Casey and Brian, entrepreneurs from California, trekked from their West Hollywood home to Seattle to say their ‘I Do’s’. They got all gussied up and before their courthouse nuptials invited me along for the loviest-doviest wedding portrait session this city ever did see.The W Hotel. So hot right now.So super sweet.iPhones and wedding rings, what more do you need?

I mean, come on, that is some serious style.Love, love, love.

Congrats you two, loved being a part of your day! And hells yeah to marriage equality and gay marriage becoming legal. Seattle was honored to have you celebrate yours here!

Photographing Molly and John’s wedding was a blast and we’re super excited that their rad day is featured on Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book blog. Check it out here and make sure you click through to the full gallery. There is just too much goodness to miss it! Props to the incomparable Holly-Kate & Co for styling and coordinating an amazing event.

The other lovely wedding professionals who rocked Molly and John’s day include:

Wedding Venue: SoDo Park by Herban Feast , Floral Design: Amy Eller of Bloom, Catering: Herban Feast, Cake Topper: Cinnamon Birds, Invitations: Bella Figura, Cupcakes: Cake Envy, Wedding Dress: Alvina Valenta via LaBelle Elaine, Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew & Nordstrom, Hair + Makeup: Erin Skipley, Rings: My Baubles, Musician: Alec Gross, DJ: Kris McCoskery of Wave Link, Linens: Choice Linens, Rentals: Glassybaby, Transportation: First Student School Bus

Spoiler: Oh you think that’s just an average everyday ice sculpture? Nope, it’s actually an ice luge. Yeah, we know.

Abe and Lindsay’s engagement story is quite possibly the most adorable tale ever told. Visiting a friend in Paris, Lindsay was on her way to check the famed love lock-covered Pont Des Arts off her her sights-to-see list. As she approached the bridge she noticed a familiar figure standing amongst the couples locking symbols of their undying love to the bridge and pitching the keys into the water below. Abe had secretly flown across countries and an ocean to propose to her amidst thousands of strangers’ symbols of love. They left their own promise locked to the wrought iron and then had the fringe benefit of being in the most romantic city in the world.

Their big day was equal in adorableness overload. They started by picking the perfectly Pacific Northwest Roche Harbor Hotel venue. All of the natural bay-side surroundings–towering trees, blue water and skies covered in puffy white clouds, docks, and sailboats–were emphasized and reflected in their nautical decor. The iconic navy and white sailor stripes (fittingly originated by 19th century French sailors) peeped into the day repeatedly: in the invitation liner, around floral arrangements, topping signature mojitos as flags, worn by the bridesmaids as shawls, across the tables, and as part of the escort card display.  A “Message in a Bottle” take on the guest book was flanked by a model ship and a shadowbox filled with boating knots. The guests ate oyster shooters and Abe and his groomsmen even wore boat shoes!

Beautiful anchor and oar elements acted as a classic part of the nautical vision and served, among other things, as a graphic design element for the programs and the escort card display. The incredibly impressive floral arrangements perfectly show cased the colors of the day and partnered with and emphasized the ribbon-covered chair backs and entry to the ceremony site. And we haven’t even mentioned the crazy-rad chalkboard-esque menu cards, the gorgeous letterpress maps, and the ice cream (Lindsay’s favorite!) dessert truck complete with toppings buffet. But the sweetest gem of the day were the keys. As a nod to their super sweet first promise of forever, Lindsay and Abe hid keys throughout their day. Whether tied to Lindsay’s bouquet, tucked amongst ceremony ribbons, strewn like Easter-eggs in the grass, each key their guests spotted was an exciting little, heart-warming treasure.

>>>Real quick… wanna see their cute Seattle engagement pictures? There’s ice cream… and wooden boats… see the whole story here or hop on over to our Facebook page for a couple of highlights!

Event Planner: All The Flutter
Ceremony Venue: Roche Harbor -Sunken Garden
Reception Venue: Roche Harbor -Seaside Lawn

Photographer: Laurel McConnell Photography with Catherine on second camera
Officiant: Pastor Brian Turnbull (get this, he used to be their landscaper! gotta love a personal connection, right?!)
Invitation Designer: Ephemera Custom Letterpress
Catering: Roche Harbor
Mobile Food Truck: Parfait Ice Cream
Rehearsal Dinner: Cask & Schooner
Details/Signage: Heathoriginal
Floral Designer: Fleurish
Cake Designer: Cake’s By Felicitations
Lighting: Green Light Event Design
Linens and Coverings: All The Flutter, Pedersen’s
Mobile Restroom: Royal Restrooms

