The Olympic Peninsula affords a Port Angeles wedding photographer almost innumerable options for gorgeous scenery on a wedding day. The backdrop for Tiffany & Brett’s wedding ceremony was a gorgeous open meadow surrounded by douglas fir forest just west of town. Tiffany and her maids started the morning at Olympic Lodge, which afforded ample space for all the ladies to get ready at their leisure.
When planning their timeline, Tiffany & Brett allowed me to make some suggestions on a location for their first look and portraits. The bride and groom joined me at Salt Creek State Park on the Strait of Juan de Fuca before photos with the rest of the bridal party. I love taking every opportunity to give a couple a little time with one another prior to the hustle and bustle of the rest of the wedding day! Some brides and grooms have told me that this was their only time alone together the whole day! And while you can plan for time alone together at any point during the day, scheduling it in the morning allows for the chance to connect with one another before you have an audience watching your every move.
I’m forever in love with Salt Creek State Park and the landscape of the Olympic Peninsula coastline. While most of the year you’d be wise to take at least a windbreaker to the beach, Tiffany and Brett’s wedding day was bright, warm, and clear! This particular beach marks the first PNW seastack I’m aware of on the North Olympic coastline as you travel westward towards the open ocean. The sea stacks get more numerous the further west you go, but this spot is a popular local site for camping and recreation, as well as exploring the beach and tidepools at low tide.
Tiffany walked across a meadow surrounded by fir trees and down the grassy aisle to meet Brett at one of the loveliest ceremony arbors I’ve seen. A circle adorned with tiny spray roses and greenery formed a lovely focal point for the ceremony. The modern shape of the arbor against the backdrop of northwest conifers was absolutely lovely! Thankfully, the afternoon sun was just beginning to slip below the trees, casting the bridesmaids and groomsmen in shadow during the ceremony. Not only is this more comfortable on a hot day, but keeping the wedding party in the shade makes for beautiful lighting! Shade and backlight are two of my favorite lighting scenarios for ceremonies. The indirect light is more even and flattering on people, not to mention more comfortable as the bridal party and bride and groom don’t need to squint uncomfortably into harsh light.
Tiffany used cheerful yellow and a deep, sophisticated navy blue to unify the the bridesmaids ensembles and wedding decor. The groomsmen were outfitted in classy gray suits with navy ties, and the bridesmaids wore gorgeous floor-length navy gowns. The reception took place under a generous white tent, with a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, dancing, and an amazing buffet. Heartfelt toasts, golden evening sunlight, and lawn games with friends and family were the perfect end to Tiffany and Brett’s Port Angeles wedding day.
Planning an Olympic Peninsula or Port Angeles Wedding? Take a look at Stephanie & Phil’s Salt Creek Anniversary Session or Five Stunning Places To Get Married In Olympic National Park!
I am an Olympic Peninsula, Puget Sound, and Port Angeles wedding photographer who has a love for Pacific Northwest scenery, beautiful light, relaxed & happy love stories and a whole lot of laughter. If you’re interested in booking your natural outdoor wedding, contact me! The 2020 Wedding Collection beings at $3200 for inclusive coverage, high-resolution images, and a personal experience from start to finish.
Ceremony Venue: Extreme Sports Park
Florist: Annie’s Flower Farm
Makeup Artist: Diep Ngoc Phan
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