Oh, Priest Lake. I truly believe there are few places in the world that possess the magic and wonder of this little spot in Idaho. It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what “it” is, but the troubles of the world seem to melt away the closer you get to this sparkling, blue gem of lake. A few people, myself unfortunately not included, are lucky enough to have made many childhood memories from summers (and winters) at Priest Lake. Whitney is one of these lucky people. She’s been coming to “the lake” (as we call in the great Inland Northwest) ever since she was a little girl. So, it only made sense that Whit would tie the knot with the love of her life, J, on the shores of her Dad’s cabin in Indian Creek Bay. A beautiful reflection of who they are as a couple, their wedding was a fun, laid back affair with their close family and friends, complete with some good ‘ol country music and huckleberry margaritas.

Whit and J, I wish you both nothing but the best! It was an honor to have been there to share in your special day and I look forward to capturing many more memories in the years to come!

Vendors:

Of all “first-encounter-turned-love-stories” I’ve heard over the years, Lauren and Marcello’s could quite possibly take the cake. An East Coast gal working at a little gelateria in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, Lauren was greeted by a handsome Italian man on a sleepy Saturday morning back in 2007. Marcello sipping espresso and Lauren concentrating on her annunciation, they managed their way through a long, uninterrupted conversation. Later that day, having returned home from work, Lauren received a phone call from her coworker. That Italian guy had returned and dropped off a gift. The gift (with a fresh flower attached, no less) turned out to be a cook book from Marcello’s region of Italy. Well, with no number or address, Lauren waited for Marcello to return to the gelato shop. Which he did. The following Saturday.

Fast forward five years, Lauren and Marcello are surrounded by their families and friends in the small Connecticut town of Stratford celebrating their long-awaited wedding. The bride and groom are smiling ear to ear, conversations in English and Italian are interrupted with bursts of laughter, brick oven pizza is being washed down with red wine and their lively toddler Matteo is running showing off his spiderman moves. A close to perfect beginning for the next chapter of their story.

Lauren and Marcello, congratulazioni! My deepest gratitude for allowing me to capture your special day. I wish you nothing but the best as you start this new journey together, full of gelato, espresso and many more babies!

I met with Jessica and Dan and booked their wedding before I moved to New York City, which now seems like decades ago. Needless to say, I had been looking forward to their summer wedding at the Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island for a long time. And my goodness, it did not disappoint! You know when your cheeks hurt from editing, that it was a fantastic wedding. Apart from being genuine, kind hearted people, Jessica and Dan have an incredible balance that you do not come by everyday. Jessica is full of energy, ready for adventure and has the most contagious laugh and smile (plus, she brings some pretty killer moves to the dance floor!). Dan is easy going and laid back, but keenly aware of the needs of those around him. Between these two personalities they make a wonderful, rare match and I was so honored to see them become husband and wife. Congratulations, Jess and Dan!

Also, a big thank you to my dear friend and awesome photographer Michelle for second shooting alongside me for the day and capturing some great shots (some of which are below)!

Remember Karen & Pat’s sweet summer engagement session? Well, these two love birds tied the knot in October with a beautiful fall wedding in Spokane, Washington. This wedding was extra special to me since Karen’s older sister is one of my best friends. During high school, Karen’s house was like my second home and her family holds a very special place in my heart. Needless to say, it was like seeing a little sister get married and I was honored to be a part of their big day. They had a whole team of talented, local vendors to make their celebration perfect. I’m also delighted that their wedding is featured on the Apple Brides blog today, so head on over a take a peek!

Vendors:

Photography: Kathryn Bradley Photography
Ceremony: Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center
Reception: Gibliano Brothers Dueling Pianos & Music House
Catering: Hay J’s
Dress: Bridal Collections
Make-up: The Make-up Studio
Hair: Urbanna
Flowers: Fleuratations Floral

Just a little sneak peek of what I’m working on right now…Karen and Pat’s beautiful fall wedding. I’ll be blogging their full wedding post soon!

Well, hello there. Isn’t been a while, hasn’t it? Okay, that may be an understatement, but if you’re here reading my blog — THANK YOU! Thanks for sticking with me as I adjust to life in the big city and get settled into a routine after this crazy summer. I promise not to leave this blog so bare in the coming weeks!

First up, Jessica and Jason’s sweet wedding that was held at the Orting Manor on a sunny Saturday in July. The venue was gorgeous (an old Victorian home built in 1901!) and Jessica had put a lot of thought and hard work into all the details. Plus, these two were just so excited to finally tie the knot. It was such a fun day! Congrats, Jessica and Jason!

I thought I’d share a little sneak peek of the wedding I’m currently in the midst of editing. Plus, not only is it Friday, but it’s also Jessica’s birthday today. Happy birthday, Mrs. Scales! Be sure to check back next week for their full wedding post!

Autumn and Ryan were married several weeks ago on a gorgeous, sunny day at the Fair Harbor Marina near Allyn, Washington on the Kitsap Peninsula. The day was simply perfect. Autumn and Ryan are very much in love, and it showed. With family and friends they celebrated what it’s really all about — two people happily committing the rest of their lives to one another.

And the details! Autumn and her girls did such an incredible job with the DIY yellow and grey wedding details. From the wild flowers to the wine bottles painted with chalkboard paint to denote table numbers, nothing was overlooked. The delicious homemade ice cream (from Bainbridge Island’s Cream of the Crop Ice Cream) and the dessert table was every sweet tooth lover’s dream. Their wedding cake was baked by one of the bridesmaids and, as a nod to Ryan’s Norwegian heritage, his grandmother also baked a traditional Norwegian wedding cake.

Autumn and Ryan, thank you so much for allowing me to help capture your special day! It was truly an honor to be there.

Special thanks also to Chandi with Music Creek Photography for brining me along.

Enjoy!

Megan and Bob’s wedding was my first wedding of 2011…and what a way to kick off the year! These two are one of the nicest, most laid back couples I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. If every bride was as easy going as Megan, my job would be effortless!

Megan and Bob also have one of the sweetest stories…Megan’s mom had a colleague who was determined to set Megan up with this guy she knew. Megan graciously declined the offer, but the woman insisted she give him a chance. Megan said when she found out the guy was a firefighter she was hesitant and when she found out his name was Bob she said “I’m not so sure.” However, the positive spirit that she is, Megan eventually agreed to meet him, thinking, “what’s one more bad date?” Well, their first (blind) date ended up being the best date of her life. And now, Megan is married to her kind, caring firefighter husband, Bob.

They appropriately were married at Waterfall Garden Park near Pioneer Square, which is across from the headquarters of the Seattle Fire Department. They had a heartfelt, intimate ceremony with only their parents, siblings and one of Megan’s best friends, who was also the officiant. Following the ceremony we ventured around Pioneer Square for photos. I absolutely loved the architecture, textures and colors that the area provided and despite being a chilly January afternoon, Megan and Bob were up for anything. The group then enjoyed a celebratory dinner at the Metropolitan Grill.

Megan and Bob, thank you so much for allowing me to be there to document your incredibly special wedding day. I wish you nothing but the best as you start your married life together!

Dress: Nordstrom

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Hair: Jamie O’Neill

Makeup: Naomi Lewis with High Maintenance

Flowers: Fleurt Studio

My first wedding of the year was last Saturday…and what a wedding it was! Full post on these two awesome people coming next week!