Kathryn & Matt chose her aunt and uncle's house as their wedding setting. The lighting was challenging, but the couple was cute as could be. You could see the look of anticipation as the moment built toward their reveal — the "first look." The first look is what we recommend to couples instead of having the reveal postponed until the ceremony. Sure, there's something to be said for the grandeur of waiting, but there are many benefits to seeing each other beforehand: it's more relaxed, you can allow more time for photos, and you're not making your guests wait while you complete your numerous couple, bridal party, and family photos. They were certainly relaxed, and we always appreciate that!
Angie & Brandon's Wedding | The Whitehouse | Coeur d'Alene, ID
Angie & Brandon are one of those couples you know will succeed in marriage. They'll be the ones winning the "anniversary dances" decades down the road. They love to have fun together, and it shows. They're huge swing dancers, and they're amazing! You have to see the movie to check out their moves. The local roller rink, Rollerena Skating Center, let us take some shots after they closed — it was so cool! We also got some fun engagement footage at some fields and a secret local winery. On the day of the wedding, the guys all hung out at Triple Play, riding go karts and playing mini golf. The girls spent time together getting ready at the Blackwell Hotel in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Then it was across the street to The Whitehouse for a perfect outdoor wedding.
They broke out the glow sticks, and along with the live band, the party was on!
Shawna & Liem | Wedding Photos | Clover Island | Kennewick, WA
OK we admit it: taking photos of someone with such stunning eyes and a natural smile makes our jobs easier. And having a couple so obviously relaxed and in love makes our job even less stressful. Shawna & Liem had a beautiful ceremony at the Clover Island lighthouse in Kennewick. A good indicator that this couple is well-loved: there were many, many people who wanted their photos taken with them.
The Clover Island Inn provided the reception (and the prime rib was excellent!). Platinum Entertainment provided outstanding DJ services as usual, and Simplified Celebrations did those amazing flowers you see in our photos — see their wedding page to check out how they match her eyes!
As the reception began, firetrucks arrived! Fortunately it was a false alarm. So what does a photographer do? Take advantage! She donned a firefighter hat and posed on the truck with Liem. So stinkin' cute. Love this couple!
Tara & Nick | Wedding Photos | Kennewick First Methodist | Red Lion Hotel | Kennewick, WA
Tara and Nick are a genuinely sweet couple. Tara began the day getting ready at her parents' beautiful home on the Canyon Lakes golf course. After a short send-off ceremony with her family, everyone headed to Kennewick First Methodist for their beautiful ceremony. Sticking with tradition, Nick first saw Tara as she walked down the aisle. The couple surprised everyone with a belly dancer at the reception, held at the Pasco Red Lion. The crowd loved it! The dancing was unique and some of the most enjoyable we'd seen.
We're so glad they chose us to capture their day!
Kevyn & Eddie | Wedding Photos | St Joe's, Kennewick, WA | Terra Blanca, Benton City
The day began with a bit of stress — At St. Joe's in Kennewick, the wedding before Kevyn & Eddie's looked like it was running an hour late! But the priests did well to move things along, and everything else went according to plan. The extra time provided us more photo opportunities, so we didn't complain. Terra Blanca, as always, provided a multitude of different looks for photos. The Benton City vineyard has stunning views and somehow manages to avoid the worst of the Tri-City winds. Kevyn & Eddie had a gorgeous getaway car, and gave us loads to work with at sunset. So fun!
Becca & Will | Wedding Photos | Connell United Methodist Church | Connell, WA
Thunderstorms and near-record heat weren't going to stop Becca & Will from tying the knot! These die-hard Coug fans had a WSU garter, and the reception was held in a "GO COUGS" farm shed. We knew these two were meant for each other when they admitted that they won't play tennis together: they get too competitive! The wedding at the Connell United Methodist Church went well despite being at capacity in the sanctuary. The minister had told us we couldn't move or use flashes during the ceremony, so it's at these times when we're thankful we have awesome equipment!
We lucked out on light — not only did the thunderstorms stop in time, but the clouds provided a wonderful backdrop. We're excited to share their day!
Jennifer & Brian | Wedding Photos | Central United Protestant Church, Richland, WA
Photographers occasionally get blessed with a bride with a natural smile stuck on her nonstop...and we were lucky to have Jennifer fill this role! Both Jennifer & Brian were terribly fun to work with! This was one of the largest weddings we've ever shot, and they had the fun idea to get a single photo with all of them in the church. Four-hundred people staring at you for the shot. No pressure, right? We're thankful it turned out. :) One of the best ideas we've seen was for the garter toss. Normally, the garter goes 4 feet and guys don't fight for it. Brian wrapped it around a football and, of course, guys compete to catch a football! It's something we'll recommend to many future grooms.
We were able to get just enough time to take them to Leslie Groves park where the dwindling fall color looked amazing. Central United Protestant (CUP) Church made for some challenging lighting but a beautiful venue.
Heather & Ryan | Wedding Photos & Movie | Sleeping Lady Resort, Leavenworth
Heather & Ryan couldn't have picked a hotter day! It was over 100° in Leavenworth, so we limited our time outside and headed for shade whenever possible. The guests were even furnished deep-frozen washcloths for their short ceremony! Sleeping Lady Resort in Leavenworth, Washington provided an astounding backdrop for their day. Winds precluded us from using the helicopter on that day, so we went back on Sunday to get some much-desired establishing shots.
Heather & Ryan had an intimate wedding with family and friends, but that doesn't mean they didn't know how to party! They thoroughly enjoyed their day, and so did we!
Melissa & Kevin Wedding Photos | Stone Ridge Event Center
June in the Tri-Cities is supposed to be sunny, right? Rain threatened every moment of the ceremony! But a little drizzle didn't dampen Melissa & Kevin's spirits. Both the bride and groom appeared to enjoy every moment of their day. Better yet, their kids served as flower girl and ring bearer....both were ridiculously adorable and handled the commotion of a wedding day with aplomb. Despite the occasional rain (and the subsequent scrambles indoors at Stone Ridge Event Center), the day was thoroughly enjoyable. We're sure that Melissa & Kevin will continue as great parents and perfect partners for each other.
Ruth & Chris' Wedding Movie & Photos | Benton City | Christ the King & Terra Blanca Winery
Talk about a fun couple! Ruth & Chris' wedding at Chris the King Catholic Church was sweet, but the real fun was watching them get ready and afterward at Terra Blanca Winery. Chris' letter to Ruth made us want to cry, and it certainly did the trick on Ruth. We got a chance to use our remote-controlled helicopter a few times — check out the movie below to see the footage! We were so happy to have been a part of this wedding. We're thankful to Ruth & Chris, and we wish them the best in their life together!
