by Scott Johnson
Welcome back, everyone. We are currently in what would be peak wedding season for the Pacific Northwest, but as there is still a quarantine in place (it is slowly being lifted) so we are sorely missing out on the love and happiness this time would normally bring. As such, today commences our Favorites of 2019 Countdown, where we will go back through all of the best and most memorable weddings from last year. From Favorite Venues, to Best Toasts and Favorite Vows, we will still have plenty of more content coming your way. Kicking things off is a look back at our Favorite Outdoor Weddings; ready to dive in?
James Wedding - Swiftwater Cellars, Suncadia Resort
Ah, Swiftwater Cellars. This magical place tucked off the side of the highway if you were on your way through Cle Elum, is any nature freak's home away from home. The James Wedding spent very little time indoors. While the weather here can be pretty wild throughout the year, the day was blessed with clear skies and a hot sun. All throughout the day there were continuous reminders of the natural beauty of the Cascade Mountain Range.
Roaming around the large swath of land, the valleys and trees seem to go on forever. We would have happily stayed there all week trying to get more shots of the newlyweds in their own little slice of heaven. Alas, it gets a little chilly in the mountains so when the sun set in the distance it was time to move the party indoors!
Demko Wedding - Olson Mansion
Switching from east to south, we made our way down to the Olson Mansion in Maple Valley last September for the Demko Wedding. Once everyone was dressed, it was time to hit the great outdoors. The numerous backdrops at the mansion could have you convinced you’re on a farm or a fancy estate, and we were eager to explore them all with Lisa and Josh.
When it came time for the ceremony, the bride and groom met out near the barn up on a stone altar. Flanked by their bridal parties descending down the stairs, it was a picturesque little ceremony space that didn’t need to impress with expansive backdrops. Sometimes the simplest is the sweetest! Eventually, everyone made their way inside the barn for one heck of a reception!
Champeaux Wedding - Craven Farm
We love heading out to any of the large number of farm wedding venues in the region. We especially love it during whatever time of year the farm’s major crop is in season. Craven Farm really doubles down on this aspect with their pumpkin patch, and it is wonderful. In proper fall fashion, orange pumpkins could be seen throughout the day. While the season had not quite turned yet from summer to autumn, here in the Pacific Northwest that has never really seemed to matter. These waning days of summer are primo for a fall wedding, and the natural light and still warm weather promise outdoors ceremonies.
After plenty of time getting shots of the bride and groom making their way around the farm, through the crops and greenery, their ceremony really was something special. Oh, and we can’t forget to send a shout out to the utterly adorable boy running around during the ceremony. Trust us, places and days like this make us want to do that, too!
Cocktail hour was held outside before everyone retreated inside for dancing and the rest of the reception, though the twilight sky still provided enough light for people to hang outside.
Lessard Wedding - Canterwood Golf and Country Club
On top of farms, golf courses also hold a special place in our heart. One of the few “sporting” venues out there, and even better: you are forced to be quiet, which means aside from the random “fore!” they are some of the most peaceful places you can get married. The Lessard's wedding was an intimate, loving ceremony that saw the union of Sarah and Trent.
Back in August, we made our way down to the Canterwood Golf and Country Club in Gig Harbor. The sprawling greens and driving ranges were barren except for the wedding party, who were all eager to see Sarah and Trent get hitched. There was a first look, which was utterly sweet, before the bride and groom ventured around the golf course as we captured them in their happiest state. Eventually, the ceremony was held out in a little clearing near the club house. Lined with chairs, filled with loved ones, it was a perfect wedding.
Godwin Wedding - Nature's Connection Place
Last up for this edition is the Godwin Wedding at Nature’s Connection Place in Arlington. By the name alone, you can pretty much guess this place is magical. While there was the unfortunate aspect of a little rain on their parade, our drone shots helped show just how magnificent and serene this place is. Hannah and TJ were beyond excited to get hitched, and doing so in the rain was no deterrence. With clear umbrellas held by the bridal party and guests, it was as much of a Pacific Northwest Wedding if there ever was one.
Before the kiss happened, the umbrellas were taken away and the newlyweds embraced for the first time as husband and wife. Fortunately, the ceremony was held in a covered tent, though like anyone from the area will know: the sun eventually did come out, even if it was just a little late. Nevertheless, we had to feature at least one rainy day wedding, or else this wouldn’t be the Pacific Northwest!
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There you have it for part 1 of our Favorite Outdoor Weddings of 2019. We are more than happy to finally be sharing all the best parts of last year with you. Be sure to check back soon for another entry as we continue counting down. Have any questions or comments? Think of a wedding that should be featured in a certain category? Let us know below!