In our continuing quest to enjoy every last drop of summer in Seattle, we bring you Junebug’s favorite spots to dine outdoors, Downtown. Get out there and soak it up!

Marjorie is one of our all time favorites. With the gorgeous interior, the eclectic menu, and the fabulous owner Donna Moody and her fun crew, we could spend way too much time here. Ok, we admit it. We do spend too much time here! In the summer time Marjorie gets even better with one of the best patios in town. Relax in their urban garden and treat yourselves to the Chef’s Whimsical Tasting Menu or the always amazing Market Select Fish Special. Don’t forget to try out their cocktail menu as well. We can personally vouch for the Trenchtown or the French 75, not to mention the plantain chips and guacamole, the collard greens, the roast chicken, and just about everything else on the menu. See you there!

Marjorie, 2331 2nd Avenue, Seattle, 206-441-9842

The Waterfront Seafood Grill is the place to go for the quintessential Seattle dining experience. Sit out on their huge deck just above the Sound, breathe the salty air and watch the sailboats and sunset. Seafood is what they do best here, so do it up right! Try a selection of oysters from all around the Pacific Northwest, and everyone’s favorite fish, Copper River Salmon. If you want to go seafood crazy, try the Seafood Bacchanalia for two- a feast of Alaskan halibut, Australian lobster, Diver sea scallops, wild prawns, Barents Sea red king crab legs, and of course some yummy veggies thrown in for good measure!

The Waterfront, 2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, Seattle, 206-956-9171

The Pink Door is such a treat when you stumble upon its entrance (no signs here, just look for the pale pink door across from Kell’s in Post Alley) and descend into what feels like a hidden Italian wine cellar. It’s even more delightful when you wind your way through to the back of the restaurant and find the large deck with a fabulous view over the market and out to the water. Owner Jacquelina Di Roberto created a menu inspired by old family recipes and simple, fresh ingredients. A recent and delicious dinner here included Penn Cove Mussels and Clams, the Pink Door Caesar Salad, and Chicken Saltimbocca with sage and prosciutto, soft polenta and oven roasted tomatoes, all enjoyed heartily as the sun went down in the distance.

The Pink Door, 1919 Post Alley, Pike Place Market, Seattle, 206-443-3241

The Healthy Bride's Fit and Fabulous Bridal Retreat

Bring your bridesmaids, friends, moms, sisters, aunties or grannies, and join The Healthy Bride for an action packed day of beauty and fitness! Work out with Christi Masi, take a yoga class with Wendy of Ohmtown Yoga, attend workshops on healthy eating for weight loss and stress relief with Karen Seibert (who couldn’t use that!), and receive luxurious spa treatments from Spa Scotta while you bond with your girls and meet other brides to be. Pretty great way to spend a day now, and get ready for your big day down the road!

The Healthy Bride's Fit and Fabulous Bridal Retreat,
Saturday September 16, 8:30am - 6:30 pm, Talaris Conference Center (near U Village)

Congratulations to Marichi & Pall!!!
Their lovely July 22 ceremony at Blessed Sacrament Church was followed by a bright and summery reception at the Blu Water Bistro on Lake Union. Out on the colorfully decorated patio the sun heated things up as Marichi and Pall’s friends and family happily danced the afternoon away. For their honeymoon, this travel savvy couple spent 2 weeks soaking up the sights, sounds, and amazing foods of Barcelona, Spain.

Q: “Help! I have a fabulous gay man who has been one of my best friends since BIRTH. He needs to be in my wedding. I feel inclined to have him as a "bridesmaid”, but could we work this out in pictures?! I am pretty traditional about everything, but it wouldn't feel right without him up there with me. I was wondering if you have come across this situation? Am I crazy?” –Catherine

A: Of course you’re not crazy! You want to be surrounded by the people you love most on your wedding day, whether or not they fit perfectly into traditional roles. This is your wedding, and it’s all about what’s meaningful to you. Don’t let the constraints of tradition get in your way if that’s not what you really want, just get creative! In photos of the whole wedding party try mixing up the bridesmaids and groomsmen so they are standing all around you, not just girls on one side and guys on the other. Or try a number of different variations so you are sure to end up with a photo you love. If none of this sounds like the perfect solution, come up with another way to put his talents to good use around your wedding, and make him feel like the honored friend that he is. –Junebug