Steve Smith Photography | Seattle wedding and portrait photographer

If you’ve been following this blog you know that Susheela and Chris were our 2008 Destination Wedding contest winners!  Their beautiful wedding took place on Lopez Island in the San Juans. The day consisted of Indian and American wedding traditions, including a few clothing changes.  I knew after photographing their engagement session we were going to be in for an interesting day.  I quickly learned that Susheela and Chris can be very wacky as it showed several times throughout the wedding day from the “battle” during the portrait session, to the rice dumping incident during the ceremony, and many other unexpected moments.  

We headed to the island on Friday afternoon to meet up with everyone for the rehearsal dinner, on site, which was held at a private home at Watmough Head in the southern part of the Island. The ceremony and reception took place in an open field on the bluff overlooking the water with Whidbey Island in the distance.  Logistically it was a challenging location, for instance power was provided by two generators, and for dinner, the caterers brought a huge grill on site to barbecue the salmon.

Susheela had made arrangements for us to stay at the Lopez Farm Cottages, a place I’d highly recommend if you ever want to stay on the island. Of course we had to check out the Lopez Island Vineyards, and ate at several different establishments in the Lopez Village, Town Center.  My favorite was a stop at the Holly B’s Bakery early Saturday morning, everything we had there was amazing!

Later that morning we took a few photos of Susheela getting ready at the cottages, then off to the village where her parents were staying to get dressed in their traditional Indian Sari for the ceremony.  A short 20 minute drive south we arrived on site to photograph the couple’s first look and family portraits, then a nice scenic walk to the ceremony site on the other side of the property.  It was hard for Susheela to sneak in without being noticed but she tried!  The ceremony included many Indian traditions along with the usual American traditions. After the ceremony was finished, everyone was given a small packet of rice, where guests sprinkled the rice over the couples head to represent their blessings.

Susheela and Chris it was great working with you, and we hope you enjoy the many wonderful photos from your special day!

There is usually one wedding a year that takes place on a different day that the normal Friday through Sunday dates.  For this midweek wedding I would be assisting our good friend John Karwoski.  Jenna was still at home taking it easy with the new baby, Ellenaor.

We drove the 2 hours to the small town of Brinnon to Chases’ grandparents home on the shores of Hood Canal.  It was a small intimate ceremony with about 30 guests in attendance. The weather was perfect, and the scenery stunning.  I can see why they chose this unique location for their wedding.

John it was great working with you again as always.  Candice and Chase, it was a honor to be a part of your special day.

Sarah and Brian were married at Rock Creek Gardens, a newer wedding venue in Pierce County.  It is a fantastic location for outdoor weddings. The owners of the property are landscapers and they operate a nursery, so the property looks great.  I had a great time with everyone, and we had a perfect day for an outdoor wedding.  Thanks to Michael at Events With Integrity team  for the opportunity to help out again.

Tara and Michael were married on Shangri-La On The Green, a venue owned by the family located on the Geen River between Black Diamond and Enumclaw.   It was wonderful for photos as there was many great locations on the property,  and the tall trees made for good lighting conditions and kept us cool during the day.  I had a great time working with Michael and the crew from Events with Integrity!

It was a hot and humid summer afternoon in Issaquah at the private home where Melisa and Roger were married.  The occasional breeze was especially welcome during the early afternoon.  It was a fairly large group in attendance, and the large backyard was able to accommodate everyone.   When we first arrived, we set them up for their  first look and group photos, as they wanted to be able to enjoy the reception and get all the formalities out of the way.

The reception featured food catered by a good friend as their wedding gift, and I have to say it was an exceptional meal!  Later on during toasts some tears were shed, as many commented on what they have been though as a couple with Roger’s bought with cancer.

As things progressed, the kids got to enjoy the swimming pool that was right next to the dance floor.  Once enough alcohol was consumed and the kids were gone, the adults started jumping in clothes and all!  I have to say that was a first for me at a reception.  Shortly after, the couple took off for the evening in Dad’s SVT Cobra Mustang!

Melissa and Roger, it’s been great working with you, and we thank you for allowing us to share in your special day!