I arrived the Friday night prior to the big day to capture some images of the rehearsal dinner. This was the first time I have done this, and found it very helpful in not only getting to know everyone in a relaxed state of mind, but seeing the venue ahead of time, really jump started my creative juices ! I can't even begin to describe this beautiful venue. From the perfectly weather-aged old barns and sheds, to the rolling fields of sun tinted yellow grass and bright wildflowers kissing your feet... it felt like home to me.
Karen, the venue's owner, explained to me that its been in her family since her great grandmother had it.... are you kidding me ??!!!! Could it get any better !!! You could literally feel the essence of love surrounding the property. I loved it the moment I saw it, and for sure hope to go back someday.
Anyone have fond memories of watching Little House on the Prairie like I do ?? This place screamed memories of that show to me, and I loved each and every second I got to spend here !
Much to my surprise, this venue just recently became a "wedding" venue ! Yeah for up coming brides !!! Prior to this, it was just used as a vacation rental. Now, it can be used as both .....
Here is a little glimpse of the wedding alter on top of the gorgeous hill ... Gah!!!! With the breeze hitting it just right, I swung around to see the sun starting to fill the valley hill with its "golden hour" light ... Love love love !
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees" John Muir
So now onto the wedding day !! I started my wedding coverage with "the girls", at their small cabin just down from the wedding venue. As I snuck in the door, I could hear the giggles already had begun...
And as always, I have to share a "bling" image with you all.... Kenna, your ring is gorgeous! I loved how the sunlight sparkled off the yellow gemstone...
One of my personal favorite parts of photographing a wedding, is being able to spend time with the bride as she gets ready for her special day. Here, our bride Kenna, was just starting to get ready as I snapped her reflection in her hand mirror....
Kenna chose a simple, yet ultra pretty up do ... which was a smart move with the heat going on outside!
Kenna, you are so beautiful in so many ways. You tried so hard not to cry during our morning spent together, but right after this image was taken, it hit you... Being with you girls, and getting to know you all a little bit more meant so much to me....
Someone please pass me a tissue...... One thing I never expected, coming into the world of wedding photography, was just how "in the moment" I would be. Not my moment that is... but the moments surrounding my brides.. their families... friends... soon to be spouses.... It is a true honour to be a part of these moments... I treasure them, each one stamping a moment on my own heart.
Does anyone remember the Friends "She's your lobster" episode, way back in 1996 ? It's a classic, and one I had actually forgotten about till I saw this little guy .... I remembered watching that episode and thinking not only was it hilarious, but sentimental... and here now was a little stuffed lobster, who was going to be part of the wedding vows ...
What tears ???? :)
After a couple hours chillin' with the ladies... It was time for me to make my way back to the venue, for what was turning out to be an even hotter day than predicted. None the less, everyone was in a fantastic mood, everything looked amazing, and all were ready to have some serious fun!
I'll share now, a few of the perfectly planned wedding details ...... I always make time to walk around the venue just before the party really gets started !
Each rustic table was set with the brides own collection of depression-era glass... every color imaginable ! I don't know exactly how long Kenna has been collecting it all ... but it was very impressive. The sunlight hit each table differently, casting colors of summer and fall all around us....
Favors for the guests included "jar pies" as an alternate dessert to cake, and also homemade jams and jellies placed perfectly next to each place setting .... The tables also had these whimsical birds "visiting"on them... they were feeling left out, so I photographed them too, lol :) I nick named the ones at my table Sunny and Louie ....
Ok, so now it was time for me to move back into the main house, where our soon to be Mrs.Williams, was putting on her dress and finalizing every single beautiful detail... Moments like this one... are moments I love to capture... Bride with her BFF and momma....
Kenna chose a strapless, mermaid style dress that hugged her and danced every time she moved... It was beautiful on its own, but Kenna decided to add even more flair to it, by adding a custom made belt/sash around the waist .... LOVED IT !
