Charming Volunteer Park Conservatory Wedding with Dreamy Details
What if, instead of checking all the wedding traditions off the list, you focused on what mattered most? Abbigale and Brandon did just that at their Volunteer Park Conservatory wedding. Their celebration was deeply rooted in the loving community that surrounds them. These creative film wedding photos along with their Super 8 video give you a sense of how grounded and joyful their day was.
A Volunteer Park Conservatory Wedding
A Volunteer Park Conservatory wedding has a unique blend of historic architecture and gorgeous tropical plants. Lush tropical trees and vibrant flowers fill the Victorian-style greenhouse. At the same time, the venue’s minimalist approach to ceremonies means your wedding will feel intimate and modern.
As far as Seattle wedding venues go, Volunteer Park Conservatory is a bargain. Ceremony fees start at $170 per hour for a minimum of two hours. You can reserve your date via the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation. The greenhouse where ceremonies take place has a capacity of 25 guests, so it’s best for small weddings.
If you’re thinking about having a Volunteer Park Conservatory wedding, you should consider these guidelines.
The only setup allowed includes 18 chairs provided by the venue. You have to let the greenhouse do all the aesthetic work.
Ceremonies have to be held after 4:15pm.
Wedding ceremonies and photoshoots are only allowed September through December. For spring and summer weddings, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Film Photography and Super 8 Video for Abbigale and Brandon
Instead of doing the same old thing for their Volunteer Park Conservatory wedding, Abbigale and Brandon put their own take on their ceremony. First, Brandon and Abbigale walked down the aisle together. They felt they were entering the marriage together and wanted to do the same for the ceremony.
Brandon’s aunt Jeri Lou officiated the ceremony. Leading up to the wedding, Aunt JJ met with Brandon, Abbigale, and various family members. Brandon and Abbigale loved that their families’ words would form the heart of their ceremony. “We came from the love before us,” Abbigale told me.
That emphasis on authenticity, family, and legacy made film photography and Super 8 video perfect mediums for documenting this Volunteer Park Conservatory wedding. Film and Super 8 strip away the distractions of complicated editing and productions. Instead you get the unfiltered reality of your experience preserved.
Super 8, especially, gives you the best mix of home movie vibes and artistry. The warmth and texture in Abbigale and Brandon’s video takes you right into the moment. It feels modern in its minimalism but timeless in its tones and movement. This video makes it easy to see how Abbigale and Brandon’s relationship fits into that lineage of love Abbigale described.
Are you new to Super 8 wedding videography? Check out these blog posts to learn more:
Custom, Community-Crafted Wedding Details
Abbigale and Brandon surround themselves with the coolest community of professional creatives. Friends and family contributed a lot of handcrafted details for their Volunteer Park Conservatory wedding. Loved ones crafted the cake, cake stand, cookies, and bridal bouquet. Friends also designed the posters and matchbooks at the reception.
After their Volunteer Park Conservatory wedding ceremony, Abbigale and Brandon brought their guests to The Sunset Tavern. This bar is a total hole in the wall fisherman shanty of a bar. I mean that in the best way! It had the perfect approachable, down to earth atmosphere for Abbigale and Brandon’s celebration.
For the reception, Abbigale and Brandon told me that they just wanted to get silly and have fun! They, along with their friends and family, go hard for karaoke. Of course, they had to sing some favorites during their reception!
Everyone hit the dance floor hard. I had a blast documenting everyone in their element. Before the wedding, Abbigale told me, “Grandma does slap the floor so be ready.” I can confirm that grandma did slap on the dance floor!
Are you interested in having me photograph your wedding? I’m a Seattle wedding photographer specializing in film photography and Super 8 videography. I’ll document your unique celebration with art that imitates life. Inquire with me here!
Thank you to the vendors who made Abbigale and Brandon’s wedding so rad!
Photography and Videography: Sara Welch Photography
Venue: Volunteer Park Conservatory
Florals: Jordan Braun
Cake: Boy Howdy Bakeshop
Cookies: Yoka Miso
DJ: Josh Harka
Hair and Makeup Artist: Drew June Style
Dress: Kamparett
Bride’s ring: Zoe Chicco
Catering: Big Mario's Pizza
Matchbooks: Designed on For Your Party
Audio Guestbook: FeteFone
Cake Stand: Handmade by our bestie Samantha Barber
Posters: Designed by Jared Pabon
Seattle Film Wedding Photographer for an Artistic Wedding
Film wedding photography, and wedding film photography especially, is an art. It’s the perfect mix of art and nostalgia for a couple like Mico and Christian. They first bonded over collaborative music and poetry. Their wedding had all the same artistic intentionality. I was lucky enough to be the film wedding photographer for their rad wedding at Studio 210. 210 Studio is currently also an amazing Seattle wedding photography studio.
A Film Wedding Photographer for Mico and Christian
Mico and Christian had their wedding at Studio 210 near Downtown Seattle. If you can believe it, this was actually their third wedding venue. The first two went out of business. Mico and Christian stayed positive and ended up loving Studio 210!
Studio 210 is a photography studio located in a 140-year-old building. It looks like an art gallery with clean white walls and open space. The windows on the front let in beautiful natural light. As a film wedding photographer, I loved the chance to document the interplay of light and shadow at this wedding.
This Seattle wedding venue feels like a bit of a blank slate. Mico and Christian brought their own quirky artistic vision to the space, and it turned out wonderfully. They did all the decorating themselves, and Mico created the invitations, programs, and menus.
When Mico and Christian first inquired with me, they described their hopes for their wedding this way: “We envision our wedding day to be an experimental-art-gallery-opening-esque event.” The day absolutely ended up having this feeling. Their friend group, which is full of creatives, contributed a lot to the intimate atmosphere.
Mixing Candid and Editorial Wedding Photography
In their inquiry, Mico and Christian also shared that they were looking for a film wedding photographer who could document their wedding with a mix of candid and editorial photography. I love this approach to wedding photos. Even though I consider myself the Queen of Candids, more editorial posing provides opportunities to get creative in different ways.
Mico told me this, and it’s stuck with me ever since: “Your work feels so beautiful and timeless. I feel that your photographs uniquely bring me to an emotion, a story.” That combination of art and storytelling is so important to me as a film wedding photographer. It’s what makes you want to share your photos down to your loved ones long after your wedding day.
If you’re considering videography, Super 8 is the perfect complement to film wedding photography. Super 8 has that vibey home movie quality. It’s textural and raw. I love including it as part of wedding coverage. Mico and Christian’s video is a good example of how cozy and emotional this medium can be. Check out these highlights from their wedding day.
Would you like to see more film wedding photography? Check out these blog posts:
Creating a Legacy with Film Wedding Photography
Having a film wedding photographer at their wedding also gave Mico and Christian a chance to reestablish family legacies that had been interrupted. Both lost photographs through immigration and other big life events. Mico told me that they “cherish everything we can capture of our chosen family, our chosen lives.” These wedding photos mean all the more because of that.
Mico also has a lot of experience with photography. Her father was a photographer and brought Mico along on his jobs. She photographed cultural events and marketing campaigns in college. Now she focuses on documenting her friends and family. I loved photographing someone who is so intentional and creative.
