Skansonia Ferry Boat Wedding: The Dalys

I have a long history with Ardith and John. We’ve known each other for years, and I’ve been a part of their wedding plans for many COVID iterations too. It’s been a journey! You may remember their mountaintop elopement at Artist Point. But this, baby, was the big event. Close friends and family finally able to celebrate, live and in person on their one year anniversary. And boy, did Ardith and John celebrate BIG! Ferry boats, Seattle Skyline, Champagne dress, his & her cocktails, choreographed dance… the works! Check out the highlights for yourself.

A wedding on the Skansonia is one of the best Seattle wedding venues around, in my opinion. The team is great, the views are even better. There’s something for everyone. Enjoy the dance floor or take it easy on bow of the boat to enjoy the water. This restored, vintage, ferry boat harkens to another time and slows life down during an event you’ll want to remember forever. Can you tell I’m a bit obsessed?

This mega sized celebration deserves a mega sized blog post. Enjoy!

University of Washington COVID Wedding: Maria + David

It’s the year when nothing goes to plan, am I right? Well, that’s okay in Maria and David’s book. 2020 has got nothing on them! They kept their wedding date, moved the location to outside, asked guests to wear their dopest masks, battled a thunder storm, and got married any way!

Unexpected friendships

I first met Maria and David at Murphy’s Bar in Wallingford. All three of us had taught all day and a beer was much welcomed (cough whiskey for me cough). What I love about Seattle is how small it really is, even though it’s trying be big. Maria is best friends with a friend of mine, and the two of us had even met at a different wedding before! It’s so nice to work with clients that instantly feel like friends.

Can’t stop, won’t stop

Even though their day was not what they planned, Maria and David’s wedding morning started very similarly to any other wedding. David worked out. Maria drank mimosas. And they were both SO READY to see each other all dressed up.

A secret ceremony spot

Maria and David took over the secret amphitheater at the University of Washington, they gathered their closest friends and family, and wired for zoom. What I love about Maria and David’s wedding when I think about it is how true they stayed to themselves and how much love was felt that day. Even when black clouds threatened the ceremony, Maria looked to David with confident eyes and said “full steam ahead!”. And you know what, the weather gods blessed them by skipping on by.

About marriage

These two have tenacity and kindness in spades. Once all was said and done, they sent air kisses to their friends on zoom, said goodbye to their in person guests, and breathed a sigh of relief that punched through all the stress they had been feeling. Maria and David are a true testament to the fact that “it’s” not about the wedding, “it’s” about the marriage. And for them it was all official now. What a blessing.

Thank you for allowing me to capture this amazing moment in your lives, Maria and David. Cheers to you two!

Artist Point Elopement // Bellingham, WA: Ardith + John

I am not the first person to say that 2020 sucked. Nor will I be the last. But for Ardith and John, 2020 was the year that their wedding was scheduled, rescheduled, and then rescheduled again. If you’re already married, count your lucky starts, because couples like John and Ardith have really been put through the ringer this year! However, through all their plans A-Z, Ardith and John held on with a smile. The definition of grit. And it made climbing Mount Baker with them on a smokey summer morning all the more sweeter. I learned so much about love in messy times, staying organized, and how to take the perfect camera selfie from Ardith and John this year. I hope their wedding inspires you to keep the adventure alive, no matter what gets thrown your way!

Tips for a Kick-Ass Adventure Elopement

1. Hire a planner her knows her shit. Kate of Tapestry Event Co and her team scouted our hiking location, came up with multiple back up plans, prepared an amazing picnic, and truly led us through the most amazing ceremony I have ever witnessed. Yes, Ardith and John eloped, but Kate made it a moment to remember.
   

2. Get a great airbnb and don’t skimp on your stay. Upgrade to the hot tub, make sure the bed is comfy, and I’ll give you bonus points for a fireplace. You’re going to be outside all day, you’re going to be a bit tired, you’re going to want to bask in the glow of being married. Trust me, get the cool one.
   

3. To my friends who want to wear a dress on a mountain, do it. Please, do it. Get a dress that can be put in a garment bag and attach to a backpack. Hike up in sweat pants and get changed behind a big tree. It’s truly a dramatic transformation! (Also applicable to fancy pants).
   

