Meeting Kaitlin for the first time it’s hard not to just completely fall in love with her. Soft-spoken but quick to smile, she is just about one of the sweetest people you will ever meet! She and Zach are one of those one-in-a-million couples who compliment each other in every way and whose love you can feel the second you are with them.

She and Zach planned a stunning and intimate wedding celebration at one of my all-time favorite venues in Stevenson WA called Skamania Lodge. Nestled on a hill overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, this incredible and expansive estate covers over 175 acres of land and is an idyllic spot for a romance such as Kaitlin and Zach’s!

Arriving around mid-day I found Kaitlin and her bridesmaids in their hotel suite, just putting the final touches on their hair and makeup. Kaitlin had kindly put aside her wedding-day details for me to capture. Kaitlin chose a lip color from Charlotte Tilbury and wore a necklace that was a family heirloom, complimenting the antique and sentimental history of her engagement ring.

Dom arrived to Zach’s getting-ready suite and snapped away and the guys donned their suits as Zach’s mom came to share in the emotions of seeing her son all decked out for his wedding day.

Soon Kaitlin found herself ready to step into her form-fitting silk gown. Her bridesmaids then helped tie and secure a bejeweled wedding headband under which her dark curls fell, perfecting her sleek and classic wedding look.

As I snapped a few window-light portraits I could see Dom leading Zach across the fields, placing him in preparation for his first look with Kaitlin.

Following suit, we headed down to where Zach stood waiting, and when he turned to see his bride for the first time it was instant waterworks as the emotions of the day overtook them.

The heat of the August summer was relieved by a bit of wind from the Gorge and as Kaitlin’s dress flowed in the wind I couldn’t help but feel my own eyes begin to water seeing the way Zach kept looking at her with absolute joy and adoration.

After Bridal Party and Family Portraits we tucked everyone away while photographing the meticulous details of the ceremony and reception spaces that “The Professionals” (friends of Kaitlin’s mom who had donated their set-up and decor placement services for the day) had put together.

Kaitlin’s reception tables had floral centerpieces and table number cards held up by gold stands featuring a delicate honeybee motif, adding to the garden-like feel of Kaitlin’s wedding-day color palette.

As we completed photographing the reception area, guests began filtering to the ceremony location and taking their seats. Soon Zach came down the aisle, arm in arm with his parents.

One by one the wedding party walked the long processional until everyone stood, the music changed and in the distance you could see Kaitlin, an absolute vision under her cathedral-length veil that dropped her in glowing white as her father walked side-by-side to give his blessing on this union.

If the emotion of the first look was any hint, you can guess how Zach reacted as his bride walked toward him and I honestly don’t think there was a single person who made it through their ceremony without getting choked up.

Sealing their union with an epic dip at the end of the aisle before heading to sign all the legal paperwork, the catering staff at Skamania lodge put out a fabulous meal that included a scrumptious summer salad with pear garnish and a delicious Salmon main course that was baked to perfection.

After diner Kaitlin and Zach were toasted by their friends and family and they shared an impressive first dance that ended with one of their signature dips.

Escaping to take advantage of the glowing golden hour light, after a slight mishap with the golf cart where Dom, Zach and a few of the groomsmen got to show off their brute strength, we were able to escape to the far end of the gold course for a private moment with the couple while capturing some of my favorite bridal portraits we’ve ever taken!

Returning safely from our adventure, Kaitlin, Zach and their guests tore it up on the dance floor while enjoying beverages from the open bar.

As the evening came to a close, Zach scooped Kaitlin up while their guests filled the night air with bubbles for their epic send-off. Kaitlin and Zach are enjoying their unplugged honeymoon on a cruise ship and

I can’t wait to show them their wedding sneak-peek when they return! In the meantime, scroll down for a mini preview and be sure to leave a comment of congrats for Kaitlin and Zach in the comments section below!

Kaitlin + Zach

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