Tag Archives: Olympia wedding

A Pacific Northwest Wedding in the Fall, It Doesn’t Get Better Than This! {Fernbrook Wedding, Olympia, WA}

Fall is absolutely one of the most incredible seasons in the PNW.  The crisp mornings give way to luxuriously warm afternoons, just in time to turn crisp again for the evening, calling for fires in the hearth.  Ashley and Keith celebrated their wedding day with one of those perfect falls days.  Set along sweeping views of Mt. Rainer and the Puget Sound, sweet “I Do’s” were exchanged in the presence of dear friends and family.  These wildly brave souls took it to the next level by stepping INTO the Puget Sound, wedding attire and all, to allow for some gorgeous images.  I just love when clients have a crazy fun idea!  Thanks for allowing me to celebrate with you!  Cheers to years of happy times! xo_DSC3960 _DSC3985 _DSC3996 _DSC4022 _DSC4054 _DSC4105 _DSC4117 _DSC4185 _DSC4194 _DSC4210 _DSC4233 _DSC4235 _DSC4256 _DSC4288 _DSC4379 _DSC4384 _DSC4396 _DSC4416 _DSC4509 _DSC4551 _DSC4662 _DSC4720 _DSC4727 _DSC4743 _DSC4754 _DSC5527 _DSC5530 _DSC5533 _DSC5542 _DSC5553 _DSC5571 _DSC5589 _DSC5661 _DSC5684Olympia we

Intimate Autumnal Wedding Celebration {Olympia, WA}

Autumn is absolutely my favorite time of the year.  The robust colors, the slowing down, the smell of fires filling crisp evenings–an entirely different set of sensory experiences from summer. When Jeff and Jill asked me to photograph their wedding on the Autumnal Equinox, I was thrilled.  They have such an incredible relationship–thoughtful, caring and deeply loving.  Their ceremony was filled with such tenderness and authentic promises, I couldn’t keep the tears from flowing.  I would click my shutter and swipe away the stream running down my face.  It was so perfect.  Jill looked like she stepped right out of the set of Mad Men–her sophisticated elegance perfectly matched her calm intent.  The day was a bit blustery to start, but the raindrops gave way to one the those rare evenings where the sunlight hangs like a golden mist.  Guests gathered close to share an exquisite salmon dinner, music and conversation.  A wonderful way to usher in the changing season and begin a newly united life.  Congratulations Jeff and Jill, thank you for allowing me to capture your beautiful celebration. xxoo

20 Years in Love {Olympia, WA Wedding}

Friends and family gathered to celebrate Wendy & Cam’s 20th anniversary–this time with a wedding thrown into the mix.  It was a lustrous, warm afternoon–the kind of day that stretches it’s warmth into the evening, only to be quickly replaced by that distinct Autumn chill.  Set in their charming backyard, accented with ripe plums dangling like sweet ornaments, Wendy and Cam exchanged vows on the back steps of their home standing alongside both of their sweet daughters.  Full of humor and tenderness, these two amazing people acknowledged the many years of commitment they have shared and promised one another many more.  It was honest, funny and full of gratitude–gratitude for their families, for their community and for one another.  I was so very proud to have been asked to document this important occasion : )  I think their smiles say it all… Cheers to another 20 years!! xoxo

 

 

 

 

A Gorgeously Sassy Bride, a Handsome Groom, a Lovely Sunny Saturday and a Sprinkling of Tequila = One Awesomely Fun Mexican Themed Wedding {Olympia Wedding}

 

For true Olympia natives, Lakefair is a week of carnival rides, fair food, parades and fireworks–and it marks the midpoint of summer.  For Haley and Rob, Lakefair will now hail their wedding anniversary! It was a perfect day, sunny and the right amount of wind.  Under the shade of ancient trees in the backyard of Rob’s family home, sweet promises were made. Once the formalities were completed, it was onto some serious celebrating! The fiesta lasted well into the night fueled by great music, delicious food, and maybe just a tiny bit of tequila…. ayyyyyyyiyiyyiii!!!  Love these two and the AWESOME friends and family!  Thanks for allowing me to capture the crazy fun of your wedding day : ) xo

