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In today’s episode of The Wedding Reporter Podcast, we explore the unforgettable wedding of Charlotte Massey and Tom Schellam, whose welcome party went viral on Instagram. Charlotte and Tom, both creative souls from Seattle, shared their wedding journey with us, offering insights into how they turned their celebration into a summer camp-themed, memory-filled event.




How They Met and The Proposal
Charlotte, founder of an outdoor apparel brand, and Tom, a product manager and DJ, met during the early days of the pandemic on Tinder. Their first date was a long Zoom call that stretched into the early hours of the morning—a pattern that quickly became their routine. They bonded over deep conversations, and before long, they were inseparable.
When it came to their proposal, Tom planned something truly meaningful. Inspired by a special dinner they had at home during COVID, where they created a five-course meal and pretended to be at a fancy restaurant, Tom recreated the experience. He borrowed a friend’s apartment and surprised Charlotte with a candle-lit, five-course meal. Surrounded by flowers and memories of their earlier date night, he proposed, creating a private and heartfelt moment they’d treasure forever.
Planning the Summer Camp Wedding
With about a year to plan, Charlotte and Tom knew they wanted their wedding to be in Leavenworth, Washington, where Charlotte grew up. They wanted to make sure their guests, many of whom were traveling long distances, could spend as much time together as possible. Their idea of a summer camp-themed wedding emerged naturally when they booked a retreat center that resembled a summer camp.
Their goal was to create a communal, immersive experience where guests could relax, bond, and engage in activities throughout the weekend. Instead of the traditional format where guests interact briefly at dinners and ceremonies, they aimed for a full weekend of engagement. From bunk room options to outdoor camping for guests, their wedding offered flexibility, ensuring everyone felt comfortable while embracing the camp spirit.
The Welcome Party: A Viral Hit
Charlotte and Tom’s wedding welcome party was a hit on social media, and it’s easy to see why. Greeted by “camp counselors” who guided guests through check-in, attendees were handed custom-designed bandanas, signaling which “team” they were on for the weekend’s activities. From scavenger hunts to ice pops (including an alcoholic version that quickly disappeared), the welcome party was thoughtfully crafted to encourage guests to connect with each other in playful and relaxed ways.
The attention to detail extended to every element, including the décor. Charlotte’s mother played a huge role, handcrafting signs and decorations that reflected the couple’s outdoor-themed vision. From a national park-style “Welcome to Our Wedding” sign to a trailhead kiosk with information about the weekend’s events, each touch was lovingly made.
Creating Meaningful Moments
Their wedding wasn’t just about fun and games—it was filled with deeply personal moments. During the ceremony, they incorporated a ring-warming ritual where each guest held their wedding rings and shared their blessings. Afterward, the couple retreated into the woods for a private picnic, savoring a quiet moment together before joining their guests for the reception.
However, the reception didn’t go exactly as planned. Just as they sat down for their picnic, it began to rain. Thankfully, their friends and family jumped into action, quickly relocating the outdoor celebration to an indoor lodge. Despite the hiccup, the evening continued smoothly, thanks to the couple’s careful planning and the dedication of their loved ones.
A Wedding with a Personal Touch
Charlotte and Tom’s wedding was a testament to their creativity and love for community. From local flowers grown by family friends to a handmade quilt sewn by their mothers, every element had meaning. Their reception was filled with music, dancing, and the warmth of friends and family who worked together to make the day special—even in the face of unexpected challenges.
For those planning their own weddings, Charlotte and Tom’s advice is to finish your planning early and surround yourself with a supportive team to handle last-minute surprises. Their wedding was not only a joyful celebration of love but also a beautiful example of how thoughtful planning and personal touches can turn an event into a lifelong memory.
Their story reminds us that the most meaningful weddings aren’t necessarily the most extravagant; they’re the ones filled with love, laughter, and the people who mean the most.

Charlotte and Tom share the details of their camp-themed wedding and welcome party that went viral on Instagram. Renting out an entire summer camp lodge for their wedding, their guests stayed on property to experience a multi-day event to celebrate this outdoorsy couple. Details included a catered taco buffet and drinks served in a canoe filled with ice. They played a giant game of capture the flag and had a s’mores bar with different flavors of marshmallows. The next day, they had breakfast cooked by their dads and various activities. The ceremony had an enchanted forest theme with Alphorn players and a ring warming ceremony. The reception had a rain plan and they had a log sawing activity. They also shared advice for couples planning their weddings and talked about their apparel line, Gnara, which focuses on outdoor-friendly clothing.
Their viral camp themed wedding video: https://www.instagram.com/p/C90yVdKSAqE/
Charlotte’s apparel brand Gnara: https://gnara.com/
Tom’s band website: https://foamrollerfamilyband.bandcamp.com/album/foam-roller
See more on this episode here: https://www.nashvillebrideguide.com/charlotte-and-toms-viral-summer-camp-wedding
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