4. Get the florals, make it beautiful, treat it like a real deal wedding ceremony, BECAUSE IT IS!
   

5. Know the land you are on and declare it in your ceremony. To find out where you ceremony will be held, check out https://native-land.ca/
   

6. Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace, my friends.
   

7. Write your own vows. The words you share in your vows should not only unite the two of you, but invite all who are present into your culture of love and create a ripple effect that is felt for years to come. Get started with Tapestry Event Co's Vow Writing Workshop here!
   

8. Bring champagne. Period.

A party just for you two

What I love about elopements is that they are super concentrated examples of what makes weddings great. It’s a day that’s perfectly about YOU TWO and your amazing story. It’s a celebration all your own, with no hidden agendas or uncles wearing overalls (why does that happen?!). You and your love get to have a picnic if you want to, wander around just holding hands, or sit to watch the sunset without any distractions.

Thank you Ardith and John

You two are pillars of strength and love! Thank you for being such positive sources of energy in such a messy year. You kept each other a priority and figured out a way to celebrate that relationship in such a way that was still so flipping epic. Congratulations, you two! Cannot wait to keep partying with you in the new. year.

The Amazing Vendor List

Wedding Coordinator + Planner: Tapestry Event Co

Hair and Makeup: Anne Timms

Picnic Spread: Grate Boards

Officiant: Happy Heart Ceremonies

Desserts: Page Bakery

Florals: Villanelle Floral Company

Catering: Cascadia Cookery

Sodo Park Wedding in Seattle, WA: Shannon + Stefan

If there was ever a party to attend before a global pandemic, I think that Shannon and Stefan’s takes the cake. After sitting in my house for months, I thank my lucky stars on the daily that I got to get down with these two right before our quarantine orders hit. I mean, com’on. Just look at ‘em! They are GORG. And that’s only the beginning!

Music Lovers

Shannon and Stefan bonded during the first date when they realized they both sang and played instruments. They even sang each other songs after dinner! I don’t know about you, but that takes some guts if you ask me. Anyway, as the years progressed and their relationship grew stronger, they formed a band. Maybe you’ve heard of them? They’re one of the hottest wedding bands in the PNW - the Sharp Dressed Band. And they sing like rock n’ roll angels.

Serene Bride to Be

I don’t think I’ve ever met a more chill bride than Shannon. On the morning of the wedding, I found her in her hotel room, eating grilled cheese, hanging with her closest friends, and telling jokes with the flower girl. Take a note from Shannon, my friends. Plan well, trust the process, and laugh a lot while it all rolls out!

Getting Ready at the Banana Stand

No that is not a typo. The boys got ready at the ever chic and amazing Banana Stand in Pioneer Square. And boy, did they have a good time getting dressed! Stefan and Shannon knew they wanted every minute of their wedding day to mean something and look fabulous while they were at it. So they decided to ditch the traditional low lit hotel room and opt in for the amazing natural light of a full blown photography studio.

My heart fluttered when I heard the news.

Be silly, be serious, do you

I get it, it’s your wedding day! There’s a lot going on and a lot you want to make sure you’ve got right. But if this blog post can encourage you to do anything on your wedding day, I hope that it encourages you to enjoy every single minute. Have a laugh, loosen up, and then POSE DARLING POSE! And please, by all means take a picture with the stuffed tiger.

The Ceremony

I can honestly say that there are not many wedding ceremonies that make me want to edit the one I had with my husband. But Shannon and Stefan’s ceremony had me tempted! Like everything else that day, the ceremony was planned to the nines with intentionality. They love sailing, so they rung a bell at the end . They wanted to feel like everyone was a part of the ceremony, so they arranged the chairs “in the round”. They wanted a blessing from their friends and family, so they all warmed their rings before exchanging them.

Let’s just say, I cried a lot during this one folks. So much love was had there that night!

Give you Blue

I want you to google Allen Stone’s “Give You Blue” right now. Yes, I will wait. Because in order to get into the vibe of these next photos you need to listen to what I call “Shannon and Stefan’s theme song”. Stefan quoted these lyrics in his vows … and that’s when I truly lost it.

Here’s a little taste:

I can't stop the rain
But I will keep you dry
If the shore feels far away
I'll be by your side
And when the storms arise
I will shelter you
When your sky is gray
I will give you blue

Excuse me … I had to go get kleenex. Back to the party, people!

