There is something magical about a Vashon Island Summer Wedding.
Wedding on Vashon Island
Homeowners Jamie and Cierra began setting up flower beds for this occasion last summer, when they purchased their Vashon property and, in the same week, agreed to host Gianna and Matt’s Vashon Island wedding. Jamie is Matt’s best friend and the person who introduced the bride and groom. Vashon is a quirky, creative community full of DIY-ers, and the celebration reflected that local strain in many of the details of the day. All of the flowers were grown in Dockton, Vashon Island by the lovely hosts, and arranged by the team of Jamie’s wife, mother, and grandmother. The doors making up the ceremonial archway were salvaged from an island property, and they were painted by Ted Kutscher (local Vashon artist, attorney, and Gianna’s first boss and professional mentor).
Italian Wedding on Vashon Island
Both bride and groom grew up on Vashon, and so they had an army of family and friends volunteering use of their bars, tents, sound equipment, vases, votives, and most of all, their time, to help the day come to life. Even the professional rental company, Alexander Party Rentals, is owned by family friends. I was the only vendor that day that did not have a prior connection to the bride & groom, but I quickly felt like I was part of the family. The occasion was made possible by, and a celebration of, their Vashon community. The day started with the first rain in weeks, but by the late afternoon the bride and groom greeted arriving guests for a cocktail hour under clear skies. The bride’s father officiated the ceremony, alongside the bride’s 5-year-old nephew, whose participation in the ceremony was adorable, although unplanned. As you see in the photos, he was also my second shooter. After the ceremony, the bride and groom, along with their siblings and friends jumped into action, delivering platters of various pasta dishes to the guests for family-style dining. Pies baked on Vashon were self-serve, and guests took home candied almonds, an Italian wedding tradition. The family kicked off the dancing with “Mambo Italiano,” and the bride and groom danced with friends and family into the night. When the rain returned later in the evening, those on the dance floor stood their ground. Guests watched on from the adjacent tent, cozy on couches and under cover, while the bride and groom danced in the rain surrounded by family and friends in soaked party clothes.
Seattle Wedding Photographer
If you are planning your own wedding in Seattle or the Pacific Northwest, I would be honored to be your photographer. Together, we can create a beautiful visual story that reflects your love and captures the essence of your wedding day. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I’m here to make sure those precious memories last forever.
If these images inspire you, let’s connect and chat about the magic you wish to create on your wedding day. You can contact me here for more information. My pricing for Seattle wedding photography can be found here.
