while enjoying a romantic getaway in Paris, France, they popped over to Barcelona, Spain, where Seaj proposed, and Tony said yes. Upon returning to their new home in Portland, Oregon, they welcomed a furry little puppy, Penny, to the family, who quickly captured their hearts and the hearts of anyone lucky enough to have met her. They were now an inseparable family of three, and their hearts were full to the brim. After a couple of years in Portland, the allure of sunshine and beaches called to them again, leading their family of three to San Diego, California, where they spent almost two years soaking up the sun and enjoying all of Southern California's spoils (breakfast burritos). While the trio loved everything San Diego had to offer, the call of The Pacific Northwest, and the prospect of being near their close friends and family, were tugging on their hearts, and so they once again packed up their lives and returned home to Washington, where they currently reside. To all of you reading this—family, friends, and colleagues—we are so excited to have you join us on this special day as we create new memories together. After almost a decade full of love, laughter, navigating life together, and countless adventures, Tony and Seaj are ready to say I do on September 14th, 2025, surrounded by their family, friends, and, of course, their sweet Penny girl.

Est. 2016

Our Story

Tammi (Seaj's Mom), Jenny (Seaj's Aunt) and Sam (Best Friend of the Grooms) hosted a beautiful wedding shower on July 26th for Seaj and Tony. A million thank you's to all that could attend, the lovely ladies that put this event together, and the beautiful photos by @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/capturedbyphillips/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">capturedbyphillips</a> 🫶

Wedding Shower

About the CastleHistoryThornewood Castle has stood for over one hundred years, nestled among old growth fir trees on four acres at American Lake in Washington State. Its fascinating history, however, goes back more than five centuries. This English Tudor/Gothic mansion is one of the few genuine private castles in the United States and the only one on the West Coast. THE HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILTThornewood Castle was built to the specifications of Mr. Chester Thorne and his wife, Anna. Chester, having been a successful financier and one of the founders of the Port of Tacoma, spared no expense when it came to the planning and construction of this unique country estate for his family. The creation of Thornewood was truly a labor of love. In 1907, Mr. Thorne purchased a 400-year-old &nbsp;Elizabethan manor in England and had parts of it dismantled and shipped piece by piece to be included in the main house. Renowned architect Kirtland Kelsey Cutter was in charge of this most interesting Tudor Gothic project.&nbsp; Thornewood Castle is constructed with concrete and steel on a solid three-foot-thick foundation. Exterior walls are brick and concrete with steel reinforcement. The floors are ten inches of concrete. Construction took three years to complete, from 1908 to 1911, with many of the materials, including the front door, oak paneling, and oak staircase, coming from the castle in England. The red brick facing on the outside of the estate was imported from Wales.&nbsp;Three ships were commissioned to transport these building supplies around Cape Horn to the Pacific Northwest. The GroundsThe three acres of grounds and lakefront can be enjoyed from a breezy summer porch, the sunken garden, the beautiful loggia, and our private dock and beach. Our sunsets over the lake are a sight to see! The “secret" sunken English garden was designed by the Olmsted Brothers and exists today much as it did when the Thornes lived here. The Sights of ThornewoodThe Castle offers over 27,000 square feet of living space, graciously arranged under one tile roof, and boasts 54 rooms, including 22 bedrooms and 22 baths. There is something to behold around every corner at Thornewood. A priceless collection of rare artwork, hand painted onto glass and surrounded by panes of crystal, are mounted in windows throughout the estate. Created between the 15th and 17th centuries, they were previously owned by an English duke who spent 40 years collecting the shards and panels of lost art. The staircase and the enormous front doors were hand-hewn from 500-year-old ancient English oak and are held together by wood dowels. Beautifully sculpted fountains, located in the circular drive and sunken gardens, are the focal points of our statuary collection, which includes many pieces, including the “Kingsdale Hounds," the only set of these statues in the United States. The suites are luxuriously appointed and elegantly decorated, filled with antiques and historical pieces. Over 100 pieces of stained glass, salvaged from 15th &amp; 16th-century churches, can be found throughout the Castle. Thornewood TodayThe current owners have lovingly restored the Castle to its current state, and it is now an official historical site. Thornewood offers overnight rooms, vacation rentals, and a venue for special events, weddings, and corporate retreats. Thornewood has also been used as a location for several films and photo shoots. Most famously, Thornewood Castle starred as the haunted mansion in Stephen King's ABC television mini-series Rose Red.The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer, based on the book of the same name by Ridley Pearson, is the prequel to Rose Red, and was also filmed in large part at Thornewood Castle.More recently, an exterior shot of Thornewood Castle may be seen in the Oscar-winning Daniel Day Lewis film There Will Be Blood. Please click the link below for a video that showcases the castle and all its splendor. ps://youtu.be/9StG4qcP5-w?si=ajLzjq7xk8pYkhtd

