Essential Stuff

Lindsey and Tim had a short notice, and then a small window, in which to get married.  They weren’t sure if the military would grant Tim leave, but they planned the wedding on the faith that he would get the time off.  And then, a month or so before the wedding, he got the leave.  But only for a week.  So he flew from Japan, they had a quick ceremony in Olympia, and then they held a second ceremony and reception in Spokane.

But it all came together nicely.  And Lindsey surprised Tim by wearing a vintage, dazzling red evening gown.  It seemed to go quite nicely with the formal military white uniform and the elegant surroundings of the Falls Room at the Masonic Temple, with its gorgeous brick walls, glossy black floors, and balcony with a sunset view.  The dancing was a lot of fun, too, complete with a memorable, wig-aided rendition of YMCA.  Click here for a gallery of photographs from the wedding day.

Kendra and Rhett were married at Lake Chelan, and it ended up that, for me, getting to Lake Chelan proved to be the most difficult part of the day.  Google maps sent me on a little dirt road through fields, across gullies, over mountain passes, past “Closed To Thru Traffic” signs, and down deep ravines.  Then, when I got right across from Chelan, with only the lake in the way, I discovered that the bridge was closed.  Fortunately, I always plan for little emergencies, and, with the help of some of Rhett’s cousins, I made it to the wedding in plenty of time.

The rest of the day was easy.  My job was capture Kendra and Rhett enjoying themselves and looking good, and on this day, that was a very easy task indeed.

There are some people who don’t understand why I love weddings so much.  Check out the gallery of photographs from the wedding, and maybe you’ll see.  There is drama, and joy, and first glimpses with tears, and anticipation, and community, with sisters and aunts and moms all tying the flowers before the ceremony, and tender caresses, and cupcake-tossing uncles, scenic backdrops, and wind that can knock small-boned photographers over, and heart-felt speeches, and beautiful brides and handsome grooms, and dances under a gorgeous sky.  And sometimes, it all happens in a single day.  And it’s absolutely magical.

Sara and Matt got married on a sprawling farm complex, with pond, fields, recreation center, stables, and lots of beautiful trees and grounds.  They had their guests arrive early for a happy hour, so the guests could enjoy the surroundings and each other before the ceremony, which I thought was a really nice touch.  And I loved shooting out there–surrounded by fields.

And the above picture is them, right after the ceremony, as they walked to the receiving line.  It’s one of my favorite pictures of the summer.  I love their expressions of pure happiness.  I like the detail of the guy in the background, taking a picture.  And I like how connected they are, holding hands, and Sara holding Matt’s arm.  It was a delightful moment.

The reception was fun, too, with excellent food, lots of conversing, and, as was repeatedly pointed out, no curfew.  Some of the highlights of Sara and Matt’s day can be found in this gallery of wedding photographs.