This is the busiest weekend I’ve ever had, with two weddings, three boudoir sessions and an engagement shoot all in the space of one long weekend … but it started perfectly last Thursday with Colleen and Chris’ tiny yet utterly amazing wedding at Discovery Park.
I met with Colleen at 4:30 for some getting ready photos … and, well, to help her get ready! In her room at The Edgewater, I took snaps of her making the final touches to her hair and makeup and I helped her into her simple, beautiful gown.
Simple and beautiful was the theme for their wedding; with just two good friends, John and Lena, and their pastor Bill, flown up from Arizona, they had the smallest wedding that I’ve ever photographed, and they kept it perfectly simple with three locations: The Edgewater, Post Alley and Discovery Park. We headed from the hotel to Post Alley for their first look. I loved the reactions that Chis and Bill got, wandering through the market with a bunch of flowers and two smart suits … and Colleen and I got a similar response (maybe it was something to do with my new super-short haircut!)
I love how people react to brides in public places – these students made our afternoon!
After a few shots around the market, we headed west to Discovery Park. I was somewhat shocked to find out that they hadn’t actually visited the park after I’d recommended it to them as a possible location for their ceremony! But after seeing it they were glad they hadn’t – they loved the spontaneity of just showing up there, and they both seemed to be pretty blown away by its natural beauty.
I love the emotion in this photo, moments before the ceremony. They had just found the perfect spot for their vows in the middle of a meadow, overlooking the Sound.
After much cheering and jumping and the best end of ceremony kiss ever, there were bubbles!
Bubbles, followed by more bubbles, and toasts!
After some formals (not pictured) and some non-formals (the photos above) we headed back to the parking lot. John and Lena had managed to sneak off earlier and decorate the rental truck with flowers and a ‘just married’ sign – it was super cute! Then we all bundled down to the lighthouse for some final couple portraits.
After an amazing afternoon, Chis and Colleen treated us all to a wonderful dinner at the Six Seven restaurant at The Edgewater. I ate the most amazing tuna and mango ceviche, and enjoyed spending time with some very generous, welcoming and inspiring new friends. Thank you Bill, John, Lena, Colleen and Chris for including me in such an amazing and unique wedding. I look forward to our reunion, wherever and whenever that may be.
© 2008 Kate McElwee Photography
Officiant: Bill, a close friend
Ceremony Location: Discovery Park
Dinner and Getting Ready Location: The Edgewater
Her Dress: David’s Bridal
His Attire: Men’s Warehouse
by Kate
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