One of the perks of having a more intimate wedding is that you can prioritize what you really want. For Mico and Christian, that included great food. Musang Seattle catered the reception with a divine Filipino feast.
Would you like me to be your film wedding photographer? I’m a Seattle photographer who travels for destination weddings anywhere cool people are getting married! Inquire with me here.
Thank you to the vendors who made this wedding so unforgettable:
Film Wedding Photographer and Super 8 Film Videographer: Sara Welch Photography
Venue: Studio 210
Florist: Francesca at Bower Floral
Hair and Makeup Artist: Carissa Blossom Artistry
Caterers: Musang Seattle and Wild Cats Catering
Dynamic NYC Videography for a Wedding at the Wythe Hotel
As far as New York weddings go, Alison and Colin’s wasn’t exactly traditional. They skipped a formal wedding party, tailored their ceremony to highlight loved ones, and added bar trivia to the reception’s entertainment. It made sense that they wanted a more moody, artsy approach to their NYC videography and photography. I documented their wedding at the Wythe Hotel on mixed media, including Super 8 video and film photography.
A Wedding at the Wythe Hotel
Alison and Colin love Brooklyn. I could tell from the time they first reached out to me about NYC videography and photography. We took their engagement photos in Park Slope. The Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg was the perfect wedding venue for them.
The Wythe Hotel is a stunning visual experience. You’d never know that the building was built in 1901 to house sugar for refiners. The exterior has the brick charm that’s characteristic of Williamsburg. Before becoming a hotel and wedding venue, the building lived a few other lives. It even house textile manufacturing for the Space Program
Now the Wythe is all beautiful modern rooms and jaw dropping views. The rooms feel bespoke, each with a character of its own. It’s easy to imagine wanting to rent one of the lofts to relax in luxury after your reception.
Unlike most hotel wedding venues, the Wythe gives you options for gorgeous surroundings and killer food. The hotel houses both Bar Blondeau and Le Crocodile. Both are heavy on the French influence and gourmet experience. Your guests won’t forget a reception here any time soon.
When Alison first reached out to me, she already knew that they would incorporate Bar Blondeau into their day. Before the bar opened, their day-of coordinator got them in for a private moment. With the Manhattan skyline stretched out beyond the windows, it was the ideal spot for their first look. Colin hadn’t seen Alison’s dress yet. Even though they wanted to keep things pretty nontraditional, they both really enjoyed that experience.
Wedding packages at the Wythe Hotel start around $25,000 for a 100-guest wedding. The venue has capacity for up to 150, but it really is a gem for more intimate celebrations.
Dynamic NYC Videography for Alison and Colin
Alison and Colin are the kind of clients artists dream about. They’re no strangers to NYC videography either. Alison is a commercial video editor and filmmaker who comes from a family of documentarians and videographers. Both Alison and Colin enjoy doing their own photography in digital and analog formats.
Going into the wedding, Alison and Colin knew they didn’t want a traditional wedding video. That started with Super 8 film. “I love adding 8mm film,” Alison said. “We’re both visual people and connected early in our relationship by working together on video projects… We love textural, authentic moments and dynamic movement… We want to capture the key memories.”
Super 8 was the ideal medium for Alison and Colin’s wedding videography. It delivered on the texture, movement, and authenticity that mattered so much to them. Neither of them wanted super posed, highly produced video. Super 8 portrays that candid, raw quality at the heart of a connection-filled wedding day.
In addition to Super 8 for their NYC videography, Alison and Colin opted for film photography as part of their wedding coverage. All of the photos featured in this blog post are film photos. They complement the Super 8 really well in telling an unfiltered, authentic story.
Would you like to see more NYC videography? Check out this chic wedding at Alligator Pear!
Your Nontraditional Wedding Video and Photos
I love pairing film photography with Super 8 for NYC videography. It blends the most timeless parts of our experiences with something that also feels nontraditional compared to a lot of heavily posed and edited wedding media. At the end of the day, you get art that reflects your happiest moments like you actually remember them.
Would you like me to document your wedding with NYC videography? I’d love to turn your wedding into art that imitates life. Let’s tell your story on Super 8 videography and film photography. Inquire with me!
Thank you to the vendors who made this wedding so dope.
Photographer & Videographer: Sara Welch Photography
Venue: Wythe Hotel
Planner: Julia Alexander-Burns from Vessel Brooklyn
Florist: Migle Staniskyte from Jura
DJ: Pat Mangan
Hair and Makeup: Willow House
Dress: Jenny Yoo
Suit: Tom James
Jewelry: We Are Arrow Jewelry and Catbird
Food: Le Crocodile at the Wythe Hotel
Save the dates, invites, and programs: Designed by the couple, printed by Czar Press
Aesthetic New York Branding Productions for Ambitious Brands
It’s time to hire a media team for your brand, but you don’t want to look like you feel off a basic Pinterest board. You want something different – photos and video that feel cool, aesthetic, and authentic. I partner with videographer Natalie Bergfalk to give you exactly this with Vibehaus. Vibehaus creates New York branding photography and videography for commercial works and brands requiring commercial-level production and care. We go beyond coffee cups and laptops to create a one-of-a-kind visual experience for your brand. Here’s a look into how we do it.
Dope New York Branding Productions
If you’re new to brand productions, we’ll give you the quick and dirty version. Brand productions are artistic collaborations to create visual assets for your brand. Vibehaus creates photos and videos that you can use anywhere you want to grow your presence. Think social media, websites, launch materials, and digital marketing campaigns.
New York City is the coolest place to do brand productions. The possibilities for creative direction are endless. Vibehaus cultivates a vision truly tailored to you. The result: Photo and video unlike anyone else out there.
There are plenty of brand photographers and videographers who will give you the same tired visuals you’ve seen a million times on Instagram. Here’s what sets Vibehaus’s New York branding productions apart from the rest.
1. We do aesthetic storytelling.
You are a powerhouse. Your brand is modern and ambitious. Vibehaus creates visuals that convey that through incredible creativity.
With the amount of visual noise people experience every day, your brand needs to show up differently to get attention. Vibehaus uses settings, props, and stylists to tell entire stories during your brand productions. Those stories will captivate your audience and have them coming back to see how it unfolds.
2. We use nostalgic tools to create fresh assets.
Contemporary aesthetics are rooted partly in nostalgia. At Vibehaus, we create edgy visuals using equipment that gives them an unfiltered look. Natalie and I both do Super 8 videography, and I specialize in film photography. Both mediums are timeless and deliciously of the moment.
3. We know how to bring the strategy and the vibes.
Yes, your photography and videography will have you obsessed with its vibey, artistic aesthetics. You’ll also find that our work has as much substance as style. We get deep into your brand to create strategic visuals that lead to the conversions you’re looking for.
Our Modern Approach to Your Visual Identity
As a photographer, I find New York branding absolutely magnetic. This city is so innovative. If you want to know what’s new and what’s next, you look to New York City. Brands here are so open to the holistic creative approach that Natalie and I have developed.
We’re interested in getting to the heart of your brand, your vision, your goals. Then we turn them into killer visuals that you can use anywhere your brand wants to make an impact.
