Kate McElwee Photography

Saturday December 20th was my 30th birthday … You may think I’m crazy, but I agreed to photograph a wedding that day, and you know what?  I can’t tell you how happy I am that I did!  Rosemary and Ray had the perfect Christmas wedding, complete with cozy wood fires, candles galore, gorgeous red rose petals and even a fabulous flurry of snow.

The entire event took place at the beautiful Sorrento Hotel on First Hill, and I arrived early in the day to cover Rosemary and her sisters getting ready in the magnificent penthouse suite.  It was fun hanging out with the girls, and watching Erin Skipley work her magic.  Of course, the highlight of the day for me was when Rosemary presented me with a tray of birthday cupcakes - I had to fight back the tears!  They were utterly gorgeous and very tasty (in fact, I’m still working my way through them!)

After a very sweet first look and some family formals in the penthouse, it was time for the ceremony.  It was incredibly emotional and I’m so happy that I caught so many wonderful tear-filled glances from Rosemary to her new husband.  During the cocktail hour, we snuck outside and had a quick play in the snow (freezing cold but so pretty) then it was back inside for the party.

Thank you Rosemary and Ray for a beautiful, warm and emotional evening.  It was also a huge honor being able to work with what can only be described as the A-list of Seattle wedding vendors: Aria Style (who provided the amazingly sumptuous decor - check out all those flowers), Merry Beth Turpin of Aisle of View (she is a phenomenal coordinator AND the most delightful lady to hang out with!), Aaron Horton (videographer extraordinaire and total sweetheart), and my favorite musicians in town, The Michael Benson Band.  I also want to give my assistant/second shooter Fiona a big shout-out - most of the photobooth photos below are her work and she has been an utter delight to work with over the last few months.  Thank you Fiona!  And finally … here are some photos! Be sure to check out the highlights slideshow at the end too. Enjoy!

Last Saturday, I headed west to Discovery Park for Alysia and Philip’s wedding at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center. Despite the gloomy cold weather, and the fact that the timeline had flown out the window before I even stepped in the door, Alysia was beaming and giggling all day … in fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever worked with such a joyously happy bride!

After a few shots around the venue, I joined the girls at a friend’s house just outside the park to cover their getting ready time.  The atmosphere was great, and I love all the photos of Alysia getting into her dress.  So happy!  Then it was back into the park for some shots of the guys, then straight into the first look.  These are some of my favorite photos of the day - and doesn’t Philip scrub up well?  He too was bubbly and charming all day - they made such a cute couple to photograph!

After a super speedy ceremony (less than five minutes long according to my EXIF data!) there was tasty barbecue for dinner, then speeches, cake-cutting and some beautifully emotional first dances.   The last couple of hours were spent photoboothing - and the booth sure was a hit with this crowd!  Thank you, Philip and Alysia, for including me in your day, and I hope you all enjoy the teaser photos and slideshow!