A Live Concert for the Ages

Obviously since these two are in a band, they know a whole lot of other talented musicians. So instead of playing the ol’ iPod on shuffle, they had a true, real deal concert, with all their best pals signing the hits. I’m telling y’all … it’s true … it was like I was at Bumbershoot or something way better. I can’t make this ‘ish up!

Headliners

The night ended with Shannon and Stefan getting up on stage and closing the night out. So many of their friends and family had never seen them perform, the vibe in the room could have shot us to the mood. We were in the presence of literal rock stars!

Here’s to you two, my friends! I cannot wait until you’re in Seattle again and we can horrible karaoke together. Stay safe and rock on. xo -k.

Vendors:

Second Photographer - Kristin Abigail
Videographer - Alayna Erhart
Wedding Planner - Flying Anchor
Dress: Sarah Seven
Suit: Michael Shi, Houston Tailor, Hong Kong
Rings: Benati Jewelry
Hair: Cameron Kelly
Make up: Chelsey Matley
Venue: Sodo Park
Catering: Herban Feast
Florist: Foothills Flowers

Hastings // Michigan Backyard Wedding: Sean and Haley

Backyard wedding #goals

My Haley friend became close to me by my other friend (and her sister) Chelsea - and our hearts were ever connected the first time she stepped in front of my camera. She’s a muse of sorts. What else can I say? Her beauty (inside and out) leaves me speechless! And Sean, well, he’s not getting rid of me. I first met him in the yard of their 20th century farm home in Hastings, Michigan the day before the wedding where he quickly gave me a hug, took my bags, and asked me how I was doing. Let’s just say … talk about a dreamboat! Plus, and more importantly, he instantly felt like all my best guy friends I grew up with - kind, grounded, and quietly hilarious.

This whole family is so magically dreamy to me that its hard to believe that I only spent 3 days with them. We watched as the rains poured in, flooding out the ceremony space and cutting the electricity. Quietly and a bit nervously, we ate pizza by candle light and prayed to all that’s holy the power would come back for the next day and rains would subside.

We awoke to the most perfectly calm Michigan morning I had ever seen. To be honest, it was the first Michigan morning I had ever seen. But you are catching my drift, right?

Handcrafted with care

Everything you see here while you’re scrolling through was handcrafted by Haley, Sean, and their family. Haley made beautiful place-cards and vow books especially stamped for the big day. She also made take home gifts for the guests that matched the stamps on their vow books. I took home all three! And an out of this world “drunk in love” painting for the bar.

Their entire family put together the light filled tent in Haley and Sean’s backyard. Haley’s mom painted an incredible head table mural. Family members made lush bouquets. Sean’s sister made the cake. Friends did hair. Sean made sure everything was set up just right. And Chelsea made Haley’s necklace and both of their wedding bands. These are talented folks, to say the least!

Special moments made to last

I get very emotional when I look through these images. Haley and Sean allowed me into their lives, intimately. I felt as though I was watching my own family get married and I was just a part of the gang. And the great thing about it all, it’s because I am just a part of the gang. That’s just how Sean and Haley operate. They will welcome you into their home with open arms and make space for you to get comfortable.

These moments are why I love what I get to do and so dang grateful that I get to do it. I would have never met these two otherwise. And boy, I sure woulda missed out on one heck of a party if I hadn’t met them!

Haley and Sean #mcfallinlove2019

Haley is about a year younger than me. Grew up in small towns in Michigan. Met Sean by the water in Marquette about 8 summers ago and started dating him officially later that year in October. I grew up in a small town in Washington. Met my guy 8 summers ago at a water park and also started dating him later that year in October. Oh, and did I mention we both love Gilmore Girls? Haley and I have lived very parallel lives, so being a part of her and Sean’s wedding, staying at their farmhouse all weekend, just felt ... so natural and MAGICAL. What a time to be alive!

And to you, dear Haley and Sean, I am floored by your openness and love. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives. Thanks for being my McFalls.

xo.

The Who’s Who

Dress: BHLDN

Suit: Jos A. Bank

Jewelry: Birdie (sister of the bride!)

