Can I be honest? When I sat down to reminisce on Lizzy and Chris’ Seattle garden party wedding for the blog, I found my words falling short. How is anyone supposed to fully encapsulate such a perfect day for such a deserving couple!? After spending the day capturing their love story and dancing the night away, what stood out to me the most was just how loved this couple is. From the early moments in the getting ready suites, to the last moments on the dance floor, there was nothing but love. Every detail of their day was chosen with intention, and it showed in every way.

Seattle Garden Party Wedding

Lizzy and Chris began their day at the Cecil Bacon Manor. While Chris and his groomsmen were sipping bourbon and watching Youtube tutorials on tying bowties, Lizzy and her ladies were busy in the carriage house. The energy in the carriage house was the epitome of “girlhood”. You know that scene in Legally Blonde, where all the girls are helping Elle get ready for her date? It was like that, and just so wholesome! Lizzy and Chris’ wedding party put forth so much effort to ensure that they had the most special day. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, their siblings weren’t able to make it to the wedding. Despite the heavy hearts, their friends really did everything to make the day a joyful one. The bridesmaids gifted Lizzy with a sentimental book compiled of handwritten letters for her to read while getting ready. And the groomsmen were just so stoked to celebrate alongside Chris.

Once everyone was ready, we spent some time taking wedding party portraits in the manor’s courtyard. The bridesmaids dresses were everything. Each dress was unique, but created a cohesive, whimsical vibe. But the real showstopper was Lizzy’s dress! I mean, not every bride can say that they made their wedding dress. Her gown featured a plunging neckline, fitted bodice, and a crepe texture throughout. It fit her like a glove, and I can’t even imagine just how proud she was to have worn something made with her own two hands. Her cathedral veil was the perfect addition, floating effortlessly behind her. And I promise I’m not leaving the guys out; Chris and the groomsmen looked very classy in their classic black tuxes. 

Seattle Wedding Photography | Wilder Photography

After we wrapped up wedding party portraits, we all made our way to the Volunteer Park Dahlia Garden for their garden ceremony. We were spoiled with the sunshine making its appearance for the ceremony after a morning of gray skies overhead. The ceremony was full of little moments of intentionality and personality. A friend officiated the ceremony, Lizzy’s mom read a song in Spanish, and a friend read a passage by Steinbeck. Once Lizzy and Chris were made official, they made their way down the aisle where their pup (Fig) greeted them. I don’t know who was happier – Fig, or his parents!

Following the heartfelt ceremony, we whizzed through family photos before diving into newlywed portraits in the Dahlia Garden. Although the clouds quickly rolled back in, the colorful dahlias were a sweet addition to the backdrop. We took our time taking bridal portraits before Lizzy and Chris headed to the Rainier Chapter House for a few moments alone while the cocktail party was getting started. Prioritizing alone time on your wedding day is a great way to reconnect and dish about the happenings while you were apart for the day!

Guests sipped on signature drinks and enjoyed mingling before the party shuffled into the reception space. Once inside, Lizzy and Chris made their grand entrance before giving a heartfelt speech of gratitude (which garnered a standing ovation). Dinner was followed by more emotional speeches before Lizzy slipped into her second dress. And you guess it – she made that one too!!

Rainier Chapter House Wedding Reception | Seattle Weddings

Lizzy made her entrance back onto the dance floor in her sexy high neck satin dress with a low back, which was the perfect wedding reception dress. As if Lizzy wasn’t talented enough, she even made their wedding cake! The newlyweds cut their cake before guests stormed the dance floor. Throughout my time as a wedding photographer (and wedding guest), I have never seen a dance floor become quite so packed so quickly. You would think the lack of air conditioning would deter folks dropping it low, but it did quite the opposite. The atmosphere was indescribable! The DJ was a crowd favorite, with guests begging for “10 more songs!!!” as the night winded down. 

Documenting Lizzy and Chris’ Seattle garden party wedding was an honor. It’s especially moments like these where I’m so thankful to be a photographer, so that I can let the photos speak for themselves. Celebrating such a deserving couple comes easy, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have been trusted with preserving their wedding day. 

Stay tuned to the blog for more love stories, wedding and elopement planning tips, and more. And of course, you can keep up with me over on the ‘Gram (@sam_wilderphotography). Until next time, dare to be different.

Seattle Wedding Vendors:

Photography – Wilder Photography
Getting Ready Space – Cecil Bacon Manor
Venue – Rainier Chapter House
Ceremony – Volunteer Park Dahlia Garden
DJ – Lucas Demaria with LD Techniques
Catering – Pyramid
Tux – Suit Supply
Dress(es) – Handmade by the Bride