I’m able to do that with photography because I’m good at what I do. Really good. I know my equipment inside and out. That’s not to mention a foundation in lighting and composition. That mix of craft with artistry gives your New York branding production a raw feeling that captivates your audience.
At Vibehaus, we do full-scale luxury New York branding productions. On production day, we take care of all the details to make sure you get the best experience possible. Our signature package includes:
Photography
Creative Direction
Videography
Production
Hair and Makeup
Wardrobe Styling
Prop Styling
Even if this is your first brand production, you’ll be in good hands.
The Unparalleled Value of Elevating Your Visual Game
Our New York branding production team will take your visuals to the next level. As a photographer, I’m versatile, artistic, and more than competent with the tools of my craft. Natalie’s videography adds another level of cool to your brand’s storytelling.
Brand productions can give any brand an extra edge. Industries we’ve worked with include:
Fashion
Coaching
Finance
Marketing
Home decor
Legal
Beauty
When you work with Vibehaus, you’re in good company. We’re damn proud of our portfolio. Check it out here.
Ready to work with us to create audacious visual assets? We’ll help you level tf up with custom photography and videography. Contact Vibehaus to get started!
Chic NYC Wedding Video Captured on Super 8 Video
Sometimes you just know a wedding is going to be magical af. That was definitely the case when Kaitlin and Michael reached out to me. The day did not disappoint! I documented their sophisticated NYC wedding on mixed media, including Super 8mm video . Check it out!
A Chic New York Wedding
In the time I’ve known Kaitlin and Michael, it’s become very clear just how much they love New York City. we spent their engagement session exploring Brooklyn Heights. Their wedding day brought big Manhattan energy with their stunning restaurant venue. I love how their Super 8 video brings out the nostalgia and artistry of this incredibly modern wedding day.
We started Kaitlin and Michael’s wedding day at their apartment in Brooklyn. Once they were ready, they shared a first look in the garden behind their apartment. I love how lush and private it felt. The couple really got to breathe in the moment together before friends and family joined them. I’m in love with the way the super 8mm film footage from this part of the day looked.
Telling the Story on Super 8 Video and Mixed Media
I documented Kaitlin and Michael’s wedding on mixed media with a special focus on Super 8 film video and film photography. In addition to being my signature media, they perfectly captured the raw, artistic energy around Kaitlin and Michael’s wedding day and super 8 videography.
As I started planning their Super 8 video and photography coverage, I asked Kaitlin and Michael what they hoped for from their video and images. Here’s what they shared: “We absolutely loved the engagement photos, so just more of that vibe! Romantic, warm editing, ‘at the moment,’ and candid photos you look at and feel like you're back in that moment. We also want to capture the energy and fun that people are having.” (Definitely check out those engagement photos here!
I would say we realized Kaitlin and Michael’s vision. These dreamy images and nostalgic super 8 film video give you a sense of exactly what it was like to get caught up in the moment of this wedding. The in-between moments feel as intentional and artistic as all of the carefully-planned details of the day. In their engagement photos, Kaitlin and Michael wanted to highlight the playful side of their relationship. I think that really shows in their wedding photos and video as well.
A Day Infused with Personal Style
Kaitlin and Michael’s Super 8 video and photos show how much of their personal style infused their wedding day. I already knew Kaitlin had incredible taste because I took their engagement photos in Brooklyn over the summer. Michael and Kaitlin both showed up for that session impeccably styled for a sunny summer photoshoot in the city.
Even though I had this prep, Kaitlin still floored me with THREE incredible looks on her wedding day. It’s no surprise that she’s a professional stylist. Every single look was epic. I love how they translated on film - a brilliant balance of high fashion and unfiltered moments.
Their outfits weren’t the only part of the wedding that showed off Kaitlin and Michael’s style. A vintage New York taxi transported them from their apartment to their venue in Manhattan. The incredible yellow car was a moment. We snapped plenty of photos with Kaitlin in her sophisticated custom suit and pearl veil. I love how these colors look on film.
Their New York wedding venue, Alligator Pear, set the tone for an intimate, connection-centered celebration. From the towering ceilings to the cozy nooks, it gave guests opportunities to be in the midst of things and steal away for conversations. The ridiculously delicious food and drinks didn’t hurt either.
Your Super 8 Video
Are you interested in having me document your wedding on Super 8 video? I’m a Seattle-based photographer and videographer, and I’m stoked to travel to wherever your story unfolds. Let’s capture some nostalgic slices of life on vibey video. Reach out to me here!
Thank you to all the vendors who made this New York wedding so dope:
Photography and Super 8 Videography: Sara Welch Photography
Florist: A Petal to Peddle
Cake and other Desserts: From Lucie
Hair and Makeup: Elena Ganz
Bride's Suit: Handmade in NYC
Bride's Long Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Bride's Short Dress: Sarah Seven
Groom's Suit & Groomsmen suits: designed by the bride & groom and made through the bride's company
Jewelry and Rings: Love Locked
Catering: Alligator Pear with Chef Dominick Lee
Invitations: Minted
Newspaper program: designed by the bride and printed through Print Newspaper
Vintage Taxi: The Checker Cab
Level Up Your Wedding Story with Super 8 Videography
You’re putting a lot of care into creating a wedding day that feels like you. Your celebration is about authenticity and connection, not checking off a to-do list of generic events. If you’re looking for a way to turn your memories into art, you’ll appreciate the nostalgic, unfiltered quality of Super 8 videography and super 8mm wedding videography. In this blog post, I share why Super 8 is such a dope medium and what you can expect when you choose it for your wedding videography.
Instant Nostalgia with Super 8 Videography
Sometimes wedding videography gets a reputation for being a bit cheesy. That’s understandable.Some videographers overproduce their films. They give less “Crimson and Clover” and more “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” It’s not for everyone.
Fortunately, emotion doesn’t have to be captured in 4k. The beauty of Super 8 videography is that it tells your wedding story in the most nostalgic, no-bullshit way possible. It takes a lot of those production and editing tricks out of the mix. Instead it comes down to how well your videographer knows their gear and how much you enjoy your wedding day.
Super 8 works like this precisely because it’s an older technology. Kodak created a Super 8 for home use in the 1960s. The technology was designed for creating simpler, heartfelt films. There’s no room for distraction. There’s just your raw, radiant love on film.
As a wedding pro and an artist, I appreciate how cohesively Super 8 and super 8 film wedding video can integrate into your wedding gallery. To get a sense of what feels like with your wedding photography gallery, check out this Seattle courthouse elopement. I documented Zoe and Nate’s rooftop ceremony and laid-back bar reception on a combination of Super 8 and film and digital photography. It’s a great representation of what’s possible for telling your story.
An Instant Heirloom
If you’re lucky enough to have stumbled across home movies from the 1970s or 1980s, you know the incredible feelings that come along with them. You see people moving, laughing, embracing in ways that feel different. Instantly, you feel more connected to those people and that time even if you’ve never gotten to meet them.
My clients universally tell me that they’re so glad they added Super 8 coverage and super 8 wedding videos to their wedding day. They love the videos and cherish them deeply. It’s easy for them to imagine cozy anniversaries rewatching them or reliving those stunning moments with their future kids. Like film photography, Super 8 has a richness that makes it heirloom-worthy.
