A while ago I had the honor of shooting this romantic spring wedding in Port Townsend with Kim Butler Photography. Caroline and Mike traveled from San Diego for a destination spring wedding at Port Townsend’s historic Fort Worden, on the northeastern point of the Key Peninsula in Washington State. Port Townsend is a gem of the Puget Sound, featuring antique victorian-style architecture, pacific Northwest beaches strewn with sea glass, windy forested bluffs overlooking the strait of Juan de Fuca and the Puget sound, and a thriving arts culture unique in Northwest Washington!
Of course I’m a sucker for the gorgeous Victorian era architecture. Much of Port Townsend has been lovingly restored by history buffs and there are several restoration suppliers featuring historically authentic originals and reproductions to outfit your Victorian sea-captain’s mansion. An annual historic homes tour highlights some of the most beautiful houses in in the port town.
Fort Worden forms the third point of a defensive triangle between Fort Casey and Fort Flagler. As part of the Endicott Period under President Grover Cleveland, these turn-of-the-century era concrete forts were constructed as early as 1897 to defend the Puget sound from incursions across the Pacific Ocean. As Seattle would have been of strategic value to an invading military, it was a priority to construct defenses along the Strait of Juan De Fuca to guard the valuable port cities in the Puget Sound. As a child, I grew up exploring the concrete bunkers and imagining the hustle and bustle that must have filled the echoing chambers in their heyday. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see a glamorous wartime period film set against the background of the stunning Pacific Northwest?!
Caroline started her day in the heart of Port Townsend at Salon Delucca, where her hair was coiffed into a glamorous retro up-do featuring romantic curls and a birdcage veil. While she finished her bridal toilette at Fort Worden’s tiny Alexander Castle, Mike got ready in a nearby building that might have once housed enlisted soldiers’ quarters or offices. I love the clean, historic style of the architecture, with simple white walls, wooden moldings, and original windows!
Holly’s Fine Flowers provided romantic bouquets and arrangements featuring roses, ranunculus, and hypericum. The textural silver and white tones were perfect for the early spring day! After a sweet ceremony in Fort Worden’s postcard-perfect chapel, the couple celebrated with family and friends at their reception at Fort Worden’s gorgeous, light-filled event space. To cap off the glorious day, the bride and groom were joined by their guests in lighting sparklers on the lawn in the dusky twilight.
A thousand thanks to Kim Butler for inviting me to capture the day with her!
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