Catering: Wood Fired Up

Cake: Sweet Petite Bakery

Florals: Sheri Mueller

Paper Goods: Haley Rose Design Studio (the bride!) and Hoard Studios (the mom of the bride!)

Fort Benton // Montana Wedding: Amanda and Corey

Old fashion love story

Girl see boy on the internet and says “hot damn!”, boy responds in kind via the internet. Boy and girl go on date. And the rest is history. Amanda and Corey are OGs of the online dating game. They met before it was even cool to scroll. Is that what you kids call it? Scrolling? I have no idea. All I do know is that Amanda definitely didn’t say, “hot damn!” … or maybe she did. We’ll never know for sure.

Destination wedding done right

Both Amanda and Corey are from Montana, but they have family living all over. So when they started planning their wedding they looked for a destination that would be equal parts nostalgic, breath taking, and easy to get to. That’s when Corey’s Aunt and Uncle offered up use of their historic hotel in Fort Benton, Montana - The Grand Union. Well dang, isn’t that dream!

The hotel sits on the river banks of the Missouri River and is home to some of the most controversial and yet incredibly American-full sights and sounds of early western USA history. I feel like John Wayne would have loved it here. Or Mark Twain.

Okay you be John Wayne and I’ll be Mark Twain. Ready? Let’s explore.

Snuggle … it’s important

It’s pretty easy to get swept away in the grandness of your wedding day. Trust me, the nerves alone are enough to have a gal bouncing off the walls. But I can’t tell you how important it is to snuggle, be yourself, goof around, and love on each other during the day. One thing I will never forget about Amanda and Corey’s wedding is how they interacted during their first look.

Per usual, I set up Corey (the groom) first. I gave him the prep spiel I always do … “She’s gonna walk up to you and tap you on the shoulder. I’ll be in the background ready to capture the moment, but just be with her. Just react. Once y’all notice me again, that’s when we move on. There’s no rush.” And then I went to get Amanda, telling her the same instructions as we walked on the path up to the big bridge where her man was waiting. I let her go and prepared my camera to witnesses whatever would happen next. The hugged. Checked each other out. Chatted. And then Corey brought Amanda in close and rested his chin atop her head.

It was if they were made for each other. Two puzzle pieces finding each other, finally resting comfortably. I could have taken 1,000 photos of just that moment.

All this is to say, those kinds of things that make you two YOU TWO, don’t leave them at home. Bring them to your wedding and let us see. That’s what makes this day you’ve been planning forever SO GREAT. Everyone loves witnessing real life real deal L-O-V-E.

“It was if they were made for each other. Two puzzle pieces finding each other, finally resting comfortably.”

Sending love

All the way from Seattle, sending lots of love and happiness to you two, Amanda and Corey! xo.

The Who’s Who

Dress: Rebecca Ingram at the Perfect Dress

Suit: ASOS

Venue: The Grand Union Hotel

Catering: The Union Grille

Cake: Gynweth Wicks

Florals: My Viola

UW Botanic Gardens Wedding: Seth and Emily

UW Botanic Gardens - Center for Urban Horticulture

A wedding in this place is a wedding in a magical oasis found within one of the busiest hubs Seattle has to offer. The grounds are neatly and wonderfully made with Pacific Northwest greenery and vegetation. It’s like traveling back in time to the times of Edmond Meany and his Mountaineering gang, recreating all the joyful picnics they must have had around the area. Or … at least this local Seattle gal likes to think so.

Seth and Emily

But enough about me. Let me introduce you to the couple of the decade … Seth and Emily. The first time we met, we hung out for 7 HOURS! No joke. Their engagement session took us all around Fremont, Ballard, and beachy coves tucked behind historic Seattle neighborhoods. 7 hours is no joke folks and is NOT normal for a first time meeting engagement session. We just clicked. And also, Seth kept feeding me.

Do you

What I love about Seth and Emily the most is how plainly authentic they are at first meeting. I think we spent 7 hours together that first time because all three hearts were out on the table. And when I got to capture their wedding, the feeling was just the same but this time I could see physical markers of their personality spread throughout the whole ceremony and reception. They did what they cared about, chose colors that made them happy, ate food that gave them joy (sorry Sabra - those sandwiches were bomb!), and stole moments away for just the two of them. I think I’ll go to my grave beating this drum, so I’ll just say it one more time. Whatever you do for your wedding, do you, do it YOUR way.

