Laura Marchbanks Photography: Seattle Wedding Photography, Seattle Wedding Photographer, Portland Wedding Photography, and San Francisco Commercial and Lifestyle Photography » WEDDINGS

Glenn and Madeline – Salish Lodge Elopement – Part 2

Laura — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:01:01 +0000

Surrounded by their closest friends and family, Glenn and Madeline took the vow to love one another in this life and beyond. Their intimate ceremony said it all, the focus was between the two of them, and the love they share. It’s not difficult to see the adoration between them, they laugh easily, sharing a sense of humor that is unmatched. They’re silly, affectionate, and downright appreciative of what each person brings to the relationship.

I absolutely love the location they chose to say their “I do’s”. Salish Lodge is 100% Northwest. Overlooking Snoqualmie Falls, the hotel, spa, and restaurant are unmatched. They day was winterish, a frigid temperature of 20 when I pulled into the hotel, but Glenn and Madeline didn’t bat an eyelash, they headed out and braved the cold with me.

Glenn and Madeline,

Thank you for including me in your day. I am incredibly honored to have been there among the few to witness your devotion and commitment to each other. It was a blast tromping around the grounds with you!

Wishing you both the best,
Laura

I think this image says it all. It’s Glenn seeing his bride Madeline in her wedding dress for the first time as she walks toward him. One of my favorite moments hands down.

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Justin and Kelsey – Sodo Park Wedding

Laura — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:30:55 +0000

Not a nerve, only calm confidence. She slipped on her Jim Hjelm gown, and her attendants slaved over the perfect bow tying and retying until it hung exactly right. She steadied herself and slid her feet into her adorable Kate Spade heels. They sparkled as much as her smile. Jenny touched up her makeup and Kristal put the final pins in her hair… Kelsey just laughed easily and talked about her excitement for the evening. Ready and waiting almost an hour early for her time to see Justin, Kelsey was the vision of perfection.

Justin and Kelsey…. so sweet, so endearing, so in love. Where one of them lets go, the other picks up. Kelsey would describe her husband as shy. He’s more of the strong silent type, where Kelsey couldn’t be more opposite. Her bubbly little personality warms you to the core from the moment you meet. They are each others’ perfect compliment. We broke into what makes them tick at their springtime engagement session. It had me anxious for more!

Justin carried his father’s pocket watch. A charming heartfelt memento of a father I’m sure would be so proud of his son on his wedding day.

We headed to the roof of Hotel 1000 for their first look, and some stunning Seattle views. If you’ve been a long time reader of my blog you know how much I love the first look. From my own experience, to watching other couples share this intimate moment… I just think they’re amazing.

Kelsey’s favorite flower… and I can see why… made for a STUNNING bouquet. Flown in from some rare South American location and then artfully assembled by Maureen at Posh.

These girls call themselves Alvin and the chipmunks. So allow me to introduce you to Simon, Alvin and Theodore. :-)

So sweet…

I must say… Herban Feast really outdoes themselves everytime. I absolutely adore them.

Justin and Kelsey’s all star lineup:

Venue: Sodo Park by Herban Feast

Coordinator: Bobbi Roth Wedding Design

Floral: Posh Wedding Flowers

DJ: Adam Tiegs, Adam’s DJ Service

Lighting: Adam Tiegs, Adam’s DJ Service

Dress: Jim Hjelm, La Belle Elaines

Hair: Kristal Locke, Lockes on Location

Makeup: Jenny Bowker Makeup

Getting Ready location: Hotel 1000

Cake: Ashleigh Stebner

Officiant: Rev. Ray Van Winkle

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Bryce and Annicca – Pine River Ranch Wedding – Part 2

Laura — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:13:08 +0000

We left you yesterday with the first half of this detailed filled, stunning fall wedding at Pine River Ranch in Leavenworth, Washington. Here are few of our favorite reception details we captured for Bryce and Annicca… Enjoy!

