A love story fit for the Admiral: The West Seattle wedding of Mike Adams and Whitney Moore

A love story fit for the Admiral: The West Seattle wedding of Mike Adams and Whitney Moore

Whitney Moore and Mike D. Adams got married on Saturday Oct. 19 at the Admiral Theater in what many regard as the ultimate West Seattle Wedding. Upon their exit following the reception they were greeted with a surprise performance by the West Seattle High School marching band drumline. 

Photo by Patrick Robinson

Sat, 10/19/2024

When it comes to West Seattle weddings, the nuptials of Mike D. Adams and Whitney Moore on October 19th, 2024, at the Historic Admiral Theater stand as the ultimate local love story. With deep roots in the community and a love that blossomed amidst iconic West Seattle landmarks, this wedding wasn’t just a celebration of two people—it was a tribute to the neighborhood that shaped them.

Whitney Moore and Mike D. Adams
The happy couple at the photo station. Photo by Patrick Robinson
Whitney and Mike - Photo by Karen Mason Blair
The official wedding photo of Whitney and Mike by Karen Mason Blair

 

From Usher to Groom: Mike’s Full-Circle Moment

For Mike Adams, saying "I do" at the Admiral Theater wasn’t just romantic; it was poetic. His first job, back in 1995, was as an usher at this very theater, where he tore tickets and guided moviegoers to their seats. Now, nearly 30 years later, he walked down the aisle in the same place, this time as a groom.

Mike’s West Seattle roots run deep—he’s a fourth-generation West Seattleite, with family ties going back to his great-grandmother, who bowled at West Seattle Bowl in the 1960s. His father was a department manager at Admiral Thriftway for two decades, and his grandparents co-owned Elliott Bay Realty, just across from West Seattle Nursery. If that isn’t enough, Mike’s mother even spent time as a bookkeeper at Northwest Art & Frame. In short, Mike is as West Seattle as Husky Deli scoops and ferry rides.

But Mike isn’t just a hometown hero; he’s also a U.S. Navy veteran, having served as a Boatswain Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. After his service, he used the GI Bill to graduate from South Seattle College as Salutatorian with a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Hospitality Management. Today, he’s the General Manager at Mission Cantina, where his love for community and good food come together—just like he and Whitney.

Whitney: A Southern Belle Turned West Seattle Maven

Whitney Moore might not have been born in West Seattle, but since moving here in 2017, she’s made it her own. Originally from Virginia, Whitney’s journey took her from the halls of Virginia Tech to traveling the world with Holland America, and finally to the role of Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. In that position, she organized everything from Sasquatch film promotions to the Chamber’s anniversary celebration. She was even the Grand Marshall for the West Seattle Grand Parade, proving she’s been recognized by the community for her unique value and accomplishments. One of her proudest moments as Executive Director was creating a fun and decidedly competitive baseball game the “Battle for West Seattle”, a Centennial celebration in 2023 that brought the community together. Local business owners from the West Seattle Chamber and the West Seattle Junction Association faced off at the Dub Sea Fish Sticks stadium, creating a fun and engaging event that perfectly captured the vibrant spirit of the community.

In 2023, Whitney embarked on a new adventure, starting her own company, Electric Butter Marketing. But perhaps her biggest adventure began on New Year’s Eve 2022 at Brandi Carlile’s concert in Portland, where Mike proposed as the clock struck midnight. The couple behind them caught it all on video, capturing the moment that would kickstart their next chapter together. 

Meeting at the Crossroads of Love and Community

Their love story began in a very West Seattle way—at Easy Street Records. Mike, who was bartending upstairs at the time, struck up a conversation with Whitney, who had just moved into the apartment above the iconic store. Their connection was instant, sparked by a mix of professional curiosity and a mischarged bar tab that led to an Instagram follow-up from Whitney. Mike, knowing he’d found someone special, took 12 days to respond. But when he did, it set the stage for what Whitney affectionately calls their “road trip magic.”

Their first date was at the Poggie Tavern where, according to Mike, “a lot of bad decisions have been made over the years,” but meeting Whitney was the best decision of all. After that date, Whitney knew she had met someone special, someone who made her excited about the future.

A Wedding Steeped in West Seattle Charm

Their wedding at the Admiral Theater was more than a ceremony; it was a celebration of their shared love for West Seattle. Officiated by Tom Hutyler, the public address announcer for the Mariners and the man who was there the night they met, the ceremony was filled with laughter, love, and the kind of community spirit that defines the neighborhood.

Mike describes Whitney as a “powerhouse” who never misses an opportunity to make his dreams come true, while Whitney loves Mike’s huge heart, sensitivity, and playfulness. They both agree that ice cream, music, and movies are constants in their relationship—although they often debate which music and which movies. And while they don’t plan on having children, they’re looking forward to a life full of adventures, travel, and maybe one day, a Bernese Mountain Dog in a West Seattle home.

Looking Ahead: Five, Ten Years Down the Road

In five or ten years, Mike envisions himself possibly owning a stake in a thriving Mission Cantina, or perhaps opening a unique establishment of his own. He dreams of a home with Whitney where they can have a dog, even though he’s allergic. Whitney, on the other hand, sees them still in West Seattle, grilling out with friends, and living a life full of love, community, and more “road trip magic.”

As they embark on this new chapter together, Mike and Whitney are a testament to the power of community, love, and the magic that happens when you find your person—especially if you find them at Easy Street Records, under the flickering lights of California Avenue.

And so, as they start their journey as husband and wife, one thing is clear: Mike and Whitney’s love story is as uniquely West Seattle as the Admiral Theater marquee on a rainy October night. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, ice cream, and late-night walks through the neighborhood they both call home.

BAnd out front
The West Seattle High School Marching Band drumline put on a spirited performance as the crowd plus the couple looked on. Photo by Patrick Robinson

 

Whitney and Mike
Off to get changed for the ice cream social that followed the wedding Whitney and Mike were thrilled. Photo by Patrick Robinson

 

The movie poster
The movie poster they made for the wedding.

 

Matt and Jack
Matt Vaughan of Easy Street Records and Jack Miller served the crowd at an Ice Cream Social that was held at the Husky Deli the evening after the ceremony. Photo by Whitney Moore

 

Here’s a list of the West Seattle companies the couple used for the event:

 

You can search for more photos and information on the wedding using the hashtag #onemooreadams

 

Robinson Papers
West Seattle Herald