Thornewood Castle

Sam Woods

Conner Budrick

Torrie Ducoudet

Rachael MacAulay  

Hayley Glunt

Sydnie Millie

Sophia Ramos

Noelle Ohlinger

Katie Dickson

Amy Ohlinger

Tessa Melville

Valerie Merringer

Wedding Party

The grooms preferred hotel for the wedding. The Marriott Hotel Downtown Tacoma, located in Tacoma, Washington, offers a modern and comfortable stay with convenient access to local attractions. The hotel features well-appointed guest rooms, a fitness center, and dining options. Its central location makes it easy to explore nearby sites like the Museum of Glass, the LeMay - America’s Car Museum, and waterfront parks. The hotel also caters to business travelers with meeting spaces and event facilities. Overall, it's a popular choice for both leisure and business visitors looking for a welcoming atmosphere in downtown Tacoma.

Marriott Tacoma Downtown

Tony and Seaj, along with some of their best friends, opened up the Elks Temple in 2019. This historic hotel/brewery/restaurant and music venue holds a special place in their hearts, and you're sure to have a great time during your stay!

McMenamins Elks Temple

The new Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, features a modern and expansive gaming experience, with a wide variety of slot machines, table games, and a sportsbook. Opened in 2020, it offers dining options, entertainment venues, and event spaces. The casino aims to provide a vibrant atmosphere with regular live performances and events. Its location along the Tacoma waterfront enhances the experience, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for entertainment and leisure.

Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel

Hotel Murano in Tacoma, Washington, is a stylish, upscale hotel known for its stunning glass art collection, reflecting the citys heritage in glassmaking. The hotel features modern rooms with upscale amenities, a full-service restaurant, and a fitness center. Its prime location offers easy access to attractions like the Museum of Glass, LeMay - America’s Car Museum, and the Tacoma Art Museum. With a focus on providing a unique and comfortable experience, Hotel Murano is popular for both business and leisure travelers.

Hotel Murano

The Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront is a luxury hotel located in Ruston, Washington, offering panoramic views of the Puget Sound, as well as the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. Opened in June 2021, it features 194 spacious, non-smoking guest rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities such as 65" flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and Aveda bath products. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities, including a state-of-the-art 3,000 square foot fitness center, an outdoor rooftop pool, and a hot tub. The hotel also offers a full-service restaurant and bar that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour daily, featuring locally sourced ingredients and handcrafted cocktails.

Silver Cloud Hotel Tacoma at Point Ruston Waterfront

Hotels

Airport and Transportation

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) will be the closest airport to fly into for the wedding weekend. If you are planning on booking a rental car, there is a shuttle that will take you from the airport to the rental car station. Lyft/Uber/Taxis are also available at this airport. If you would like to take public transportation, see below for the bus and the Link Lite-Rail directions. (Note: These are specific directions to the Marriott Hotel Downtown Tacoma. Please adjust to your final destination.) Walk from Sea-Tac Airport to the bus stop (0.2 miles).Take Bus 574 from Sea-Tac to Tacoma Dome (42-minute ride, 10 stops).Walk from 26th St E &amp; D St E to Tacoma Dome (0.1 miles).Take the T Line Light Rail from Tacoma Dome to St Joseph (7-minute ride, 3 stops).Walk from Convention Center Station to Marriott Tacoma Downtown (about 1 minute, 436 feet).

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport

Things to Do in Tacoma

Activities

Scenic park offering more than 700 acres of woodland trails, gardens and waterfront views, along with a zoo and aquarium.

Point Defiance Park

Located in Tacoma, Washington, Museum of Glass is a premier contemporary art museum dedicated to glass and glassmaking in the West Coast’s largest and most active museum glass studio. The Museum has established a reputation for hosting impactful and engaging artist residencies, organizing and exhibiting nationally traveling exhibitions, and creating unique programs for visitors, all while building a growing permanent collection chronicling the development of modern and contemporary glass.

Museum of Glass

Owen Beach is a popular beach in Tacoma, Washington that's part of Point Defiance Park.&nbsp;It's a mixed sand and gravel beach that's good for walking, paddling, and playing.&nbsp;

Owen Beach Pavilion

Chambers Bay Golf Course and Trail is a scenic location in Tacoma, Washington, known for its stunning views and unique landscape.Chambers Bay Golf Course: A world-renowned 18-hole public golf course set on a former gravel pit, offering panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. It hosted the 2015 U.S. Open and is known for its challenging links-style layout.Chambers Bay Trail: A scenic, multi-use trail that runs through the area, offering a 2.5-mile loop with beautiful views of the water and the golf course. The trail is great for walking, running, and cycling.