Time for the wedding to begin !!!! The bride was brought to the altar in a horse driven carriage. The horse even had his own "bling" ... fresh sunflowers :)
Kenna's dog "Moose", an adorable Golden Retriever, waited oh so patiently for his momma to meet him... he had the honor of walking her down the isle ....
Ha ! Kenna, I love this... It's like you were saying "See, I told ya I wouldn't be late" :)
Guess who made an appearance right when I caught this image ? Mr. Lobster.....
The brides other two dogs, Rudy and Rosebud, both Basset Hounds, were also part of the ceremony :)
Kenna and Steve were married by a long time friend .... which made things even more sweet and special....
One of my personal fav's from the ceremony .... It oozes vintage !
It's official !!!!!!! Mr & Mrs !!!!
After the ceremony, Kenna and Steve were whisked away by the carriage, for a nice quiet moment alone....
"Happiness is anyone and anything at all, that's loved by you" You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" Matthew 6:21
Finally, it was party time ! Plenty of ice cold beverages were waiting !!! LOVED seeing the available "oldie but goodie" drinks !
The bride and groom brewed their own beer and root beer !!!!! Thou I didn't partake of any at the actual reception, I did get the chance to take some home to try.... Very good you guys ! Cheers ! Every detail you both came up with was awe-some. Loved the labels you made !
As the party got cranked up, the sun finally started to set a bit, where we were able to get some photos without the heat and glare of the bright orb .... Yes, I love sun flare, always have, but there are times when as a photographer you know its best to wait the weather out.. even if just a bit... to help your clients stay as comfortable as possible, and take advantage of more "golden hour" colors.... Which is exactly what happened with this image... Another one of my personal fav's ...
Even with the sun setting, it is possible to get good sun-flare images. It's not always easy, but I love the challenge and have made it a part of my style of photography.... Moments like this, I tend to say "sha-zam" to myself... knowing I nailed the beauty of the sun peeking down and kissing the ground we walk on ...
"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible" ..... When Harry Met Sally ♥
Once more photos were done it was time to head back to the reception ... Kenna and Steve had an adorable group called "Gloria Darlings" play sweet bluegrass style music at their reception ! The group consisted of 2 girls and 1 guy... sounded straight out of Nashville ! Turns out, the group is leaving Seattle and headed for Nashville now !!!! So happy to hear them, good for you guys !!!!
"Best friends are the bacon bits in the salad bowl of life" .... Anon
Kenna and Steve didn't have a first dance... instead they opted to spend each and every moment with each and every guest together... I loved this about them. The day was about "them" .. but they made it about "everyone" ... They moved around the reception laughing with all those who came to support them...
Time for cake !!! Didn't I mention earlier not one detail was left un-done?? Check out the custom cake topper!!!! Loved it ! Both Kenna and Steve are huge animal lovers, two people after my own heart ....
The happy couple had two cakes, this German Chocolate bad boy was a surprise to the groom.... Need less to say, he got very excited !
As my time with Kenna and Steve started to draw to a close... it was time for a couple speeches. Claudia, Kenna's BFF, gave a very touching one... loaded with tears, laughter and memories of their time together. It was a bitter sweet moment for both ladies.. as Kenna will soon be moving back east to start a new life with her new husband... I sure hope they have good long distance phone plans ♥
Kenna, you look so beautiful here!!!! Lost in the moment, you leaned up against the chair... Capturing moments like this, when it is like there is no one else in the room, is what I strive for...
As sad as it was to leave the party... my time, before I knew it, had come and gone.... As I said my goodbyes, and walked away, I caught another glimpse of the beauty of nature surrounding us ....
Dearest Kenna ♥ Steve .... How can I express all that you both mean to me ? To be a part of all there was before your wedding, and then to be there with you as you became one... means more to me than I could ever begin to express to you both ... Your wedding was impeccably done, and oh so beautiful for the senses !!! Thank you, thank you so much, for allowing me to come into your moments and capture all that there was as memories for you both.... I wish you both so much more love, happiness and dogs !!!!
All photos copyright Amy Dawson Photography, located on Camano Island, Washington
