I’ll never be able to describe how wonderful this wedding was. Heather had contacted me earlier in the year all the way from Chicago, Illinois! She told me that her and Miguel were going to be married at her parents house on the water in Olympia, WA; and asked if I would be their photographer. After a Skype meeting and many emails, the day had finally come. I got to meet Heather and Miguel in person on their wedding day in early August and as I walked up the road leading to her parents house I was already swooning. I love the Washington forrests!
Putting this blog post together was so incredibly difficult. As I went through the images I was in love with them all! Finally I just decided to share a few more pictures than normal because I just couldn’t decide! I hope you enjoy!
I started off photographing Heather getting ready for the day. She had a fabulous make up artist and her dress was just beautiful!
My 2nd photographer for the day was Ray, and he got shots of Miguel getting ready while I was with Heather
While I was taking photos upstairs I heard this beautiful music coming from the basement. I asked Heather’s mom who was playing and she said that it was Heather’s father. He was practicing/calming nerves for the day, so I snuck down and got some shots of him playing……then when we were ready for the first look, I found him chatting it up on the front porch. What a special day for his family!
I always love to do first looks with couples. It gives us much more time for individual portraits with the bride and groom, and it also is very intimate and emotional. They see each other for the first time without the pressure of everyone else looking on and there is ALWAYS tender moments caught. Here, Heather walked down the front porch as Miguel was waiting in the drive. He really couldn’t stop smiling and spinning her when they saw each other.
Weddings are my most favorite because there is so much emotion, people just fall into these comfortable, relaxed portraits. Heather and Miguel could have been straight out of a magazine and made my job super fun and enjoyable.
One of Heather’s dreams was to take some photos down by the water. Her parents live “on” the water, but it was very very high bank waterfront. We walked down about 100 steep, wooden stairs…..and then back up them again. I definitely got my work out, but it was SO worth it! The light was beautiful down there and it was very private and secluded, away from the rest of the wedding party.
after getting back up, we took a few more individual portraits
the details of this wedding were stunning! From the ribbon that the table assignments were hanging on, to the home made signs directing guests where to go, to the cake and personal photo touches, it was beautiful.
Then it was time for the ceremony. I can’t remember a ceremony I enjoyed better! I really do love this part of the day at all weddings, but this one was exceptional! Officiating were Heather’s parents and Miguel’s mom. There were readings by friends, musical numbers by friends, even Heather’s father played a song that was played at his own wedding. It was very special and personalized and I loved every minute. Here, one of the musical numbers’ performed by their friends- Be My Only. She had a beautiful voice and it moved almost everyone to tears singing “You’re worth waiting for, You’re worth waiting for- Be my only, be my only, be my only…”
When Heather’s dad got up to perform, I loved this look and interaction between mother and daughter.
and finally time for the vows. As Heather and Miguel joined hands and looked at each other, it was so special.
this is always one of my favorite shots of the day! They kiss, are finally husband and wife, and they make their exit. It’s always so joyful, everyone can now relax and party!
the lovely girls of the bridal party….and then the very handsome men of the bridal party.
This reception was hands down one of the best ones I’ve ever been too. EVERYONE danced. The dance floor was constantly filled and how could they not? The live band playing latin music made me want to jump right in and let loose too. But- I didn’t. I’m sure my 2nd appreciated me for that
One unique and special detail of the day was Heather and Miguel’s thumb print tree. Each of the guests left their thumbprint on the tree so when filled it looked like leaves. I LOVED it!
