After a very emotional first look (Zach bawled his eyes out, yeah!) the fifteen of us hopped onto a party bus and zoomed around some of my all time favorite photo spots …  Pioneer Square (love the shots of Nikki and Zach with the umbrella from Bella Umbrella) … City Hall (that red wall is rad!) … and last but most definitely not least, the sculpture park.  I was expecting the rain to start pouring down again at any moment, but it somehow stayed sunny right until we got back to The Harbor Club for the family photos – someone must have been smiling down on my last summer wedding in Seattle, that’s all I can think.

The ceremony was beautiful.  It’s a tough room to photograph – totally back lit with huge windows – but I love a challenge.    There were lots of tears and even more smiles as Zach and Nikki read their vows – a theme that continued throughout the evening.  Cocktail hour was busy and buzzy and dinner was fantastic.  I’d forgotten just how good the Harbor Club food is … yum!  After dinner we had toasts, including three of the best toasts I’ve ever heard from Zach’s three brothers, and yet more smiles and tears through the first dances.  Perfect!  We finished the evening with a very quick photobooth in the hallway while Brian from Good Times DJ got the party started in the main room (he totally rocks – check him out if you’re looking for a DJ).  Zach and Nikki, thank you both for an amazing day, and thank you for waiting so patiently for your teasers.  Oh!  And don’t forget to check out the highlights slideshow – click here.

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© 2009 Kate McElwee Photography

There was so much about this wedding that I loved; starting the day with Erin, her bridesmaids and mom in the most relaxing and fun atmosphere at the gorgeous Arctic Club Hotel … the light in there was fab, and I loved how genuine and friendly everyone was.  I definitely felt like part of the family.  Working with two of my favorite ladies in the business was such a treat: Erin Skipley at Bellatrix Studio and Alexa at Fiore Blossoms did such an amazing job, as always, and it was fun catching up on the gossip.

The boys were utter goofballs and totally adorable at the same time.  It tickled me watching them trying to get into their ties and fix the boutonnieres – and all the while Bernie was getting more and more nervous (cute!)  One of my favorite moments all day was watching Bernie open the card from Erin.  I’m not sure if you’ll be able to read it in the slideshow, but the card says, “My Heart … My Life … And one, maybe two, of my french fries”.

The day was beautiful and emotional – too much to tell here (but be sure to watch the slideshow for the highlights).  Of course, I couldn’t sign off without mentioning Erin’s amazing handmade purple veil (WOW – I almost died when I saw it!) … or the amusing objects pulled out of her dress during the garter toss (my favorite was probably the rubber chicken) … or the beautifully touching vows (I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the house by the end of the ceremony).  Thank you for a beautiful day, for trusting a fellow Seattle Flickrite to take your photos, and for your patience over the last 10 days!  Enjoy the teasers below and the highlights slideshow over here.

Click on the thumbnails to see the full photos, then navigate with the arrow keys.  And don’t forget to check out the slideshow!

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© 2009 Kate McElwee Photography