Kelly + Jonathan | Rustic Woodstock Farm Wedding in Bellingham

First of all I have to say this was one of the prettiest weddings I photographed in 2014. That being said, I suggest you take a moment to make yourself a cup of tea or pour a glass of wine because this is going to be a long one, even for me. Go ahead, I’ll wait…

Welcome back. This past year I was referred to a couple by the mother of my dear friend and amazing wedding planner, Sara Bauleke of Belle Notte Weddings in DC. Sara’s mom, Cindy, is a fabulous (newly retired) pastor in Bellingham who was officiating the wedding of two Californians who happened to be tying the knot up North at Woodstock Farm. After a few emails and one long Skype session (where I also got to meet their fantastic German Shepard, Mischa) I fell in love with these two and was so excited to capture the gorgeous, pastoral wedding they had planned. We didn’t actually meet until I showed up the morning of the wedding, but that didn’t stop Kelly from immediately giving me a big hug when I walked in the room. I felt like we were old friends instantly.

Their ceremony was held on the bluff overlooking Chuckanut Bay. With views of Lummi and Portage Islands behind them, they exchanged charming and heartfelt vows before sealing them with a kiss and making that trip back down the aisle, hand-in-hand as man and wife. Their reception was just as beautiful. Kelly planned every beautiful little detail from the lovely fern accents and cute escort flags planted in loamy moss to the monogrammed wood coasters (that Jonathan made himself!) as their wedding favors. The talented Jill and Mary with Wing and a Prayer Floral Design assisted with the centerpieces as well as creating the amazing bouquets and Mischa’s floral dog collar while all of the the crazy-tasty appetizers (oysters and crab cakes!), the yummy dinner buffet, and beautiful cake were provided by Market Street Catering. They enjoyed toasts from friends and family during dinner and then had a super fun game of The Newlywed Game- which Kelly and Jonathan obviously won. The first dances were really sweet, you’ll notice I had a hard time narrowing which to post- you can just feel the love in that room!

I asked Kelly after the wedding if she had any advice or things that she might want to share with others getting married soon and she told me these three helpful tidbits she discovered:

1. Keep a post-it where you’ll see it everyday during the planning process that reads “Remember why you’re doing this.” Also when the lists become overwhelming, stop and breathe deeply – in and out – three times. Then tell each other you love each other. Always check in and force yourself to remember why you’re getting married because the planning process has a way of pushing “the why” out of perspective.

2. On wedding day, breathe more than you drink! Also, don’t expect to be able to visit with every guest.

3. The biggest surprise is how quickly your wedding day will fly by.

So much love goes out to Kelly and Jonathan, and Mischa! We had such a blast together throughout the entire day and I hope that your next move includes a trip up here to Seattle so that we can connect again. Best wishes for a happy and love-filled life!! xoxo, Amy