Cheers

Cheers to you two, I can’t say that enough. I am so so so honored to be in your orbit. Thank you for letting me witness and capture your love. I’m looking forward to the future!

xo.

The Who’s Who

Dress: Brides for a Cause

Suit: Bonobos

Rings: Greenlake Jewelry

Wedding Planner: Laura West

Venue: UW Center for Urban Horticulture - UW Botanic Gardens

Catering: Skillet

Cake: Deep Sea Sugar and Salt

Paper Goods: Reb Peters Press and Kaylea Salinas

Lake Wilderness Lodge Wedding: Thibault and Annie

Thibault is from France. Annie is from South Korea. They met in Houston, and now they are living and loving in Seattle. I met them in downtown Seattle one wintery afternoon while they were having a whirlwind tour of all the wedding things the city has to offer. We explored Mt. Rainier together one week before their wedding and then we partied heartily on the shores of Lake Wilderness with Mt. Rainier shining in the background.

To say these two are adventurous would be putting it lightly.

I enjoyed every minute I got to spend with these two and their families. Worlds finally collided, killer dance moves were had, and a lot of love was shared. That’s all you need.

CHEERS to you two, my loves.

My your life be as adventurous as everything that led up to this day.

xo.

The who’s who:

Wedding Planner: Sprinkled in Seattle - Katie Slayton and Emily Maxwell-Mitchell

Dress: Vera Wang

Hair and Makeup: Christy K

Venue: Lake Wilderness Lodge

Catering: Seasoned in Seattle

Dessert: Dianne’s Delights

DJ/MC: DJ Kyle

Florals: Aria Style

Transportation: Tesla with Turo

Seattle Courthouse Wedding: Kennedy and Marie

The big day, finally!

Kennedy and Marie are that old kind of love that when you see it you’re instantly calmed. They aren’t over the top, ooey gooey in love, they are solidly two humans who allow each other space and give each other a home. I get chills just thinking about them.

We all first hung out during their engagement session, where we met in their home, drank champagne and listened to the Eagles on vinyl. I instantly felt at ease with them, like we had been friends for years. So when their wedding finally rolled around, I could not WAIT!

Have you ever been to a wedding ceremony at the Seattle Courthouse before? I hadn’t, and it’s amazing! You show up around 3:30pm to get a time slot. Anyone and everyone invited to witness your vows need to show up too so that you can go up to the penthouse floor where the clerk’s office resides. By the time you wrangle everyone through the metal detectors and up the elevators, you’re met with a bright n’ shiny view of the Puget Sound via the floor to ceiling windows that line the hallway of what I can only imagine are court rooms and offices. The couple goes into the clerk’s office to check in and you wait.

While you wait, you’re met with a dozen other couples and their witnesses all doing the same thing. Brides see each other, smile, and compliment each other on their attire. Grooms pace a little. And moms fuss. It’s a wonderful place to be! A shot full of love and anticipation. And if the weather is good, you and your photographer get to go play on the bomb terrace that overlooks the city.

But wait … there’s more …

The Ceremony.

I’m not sure what I was expecting with a courthouse wedding. I grew up going to weddings that my dad officiated. So I’m used to pretty big hooplas with a lot of formality. And from what I saw in the movies, courthouse weddings seemed quick and to the point.

Not this one, folks!

The person who married Kennedy and Marie took them back to their office before the ceremony and got to know them for few minutes. They asked incredibly thoughtful questions and weaved their answers into the vows. They took all of us to the “best seat in the house” since the weather was starting to turn and the terrace wasn’t an option anymore. I felt like I was sitting right on the floor in a blackbox theatre. Up close and in it with Marie and Kennedy.

As the judge spoke, I caught myself crying and frozen in the moment. That rarely happens to me, folks! I’ve been to a lot of weddings, and they are all great. But this one was special, indeed. It was quick, but it nailed the heart of Marie and Kennedy’s relationship. After this experience, I couldn’t recommend a Seattle Courthouse Wedding more!

Time to Party

After the ceremony, we all met up at the Factory Luxe to dance the day away. And these two cleaned up real good, don’t ya think?