Chambers Bay Loop Trail Head

Favorite Restaurants and Bars

Wooden City Tacoma, located at 714 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, Washington, is renowned for its comforting American cuisine, innovative dishes, and sincere hospitality. Established in 2018, it has become a culinary gem in the area. Menu Highlights:Wood-Fired Pizza: A variety of pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven, offering a unique and smoky flavor.Burgers and Salads: A selection of handcrafted burgers and fresh salads to suit diverse tastes.Lamb Bolognese: A distinctive pasta dish featuring rich lamb sauce.Steak and Potatoes: Classic comfort food with high-quality cuts and hearty sides.Small Plates: Appetizers like oysters on the half shell and smoked salmon toast provide delightful starters.

Wooden City Tacoma

Happy Teriyaki #4, situated at 2223 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, Washington, is part of a regional chain renowned for its flavorful Japanese cuisine, including teriyaki dishes and sushi.

Happy Teriyaki

Frisko Freeze, established in 1950, is a cherished drive-in restaurant located at 1201 Division Avenue in Tacoma, Washington. Renowned for its classic American fare, particularly its hamburgers and milkshakes, it has become an iconic part of Tacoma's culinary landscape.

Frisko Freeze

Red Star Taco Bar, located at 454 St. Helens Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, is a vibrant establishment known for its creative tacos, quality tequila, and mezcal offerings.

Red Star Taco Bar

Doyle's Public House, located at 208 St. Helens Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, is a warm and cozy neighborhood pub known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse menu. Recognized by Esquire Magazine as one of the Best Bars in America, Doyle's offers a variety of dishes suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, served 365 days a year.

Doyle's Public House

THEKOI Sushi &amp; Sake Bar, located at 1552 Commerce Street, Suite 100, in downtown Tacoma, Washington, is a renowned Japanese restaurant celebrated for its fresh sushi and extensive sake selection. It has earned accolades such as "Best Sushi" in the South Sound for multiple years (2021, 2022, 2023) and recognition as the "Best in the PNW" by the Seattle Times in 2024.

THEKOI Japanese Cuisine

Farrelli's Pizza at Point Ruston, located at 5104 Grand Loop, Suite A, in Ruston, WA, is the flagship location of the locally owned Farrelli's Pizza chain. Established in 1995, Farrelli's is known for its artisan pizzas baked in a stone oven over an open flame, using high-quality, whole-food ingredients.

Farrelli's Pizza

Cooks Tavern, located at 3201 North 26th Street in Tacoma, Washington, is a popular neighborhood tavern known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, it offers a variety of dishes that highlight different regions of the Americas.

Cooks Tavern

The Lobster Shop, established in 1981, is a renowned waterfront restaurant situated at 4015 Ruston Way in Tacoma, Washington. Perched on Commencement Bay, it offers patrons stunning views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains from every table. The menu features fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, Prime dry-aged steaks, and signature lobster dishes, complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail selection.

Lobster Shop

Duke's Seafood, located at 3327 Ruston Way in Tacoma, Washington, is a waterfront restaurant offering Pacific Northwest cuisine with a focus on sustainable seafood. Situated along Commencement Bay, it provides diners with picturesque views of the water and Mount Rainier.

Duke's Seafood Tacoma

Asado is an Argentine-themed steakhouse located at 2810 6th Avenue in Tacoma, Washington. Known for its rustic urban ambiance, the restaurant features a display kitchen where chefs sear beef over a mesquite grill, filling the space with enticing aromas.

Asado

Cuerno Bravo Prime Steakhouse is a premier dining establishment located at 616 Saint Helens Avenue in Tacoma, Washington. Renowned for its exceptional selection of Wagyu beef, including Japanese A5 from Hokkaido Prefecture, the restaurant offers a unique culinary experience that has garnered positive reviews from patrons.

Cuerno Bravo Steakhouse

A premier destination for private dining, personal and business celebrations, focused on elegant, old-school, tableside service for people celebrating their lives. The Tacoma location is a hidden gem in the heart of the historic downtown district and features live music nightly. Menu highlights 28-Day Dry-Aged Niman Ranch All-Natural Certified Angus Beef® brand Prime steaks and fresh seafood selections all prepared over the flaming charcoal grill. Part of the Revelers Club loyalty program.

El Gaucho - Tacoma

The history of this location is honored throughout Boathouse 19, with pieces from the old Day Island bridge repurposed as the bar top and each table top is made from vintage Nalley Valley Pickle barrels. With unmatched views, every detail of the dining experience from the service to the quality of our fresh northwest seafood is designed to create a memorable meal.

Seaj + Tony

Seaj + Tony

Wedding Party