Have you ever been somewhere that was just so unexpectedly stunning that it quite LITERALLY took your breath away? I’ve rather thought that term overused and not realistic, but I’m telling you, when Monet and Doug raced me up a private dirt road and I hopped out of their truck to see the vista that spilled out from their wild-flower covered hilltop that sits as the crown jewel of their gorgeous property, this is truthfully what happened and for thirty seconds my breath was lost as I viewed the stunning landscape all around us.

Money and Doug’s intimate backyard wedding went through many design transitions throughout the past year and a half. I was lucky enough to photograph Monet’s sister’s beautiful destination wedding in the San Juan Islands two summers ago, and then Monet saw my work she told me she was instantly hooked and knew I was the only photographer for her.

We stayed close as 2020 spun both of our worlds into chaos, but as the spring of 2021 came, Doug and Monet ultimately decided on a lovely backyard wedding with 38 of their closest family and friends. Monet’s skill at putting together a romantic yet laid-back wedding at their river-side home left my photographer’s eyes glistening in excitement as I took in all the beautiful florals, manicured lawn, pond with ducks, wine barrels with candles, and farm tables adorned with greenery.

Monet spent a relaxing morning helping her amazing catering company Artemis Catering take over her kitchen to create mouth watering asparagus salads and main dishes hosting delicate cuts of halibut paired with both red and white wines and a delicious Champaign Doug and Monet had special ordered from a local restaurant.

As I started photographing Monet’s beautiful dress and her custom diamond engagement ring the house stated filling up with various family members and soon the air was filled with the happy chatter of excited wedding guests. In the private back room, Monet’s mom quickly put Money’s hair together a beautiful half-do. Monet’s mother and grandmother then helped Monet slip into her stunning gown and there were tears in every eye as they enjoyed this moment together.

Doug and Monet’s yard was adorned with a beautiful arch, borrowed from a friend and dripping with greenery and florals. Once all the guests took their seats, Doug stood at the front of the ceremony space beside one of his best friends and the look in his eyes as Monet made her way toward him spoke volumes for their love.

Their ceremony was the perfect mix of sweet and sassy and definitely had everyone cracking up in places before their first kiss as man and wife brought a resounding chorus of cheers.

Immediately following their ceremony Doug and Monet enjoyed circulating their cocktail hour and spending time with their guests as the wonderful team from Atemis flipped the ceremony space into a beautiful al fresco dining scene straight out of ‘The Secret Garden’.

After some brief family portraits, Doug and Monet took me on a mini-tour of their expansive property and we got to steal a few beautiful bridal portraits in their rustic walnut orchards. Returning to their beautiful home, dinner was served as the golden light of the evening began to trickle down from the tops of the tall pines. Heartfelt toasts were shared and Doug and Monet swayed to the sound of their first dance before they cut the cake.

Just before the party really started rocking I convinced them to steal away with me for fifteen minutes of sunset portraits at the hilltop of their property where we were greeted with the most gorgeous sunset of the year so far. Watching these two walk hand in hand toward the vista and lean on each other as they soaked it all in, my heart was full.

Their evening celebrations went well into the night, but I took my leave of the party-goers just as darkness fell. It was a magical day and I couldn’t be happier for these two beautiful souls. Enjoy a mini-look into their stunning wedding and be sure to drop them some love in the comments!

Doug + Monet

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