What to Expect with Super 8 Videography
When it comes to your wedding day experience, Super 8 videography and hiring a 8mm wedding videographer can be really different from 4k video. In my opinion, it’s a lot more fun. Here’s what you can expect when you opt for Super 8 wedding videography.
Candid Footage
Super 8 is a truly unique wedding videography experience. You don’t spend a lot of time waiting on your videographer to pose you and give you direction. In fact, there are no forced emotions or retakes. You get to stay in the moment with your people feeling your feels and soaking up this once-in-a-lifetime day.
A More Relaxed Day
In a lot of ways, Super 8 videography is a more relaxed approach to documenting your wedding. It’s great for marriers who want a more laid-back experience and honest, artistic video to relive their day again and again. Super 8 is great for those amazing unplanned moments and the cherished in-betweens. You know, the moments that feel like you.
Fewer Details, More Feels
A traditional wedding videographer might get you crisp footage of every petal in your bouquet. I definitely can use Super 8 videography to document details when they’re important to my clients, but this medium tends to be more about capturing the energy of the day. It’s unmatched in portraying the warmth, tenderness, and honesty surrounding your wedding. Years from now, that is what you’ll want to remember.
A Perfect Compliment to Film Photography
As a wedding photographer and videographer, I love all things film. That includes Polaroids and 35mm film photos. Film wedding photography compliments Super 8 videography so well. They tell the story of your wedding day with the same raw magic. You can learn more about what makes film wedding photography so special in this blog post.
Choosing Super 8 probably isn’t right for you if you want:
Elaborate voice-overs
Every detail in an hour-long video
Super quick turnaround
If you value telling your love story in a unique, raw, and artistic way, Super 8 is well worth it. Its vibey aesthetic is unmatched. It’s the perfect medium for documenting your authentic, connected wedding day and all the candid moments you can’t plan for.
Would you like me to document your wedding with Super 8 videography? I’m a Seattle wedding videographer ready to travel. Let’s tell your story with this dreamy medium. Reach out to me!
The Art of a Family Photography Session on Film
Your family deserves the best when it comes to heirlooms. They preserve the moments that mean the most. That’s why a family photography session on film is so special. Film’s natural imperfections tell a richer story than clean, perfect digital photos. As a family photographer, I’m sharing all the reasons unfiltered film family photos are so cool.
Your Family Photography Session as Art
Film photography is an art. It’s the best way to romanticize your life! Commemorate the fleeting moments that make your family’s life so rich with art that reflects your reality. It’s those candid slices of life that are at the heart of our relationships. They’re also unpredictable and make for breathtaking photos.
Moreover, film is photography; photography is film. Photography is so intertwined with film in a way few other industries are connected to such a specific medium or product. It’s impossible to disassociate photography from film and its history. Digital photography lacks the character of film. Ironically, that’s part of why it’s so celebrated now more than ever.
Creative and Logistical Perks of Film Photos
People assume that digital photos will be an easier experience because they’re more used to it. There are actually a lot of perks to doing your family photography session on film. From a timeline perspective, everything is much more relaxed and fast. I can deliver a film session in two weeks, instead of four to six. Mostly, I have to wait for my film to be developed and scanned by The Find Lab or Photovision so I can pass them on to you. I don’t hThe Find Labave to upload or back up files or do major edits. No overthinking and less stress means you get your incredible images faster.
As a photographer, I also find that my film images have a richness that’s due to the nature of the medium. I’m forced to be more involved in the process and be intentional from start to finish. From the time I load a roll of film to where I develop, scan, or print it, I have to make decisions and commit to them. It’s a more holistic process that keeps me engaged with my camera and the moments unfolding between your family members and it is perfect for a family fall photoshoot.
Film photos hold a lot of life and make you see the humanity at the core of an image. It gives me the sense of being invited into your story. You can see more from this film family session here.
Would you like me to document your family on film? Let’s tell your story with nostalgic, emotive images. Reach out to me here!
Dreamy New York Engagement Photos in Brooklyn
New York is an incredible city full of stunning backdrops and talented New York engagement photographers. For New York engagement photos, it’s easy to get carried away trying to find the “perfect” location and poses. Kate and Michael focused on documenting what they love about the city and their relationship for some truly unique engagement photos. Check out these cool, candid images from a dreamy day in Brooklyn Heights.
A Vision for New York Engagement Photos
When Kate and Michael first inquired about engagement photos, they knew they wanted to do an August session. The plan was to use the photos at their September wedding at Alligator Pear in Manhattan. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you they had a vision for translating their dream day around their neighborhood for some dumbo brooklyn engagement photos and a dope lifestyle engagement session.
Kate and Michael love exploring their Brooklyn neighborhood together. They take long walks and play games. For their New York engagement photos and engagement photos nyc, they wanted to prioritize candid images that show their love of the city and their playfulness with each other. They said, “We like photos that feel like you are there with us.” I think we NAILED their vision.
A Dreamy Day in Brooklyn
This fun day was such a dream for all of us. We started the session in their Brooklyn Heights apartment’s private backyard garden. They pay $50 each year for this private garden. To say it’s the best deal in New York would be an understatement.
Since it was August, it was HOT. We headed down to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade in search of a breeze from the East River. The park has the most beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline.
Next we spent time on the waterfront at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Kate and Michael shared a charcuterie board and Aperol spritz over a game of cribbage. I photographed them while sharing in the cheese and sparkling water. It was such a laid back experience where we all got to be in our element.
Finally, we wrapped up the evening with cannoli from their favorite bodega, Lassen and Hennigs. They ate the cannoli on a stoop and grabbed drinks at their favorite neighborhood bar, Custom House. I’m a total introvert, so you know we were having a good time together when we lost track of time and bonded over bar food late into the night.
Picking the Perfect Family Photography Package
When you want professional family photos or are looking for a family portrait photography package, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by how different photographers break down their family photoshoot packages and prices. As a Seattle family photographer, I’ve documented families all over the country with varying needs. This blog post shares my best advice for picking the perfect family photography package for you.
The Art of Storytelling with Mixed Media
My goal as a family photographer is always to document people at their most comfortable and authentic. Photography isn’t about perfect poses or creating the illusion of prim and proper children. It’s about creating art that reflects life as you remember it. I’m talking belly laughs and cartwheels, sprinkler splashes and ice cream cones. Photography freezes those perfectly imperfect moments for you to hold onto always.
So ask yourself: What do you want to remember? And what’s the best way to document that?
I’m always a stan for multimedia storytelling. For me, that means a mix of film and digital photography and Super 8. Here’s how each contributes to telling a more complete story for your family.
Film Photography
Analog film is instant nostalgia (like, literally instant when it comes to Polaroids). It’s incredible because it captures moments that can’t be replicated exactly as they are. It’s raw and breathtaking. Even the “imperfections” make you feel in a way that’s so unique. Film photos give you that sense of looking through old family albums and reliving the moments in each image..
