I woke this morning to a sweet surprise - Seattle Style wrote a little ’shout out’ about me on their slick blog “The Lounge“ I’m so excited to be partnered with this resource - if you haven’t checked out all of their great vendors, ideas and ‘real weddings’, hop on over there and hang out awhile!
It rained so hard on Saturday, but nothing could dampen Sam & Ryan’s happiness and excitement for their big day. This was such an emotional family - I was so touched how Ryan seemed to cry as much as Samantha and every time I saw one of their moms start to cry, it was hard not to just point my camera right at them. Reverend Ray was great as always, Sam’s daughter was so ready to be the flower girl and Ryan’s grandpa made such a fun and yummy cake. The party was hopping - I think that almost everyone jumped in for the electric slide! I loved the matching converse on the men and Ryan was a great sport trying to blow smoke rings for me (doesn’t it look like a flamingo rising from his mouth?) Thanks so much for a super fun night you guys - here are a few of my faves!
So after their lovely ceremony, the reception got rocking almost immediately. Brooke and Derek thought of so many great details - fish bowls as centerpieces, a fair-style photobooth, mini frames at every place setting and super cool wine cork place cards. During dinner, DJ ‘DK’ started the song “that’s amore” - everyone rose to their feet and began to swing their napkins in the air while belting out the song. The toasts were touching and totally funny when one groomsman recited the lyrics to the “Golden Girls” theme song. The cupcakes from Cupcake Royale were yummy and the music was great! The couple and I stole away to take some night shots out in Post Alley but returned quickly so they could rock out with all of their friends. The after party was at Kells in Post Alley and I hear some folks closed the place down! The party didn’t stop there - Derek and Brooke organized the first “Beals Bowl-o-rama” in West Seattle Saturday morning and they asked me to come along. What an amazing group of people they have in their lives - I was honored to be a part of their events and really hope to have this couple in my life for a long time to come!
I have SO many photos that I want to share from Brooke and Derek’s amazing day that I’m going to break my posting into two blogs. We started out the afternoon at The Paramount Hotel - the suite Brooke was in was directly across the hall from where the men were getting ready. I have to say that this bridal party was such a hoot to work with, check out the dude who ‘dropped trou’ for me out on the street! The fireplace in the lobby was a great place to have Derek’s ‘first look’ with Brooke and then we headed out into the street for some play. My awesome assistant, Jen Wade was already at the venue getting tons ‘o detail shots. The whole bridal party then met down at the market for additional photo play and family portraits - we brought bubble gum for the group to blow bubbles at the bubble wall (thanks for that reminder Jen!). On route to take the family portraits, we met Brooke’s dad on the street and the look on his face was so touching to me. As we continued down the market, we were serenaded by an acapella group outside of Starbucks and happened to bump into my friend Stephanie that makes (and sells) amazing pottery. She has a sweet motorcycle that she graciously allowed Brooke to hop up on. We then headed up to the Top of the Market, which is such a lovely venue - the view out of the window in their library made for some fun ’showgirls’ shots. The ceremony was tender, short and sweet - I really LOVE the expressions on Brooke’s face after they were announced as husband and wife!
Stay tuned for part two ~ the details, reception and the Beals Bowl-o-rama!!
I had a great weekend with Brooke & Derek AND with Samantha & Ryan! I’ve got quite a bit of work this week before I blog about these beautiful events separately, but I thought I would give everyone a quick peek at a fave shot from each wedding.
