How to even describe this tender day? Gerard and Jenny planned a wedding that was the perfect blend of elegant/classy and intimate/laid back. The pure, sweet love that exists between these two creates an undeniable glow, evident to everyone who attended.
I met Gerard and Jenny last year when Gerard reached out to be about taking their engagement photos! We met at Discovery Park, one of my favorite locations in Seattle, and took photos in the chilly but beautiful winter sunshine. I was so inspired by how sweet and tender they were to each other. When I got back in my car that evening, all I could think about was how excited I was to capture their wedding a year later.
Getting ready + first look
J + G chose a cozy airbnb as their venue (big fan of this, by the way). Jenny got ready downstairs with her mom and friend, while Gerard got ready upstairs with all of the boys. As I photographed all the details, laughter and happiness just filled the whole house and I knew from the get-go that it was going to be a wonderful day. After finishing her hair and makeup, Jenny to a moment and had her mom help put on her jewelry. I am a sucker for these mother-daughter moments.
It was pretty misty, with on and off again showers, so we decided to do the first look inside. And I was so happy we did. There was something so special about it all — J + G holding hands around the corner while anxiously waiting to see each other, the cozy atmosphere of the Airbnb, and their moms holding each others' hands while peaking around the corner. When G first saw J, his eyes lit up instantly, inducing a blissful smile from J. I will never get enough first looks — one of my favorite parts of the wedding day.
A cozy ceremony with dearest family and friends
With about ten of their closest family and friends, their ceremony was filled with heartfelt vows and tender emotions. One of my favorite movies of all time is 27 Dresses, with James Marsden and Katherine Heigl. When Jane (Heigl) is asked about what she loves about weddings, she says this:
“You know how the bride makes her entrance and everybody turns to look at her? That's when I look at the groom. 'Cause his face says it all you know?
That quote instantly came to mind when I saw G through my lens. His face said it all, you could almost read his thoughts — how did I get so lucky as to find her? Their vows felt like a perfect recipe — inside jokes, sincere compliments, special memories, and unwavering promises.
Romantic wedding portraits at the airbnb
While there is no denying that grand venues or stunning landscapes make for incredible wedding portraits. However, there is something raw and meaningful about documenting a love story indoors. Maybe it's the ambient lighting or the inherent cozy vibe but these photos of G + J will always be some of my most memorable. We hopped outside for a moment to snap a few and then took shelter back inside. I love getting to capture the "WE JUST GOT MARRIED" smiles.
A happy birthday and delicious sushi
One of the most darling details of this wedding was that it was actually J's birthday! When J told me the reason she wanted to get married on her birthday, I completely melted. On the birthday before she met G, she wished for him to come into her life (not knowing who he would be yet) and her wish came true. So they decided to get married on her birthday. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to J after the ceremony. Can you imagine a better birthday gift??
The couple then treated their guests (and my second shooter and I) to an AMAZING sushi dinner. The sushi chef was incredible. Watching him prepare the sushi fascinating! I had only had sushi (true sushi, not just California rolls) one time before this. And even though I enjoyed it the first time, I have to admit I was a little nervous. But oh my, it was delicious. There were so many different types of sushi and the flavors were so fresh and delectable. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. G + J sat with their friends and family around a round table — enjoying great food and conversation. Scroll through the photos below for a peek!
Nothing Bundt Cake and a private last dance
I am a cake girl THROUGH AND THROUGH. G + J had Nothing Bundt Cake for their wedding cake AND had mini bundt cakes for their guests. Heavennnnnn. I can't say enough about the joy that just bursted out of these two the whole day. There was so much laughter and pure happiness while they cut into their cake and then immediately invited everyone to come have a taste.
G + J were staying at the Airbnb that night. So after cake, everyone packed up their things, gave the newlyweds one last squeeze, and headed home. Which meant it was time for their last dance. Private last dances are raw and real. How special to take a moment to just soak up the last few moments of your wedding? It was such a sweet and romantic way to end the day.