Digital Photography
Digital photography allows for more clicks and more chances to catch those unexpected moments. After your session, I take some time to edit photos. My goal is never to change moments but to enhance them to tell your story better. If you want clean, crisp images and a fast-paced session, digital photography is a good tool for our toolkit.
Super 8 Video
Honestly, I don’t know if a family photography package is ever fully complete without Super 8. This video form gives you that golden combination of movement, nostalgia, and art. It’s just dreamy. You’ll want to watch it over and over again.
You can see the Super 8 video from this family session at Ebey’s Landing here.
The Perfect Family Photography Package
Now, your brain’s probably turning with all kinds of considerations. I have three family photography packages to help you turn your family’s story into art.
Mixed Media Session with Super 8
During this session, I use a roll of Super 8 film for 2 minutes of analog video footage. For photos, I use three rolls of film, one pack of Instant Polaroid film, and digital cameras to document your family’s real life magic moments. This package really captures every side of an afternoon in your life.
Cost: $1500
Film Photo Session
In this session, we take a fully analog approach to creating still images. You’ll want to start an old school album with nostalgic photos, and your family will thank you for it.
Cost: $750
Digital Photo Session
If you opt for a fully digital session, I focus on the candid, in-between moments. Those are the ones that are the most honest, connection-filled images after all.
Cost: $500
Would you like me to photograph your family? I’m a Seattle film photographer ready to travel! Inquire with me here.
Plan Your Virtual Photoshoot Magic with Expert Tips
A virtual photoshoot is a perfect way to create magic with a photographer you love regardless of location. You can create the photo session of your dreams anywhere in the world through your phone. As a Seattle photographer, I’ve worked with clients from Hawaii to Spain to document incredible everyday moments and dreamy vacation vibes. We can work together even if we’re not together. How cool is that?
In this post, I walk you through everything you’ll love about a virtual photoshoot or virtual photo shoots. Plus I share tips on making the most of your virtual photo experience.
What You Need for a Virtual Photoshoot
You might think a virtual photoshoot requires a lot from you. Since your photographer isn’t physically present photoshoot virtual, you need to do a lot of the work they would do in a conventional session? Not really. All you need for a virtual session is:
It also helps to have a sense of where you’ll be photographing. Watch how the light moves around your home, and try to book at a time of day when it’s doing interesting things!
Other than that, you don’t need much technical know-how. This is a simple process for individuals, romantic partners, and families.
What to Expect at Your Session
From your perspective as the client, a virtual photoshoot couldn’t be easier. You download the app, set up your tripod, and video chat with your photographer. Your photographer takes hi-res photos.
One perk of a virtual photoshoot is that clients sometimes find it easier to relax in front of a phone screen than camera lens. You get to be cozy in your intimate space with me gently guiding you on positioning the tripod and prompting you to interact with each other. I specialize in documenting life like you remember it - organic and unfiltered. My sessions don’t involve complicated posing that takes you out of the moment.
Why You’ll Love the Experience
With virtual photoshoots, you can take your favorite photographer anywhere in the world (where there’s internet access, anyway). I’ve photographed a family on the beach in Hawaii and a couple on a boat in Spain. As cool as those adventures are, I also value the quiet, intimate moments when I get to document people at home with their loved ones.
I love the ability to have an intimate look into people’s lives through their phones. We’re all so connected to our cell phones, and this is a fun way to break the normal daily cycle. You’re bound to learn something new about your phone, yourself, and your home/location through a new point of view. I genuinely love being an art director by providing virtual guidance in these sessions.
Want to book a virtual photoshoot with me? Whether you’re documenting the art of everyday life or celebrating your dream vacation, I’m down to help you turn it into art! Inquire with me here.
Intimate Seattle Courthouse Wedding with Super8
Zoe and Nate are just about the SWEETEST humans you will meet. I can’t wait to tell you more about their experience getting married in the Seattle courthouse. Their Seattle courthouse wedding featured rad views of the city from the Seattle courthouse rooftop and cool photos and video captured on mixed media. This intimate wedding is a perfect example of the full experience you can create quickly. In this post, I share the amazing mixed media from their elopement and tips for your Seattle courthouse wedding. You’ll be obsessed with this artistic approach to creating a unique wedding day.
A Seattle Courthouse Wedding
Seattle courthouse weddings are getting more popular by the day. It’s easy to understand why. It’s very affordable - Seattle courthouse wedding costs around $160, and the courthouse and location are dreamy. You won’t believe the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows and rooftop. The waiting area is a viewpoint and has beautiful indoor lighting. If the weather is good, you can have your ceremony on the rooftop with an incredible view of Seattle and the bay. It seriously looks like you’re getting married on top of the world.
Some of my favorite photos from this day are the portraits of Zoe and Nate in the waiting area. I had so much fun getting creative with the bright light and deep shadows. And Zoe’s veil! The embroidery gave it the perfect artistic touch. Her bouquet couldn’t have matched it better.
The breezy rooftop ceremony created a beautiful contrast to the quieter portraits. Zoe and Nate were all teary smiles from start to finish. I love that they got to have such an intimate ceremony without the bustle of a conventional wedding day. It really felt just right for them.
Zoe and Nate’s two best friends joined them for the ceremony. (The Seattle Municipal Court has a strict eight-person limit for weddings.) The rest of the group waited downstairs and formed a decent crowd outside the building. Initially, Zoe and Nate thought maybe ten friends would make the trip up from Texas for their elopement, but almost forty people ended up coming. Their entire group of family and friends was so warm. It was exactly what you’d want an elopement to be.
What to Know for Your Seattle Courthouse Wedding
If Zoe and Nate’s wedding sounds perfect to you, you might want to plan a Seattle courthouse wedding too. Here are some helpful tips for planning your ceremony and celebration.
Getting Seattle Marriage License
King County makes it relatively easy to apply for a marriage license. You can even complete a large part of the process online. For a full list of documentation requirements, head to the King County Marriage Licensing page.King County Marriage Licensing page.
The State of Washington has a 3-day waiting period, and the license is void after 60 days of the purchase date. That means you should apply for your Seattle marriage license with an appropriate margin of time before your wedding.
Scheduling Your Ceremony
A judge can officiate your Seattle courthouse wedding. The courthouse can share a list of judges available. Request your courthouse wedding ceremony using this form. You’re only allowed to bring six people with you to your ceremony. The rest can wait downstairs to cheer you on like Zoe and Nate’s friends and family did.
Celebrating after You Say “I do”
Seattle’s Municipal Courthouse is right in Downtown Seattle. That’s why you get such a phenomenal view from the rooftop. After your wedding ceremony, there are endless ways to celebrate with your new spouse. You can
Walk around the city for a newlywed portrait session.
Ride the ferris wheel and have a picnic at Waterfront Park.
Eat at any of the incredible restaurants downtown, such as Cafe Campagne, Dockside at Dukes, or Canlis.
Documenting the Day on Mixed Media
For Zoe and Nate’s Seattle courthouse wedding, I used a mix of analog film, GFX digital, and Super8. This mix really captured the ease and intimacy of the day. You look at these images and watch the video, and you feel what they felt. You experience the artistry of the celebration they crafted with so much love and intentionality.
