To start this story I have to mention that I have known Allison since I was about 13 years old! (Crazy right?!) We met while in Dog 4-H, we both had Golden Retrievers and a passion for our beloved animals. Allison and I went our separate ways in our late teens and early twenties but we kept an eye on each other via social media.

It was such a pleasant surprise when one day she reached out and told me she was engaged and looking for a wedding photographer! Of course, I was over the moon excited for her and her fiance Dylan. We met up for coffee at Moe’s in Downtown Arlington to discuss her vision for the wedding. She told me that she just wanted something: low key, casual, comfortable and stress-free.

Originally we had planned to have the ceremony at Washington Overlook Pass but two weeks prior to the event date, it was brought to our attention that there may still be snow on the trails and that the park expected a high volume of foot traffic this weekend. That being said, we had to pivot.

Allison and Dylan came up with the brilliant idea to have their micro-wedding/elopement at a family friends house on Lopez Island. (Located in the San Juans). I did not really know what the venue looked like, but I was up for the challenge and I was sure that their day was going to be beautiful regardless of location.

The day came, my sister and I got in the car and headed towards Anacortes where we met the bridal party in the parking lot. After exchanging laughs and excitement for the day to come, we boarded the ferry towards Lopez Island. My sister, Kelsey, and I had a few hours before events began and we went to set up our campsite because there was no late night ferry to catch after the wedding. Once the tent was up and sleeping bags rolled out, we headed to the house.

This stunning property overlooked the water, had a beautiful deck where the ceremony would be held and an incredible bedroom where Allison would be getting ready. I was in awe of how the light came through the many windows, creating some epic shadows which I played with during the detail photos!

Allison and Dylan shared their first look by a bench that their family and friends have nicknamed “sappy bench” because they often go there to look over the water and sit with their thoughts. After the first look, Allison went to have a moment with her father before the ceremony began. Their officiant (who owned the home and was a longtime family friend) began the ceremony. It was short and sweet, surrounded by family, friends, their current dog Tikka and their previous dogs ashes. They always dreamt of having their old dog with them at the ceremony but she unfortunetly she passed in the year prior.

From the ceremony we went into family photos, first dances and dinner. Dinner included burgers made with beef they had raised together along with quite possibily some of the best potato salad I have ever had! After dinner, we did some private photos around the property and ended the night by the fire where Allison and Dylan used their brand to put a mark on their first hide together.

It was a special day filled with so many laughs, tears, beautiful views and so much love. I am so thankful that these two invited me to be apart of their intimate day.

xoxo