Man, talk about a wedding with some phenomenal candid moments! When I think of Gillian and Luke’s intimate celebration in Gillian’s childhood home, emotion is the first thing that comes to mind. I can’t tell you how many belly-laughs, hugs and tears of joy I witnessed on this gorgeous day.

My favorite moment was probably just after Gillian and Luke’s first look, when the two of them walked hand-in-hand into the living room to sit side by side at the piano and Gillian began singing a love song she’d picked out to celebrate her love for this man she was about to marry. As Gillian’s stunning voice filled the air, just around the corner Gill and Luke’s mothers crept in for a listen. Within seconds, Gillian’s mother broke into tears of joy and turned to Luke’s mom for a tearful embrace as they soaked up the joy of these two incredible families coming together. It’s a moment in time which will forever be suspended for me as a moment of pure joy and a memory which encapsulates the epitome of love.

The day was filled with countless moments like this I could honestly write a mini-novel about their wedding day, but I’ll have to settle for just the highlights.

I arrived at the beautiful home of Donna and Troy and instantly my breath was taken away by the sheer amount of gorgeous plants and flowers that added a literal rainbow of color to every corner of the property. Donna, Gillian’s mom was telling me that it was quite the challenge to keep all the plants and flowers alive through the recent heat waves the PNW has been experiencing, and I’ll quote Luke’s statement as he toured me around, “I never want to water another hanging planter again!”

All the months of work that went into additional landscaping of the grounds really paid off though, and when Gillian’s neighbor showed up with additional buckets of flowers which she added to ever table and railing it really did look like a tropical garden wonderland!

After picking my spots for portraits I snapped a few detail shots of Gillian’s amazing wedding clogs and her custom dress which was also made by a family friend and neighbor. Gillian’s family have been living in this home for over 30 years, and the connections and relationships they have to everyone around them is next-level. Troy is also an artist for the famous McMenamins and called in a few favors in regards to tables, chairs, and linens and Gillian joked that their celebration was “wedding sponsored by McMenamins.”

Gillian was in the basement getting the final touches on her hair and makeup by the very talented Portia. She looked flawless and was already a perfectly joyful mood, her musical laughter easy to hear throughout the Josie as it rang out frequently in the last stages of her getting ready process.

Luke and his wedding party did their final donning of wedding attire in the living room surrounded by Troy’s art which hung on the walls. Luke’s sister was his best lady, and after helping him with the perfect wedding-day bun, they went outside to help with the final placement of fabric and greenery on the chuppah.

Gillian slipped into her dress with the help of her bridesmaids and her mother had the honor of placing her veil, one which Luke’s mother Laura had worn on her wedding day and gifted to Gillian.

Luke and Gillian shared a joyful first look and then we had an absolute blast adventuring around Gillian’s old junior-high and high school stomping grounds for their bridal portraits. Gillian told me when I was getting to know she and Luke early on in the wedding planning process that all her life she’s dreamed of getting married at her childhood home, and with the day finally here, the excitement and emotion of the moment was palpable.

After bridal portraits we rounded up the wedding party and I can’t remember any wedding where there was more laughter occurring during wedding party photos than with this amazing crew of people. Not only were they 100% up for any shenanigans I asked of them, but they came up with many of their own fun add-ons for portraits that just exude the joyful hilarity of the day.

After portraits we got the families together for a few shots and then Gill got to hide out in the air conditioned house while guests began to arrive. Luke had mentioned how the pre-wedding jitters had hit him a few days prior when he realized that people from all different areas and times of his life would now all be coming together, but once the actual wedding day arrived, those jitters turned to just pure excitement as he eagerly greeted almost every guest with an ear-to-ear grin and a huge hug.

As the big moment finally arrived the guests took their seats and the wedding party all lined up. The procession was set to gorgeous classical music, and as Gillian made her way toward her future husband, Luke was absolutely beaming.

Their ceremony was officiated by Luke’s father and filled with unique customizations such as a circling of both the bride and groom to kick off the ceremony, a gorgeous poem reading by Gillian’s childhood best friend and neighbor, the reading of the vows which they had printed on a Ketubah, a Jewish Marriage contract, which would later be decorated by the artwork of Gillian’s father, the seven blessings read by various family members and of course, the breaking of glass to a big cheer from the crowd.

Gillian and Luke exited their ceremony in a flurry and at a literal run to spend a few moments alone, enjoying some fresh blackberries left there by Luke’s dad as a little reminder of his wedding ceremony message.

After a quick round of family portraits, Gillian and Luke were free to meander amidst the crowd, receiving congratulatory hugs and excited compliments on putting together such a wonderful celebration.

After a delicious dinner, toasts were kicked off and it was easy to see that talents in speaking and performance was not limited to the bride and groom, as every speech had the audience both aww-ing and in stitches of laughter.

Gillian and Luke cut their gorgeous cake which was topped by an heirloom topper and had a side of gluten free cupcakes which the guests were just rave over.

Gillian and Luke slipped down to the lower patio to share a first dance before opening up the dance floor for everyone to boogie down and just as I took my leave I heard the wedding party organizing some karaoke entertainment!

It was an absolutely magical day, and one of those weddings which you know was just 1,000% focused around the couple, which I loved. Gillian and Luke your “DIY Wedding” is one to remember, thank you from the bottom of my heart for inviting me to be a part of it.

Check out just a handful of the images captured on their beautiful day and be sure to scroll to the bottom to leave a comment of congrats to these two wonderful people!

Luke + Gillian

Kate + Brian

Jason + Lacey