Vintage mixed media suited the setting, too. A courthouse elopement has a vibe of instant nostalgia. These photos and this video balance modern and old-school in a way that makes them timeless in the truest sense. Zoe and Nate can relive the joy of their wedding day now or 50 years from now.
Their reception venue, a combination art gallery and dive bar called Vermillion, also had a kitschy aesthetic that worked with film and Super8. Exposed brick and vibrant signage translate into a dreamy backdrop with these media.
You’d never know it from looking at these photos and Super8, but Zoe and Nate only booked me for two hours of coverage. In that timeframe, we were able to create a huge variety of portraits and candid moments to tell the full story of their wedding day. If you’re eloping or having a micro wedding with a flexible timeline, you can create so much magic in a short amount of time! You really can do your wedding day your way.
Would you like me to photograph your Seattle courthouse wedding?Or are you thinking about getting married in a Seattle courthouse? I’ll document life as you remember it. Reach out to me here!
7 Creative Location Ideas for Family Photos in Seattle
The spot you choose for family photos can shape your experience. As a lifestyle photographer, I always recommend ideas for family photo shoots and help people choose places where they feel comfortable. The best photos portray those in-between moments when you and your family are just enjoying each other’s company. Check out these creative location ideas for family photos in Seattle that are wonderful for hands off family photography posing!
7 LOCATION IDEAS FOR FAMILY PHOTOS IN SEATTLE
1. GOLDEN GARDENS PARK
This park stretches the shoreline in Ballard. You get stunning views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains from the beach and hiking trails. Most areas of the park are dog friendly too! If your ideas for family photos include your fur babies, Golden Gardens Park is a great spot.
2. DISCOVERY PARK
For a location that gives you stunning Pacific Northwest nature, check out Discovery Park. Located directly across the water from Bainbridge Island, Discovery Park includes miles of hiking trails and beaches. There’s even a historic lighthouse!
3. GASWORKS PARK
Gas Works Park is located in the Northlake neighborhood. It gives a cool mix of city views and rolling hills. As you might have guessed from the name, this park is a repurposed industrial site. The city has done a great job of making it a fun place to explore.
4. MT. BAKER BEACH AT LAKE WASHINGTON
Looking for a way to help your kids relax at your session? Why not include a swim in your ideas for family photos? Mount Baker Beach is a magical place to splash around for photos with serious summer vibes.
I’m obsessed with sessions at Lake Washington thanks to these family photos!
5. STAN SAYRES MEMORIAL PARK AND BOAT LAUNCH
This park and boat launch offers a different take on waterside family photos. It’s a fun place to visit year round. Are you thinking about a lifestyle session on your family’s boat? I’m in!
6. RAVENNA PARK
Ravenna Park offers a more woodsy experience with fern-lined trails and mossy hillsides. The park is only a half mile across, so it’s more manageable than some of the larger parks for sessions with small children. Ravenna Park is always a safe bet for relaxed, nature-filled photos.
7. PIONEER SQUARE AND DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
If none of these nature-y ideas for family photos appeal to you, there’s always Pioneer Square and Downtown Seattle! You get gorgeous tree-lined streets, beautiful architecture, and shops and cafes you can pop into. Sometimes an afternoon on the town is just what your family needs for those magic moments to unfold.
Would you like me to take your family photos? I’m a Seattle photographer who captures the in-betweens on film and Super8. Reach out to me here!
A Stunning and Artistic Christianson’s Nursery Wedding
Christianson’s Nursery is a gorgeous wedding venue in Mount Vernon, WA. Its historic buildings and lush gardens make your wedding feel like a world apart. Check out these artistic photos from Talis and Tim’s beautiful Christianson’s Nursery wedding.
A Christianson’s Nursery Wedding
Christianson’s Nursery started as what it sounds like - a plant store selling shrubs, roses, fruit trees, and other rad additions to your garden. It’s not the crowded greenhouse you might expect, though. The nursery sits on a large site with several nineteenth century buildings, including an old school house. Walking through the grounds feels like you’re in a village, not a store. The huge rose bushes and hydrangeas splash bright colors against the moody Pacific Northwest landscape. In short, it’s magic.
Photographing a Christianson’s Nursery wedding is always a dope experience. There are SO many places to take artistic portraits. You could explore the greenhouse and gardens for hours. Even the getting ready suite is in a beautifully decorated cottage with vintage-inspired furniture.
This venue just started hosting weddings a few years ago, but it’s well-equipped with everything you could need. There are two getting ready suites, plenty of ceremony and reception spaces to choose from, and even furniture. Average packages range between $2,000 and $3,000 for 100 guests.
Talis and Tim’s Artistic Wedding Photos
When Talis and Tim approached me about wedding photography, they shared that they’re both artists. Tim is a woodworker, and Talis paints with watercolors. It’s always such an honor working with other artists to creatively document this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
In their inquiry, Talis said: “Tim and I are not traditional people, so we don’t need traditional wedding photos- but we do want photos that both reflect who we are and still have an elegant/artistic flare.”
I think we managed to find that balance between nontraditional and elegant in these wedding photos! Talis and Tim were down for a mix of light posing and candid photos. The combination portrays their artsy sides as well as their humor. They spent so much time laughing and just loving being in the moment with their people.
Would you like me to photograph your Christianson’s Nursery wedding? I’m a Seattle wedding photographer specializing in film and Super8. Let’s make magic!
5 Portland Wedding Venues You’ll be Obsessed With
If you’re looking for a Portland wedding venue and wedding locations in Portland, Oregon, that will give you a really unique experience, you’ve landed in the right spot. This short list includes dreamy venues that avoid that generic “wedding” feel. Check them out!
5 Rad Portland Wedding Venues
1. Mai Events - formerly Opal 28
Mai Events is great for small weddings. The flexible space has minimalist decor which makes it easy to define your unique wedding aesthetic. One perk of this venue is that several short-term rentals are available on the upper floors. You can get ready, host your wedding, and stay the night all in one spot. Packages range from $2,800 to $4,700 depending on the day and season.
2. Castaway
Castaway is a former industrial space. At 10,000 square feet, it can accommodate all of your favorite people. This Portland wedding venue is a favorite Portland wedding location is bright and welcoming with warm wood details that set it apart from other industrial wedding venues. Packages at Castaway Portland start at $1500.
3. Cooper’s Hall
Want an indoor/outdoor venue with incredible drinks? Cooper's Hall is a small wedding venue in Portland that offers a winery wedding experience in the city. The main location in SE Portland can accommodate weddings of up to 225 guests standing, while the NE Portland location can host up to 100 guests. A wall of windows makes Cooper’s Hall surprisingly bright. Your guests will love mingling between walls of wine barrels.
4. Hoyt Arboretum
Hoyt Arboretum is perfect for anyone who wants to put the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest at the front and center of their wedding day. It’s so lush with huge ferns and towering trees. With 190 acres, there are so many places to take magical misty portraits. The arboretum has five separate locations that you can rent for your wedding, so there are lots of chances to create the wedding experience you want.
5. Portland Art Museum
Portland Art Museum is the perfect Portland wedding venue for nontraditional marriers. It’s colorful and modern. You can have a ceremony in the sculpture garden then head into one of the ballrooms for a reception with lighting that will make everyone excited to party. Wedding rental packages at the Portland Art Museum start around $5,000.
