One of the advantages to waiting months before posting these wedding day blogs is that we get to go back and remember the beautiful day we were so honored to be a part of capturing. There were so many magical parts of Erica and Travis’s wedding day in October of 2016. And looking back through the photos brings back all of the feelings of love and light we saw and experienced that day with them.
The wedding itself was at Tibbets Creek Manor in Issaquah, WA. It’s a beautiful location, tucked away and easily overlooked while driving down state route 900 on your way into Renton, but it is such an incredible and underrated venue! I have to admit, I didn’t even know it was there until we had been hired to photography this wedding! It was a typical October day (and a busy one in Issaquah – it was Salmon Days weekend!), drizzly and grey…but that didn’t matter one bit! There was so much beauty inside and out of the manor, with gorgeous flower arrangements in every single nook and cranny.
I was, and still am, especially struck by the labor of love this family showed to put the wedding together. So much of it was hand crafted by the families themselves, or by dear friends, and you would have thought it was all professionally provided! Every single detail was thought through and presented impeccably. And Erica’s gown? One of the most gorgeous I have ever seen! So stunning! Before the ceremony, Erica had a “reveal” for her father and brothers that nearly moved me to tears. As her brother wiped tears from her eye, you could see the strong connection between this family and something she emphasized during our initial consultation meeting.
Before the ceremony, we had time to spend with the bridal parties and getting some portraits on the gorgeous grounds of the manor. Conveniently, it wasn’t pouring rain and there were enough dry and covered locations to use as incredible backdrops for portraits, including the large garage doors! Who would have guessed something so simple could work for photos? And have I mentioned those flowers? A family friend arranged them, and I would have sworn they were from a high-end florist!
Erica and Travis went the traditional route, not seeing one another until the moment of the ceremony. I do love that powerful moment when the bride and groom first see one another, in either a first look or during the ceremony. It is always so emotionally charged and beautiful. Luckily, Tibbetts Creek Manor is ready for all weather conditions, so they had their ceremony under a tent on the deck – dry, yet still giving that “outdoors” feeling to the ceremony!
Of course, with the vows exchanged, it was time for fun! My favorite part of every wedding! By this point, everyone is relaxed and enjoying themselves – no fake smiles and stuffy poses! Also, you should know… dancing during the reception is my favorite part.
Thank you Travis and Erica, for allowing us to be a part of this special and amazing day in your lives!
