COLORFUL WEDDING TUCKED IN THE FORESTS OF LEAVENWORTH, WA

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erin & Earl knew how they wanted their wedding day to look like, to feel like, to be like. ‘Colorful’ and ‘bold’ were the words they used to describe their vision. As two artistic and creative individuals, this idea fit perfectly for them, just like how they themselves were so obviously meant to be with each other. Together they are supportive, cheerful, welcoming, spontaneous, and warm-hearted. They make you feel welcome, even though you’ve only just met. They ooze spontaneity and excitement, cheerfulness and joy. Personally we have both been looking forward to their wedding weekend for a few months especially after photographing their engagement photos; we were excited to capture the cheerful, abstract, and artsy imagery they had for their special day, and we can definitely say their bold and colorful wedding weekend was definitely one for the books.

The weekend started for us when we got to their venue, Tierra Retreat Center. We were taken aback by the serene and peaceful environment this setting had. Tucked in the forests in Leavenworth, erin & Earl immediately made us feel welcome by providing us a cabin and inviting us to document their jam night session at this cozy yurt the venue had. That evening under the stars, they sang and played instruments together with their family and friends. erin & Earl also took their turns getting their nails done by their relative, lit up by nothing but the yurt’s calming ambiance and a phone flashlight. Surrounded by their friends and family playing on through the evening, it felt relaxed and homey, like we were just visiting friends during a sleepover. There was a sense of warmth and community, and it was something we loved about erin & Earl immediately.

The next day started out early and we joined everyone as they set up the beautiful space. We were greeted by the tranquility of the forest. The temperature was just right too. Slightly cool and crisp while simultaneously feeling cozy and bright. When we looked at the weather reports, the day promised a perfect spring weather. As “expected,” the weather wanted to do its own thing. Just before the ceremony was scheduled to begin, it began to rain. And then it hailed. And then it snowed quite heavily. We took advantage of this crazy changing weather and ran outside to get some images of erin & Earl in the falling snow, wondering if the ceremony would have to be moved indoors. After we snapped a few images of erin & Earl dancing and playing outside, the snow stopped and suddenly became sunny again. The ceremony, which was outdoors at this incredible amphitheater in the woods was back on!

Their day went on, they celebrated, and they continued to embrace whatever happened with open arms. To be honest it felt like a perfect complement to their friendship and love story: spontaneous, adventurous, creative, filled of life’s ups and downs all while maintaining the beauty of a solid and meaningful relationship alongside the people they’ve chosen to keep.

The Day We Got Engaged in Mount Rainier National Park

It has been 365 days since we got engaged.

August 23rd, 2017.

It was the most special day.

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I knew Jillian was the one early on in our relationship. Even when we were faced with the many struggles and imperfections that come with being in a long distance relationship, I was sure all along.

An actual decision was made a year ago and I immediately told my closest friend and my parents. When I finally got the ring, I showed it to her best friend and asked her if Jill would like my choice. After an enthusiastic response, I then secretly flew to California to talk to Jillian's parents about this decision. I knew how much more meaningful it would be if I met them in person; Jillian values her family more than anything. So over dinner and a bottle of wine, her parents also enthusiastically said yes to me and my decision. Elated, I went back to Washington just when Jillian was flying in to go on a trip with me to see the total solar eclipse.

The following day with us both up in Washington, we packed our things and drove down to eastern Oregon with my friend, Andy. We were there to witness the total solar eclipse and Oregon was on the path of totality. On the day of the total solar eclipse, I debated whether or not to propose to Jillian then. I didn't. I wanted her to fully see the eclipse and appreciate it for what it is - the most amazing natural phenomena we have ever seen.

The next day, we went to Portland to explore the city a bit. We went to her dream bookstore, Powell's, and had beer at Deschutes Brewery. The next day, the day she was set to fly back home, we decided to stop by one of our favorite places, Mount Rainier National Park, a place that is so special to us. Mount Rainier is easily our favorite mountain and we fell in love with the park when we visited together a few years ago. We have always wanted to come back and explore, so she was up to do that hours before her flight. 

I drove to Tipsoo Lake, parked the car, and got all my camera equipment. This was normal of course. As a landscape photographer, I always have my gear with me so Jillian never thought this was strange. In fact she might have thought it strange if I didn't bring all my stuff. 

We then walked on this little trail towards a point where you can see Tipsoo Lake. We stopped there at this very spot. I put down all the gear and set one camera for a time lapse and one for photos. Again, I do this anytime we go somewhere beautiful so this wasn't a weird thing to do at all. Finally, I asked her to pose in front of the cameras for a bit with Rainier in the background. She walked in front of the camera and I walked there too, telling her we should take a picture. Again, we did this all the time so she didn't even raise an eyebrow.

Finally I turned around and held her hands and went on one knee. I guess you can say that the rest was history.