Would you like me to be your Portland wedding photographer? I’ll artfully document your day on film and Super8. Let’s connect!
A Portland Wedding Photographer at Backyard Social
As a Portland wedding photographer, I live for intimate weddings that feel like the couple getting married. Kelly and Nick are thoughtful people who really value relaxing in their home with their closest people. Their backyard wedding and reception at their favorite bar were the perfect way to celebrate their relationship. They have been so kind and have referred me to several of their friends who are also looking for photographers in Portland, Oregon.
A Candid Portland Wedding Photographer
Kelly and Nick’s wedding was exactly the kind of intimate celebration that works so well with my photography style. I focus on candid, unposed moments so that you end up with photos that feel like that moment. For their backyard wedding ceremony, Kelly and Nick skipped the first look and family formals. Instead, they wanted organic moments throughout the day. They quite literally had organic foliage and food, and their day was filled with great moments for their Portland wedding photos.
I also love that Kelly and Nick got married in their backyard. They wanted to buy a home before getting married, which is why their backyard ceremony was extra meaningful for them. As a Portland wedding photographer, I love documenting people in the places that mean the most to them.
A Laid-back Wedding Reception at Backyard Social
Nick and Kelly didn’t just get married in their backyard. They had their reception at their favorite bar down the road! First, though, we headed to the Dog Bowl. This is seriously a hidden gem in Portland. We got such organic, nature-filled portraits of the Kelly and Nick in their post-ceremony glow.
Once we got to Backyard Social, the party really kicked off. This bar serves charcuterie boards to burgers and everything in between. It was the perfect vibe for Nick and Kelly’s relaxed wedding celebration.
Would you like me to be your Portland wedding photographer, or are you looking for wedding photography in Portland, Oregon? I can’t wait to document your day with art that imitates life. Reach out to me here!
Thanks to the vendors who contributed to this rad wedding:
Photographer: Sara Welch Photo
Florist: Alana at Amarie Flora
Reception Venue and Catering: Backyard Social
The Seattle Photography Studio You’ve Been Looking For
Do you want a roomy Seattle photography studio for your next jaw dropping session? Check out this beautiful studio located in Mount Vernon. It has everything you need in a flexible space.
Seattle Photography Studio Features
This studio is a dream because it’s so flexible. The space is open concept with high neutral walls. A wide window lets in plenty of sunlight, but you can close the shades easily if artificial light/privacy is your thing. That means you can achieve an airy lifestyle vibe or a more editorial look.
The studio comes with mid century modern furniture and a bathroom. There’s also a kitchenette stocked with drinks. It’s an easy place to make your clients feel at home.
Ways to Use the Studio
Engagement and Couples Sessions
A studio is a great place to burn the rule book and create something really unique in your couples sessions. Play with props, posing, and lighting. You have an incomparable level of control to make your vision a reality.
Maternity
Taking maternity photos in a studio give you the chance to get really creative and do something more modern. Check out these artistic studio maternity photos for an example.
Family Photography
Family photography in a studio can still have lifestyle vibes. I provide furniture to create a minimalist but cozy environment to document candid moments and posed portraits.
Branding Photos
You can really make this studio your own by bringing in on-brand props and lighting. One of the amazing things about having such a bright, minimalist, wide-open space is that you can transform it just about any way you can imagine.
Other Ways to Use the Seattle Photography Studio
Creative entrepreneurs and businesses use the studio for just about anything you can imagine including:
Boudoir photography
Holiday parties
Work meetings
Art walks
Pop Ups
Launch parties
Photography events
Productions
Photographing in Mt. Vernon
Advantages of This Location
There are many reasons that this Seattle photography studio is worth the drive to Mount Vernon. The studio is located right off the highway, and since it’s outside the city, there’s plenty of free parking. It’s also spacious and affordable compared to studios in the city.
Things to Do Nearby
Mt. Vernon is a cool town with a lot of fun places to visit while you’re out here for your session. There’s great food, shopping, and outdoor activities. Here are a few of my favorite tops:
Skagit Valley Food Co-op has great groceries and snacks.
The Calico Cupboard serves delicious food and sweet treats.
ElSage Designs carries really unique clothes and home goods. It’s a great place to pick up presents.
Perry and Carlson is an art gallery and boutique.
For local festivals and events, check out this calendar.
Ways to Book This Seattle Photography Studio
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to book your session. You can book through my Peerspace listing here. If you’d prefer, email me directly at hello@sarawelchphoto.com. I can’t wait to see what you create in the studio! If you’re looking for a studio photographer seattle reach out.
6 Magical San Juan Islands Wedding Venues
When it comes to the Pacific Northwest, the San Juan Islands are iconic. The cluster of islands north of Seattle is full of spots that balance the appeal of the wilderness with cozy, well-designed accommodations. These are some of my favorite venues in the area. You’re sure to find a San Juan Islands wedding venue to create an unforgettable celebration.
6 San Juan Islands Wedding Venues
1. Schooner Zodiac and Sucia Island
I was lucky enough to photograph a wedding that included sailing on the Schooner Zodiac and overnight anchorage on Sucia Island. This is just about the most magical take on a San Juan Islands wedding venue that you can imagine. Schooner Zodiac makes a wedding weekend surprisingly easy with accommodations and food included in rates for up to 26 passengers. Imagine taking your closest people to a remote island for a seaside ceremony then having dinner below deck. Seriously, I can’t wait to photograph Schooner Zodiac again!
2. Roche Harbor Resort
Located near Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor is a well-established resort that includes a hotel, cottages, and several restaurants. If you want an all-inclusive venue, take a look at Roche Harbor. It has multiple outdoor ceremony locations in the gardens For a San Juan Islands wedding venue, it’s on the larger side with a capacity of up to 250 guests.
3. Rosario Resort
Rosario Resort is on Orcas Island. The views are absolutely stunning. Green islands rise out of the blue ocean all around. It’s an immersive experience that your guests won’t forget. The elegant historic interiors are incredible too. I like Rosario Resort so much that I got married there too!
4. Tucker House Inn
Tucker House Inn is one of the more convenient San Juan Islands wedding venues. They specialize in elopements and intimate weddings. Most wedding ceremonies take place under the willow tree beside Tucker House Inn, and the sweeping branches add so much romance. This venue is also near America Camp, a scenic historic site run by the National Park Service. It’s a great spot for portraits.
5. Chateau Nighthawk
A lot of venues in this area are seaside. For forest vibes, head up to Chateau Nighthawk. It’s located near the top of the highest mountain on Orcas Island. It’s essentially a 6-bedroom short term rental, so you get a lot of privacy compared to traditional venues.
6. Lime Kiln State Park
Lime Kiln State Park is a good San Juan Islands wedding venue for folks who want to DIY a little more or have a more rugged experience. The park is famous for two things: its historic lighthouse and great whale watching. You will definitely get some iconic Pacific Northwest wedding portraits here.
Would you like me to photograph your wedding in the San Juan Islands? I’m a Seattle wedding photographer ready to turn your memories into art. Reach out to me here!