 

One Perfectly Matched Couple {Union Station, Tacoma, WA}

Saturday’s weather sampling was perfectly timed for the events planned on Sarah and Mike’s wedding day.  It rained when we were indoors (and I mean RAINED) and then clouds parted and the sun appeared at precisely the most perfect moments, with a radiant glow piercing through the windows and lighting the Chihuly glass sculptures like fireworks. It was so devastatingly lovely.  The atmospheric sounds of Sigur Ros rose into the cathedral ceiling as the wedding party made their entrance, and entrancing it was. So very sweet to witness such tenderness in a couple.

Congrats you two!! I’m looking forward to sharing a bevvie with you at the Sigur Ros concert on the lovely grass field at McMenamins Edgefield later this summer. xo

Northwest Wanderings…Trails, Meadows and the Shore– Engagement Portrait Session {Discovery Park, Seattle, WA}

It was such a gorgeous day last Monday.  Thankfully the happy rays continued right into the early evening for my engagement session with Collete and Ryan.  These two are so darling!  They love Discovery Park, so we planned to meet and explore.  Collete has the most amazing copper hued honey hair and skin that is literally luminous.  I couldn’t wait to photograph her!  And Ryan has this easy surfer vibe, mellow and agreeable–though he only surfs the snow…  We wandered through the park, leisurely making our way down to the beach.  What a treat.  With windswept hair and relaxed smiles, we wandered along the shore, taking in the ridiculously beautiful view.  Oh, just another Monday in the Northwest… Dang I love living here!!


The Baby Gets Married! Schmidt Mansion, Olympia, WA

My younger brother Zachary was married this past Saturday–the baby of a family of six kids, of which four of those older siblings are sisters.  When he was little we would drag him around on our hips, put him in dresses and generally dote on him.  He was such a funny little kid, razor wit and humor, even at four. And he still is completely hilarious.  I know that’s one thing Desiree loves about him… we all do! Who doesn’t like to laugh?

Zach proposed to his bride Desiree last year when we were all on holiday in Maui.  It was so special to be able to share that with them, and to celebrate their engagement in such a stunning place.

Their wedding day was glorious–absolutely perfect sunny weather.  One of those days in the Northwest that helps us to remember why we endure the long gray months of fall, winter and most of spring (ha).

It was a lovely ceremony and GREAT party!  I love being with all of my siblings–they are all creative, expressive and so dang fun.  It was A LOT of family time time this weekend, but surprisingly drama free! I hope Zach and Desiree are stretched out on a Mexican beach sipping margaritas about now…  Too bad I couldn’t convince them to take me along for Honeymoon photo coverage!  DSC_5999-EditDSC_6005-EditDSC_6026-EditDSC_6042-EditDSC_6049-EditDSC_6051-EditDSC_6095-EditDSC_6111-EditDSC_6127-EditDSC_6162-EditDSC_6164-EditDSC_6186-EditDSC_6190-EditDSC_6212-EditDSC_6223-EditDSC_6277-EditDSC_6284-EditDSC_6294-EditDSC_6305-EditDSC_6311-EditDSC_6316-EditDSC_6346-EditDSC_6368-EditDSC_6378-EditDSC_6390-EditDSC_6391-EditDSC_6395-EditDSC_6396-EditDSC_6398-EditDSC_6451-EditDSC_6457-EditDSC_6496-EditDSC_6502-EditDSC_6777-EditDSC_7019-EditDSC_7160-EditDSC_7333-EditDSC_7345-EditDSC_7350-EditDSC_7626-EditDSC_7631-Edit

University of Washington does more than educate…it nurtures young love

I first met Danielle when she was starting her senior year of high school at Tumwater High School.  We wandered along Tumwater Falls Park snapping photos and talked of her future, of college plans and wanting to attend the University of Washington. She was a sweet, bright and excited young woman.  I knew that she would find success in her college years with that combination.  And she did, as well as find an adorable young man with the same sweet spirit and exuberance for life.  DSC_8277-Edit

Jamie waited patiently to see his gorgeous bride.

