Planning a wedding is tough cookies. 99% of the reason we entered the contest, and put ourselves through planning a wedding in 4 weeks is because we couldn’t decide… on eh-nay-thang. There are SO many choices, so many resources, and so many talented people and services to choose from!

Some may say the best way to check out as many wedding professionals as you can in a day, is to attend a wedding show. I’m not really a tradeshow girl. I’m the one in the grocery store that gets to one end and forgets to pick something up all the way on the other side. My feet hurt, I come home with all kinds of crap that I have no recollection of intentionally picking up. WELL, I say, if you give one wedding show a glimpse this year, grab your fiancé and head out to Woodinville on January 30th for the best wedding showcase event of the year. 7 wineries, 80 of the best wedding professionals in Seattle, and a whole lot of wine! This and so much more, is Weddings in Woodinville.

Last year B and I went to this show as Bride and Groom, and we had the BEST time, the BEST. We met our caterer there, tasted some amazing cake (this girl loves cake) and had a blast meeting other couples. It is such an honor for me to say that this year I’ll be showcasing my work at Willows Lodge as part of the show. I’m SO EXCITED because I’m there with some of my favorite people in the world. Jen Taylor from Taylor’d Events is coordinating, Tanya from Elements in Bloom is doing the florals, and Eric Newland from Hybrid Moon will have his video booth there along with many many more awesome professionals! Please, if you want to attend, head on over to the site and purchase your ticket now! There are only 300 tickets and when they’re gone…. they’re gone.

Stop by, say hello, and give me a hug.

PS> If you watch the video from last year on the website… you’ll see a cameo of B and I at about 14-15 seconds in… I’m wearing my favorite green coat :-)

Fate. It’s a powerful beast. Fate, destiny, divine intervention…. call it what you want. It’s the energy that surrounds us, the driving force of our decision making. Life has an uncanny way of commonly reminding you that you are not in control, sometimes things happen that maybe you wouldn’t have chosen.

Ryan and Emily share an understanding of this principle on a level so deep it hurts to write the words. They share a loss that changed and impacted their lives in a way they never thought possible. A few years ago, Emily lost her fiancé, Ryan’s best friend, to a tragic motorcycle accident. Out of the darkest part of this story of loss, is a beautiful light. Their support of each other turned into a very very deep love, the kind of love and passion that inspires a marriage made of stone. Their wedding in Sun Valley was a celebration of life, of people who enhanced their lives and a celebration of  a new chapter of life together.

Emily was the vision of beauty as she sat patiently while her hair was styled. When asked if she was nervous she giggled and replied “I’m ready”. She simply glowed as her dress came on. It’s going to be referred to as “the switch”…. you heard it here first internet. It’s the moment the dress is zipped, she looks up, looks around. She is no longer a only a girl/girlfriend/fiance. “The switch” has been made. She is now a woman, a bride, and in a short time will be a wife. The difference is staggering.

Emily and Ryan…thank you for the amazing honor of being your wedding photographer. I loved sharing every moment with you, and have no doubt your lives are going to be filled with joy, laughter and adventure. Your day was perfect and I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect Sun Valley day for the two of you.

xo,

Laura

Ryan and Emily held their wedding at the GORGEOUS Silver Bell Ranch, which is for sale if you so incline. Just please invite me for weekend stays.

No horses were harmed in the making of these photographs.

Details galore….

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Our very good friends, Justin and Melissa were married on the first TRUE summer Saturday in Oregon. They tied the knot at the Mission Mill Museum in Salem Oregon…. an awesome venue! It’s a historic woolen mill that’s been transformed into a gorgeous place for a wedding and reception.

I enjoyed being a guest at their wedding, but can’t help myself… I have to bring my camera. Especially when the bride is A. stunning, and B. stunning. Thanks for letting me steal you away for a few quick snaps you guys!

GORGEOUS LIGHT!

Best Mexican food I’ve ever had…. no joke.

WAHOOOO!

Jay and Nicole’s Venue from Laura Marchbanks on Vimeo.

The possibility of ending up at this exact spot in this exact moment didn’t quite dawn on Jay and Nicole when they first met. Jay the small town boy and Nicole the city girl, met their freshman year of college at WSU while living in the dorms. As Nicole puts it, she was way too busy being a freshman in college to notice silly boys. But Jay noticed Nicole. Her infectious laughter, her stunning beauty, and her outgoing personality. It’s no surprise, that when an opportunity came up for Jay to move in with Nicole and 6 other girls their sophomore year, he jumped at the chance. Although, now that I think about it, I’m not sure there would be a guy out there that wouldn’t jump at that chance.

One thing lead to another, and Nicole found herself falling for his chivalry, dashing good looks and charm.

Saturday, as they stood there in THAT spot, they started into each others eyes reflecting on exactly how they had come to this point. Together, in Dayton, surrounded by their friends and family, standing at an altar together, holding hands. An entire lifetime of craziness ahead of them. You could see it. Happiness. Contentment. Adventure. Future.

Jay and Nicole,

You are my kind of couple. Totally in love, down to Earth, and CRAZY! I knew from the moment Nicole sent me that 3 page email inquiry we were meant for each other!  I had a blast shooting your wedding, and wish I could have stayed to party the night away right along with you. Congrats, and hope to see you again soon.

xoxo,

Laura

EPIC. Seriously, I could live in Dayton except I would need a Target within 15 minutes. It’s that beautiful.

Part 2 coming soon!

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