It was a cool, cloudy, and very Pacific Northwest kind of mid-June day when A & T said their vows to each other on the beach as the waves rolled in along the Washington Coast. Leaving the hustle and bustle of city life in Kentucky and the sound of cars and people, the sounds of the waves crashing along the coastline, the breeze rustling through the trees, and the birds chirping in the forest provided the ambience of this day together, a day which began in the moody lighting of their cabin as they helped each other get ready. I’ve always felt there’s just something about helping each other get ready that makes it all the more special – when your partner helps you with your cufflinks on tying your dress… There’s an intimacy there that makes getting ready full of sweet moments that both can share, like when he pinned the wooden maple leaf on her dress so that she could have a part of her grandfather there with her…

Leaving Kalaloch Lodge, we visited a trail in the rainforest that led to an old cedar tree that had been split by lightning storms years ago, surrounded by ferns and other old growth evergreens. Everything was so lushly green and in full bloom. And if you’re visiting from out of town, one of the great things about the rainforests in the Pacific Northwest (aside from the relatively cool temperatures year round) is that we don’t have any crazy big scary bugs here, or deadly snakes, poisonous frogs, or anything like that. You can just enjoy being in nature, taking in it’s beauty. After their stroll through the forest, we went to a nearby beach with beautiful rock formations. And from there, we made our way to a little cove for a lovely intimate ceremony with just the two of them, their officiant, and myself. Thy both shed tears as they read their vows to each other, just loud enough to be heard over the waves.

After they were married, they celebrated with a picnic nearby and read touching letters that family had written for them before they left, to be opened on their wedding day, on the beach. And then as the light started to wain, they ran, danced, and kissed on the beach, savoring and reveling in these moments together on their wedding day, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Lastly, they returned to their cabin to warm up with a woodstove fire, the perfect way to relax and reflect on a perfect day as they snuggled together on the couch.

Thank you both for an absolutely amazing day! It had such an awesome time with both of you and wish you both all the best in your new lives together as husband and wife! Congratulations you two!!!