DSC_8304-EditShe was worth the wait…DSC_8318-EditThe had some of the funniest touches during their wedding.  Guests were entertained before the ceremony with a multi-media show–a slideshow and mini movie that had people laughing one minute and tearing up the next.  Well done!DSC_8366-EditDSC_8373-EditThere was a break in the sprinkling rain and we dashed outside to capture some autumn afternoon photos.  #9997DSC_8395-EditThe perfect amount of sun popped through to help make parasol magic.
DSC_8407-EditDSC_8460-EditDSC_8478-EditAnd the fall colors soaked up every ray of sun and sent the glorious honey filled tones right back to me.DSC_8925-EditJamie shared one of his favorite passages.  Lovely to see such deeply spiritual people.DSC_8946-EditAnd one last moment with her Dad before heading down the aisle.  Nothing but smiles…DSC_9029-EditHeading into the reception, we had to stop for a quick twirl : )DSC_9294-EditAnd the last shot of the night reveals the silly side.  Danielle and Jamie kept the stoic expression despite the frivolity around them. Way to pull that shot off!  Loved LOVED capturing your day.  Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you two… xoxo CortneyDSC_9631-Edit

Glorious Fall Wedding at Alderbrook Resort, Union, WA

Autumn in the northwest can be as close to perfect as it gets…when the weather cooperates.  For Missy and Matt’s wedding in early October, Alderbrook Resort in Union, Washington was utterly glorious.  Something the die hard Northwesterners don’t eagerly share with out of towners– needless to say, their California guests were loving every second of it–with group hikes and golfing excursions planned, along with lots of leisure time.  The pace of the day was unhurried, just how I like it. Plenty of time to capture the many details of their day.#5967Matt’s childhood baby bonnet was tucked into Missy’s bouquet.  #5972#5992And the Rock of Gilbrater, a family heirloom, found it’s place around Missy’s neck after spending some time with Moet & Chandon…#6015Missy’s Dad quickly teared up seeing her in the gown.
#6086#6088And family members were lovingly adorned with bursts of fall color.#6112#6126Everyone needed just a smidge of lips…#6184#6202And the nervous bride took a moment before heading out to the dock to see her groom.#6207#6214Just a tiny bit happy…#6228And a tiny bit nervous…#6239#6246And then a LOT happier…#6303#6347Her God-daughter was the picture perfect flower girl.  Those curls could possibly be illegally adorable.#6460#6515And the groomsmen, well, they were ready with their “Fire Powah”#6570A dash of Charlie’s Angels.
#7023And how often do you have Secret Service men as your groom attendants?#7039These tackle ball fans paid tribute with their cake.  USC and WSU colors fit perfectly with the fall theme.
#7098#7117And  an adorable harpist set the tone for cocktail hour by the water.#7148The night wore on and true colors began to emerge…a sense of humor is an absolute necessity when entering marriage.  Can I get a HOLLA?  Congrats Missy and Matt–enjoy California but you’ll be back… : ) xox Cortney#8071

Neither Rain nor Sleet will dampen this Wedding! Northwest Wedding, Olympia, WA

#1822When planning an outdoor wedding in the Northwest, there is one gamble that looms large…the weather. Jeff and Kelly had a wonderful, intimate September wedding with close friends in their secluded slice of heaven, nestled in the forrest.  #1925Just one little tweak to their plan, rain.  But as true Northwesterners, the rain was simply a well moisturizing addition to the fun of their celebration. #1853 Kelly walked shyly down the aisle as raindrops softly fell around her.#2014As she took her place next to her teary eyed groom, it was as if they were the only two people in the world.  They did more than smile one another, they radiated love.  #2198It was such a sweet ceremony, with a quick retreat down the aisle guests made their way to the shelter of the tents, decorated in perfect fall fashion.#2484#2490I was so glad we had the barn to setup the photo booth area.  #2478As the evening drew to a close, Jeff serenaded his lovely bride, all as the rain continued to softly fall. Congratulations Kelly and Jeff! Thanks for allowing me to capture the sweetness… xoxo#2848