We started our hot July day with Kim and Aaron at the Canyon Lakes Golf Course. They had their first look by the pond under an etherial willow tree. The golf course made for an exquisite backdrop for both photos and video. The heat was so intense that we kept the bride and groom in the shade and drinking water as much as possible — we didn't want them passing out! The ceremony was held around a beautiful gazebo that sits next to a pond. It looked fantastic! Kim and her bridesmaids had decorated it early in the day. It was so hot during the ceremony that we had to worry about the cameras overheating — something we had never seen before. But Kim and Aaron, the guests, and our cameras made it through the entire ceremony. The reception was in the club house, which has an amazing view overlooking the golf course. After the reception, Kim and Aaron jumped in their vintage limo, "Miss Daisy", a 1938 Pontiac from Four Star Limos. We followed them to Howard Amon Park in Richland where we took a few more photos around sunset — what a great way to end such a beautiful day. (If you watch closely you'll notice one of the resident squirrels running across the screen in the movie trailer.)
Jamie & Justin | Richland Wedding | Anthony's & Tagaris
This was another great wedding at Anthony's Banquet and Event Center. Jamie and Justin got married in mid-July, on another warm day in the Tri-Cities. Jamie and her bridesmaids all got ready together at Illusions Salon in Pasco, a bunch of gorgeous girls! Jamie had an adorable mermaid style dress! They shared their first look near a gazebo along the river and then took photos around Richland and Tagaris Winery. We had planned to shoot at Howard Amon Park in, but it was jam-packed so we scrambled. We called Tagaris Winery — they graciously let us take photos. We were thankful, and they turned out to be some of our favorite shots!
The flowers were all gorgeous red roses, and even though Jamie looks little she must have serious muscles to carry around that bouquet — it was much heavier than it looked! They had a really impressive cake by Frost Me Sweet, we really enjoyed watching them put it together. After the ceremony, the bridesmaids did some fun shots with us — it was the first time we saw a pyramid or the bride being held up by the bridesmaids! Just before sunset we pulled the couple out for a few more photos on the path along the river, an amazing time of night for photos and a beautiful sunset.
Maggi & Eric | Richland Wedding | Anthony's & Columbia Point
We were privileged to take both photos and video of Maggi & Eric's wedding day. It was a beautiful, sunny day in June — not too hot, not too cold. They got ready at the Marriot hotel in Richland — we know it well. We had Eric walk over to Columbia Point Park next to Anthony's to wait for Maggi. Maggi walked up behind him in her stunning dress. Maggi has the most strikingly beautiful eyes! When we looked at pictures of her with her mother and grandmother later, we saw where she'd gotten them. We took them to the area near Rosy's Ice Cream & Diner. The staff at Rosy's graciously allowed us to film and take photos while they shared a sundae (oh man did we want a bite). Anthony's made for a beautiful ceremony and the couple had such touching vows for each other — we love it when the couple brings real meaning to the ceremony.
Leading up to the ceremony, they'd been folding lots of cranes. Towards the end of the ceremony they folded the one-thousandth crane together in honor of her grandmother. Tear-jerker! What a great day!
Elisa & Nathan | Leavenworth Wedding | Orchards
When it comes to weather, Leavenworth in May can be a difficult time. Elisa and Nate had their wedding at the family's home between a beatiful orchard and the Wenatchee River in Leavenworth, Washington. The day started out raining — scary for an outdoor wedding! During the ceremony, though — right in the middle of the vows — the sun broke through and made for the most amazing afternoon sunset. The entire day was incredibly special and family oriented — a huge dose of sweetness lacking in most weddings. We loved capturing the special touches like tiramisu instead of cake, a popcorn machine for the slideshow of the couple, and riding off into the night on mopeds! It was one of those days that shows that it doesn't have to be overly elaborate — or standardized — to be special and memorable!
Marie & Todd | Yakima Wedding | Capitol Theatre & DeAtley Estate
Marie and Todd had a wonderfully unique wedding in Yakima, Washington. They started their day getting ready at a hotel in downtown Yakima. Next they moved to the Capitol Theatre for portraits — we had the theater to ourselves! To transport the wedding party, they rented the Yakima Trolly to get to the Central Lutheran Church for the ceremony. This was a beautiful church with lots of stained glass and open space. The bride's father played violin during the ceremony — how sweet! They piled into the trolly again to reach a gigantic private home overlooking most of Yakima — the DeAtley Estate. Many guests embraced the 1920's theme, wearing era hats and dresses. The atmosphere of the location and live music all contributed to the feel of a different era. A truly amazing and memorable wedding!