Here are Brooke & Derek…
Here are Samantha & Ryan…
Last Saturday was an amazing day in so many ways. We had rain, snow and sunshine all within a six hour period. I also got to spend the day with a couple that is so sweet and fun. Gene & Jess are so in love with each other and their family and friends are so happy for them. I don’t think I’ve been around that many smiles earlier than 10 a.m. ever before! I arrived just before 9 at Palisade, where Gene & Jess were getting their room decoration completed with their family. A slide show of photos from their life together so far (and lots of childhood photos) was playing on a large screen (I love crazy 80’s hair pics!). Jessica and her ladies got ready together and her mom came in near the end to watch. Her father was taking photos with his cell phone to send instant pics to some family that couldn’t attend. The snow flurries started just as the bridal party was ready to enter the ceremony, which was short but very sweet. The breakfast reception was delicious - eggs benedict, yummy potatoes and crispy bacon (a personal fave). Their first dance was really touching - I saw Jessica’s parents holding hands while they watched their daughter and her new husband - very emotional and sweet. The reception ended with a ‘bubble exit’ and with all of the kids present, there were a TON of bubbles! I asked Gene if he and Jess would blow some bubbles together - Gene thought blowing in her ear would be better (love his humor!) After the guests left, the bridal party and I headed out by the marina for some fun and then Gene, Jess & I headed all the way down to the end of the marina where they were willing to go down on the rocks for some pretty photos near the water. I hope that the hypothermia has worn off by now and that the happy couple is getting ready for the big honeymoon. Thank you so much for having me be a part of your day Jess & Gene - you guys are amazing. Here are a few of my faves from the day…
Last Saturday evening, the Sorrento Hotel was a beautiful setting for Amy & Derek’s equally beautiful wedding. I met Amy, her sister Katie and Amy’s sweet daughter Haley in their room late in the afternoon. Hair and makeup was done before they got to the hotel, so there was time for a fun champagne toast before the ladies got dressed. I was blessed with the awesome assistance of Jen Wade who went down to focus on details while I hung out with the ladies. Amy’s dress was so beautiful and I loved the other dresses she chose for Katie and Haley - very classy. Derek and Amy didn’t see each other until Amy walked down the aisle, but he was so sweet to send Amy an ‘I love you’ text while she was getting ready. After taking some individual family portraits, the ceremony began. Annemarie, their officiant, was so GREAT - she was so relaxed and warm. Amy and Derek presented Haley with a beautiful necklace which was really touching (not a dry eye in the house during that one!) After the ceremony, the new family and I headed downstairs for some portraits while the cocktail hour got underway. Dinner smelled yummy and the cake tasted great! I have really enjoyed getting to know this couple and can’t wait to hear how the honeymoon went!
Venue ~ Sorrento Hotel
Officiant ~ Annemarie Juhlian
Flowers/Cake ~ Dana’s Flowers & Cake
The love between Justin & Amber is so sweet and true. There were a few moments throughout their day where I found myself tearing up….while listening to Amber’s mother talk about her daughters…when Justin saw Amber in her gown for the first time…and most especially when I caught a glimpse of Justin singing “At Last” to Amber during their first dance. Although Saturday was very cold up in Mt. Vernon, the sun was shining bright and the Grand Willow Inn was warm and inviting. Every thing was lovely and I am so glad to have met this really great family. Thank you Amber and Justin for including me in your day. Here are a few of my favorite moments…
[caption id="attachment_1369" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="Grand Willow Inn, Mt. Vernon, WA"]
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Gale force winds and pouring rain did not stop the warmth and fun times at the Monte Cristo last Friday night. I had a hard time picking just a few of my favorite photos from the evening. Suffice it to say, the evening went fast, the lighting was tough, the formal pics were tougher, but I had a GREAT time. Thanks for letting me be a part of your evening Leslie & Bryan - you throw one fabulous party. To see the “photo booth” photos from the evening - click here - you can ‘right click’ to save your photo, compliments of the bride and groom!
The kilts were great!
Bryan waited to see Leslie for the first time when she walked down the aisle…
The Best Man’s toast was hilarious…
but the Maid & Matron of Honor speeches even brought a tear to Bryan’s eye.
I almost started crying when I saw that Leslie’s dad got choked up during their father/daughter dance…
They did the bouquet and garter toss, but not before the men serenaded Leslie ‘top gun style’ with “You’ve lost that lovin’ feeling” - I just love how clueless the little boys in the middle are!!
Then the dancing got underway while the awesome Jennifer got the photo booth going…
Even Grandma got her groove on…
There are a lot of sweet photos of Leslie’s parents from the evening, but I got so excited to see them on the dance floor having an absolute blast - it’s one of my favorite photos from the night.
Last Sunday, I had such a great time at the Alderbrook Resort and Spa on the Hood Canal with Maria, John and their amazing group of family and friends. This couple met while in the Air Force Academy and the uniform presence was in full effect! Maria made such a beautiful bride - she was so comfortable with the camera and her crew was up for just about anything! The resort is gorgeous and the view is breathtaking there. Scott, the videographer, Emerald and I went crazy on the dock with the couple when the sun started to drop. Special thanks to Emerald for being awesome assistant - she took the last photo of this post of the resort as we were leaving - what a beautiful place!
Maria’s ladies were so fun - their matching hoodies were super cute.
John’s cufflinks were his grandfather’s - the family’s military history goes back generations…
Maria’s cousin flew in to do all of the ladies’ hair and makeup…
John totally came up with this response on his own!
They have got the dip down!!!
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