Lairmont Manor: A Historic Bellingham Wedding Venue
Are you looking for a Bellingham wedding venue? Lairmont Manor Bellingham, WA has unique historic details but still feels unique. It is a beautiful venue with a rich history, cool architecture, and gorgeous gardens. Check out Riley and Kali’s fall wedding, which was held here.
A Historic Bellingham Wedding Venue with Titanic Vibes
Lairmont Manor Bellingham is full of elaborate architectural details, rich woodwork, and chandeliers that reminded Riley and Kali of the Titanic. It was exactly what they wanted for their Bellingham wedding venue. Standing in one of the grand sitting rooms beside the towering windows feels like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s clear that it’s different from most wedding venues in Bellingham Washington.
The property includes over 25 rooms and beautiful gardens with bubbling fountains. Outdoor ceremonies and receptions can accommodate up to 200 guests as opposed to 125 indoors, but trust me when I say you don’t want to miss these cool interiors. It costs anywhere between $2,000 and $7,200 to get married at Lairmont Manor. During peak wedding season, this Bellingham wedding venue costs around $7,000 on weekends.
As a Bellingham wedding venue, Lairmont Manor’s history is unique. The huge Italian-inspired home was built in 1914 for the Larrabbee family. The family matriarch, Frances, was a widow who raised her children alone while thriving in her community. She ran social clubs, philanthropic committees, and efforts for civic improvement among many other pursuits. After she passed, Lairmont Manor housed a nursing school. The Douglas family purchased it in the 1960s. Now proceeds from events (like weddings!) support the maintenance of the property as well as cultural programming held there.
Riley and Kali’s Sentimental Wedding
Everything about Kali and Riley’s celebration at this Bellingham wedding venue was intentional and true to them. They chose their first dance song, “Chateau Lobby #4” by Father John Misty, because it reminds them of the early days of their relationship. Even their engagement session was sentimental. We did it in the garden of the home where Riley grew up. It was so fun and refreshing to be let into their world to document these incredible moments.
When Riley first inquired with me, he said that they wanted mostly film wedding photography with a little digital mixed in. He added that he was “very very interested in candid photos of the two of us just enjoying our big day, both together and with our friends and family." That all tracks for a cool, nostalgic couple like Riley and Kali. They were both SUPER happy with the way the photos came out.
Would you like to see more Bellingham weddings? Check out this intimate backyard wedding and this wedding on film and Super 8!
Thank you to the vendors who helped make Kali and Riley’s wedding so special:
Venue: Lairmont Manor
Florist: Newbury Bay
Dress: Blue Sky Bridal in Seattle, WA
Suit: Banana Republic
Cake and other Desserts: Antler Baking Company
Riley's ring: Family heirloom
Kali's ring: HemetJewelry
Artsy Studio Maternity Photos & Photographer
Studio maternity photos are the perfect way to document a unique time in your life in a modern, artistic way. Megan’s session shows that maternity photos can be creative, cool, and moving. I am in LOVE with this studio pregnancy photoshoot. Pregnancy photography in a studio just hit different.
3 Reasons to Get Studio Maternity Photos
For this session, Megan joined me in my Mount Vernon studio. There are so many reasons to do a maternity session in a studio instead of outside or even at home. Here a few of the biggest.
1. Control Over Conditions
Where you’re outdoors or in your home, there’s so much that’s beyond our control. For one, rain, heat waves, or unexpected cold can make everything harder. In the studio, I can control the heat and AC to accommodate you any time of year.
My studio also has incredible lighting that isn’t dependent on fickle weather. For natural light, the studio gets south light, which is nice all day. I also have a wall of windows. The shadows that dance around are magic.
2. A Modern Feel
A studio can be great for someone who wants to put a modern spin on traditional portraits. There’s a lot of value to documenting this time in your life in a space like this, and you can do it in a way that’s fresh and sophisticated.
3. Convenience and Comfort
A lot of little things are just easier with studio maternity photos. At my Mount Vernon studio just off the freeway, we have about three parking lots full of spaces. It’s also homey without worrying about prepping your actual house for photos. (Who has energy for that at that point in baby prep, anyway?) I also have a cool collection of furniture and props we can use.
Megan’s Artsy Maternity Session
Megan’s session is a perfect example of how studio maternity photos can be artistic and cool. Forget those over-the-top photos of gauzy dresses billowing around people in dramatic poses. Megan wanted to play with light and shadow as well as black and white images. I loved the chance to get creative and play around as an artist!
A lot of people schedule their maternity photos for their third trimester. Megan happened to be in town visiting her parents during her second trimester, so we scheduled this session to honor her and document what a badass she is. Since Megan and I have known each other since elementary school, it was surreal and amazing to be part of this experience for her.
Would you like me to document your studio maternity photos? I’m a Seattle film photographer ready to create art that imitates life. Inquire with me here!
Documentary Family Photography: Creating Your Family Archive
One of the joys of being a Seattle family photographer with documentary-style family photography is that I document clients over years of growth and change. I’ve been lucky to photograph Vanessa’s family at their Vashon Island farm for five years now. Their photos are a perfect example of how a documentary family photographer can create an archive of magical, unfiltered moments.
Why Documentary Family Photography Hits Different
Documentary family photography isn’t the trip to JC Penny you might have taken with your family when you were a kid. This style aims to document your family as you really are. It prioritizes real moments over glamorous poses, creativity over convention. Here are five reasons why documentary family photography hits different.
1. It’s a better look into your family’s real narrative.
Your family’s story is so much deeper than a moment that everyone is standing still and looking at the camera. The beautiful, chaotic in betweens are the heart of your story. Your photos should reflect that.
2. You can create your family archive.
In the age of social media, it’s easy to forget that photos are forever. They’re how we pass our story from one generation to the next. Documentary family photography helps you do that with that perfect combination of honesty and creativity.
3. It documents children’s alchemy from a unique perspective.
Let’s face it. Kids’ magic lies in the unpredictable moments. They say or do something that you never in a million years could have expected, and you love them for it. This style of photography embraces that.
4. This style embraces real life, not fake and forced poses.
Real life isn’t always pretty, but it’s true. Sometimes your kids are a blur running through a field at blue hour. Sometimes they’re a pile of cuddles. It’s not about striking the perfect pose. It’s about documenting tender and joyful moments.
5. It mixes art with the freedom to be yourself in your photos.
Documentary photography is an art. It lets you be yourself while using light, color, and movement to tell your story.
Creating Vanessa’s Family Archive
Like I said before, I’ve photographed Vanessa and her family for years. I love visiting them at their farm on Vashon Island across the water from Seattle. These kids live the life with everything they could dream of on that farm. They also always send me home with treats from the farm - apples, eggs, homemade bread, you name it!
Since I’ve photographed this family for years, their photos show how we’ve grown alongside each other. We’ve also gotten really good at doing their sessions fast. Photo sessions never last more than an hour or so. Documentary family photography can be incredible without being an all-day commitment.
Our fourth session included a Super 8 film. I’m obsessed with how it turned out.
Would you like me to work with me for your documentary family photography? Let’s embrace real life with candid photos you’ll cherish. Reach out to me here!