Aaron + Emily | There Was a Time in Dubai...

Needless to say I go to a LOT of weddings.  However, while I find each of them unique and cool in its own special way, I can honestly say that Aaron and Emily's wedding was one of my favorites ever.  I knew the minute we met at my Woodinville office (known to many as Redhook Brewery) that they were special.  These two epitomize my ideal clients; people who are technically clients but seem more appropriate to call friends. They are creative, fun, and don't take themselves too seriously.  I mean, remember their awesome engagement shoot!?  SO fun.

Emily and Aaron had decided early in their relationship that they would wait until there was universal marriage equality for all before they tied the knot (such a wonderful idea!), however the Peace Corps' policy on couples threw a little wrench into that plan.  To be kept together, they would have to be married for at least a year.  Weighing their still strong conviction for equal rights with wanting to get involved travelling with Peace Corps as soon as possible, they made the decision to revise the big picture.  So began the wedding plans.

I found everything about this wedding perfect.  We started our afternoon at the eclectic Hotel Monoco, Emily got ready in a beautiful teal Betsy Johnson dress and adorable heels borrowed from a friend.  Aaron arrived shortly after and the dramatic bedroom curtains made for a fun "reveal".  From the hotel, we all walked the few blocks over to their venue: the Seattle Municipal Courthouse.  Many may think that the courthouse isn't the most picturesque place for wedding photos, but let me tell you, I was as surprised as anyone.  It's new, it's modern, and it has a beautiful view.  Check out the Smith Tower! Who knew the courthouse would become one of my favorite venues?

After a quick chat with the honorable Willie Gregory II in his super cool baseball-themed judge's quarters, the couple returned to an intimate group of family and friends in the Courthouse Library for a concise, but lovely and tear-filled ceremony.

With the official nuptials completed, their small group of family and friends rushed down stairs to give the couple a fun ribbon-waving exit and we all headed back to the hotel. (But not before Emily had a chance to toss her bouquet in the direction of her fleeing bridesmaids.) Lucky me, once back at the hotel I was treated to one of my favorite wedding activities, a good old fashioned pillow fight, before the couple headed off to dinner in their newly decorate automobile.  I told you these guys were fun.

Aaron and Emily, I hope that you both know how much joy you each bring to those around you.  And, while you're both truly unique and wonderful people, together is how you thrive.  Together, you are an unstoppable force.  I feel blessed to know you and to have been able to share your perfect day.  Let's party again soon!!

Love you both bunches!!!
xoxo,
Amy

Sara + Bruce | Waterfront Walk Engagement

Sara and Bruce are getting married in 6 short days, so as I mentioned last week, I'm going to keep this brief to allow them a few days of engagement photo gazing before that all goes out the window and they begin waiting patiently for their wedding post. 

These two are absolutely lovely and honestly any couple who wants to meet up at Kell's Irish Pub for a couple pints to begin an engagement shoot is OK in my book.  :)  After Kell's we took a nice stroll through Pike Place and ended up on the waterfront with plenty of sparkling Summer water and a few less than friendly seagulls.  Sara works for Starbucks, so of course we had to stop by at the end of shooting.  Iced tea lemonade in hand (thank you Sara!) we split ways and I winded my way back up through the market and to my car.  I must say, the rest of my couples have their work cut out for them, as I can't imagine another couple being more charming than these two.  Admittedly, Bruce's English accent may have something to do with that.  However, the BLT, cold Hoegaarden, and Starbucks was icing on the cake.  :) 

Thanks again you guys for sharing a wonderful sunny Summer day with me, we may not have too many of those left.  See you next weekend!!!
xoxo,
amy

Dionne + Andrew | HOO RAY!

My absolute favorite description I heard about Dionne and Andrew's relationship, during their beautiful Skansonia wedding in July, came in the form of her mother's post-ceremony toast.  "It's amazing what you can find on Craig's List these days!".  Indeed it is.  While I wouldn't have thought that would be the way to meet your soul mate, Dionne and Andrew definitely proved me wrong.  They may be one in a million, but they are truly perfect for one another, so who knows?  Perhaps Craig's List deserves a second glance.  :)

I always love shooting at the Skansonia because it's so unique and always seems to be quite personal to the couples involved.  The staff is lovely and the food is yummy, and what Seattle couple wouldn't want to be married on Lake Union with such an amazing view.

Aside from the venue, Dionne and Andrew had so many personalized elements to their wedding.  Her dress, for instance, was made by her mom.  How cool is that?  They had adorable wedding-themed rubber ducky cake toppers and gluten-free cupcakes for Andrew.  I especially loved her fun blue heels (I'm a sucker for colorful wedding shoes!) and their programs which had the ceremony info on one side and doubled as cute signs with sayings like "Hooray!" and "Congrats!" on the back.

Thank you so much to Dionne and Andrew for allowing me to capture and share in their special day, I had a great time and surprisingly made it home without too much of a sunburn.  :)

xoxo,
amy