I don’t even know where to begin. The style. The personality. The light. The location. The food. The style.

So that we can cut to the chase, lemme give you a quick background: Ashley and Chad are New Yorkers. He’s a director/producer. She’s one of the sweetest gals I’ve ever met, and has more style in her pinky than I have in my whole body (although she thinks Chad is a better dresser than she is!). Together, they created a super stylish affair to remember, one that has evolved over the last 14 months since his proposal to her on the Hudson River, when he was “scouting” for a filming location (read: an excuse to video the whole thing!).

They were married at Sodo Park, one of Seattle’s most beautiful, historic, and rustic venues, set in the heart of our industrial district. Her style was romantic, with her grandmother’s broach re-purposed into her handmade hat and birdcage veil, a really stylish silk belt, and he WAS James Bond. In fact, Mr. Bond IS jealous. Their decor was romantic yet rustic, with herbs for the boutonnieres and eucalyptus candles scenting the room. They were inventive with their arch, using willow and baby’s breath.  The signature cocktails were concocted by a well known New York cocktail maker and writer JUST for them (oh, I want that job next…). Escort cards were sweet little honey jars, with a little anecdote that Ashley’s mom used to tell her when she was little about how the bee shouldn’t have been able to fly because of it’s big body and little wings, yet since no one told the bee that, it flew anyway. How’s THAT for a great childhood value! The food was delicious as always, and the cake was, well, breathtaking. The dance party was awesome- MAN those New Yorkers know how to cut a rug. It was a day that ran the emotional gamut: from excitement to nervousness, awe to admiration, romance to tears of joy.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, I’m not a writer, but a photographer, so shuttup and let’s just get on with it…….

Reerrrroww, ladies. Meeeyowww, gentlemen….I think Chad’s been waiting for this day. Ya think? And also, check out his Breitling USAF Thunderbird watch… just slightly cool…. slightlyYes, those ARE handwritten thank you notes to each and every guest from the bride and groom. I’ve never seen such a sweet and thoughtful gesture….These cakes are so cool, they need an introduction. His was a surprise, it was a black solar system groom’s cake. It rotated. IT ROTATED!!! Do you even know how cool that is?!? The bridal cake was amazing- set atop a nest of branches, it was entirely edible. The succulents? The curly branches? The flowers? The leaves? All sugar and chocolate! True masterpieces. And to top it off, there were two cute stumps- a bride and a groom.Who DOESN’T love a classic photobooth for a guest book? And some props? Great entertainment for all!And I leave you with this- their late night reception snack. Sliders, shoestring french fries, and milkshakes. A great way to end the night after crying your eyes out, hugging your hearts out, and dancing your feet off!!! Congratulations, Ashley and Chad. It was a true honor to be chosen to capture these images for your wedding- I hope you and your family and friends enjoy them for decades to come!!

Now let’s talk about the wedding team, baby!!!

Wedding planner, consultant, designer, and all-around-awesome chick: Holly-Kate Foss of Sweet Pea Events

Venue & catering: Herban Feast at Sodo Park

Photographer: Laurel McConnell Photography

Documentary videographer: Brett Renville (can’t WAIT to see this!)

Hair and makeup: the amazing Erin Skipley of Bellatrix Studio

Bride’s fashion: Gown by Enzoani from Luly Yang, shoes by Kate Spade, veil by couture milliner Preston & Olivia

Groom’s fashion: tux by John Varvatos, shoes by Alden, cufflinks by Jan Leslie

Rings: Phoenix Roze

Officiant: Reverend Brendan Coleman

Cake: The People’s Cake

Floral: Willow & Bloom

Italian/Bistro/Globe lights: Blue Danube Productions, via Sodo Park

Invites, programs, menus, escort cards, and anything else paper related: the ever stylish Kerri Efendi

Photobooth: my lovely friends at 321 Foto

Adorable photobooth props: Heathoriginal

DJ: Emerald City Productions

Cocktail band: Jason Parker Quartet, of course!

Transport: British Motor Coach

Cocktail mixologist: Jason Rowan, Embury Cocktails

Suitcases and votives: Sweet Pea Events

And for you photography buffs: This wedding was mostly documented with my trusty Nikon D3, Nikon 24-70mm, Nikon 34mm 1.4, Nikon tilt-shift PCE-45mm , Nikon 70-200mm, some Nikon SB-800′s (SB-900 is the new model), and lots of Quantum battery packs (a must have for reception photography!), and edited solely using Adobe Lightroom, with minor retouching and blog prep using Photoshop. Did you know that the more you get your supplies through these links, the more often I can blog JUST for photographers? Hint hint…