Wedding Reception at Youngstown Cultural Center: Meghan and David

What I love about being a wedding photographer is that I get to meet all kinds of people. Especially people who aren’t necessarily “wedding people”. So when my pal Charlie of Deep Sea Sugar and Salt introduced me to Meghan and David, I knew these were my kind of people. In love with each other and not worried about the details. The day before their wedding reception, they climbed a mountain with couple of friends and sealed the deal in a private ceremony. Then we all met up at West Seattle’s historic Youngstown Cultural Arts Center to party.

A wedding is whatever you two want it to be! I can’t say that enough. Be with the people you want to be with. Drink what you want to drink. Eat what you want to eat. And dance to whatever music you heart desires.

Intimate Wedding on Whidbey Island: Hudson and Stacia

There’s nothing in the world I love more than adventure. Okay, well maybe I love my family and especially my husband more. But other than that, adventure beats chocolate. And that’s a really big deal. Being with Stacia and Hudson for their quiet and intimate wedding on the beach in Whidbey Island was such a dream. Only close family, their minister, and a couple of baby seals were allowed into this special ceremony. And with such an exclusive guest list, and all the time in the world to spare, that left plenty of time for the bride, groom, and me to tromp around the coastal ridges of Deception Pass State Park.

It is a joy to witness love without the expectation of a schedule or agenda. And an even bigger joy to capture it in a photograph. Thanks for being such great pals, Stacia and Hudson, and thank you for allowing me to tag along on your adventure! Here’s to many more!

Intimate Wedding at the Herbfarm: Angela and Eric

The Herbfarm is Western Washington Farm to Table Royalty. Built by the Zimmerman family on farmland in Fall City in 1974, it is now the garden neighbor to Willow’s Lodge in Woodinville and reigns as Washington’s premier educational dining experience. So when Angela and Eric contacted me about their intimate wedding there, my heart skipped a beat.

A party with their closest friends celebrating love in one of the most beautiful garden dens the Seattle area has ever seen. Let that sink in, y’all. A wedding ceremony in the garden and dinner in the Founder’s Room. This is how you do a wedding!

An intimate wedding requires intimacy, and the Herbfarm, Angela and Eric really deliver with this one.

I loved being a part of this exclusive party, thanks for inviting me to capture it, Angela and Eric!

Renton Backyard Wedding: Katie and Jake

Nothing, absolutely nothing, beats a backyard wedding. I got married in a backyard. And I think you should too. Okay, do whatever you want. But make it yours! What’s great about this wedding was that it was a celebration of love AND high school reunion all in one. It was also in my old neighborhood. So, good vibes all around here!

When I met up with Katie and Jake for coffee to chat about their wedding, I begging to be a part of it right from the start. They had everything figured out and an army of family to help make it happen. That’s my kind of doings! The big day was dotted with personal touches, family heirlooms, and lots of love. A big dance party that goes til the wee hours of the morning was just icing on the cake.

If you’re thinking about taking your wedding to the backyard, I encourage you to check out Katie and Jake’s wedding for inspiration. All you need is love.

All I am saying is, the only thing that matters on your wedding day are faces like these, full of happiness and love. Here’s to you, Katie and Jake!

Edgewater House Wedding: Kristen and Mike

I have a bit of a story for you all. Once upon a time my best friend turned 30, I severely sprained both ankles, and then the next day I shot a wedding. Kristen and Mike’s wedding to be exact. With the help from my husband and a good friend, we made our way to Gig Harbor on an early Sunday morning and had a blast capturing a wedding by the Puget Sound. I don’t normally have many folks joining me on wedding days, but Kristen and Mike’s wedding was a perfect time to have an entourage.

What I love about Kristen and Mike is that they don’t hold any weight to any sort of traditions. All that matters is family and they sure welcomed me and my posey as family on their wedding day. They didn’t dance, they played. They didn’t drink, they sipped. And they didn’t make anyone stay dressed up, they made the day theirs. In my humble opinion, that’s all that matters.

Big thanks to:

Jessica R. Hamel for assisting

My husband for carrying me around

Edgewater House for the beautiful venue

Maggie Sottero, dress designer

Aliya Takos, Makeup

Lauren Brittany, Hair

Jenn Schrio, Day of Planner

The Floral Reef, Florals

---

P.S. If you want to know what an injured wedding photographer looks like … it looks like this: