Burien’s Page 2 Books turned from bookstore to wedding chapel last weekend when longtime patron and school librarian Vivienne Alcantara married Dana Townsend surrounded by shelves of novels and picture books.
The Aug. 16 ceremony came together after Kathy Knowlton, Page 2’s owner, generously offered the store as the wedding venue. With many of its shelves now on wheels, the bookstore located at 560 SW 152nd Street was able to make room for both the ceremony and a reception.
“It was an honor,” said Ellis Breunig, co-manager of Page 2 Books. “So many people who came wanted to talk about books.”
Alcantara, who is the librarian at McMicken Heights Elementary, created what she called the
“open book bar” for her guests. Instead of a traditional bar, family and friends were invited to pick out any book in the store as a gift from the couple. Many asked the bride and groom to sign their selections, turning them into keepsakes.
Page 2 owner Knowlton said the event highlighted the store’s connection to the community.
“This demonstrates one of the things the prior owner told us when we bought the place: we have the best customers in the world,” she said.
She said that weekend after hours events may become a steady part of the store’s offerings.
“It’s easy to imagine baby showers and milestone birthdays would also work here,” Knowlton added. “And the ‘Open Book Bar’ fits the age-old tradition of celebrating by giving gifts!”
Vivienne and Dana may have a lock on being the first, but they may also have started something that will continue for years to come.
