Just before the 4th of July this year I had the distinct pleasure of photographing Julie and Shawn’s delightfully Seattle-themed wedding. And when I say Seattle-Themed, I mean it. Their invites were even printed by Pike Place Printing! They started their day at the iconic Edgewater Hotel, overlooking the water of Elliot Bay. While getting ready, they sipped Rainier beer and snacked on local fruit and veggies. Julie’s stunning, original gown was dreamed up by the bride and crafted by the talented artists at Cicada Bridal over on First Avenue- I just love the custom patch added with their initials and wedding date! After their first look and a bit of wedding party silliness, we all boarded the party bus and headed for… wait for it… a coffee shop. I told you this Seattle theme ran deep. Julie and Shawn were married in a sweet backyard ceremony behind C&P Coffee Company in West Seattle, Julie walked down the aisle to Wonderwall (also note the engraving on Shawn’s wedding band). Their vows were both heartwarming and hysterical, one of those ceremonies that even as a photographer I at times laugh out loud and then choke back tears. After two “I do”s, one EPIC first kiss, and a stroll back down the aisle, Julie, Shawn and I hopped back on their party bus and headed over to Lincoln Park for a few waterfront photos on Puget Sound of the newly married couple (we even managed to capture a few Seattle ferries in there, just for good measure). We then headed back to the reception (inside the coffee shop), where party-goers were already dining on tasty Mexican food from the fabulous Contigo Modern Mexican food truck. After lovely toasts and some highly entertaining first dances, the prop box was opened at the party officially began. With silly props and costumes supplied by the couple and awesome music courtesy of the always-awesome Craig with Bugsie Productions, this was surely a night to remember by all who attended. The fun continued late into the evening until it was time to head home. Guests grabbed their very own coffee tumbler wedding favors, as well as a sparkler or two, and lined up for a colorful fun send off for the bride and groom. And while this is often where I leave you, tonight there was more in store. Because what is an epic party without an after party? So instead, we all headed back to the hotel. On the way we made a pit stop on Alki for one more quick snap of the Seattle skyline before ending our evening with a little hotel room silliness and a well-deserved drink at the bar. I absolutely adore this couple, as you may already have guessed, and am so incredibly honored to have met them and to now call them friends. Julie and Shawn, I cannot wait for our next adventure together and wish you all the love and laughter you can possibly imagine. xoxo, Amy
West Seattle wedding at C&P Coffee Roasters
- Wedding Coordinator: Amber Johansen
- Venue(s): C&P Coffee Company
- Invitations/Menus: Pike Place Printing
- DJ/MC: Bugsie Productions
- Cake/desserts: Stuffed Cakes
- Caterer: Contigo Modern Mexican
- Hair: Kara Schoener (friend)
- Make up: Kimberly Heintzman
- Favors: Discount Mugs
- Flowers: Flower Lab
- Rentals: Alexander Party Rentals
- Dress: Cicada Bridal
- Suit/Tux: Brooks Brothers
