Days before their beautiful wedding on San Juan Island, the bride let me know that if any orca whales decided to show themselves out on the water, that they were to take priority, even if it was in the middle of the ceremony (in which case, I imagine the whole ceremony might have simply been put on pause as everyone got up for a better look). And while the ceremony went on smoothly and without any whale sightings, suddenly, during the cocktail hour, everyone started running towards the beach with the promise of some whale sightings. So naturally, I followed. And while this particular orca was very very far off the coast, it was still quite magical to see such an incredible creature surfacing for breath on the ocean surface. So you might say that we got our whales and wedding too!

I really cant’ say enough about how beautiful this location was at the groom’s parent’s home on San Juan Island. With a lawn stretching out towards the Puget Sound, it was an incredible backdrop for a wedding ceremony! And looking to the Northwest, you could see Victoria BC, literally the next island over. And in-between, ships (and whales) pass through. It was a warm day, but being by the coast lent a cool breeze at times as this lovely couple and their guests celebrated their beautiful wedding together, dancing under the starts until well into the night.

Thank you both for the opportunity to photograph your beautiful wedding! You both looked absolutely incredible and I loved the detail in your dress! And the groom and the guys sharing cigars at the end of dusk was fun to capture too! Congratulations D & D! Enjoy a sneak peek at a few of the many highlights!