Bernie, Mike and Beth’s lab mix, is basically my second son. Bernie and Porter have spent a lot of time together and still seem to really miss each other. Fellow dog-lovers will no doubt understand the significance of the next few photos … I love how Bernie gazes at Beth as she has her hair done … and how she touches him gently on the head as he stands before her:

Beth’s mom, Karen, was on an emotional roller-coaster all day – perfect! I hope she doesn’t hate me for posting these … but I love the emotion here.

Beth made all the hair accessories for her and her bridesmaids. I love the peacock feathers, and the teal of the shoes to contrast with the main accent color, red.

Some more favorites – Beth helping her sister Kate with her makeup, then working on her own:

After a sweet first look in the front yard, we gathered up the guys and girls and headed over to Discovery Park, one of Mike and Beth’s favorite places. We started with couples portarits and detail shots:

… then added in the bridal party. These guys scrub up well!

The weather had turned to full-on miserable by this point, but I begged Mike and Beth to let me take a few final shots down by the lighthouse. They were absolutely freezing, but I promised them it would be worth it.

We headed over to Ballard for coffee and pastries at the Dutch Bike Co. I loved this space! It is so very Seattle – a mixed purpose coffee shop and bike store, in a mixed purpose building. All with gorgeous exposed brick and huge windows. Hurray!

Courtney Kroymann, of Designs by Courtney, did a phenomenal job with the bouquets. I especially love the trailing flower ribbon on Beth’s bouquet. I’ve never seen anything quite like this before. I’m a fan!

I’m not sure why, but I love this next photo.

Part two – the gorgeous ceremony and reception at Ray’s Boathouse, all expertly coordinated by our good friend Stacey Jehlik of Breath … Savor the Day – will be along in a few days. If you’ve enjoyed this post, please come over and check out my Facebook page … If you’re a newly engaged couple wanting some kick-ass wedding and engagement photos, view my portfolio here; if you’re more interested in kids and pets, click here; and of course you can always contact me here!

Ali will tell you that she met Trevin – in a roundabout way – because of the show Beauty and the Geek (Trevin’s the “geek” in case you hadn’t guessed … although he’s pretty good lookin’ for a geek).

Trevin will tell you that he met Ali through his extraordinary pie-pimpin’ skills at a friend’s party.  This is also true. 

When these cutie-pies decided it was time to tie the knot, Trevin emailed me about being their photographer. I was totally bummed that I was already booked … apart from anything else, look at them! And … purple shoes and a purple birdcage veil. And … how many people do you know that work it quite so well in front of a camera? Yep, I was bummed.

Still, that’s what day after sessions are for, right? Trevin agrees.

And who knew that public restrooms would make such a fun backdrop for a wide angle portrait? Love this!

We had some fun working the eyes …

And a few last sweet shots of these cuties bathed in the prettiest of Seattle light … sigh.

Thank you both for an awesome afternoon, for rocking it out for my camera, and for bringing the beauty and the geek.  Next time: we’ll drink some beer!  And if you like what you’ve seen here, please come over and like my Facebook page – click right here.  Thanks!

I met with these sweethearts on Ballard Ave on Wednesday afternoon.  They live in the area, and love the street with its cute boutiques and yummy restaurants.  After a few shots there, we headed over to the locks, where Deric proposed.  We found a very pretty garden, and some even prettier light, up on the banks overlooking the water.  Our final stop was Discovery Park.  It was Deric’s first time there – and Becky’s first visit to the bluff area – and they were both blown away by how beautiful it is.  I adore the shots of them in the grasses, and the final ones with the fading hollyhocks.  It was the perfect setting for this cute, funny, happy and utterly loved up couple.  Guys, thank you for a wonderful afternoon, and I can’t wait for round two in Boston in a few short weeks!

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© 2009 Kate McElwee Photography

After a few snaps along Ballard Ave we headed over to beautiful Discovery Park in Magnolia.  The gloomy skies on the drive over didn’t fill me with hope, but in fact the color mix was perfect.  A little moodiness in the sky contrasts so beautifully with warm, golden grasses.  It was at Discovery that Max and Elisa really warmed up to the camera, and I especially love the shots by the purple foxgloves.  So pretty!  Thanks, guys, for trusting my crazy antics, and see you when I fly back for your wedding in December!

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© 2009 Kate McElwee Photography

And Boston is where the lovely Nikki’s husband-to-be Zach currently lives …  He isn’t back in Seattle too often, so when our session came around and we were blessed with the warmest day so far this year, we all breathed a collective sigh of relief and decided to celebrate with ice cream.  After ice creams at Sweet On You, we headed over to Discovery Park in Magnolia for a beautifully sun-drenched hour of wandering, snuggling, kissing and jumping, and even a little alfresco clothes-changing.  It was most awesome.  Thank you Nikki and Zach for your beauty and love, and I hope you enjoy your teasers.

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© 2009 Kate McElwee Photography

© 2009 Kate McElwee Photography

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