Bryce and Annicca,

It was so AWESOME being your photographer for this amazing day. I enjoyed every minute!! Your bridal party? TOPS… seriously, tops the charts. They were a handful yes, but felt like old friends at the end of the night. Thank you for making us feel like family, and putting so much into your day, it was a visual feast! We wish you both the very very best in life and love, and can’t wait to see what life has in store for you!
Warmly,
Laura

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Bryce and Annicca – Pine River Ranch Wedding – Part 1

Laura — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:43:33 +0000

Whew!! This was an amazing wedding my friends. You might remember Bryce and Annicca from their recent engagement session we did at Discovery Park. These two lovebirds completely overdid themselves when it came to prepping for their September wedding at Pine River Ranch. Settled in a light filled valley just above Leavenworth, Pine River Ranch is one of those places that completes wedding dreams. With the help of some very dedicated family and friends, Bryce and Annicca (and their u-haul) were able to bring their vision to life. It’s been a challenge to bring this post to you because I probably selected over 200 images to share, it was THAT fabulous! Instead, I’m splitting it up into two posts, so wet your palate on this half, and tomorrow we’ll feast on reception details.

Shazaam! Annicca!!! You are stunning!

ummm seriously?

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Brian and Roberta – Semiahmoo Wedding Photographer

Laura — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:59:27 +0000

Meeting that someone in this fast paced world is easily one of the most difficult tasks we face. It’s always heart warming to hear the stories of my couples and how they connect and find each other. Because every story begins differently, I believe this process of how we connect and fall in love is what makes our family history unique and innately interesting. Brian and Roberta managed to find each other in a sea of other potential matches, more than found each other… they managed to fall in love and have a beautiful baby.

They tied the knot at one of my favorite venues, Semiahmoo Resort, on a gorgeous summer day surrounded by their closest family and friends. Roberta is Canadian (have I mentioned lately that I LOVE Canadians?), so the blend of cultures and accents was sublime. Her lovely taste is translated seamlessly in the elegant summery decor, and the beautiful view of the water and Canada just across the way is the cherry on top.

Brian and Roberta,

Thank you for your ease and hospitality and welcoming me into your family for the day. I had a wonderful afternoon photographing you, your family and friends.

I wish you all the best in life and love.

Warmly,

Laura

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Eric and Jesse – The Ranch on Beaver Creek – Salem Wedding Photographer

Laura — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 18:33:47 +0000

He knew right away. She was gorgeous, put together, athletic and did I mention she was a Beaver fan? The first time they met, he knew.

Billy and Eric have been friends for years. They both grew up in the small town of Yoncalla, Oregon, population practically nothing. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it. The kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and if you didn’t move there recently you’re probably distantly related to the person you’re dating. Those who are smart, leave the stump to find their soul mate. We were all a little concerned about Eric until we met Jesse, if I’m being perfectly honest here. He was a little too nice and attracted all the wrong kinds of women, but I suppose to be fair… at least they weren’t related to him.

The minute Billy and I met Jesse, we started in on Eric to propose. Sorry Jesse! ;-) She was perfect for him… maybe a little too perfect. Sweeter than sugar, easy to talk to, and she was already dating him so he had a leg up! She fit in with his friends, was smart, interesting, and loved the same sports team… can you imagine a Duck dating a Beaver? Me neither.

Eric and Jesse held hands and vowed their love and commitment to each other on a gorgeous summer day at The Ranch on Beaver Creek in Lebanon, Oregon. Little touches of Beaver orange are here and there, and the most important element, their friends and family were abound. It was a wonderful celebration of these two and their perfect mix. So extremely happy to say that Eric and Jesse are now husband and wife!

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Ben and Nancy – Leavenworth Wedding Photographer

Laura — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:33 +0000

Ben and Nancy said “I do” in the stunning location of Beecher Hill House near Leavenworth, Washington on a gorgeous Saturday in August. Amongst rolling hillsides of apple and pear orchards, Beecher Hill House sits like a proud old giant, overseeing it’s years of hard work.

Ben and Nancy celebrated in true “Ben and Nancy” style. Friends and family traveled from afar to see the two pledge their love for each other, but the celebration didn’t end there. The bride makes her appearance in white and transitions to red, scrumptious food, dancing, the hills painted with sunset, scotch tasting bar, and cigars make the evening one I’m not soon to forget.

Ben and Nancy,

Thank you for your incredible hearts and hospitality. It was a pleasure being there with you for your day. I can’t wait to hear about your incredible honeymoon adventures!

xo,

Laura

Loving when my clients choose to do a first look… it always takes my breath away!

Nancy…. WOWZA… that’s all.

And this….

Pretty much sums it up.

I think I was “Bobbed” by this guy all night. But it’s cool because he let me take this uber invasive portrait of him, and he had cool glasses.

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Ryan and Madeline – Palace Ballroom Wedding – Part 2

Laura — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 21:54:50 +0000

Part two of Ryan and Madeline’s celebration brings us into the charming Belltown area of Seattle to the Palace Ballroom. This fabulous venue is not just another gorgeous space for a wedding. It’s made doubly awesome by the simple fact that it’s owned and operated by the ever-so-fabulous team at Tom Douglas. The night went off without a hitch. Family-style-out-of-this-world-food, family, friends, dancing, and plenty of Cavatappi wine flowing into the evening. What. a. night.

Ryan and Madeline,

It truly was an unforgettable evening… entire day! Your family, your friends, the food… this is how life is meant to be celebrated. La Dolce Vita!! Thank you for trusting my vision for your day, and welcoming me into the festivities. Whether you intended it or not, I really felt like an honored guest… and I was just the photographer! I wish you both the ABSOLUTE best, and can’t wait to see what comes next for you.

xo,

Laura

Madeline… stunning.

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Ryan and Madeline – Palace Ballroom Wedding – Part 1

Laura — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:13:07 +0000

A shared love of good food, good wine, and lots of laughter made it an instant attraction when they met at the office. Thankfully everyone else at work knew it made as much sense as they did, and the relationship began. As the months… then years… went on, it became clear that these two, with their shared wit and capacity to love, were destined to be together for-ev-er.

You might remember their dinner party engagement session (best session EVER!), so it should be no surprise that their priority for their wedding was to celebrate how much love their family and friends have given them. A sort of “thank you” for the support of their love for each other.

Ryan and Madeline. Two people who love each other so deeply, and YET have love in buckets, to spare for their family and friends.

Their day started out at Ryan’s family farm in Lake Stevens. A place so beautiful, I even asked his mom if I could move in. I split their post into two, because that’s really how their day went. A gorgeous afternoon out on the farm followed by a swanky evening in the city. You can see their reception post here tomorrow, so feast your eyes on the main course, but save room for a sweet dessert.

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Kirk and Tiffani – Port Gamble Wedding Photographer

Laura — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:22:15 +0000

A soft glow, and quiet excitement surrounded her as she waited patiently to don her gown. Hair in a perfect mess of curls, she was radiant as she climbed the stairs and strode toward her future husband with bated breath. The charming setting added to the picture perfect moments we were all about to witness. Port Gamble is, without a doubt, one of the most idyllic wedding venues in our area. It’s almost as if you’re transported into another era, a time where life seemed much simpler. The details of this day were masterfully coordinated by Bella Vita Planning & Paper Co., two of my favorite girls out there!

The day could not have been more beautiful, it literally took my breath away. The sun shining, a light breeze, water glistening, and the sounds of laughter filled the air. A perfect day for a new beginning of a couple and family that has waited a long time for this marriage! When we met up for Kirk and Tiffani’s engagement session in Seattle, I really learned what made these two so perfect for each other. They really have an appreciation and understanding of each other. It’s going to make their marriage one of those that not only succeeds, but excels.

Kirk and Tiffani,

Thank you for including us in your day! It was such a joy getting to know you and capture your love for each other. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for your family.

All my love,

Laura

RAWR Tiffani!!! Seriously, you are amazing!

The moment where my couples see each other for the first time, is always a favorite from the day for me. Their excitement, anticipation and nervousness never fails to take me back to that spot on my wedding day. It’s an amazing feeling to watch it.

This was one of THE BEST wedding cakes I’ve ever tasted, Blackbird Bakery in Bainbridge is a new favorite!

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