Dress Store: Marcella’s La Boutique

Dress Designer: Vera Wang

Bridal Accessories: Sash – Vera Wang, Jewelry – Nordstrom

Bridesmaids Apparel & Accessories: Dress and Scarf – J. Crew, Shoes – Banana Republic, Jewelry – Nordstrom

Groom & Groomsmen Apparel & Accessories: Suits – Calvin Klein, Shoes – Sperry

Hair and Makeup: Bride – erin skipley, Bridal Party – Afterglow

Live Music: Ceremony – Windsong Classical Trio, Reception – Freddy Pink

Transportation: Kenmore Air

Favors: Welcome Totes from Kaye Rachelle Designs

Rentals: glassybaby, Aria Style, Pedersen’s, ABC Rentals

Rings: Bride – Seattle Diamonds, Groom – EE Robbins

1. today is the very first day in the history of Washington state where love between same sex couples is legally honored
2. this is the wedding of my image editor/production gal and one of my very best friends, Lily

Don’t you love Michelle’s detailed blazer? They found it on one of their trips to Vancouver where they love to shop the unique boutiques together. And Lily’s dress was designed by one of (both of our) favorite designers, Eva Franco.

Lily’s bouquet was AMAZING. Peppered with succulents, peonies, and tied with some fun chevron ribbon, one of our favorite florists, Anne Bradfield, was given a few choice ideas and creative control and couldn’t have been more spot-on. Lily loved it! Don’t you?

These cameras are not just trendy wedding props, these are tools of their trades.After portraits, we all migrated from the farm house to the ceremony field. This property wasn’t just any ol farm house in a field, it’s where Sarah, Anna, and Julia spent some of their childhood. As some of Lily’s best friends, they sang and played the cello and guitar. Their melodic voices accompanied by the tones of the guitar and deep notes from the cello were so beautiful, I wish you could have been there. Through tears of love and joy, another great friend and fellow photographer, Sandy Coan, sang between chords on her ukelele. Their snazzy friend Justin led the ceremony, and boy was that a treat (this guy is HILARIOUS!!!! Probably the best ceremony ever, but I may be a little partial).

So many smiles as they sealed their ceremony with a kiss. What a beautiful moment.

Now for a little celebration! Lily and Michelle hunted and gathered the cutest details for their wedding from antique stores ranging from Snohomish to Seattle. Flowers were arranged by Lily’s stepmother, and friend and fellow wedding photographer Sharlane planted the succulents.

Wood fired pizza. ZOMG. If only I could transport back to this day in June for lunch today.

Besalu in Ballard. French pastries for the win. Go there, and you’ll thank me afterward.Real men wear bowties. And pacifiers.Barbie brought her Bluebird and Polariod. If you can’t tell, we pretty much geeked out all day while guests mingled and played croquet. It was awesome.

Congratulations you guys. I’m super honored to have been picked to photograph your weddding… I mean, you know SO many awesome photographers! I feel so lucky and full of happiness for you both. Your wedding was so beautiful, personal, and came together so well. Now, what are we going to wear for the big legal ceremony this Sunday?!?!?! Can’t wait!!!!!!

Lily and Michelle’s wedding was brought to you by:

Photographers: Laurel McConnell (all images here), Barbie Hull, Sandra Coan

Venue: The Landa Farm

Music: The Landa girls and Sandra Coan

Officiant: Justin Funnyman

Food: Veraci Pizza

Dessert: Besalu

Photobooth: 321 Foto

Personal Bouquet: Anne at Floressence

Table decor: Sharlane, Marty, and Lily

Tables: Seattle Farm Tables

Here’s how it works: Get your ticket to Get Hitched Give Hope right now, and study up on the incredible wedding services and items that are up for bid. Arrive early to scout out WHERE the stuff is that you want to bid on, whether it is in the raffles, silent auction, or live auction. Silent Auction opening bids (which is where I am) begin at 20% of the retail value so you’re bound to get some amazing deals on top-notch wedding goods and services! Since GHGH is a charitable event and put on by volunteers, you can rest assured that what you pledge will be used well to grant wishes.

And what am I donating? Boy am I glad you asked!!!

Phenomenally Fantastic Wedding Photography :: Looking for a fun, fashionable, and magazine-worthy style? Laurel has got a passion for creating rockin’ portraits while capturing moments as they happen. Her style is fabulously photojournalistic plus a dash of fashion, and her outgoing and fun personality will set you at ease. Here’s what’s included: a pre-wedding Getting To Know You Consultation, 6 hours of wedding day photography by Laurel herself, a sneak-peek Facebook album of highlights, a private Big Screen Reveal in Laurel’s studio, and a proofing website for sharing and ordering. Want something more? You can also use the value of this package toward any other package or service the studio offers. Retail value: $3000 big ones, although bids will start at $600. Unavailable (already booked) 2013 dates will be listed at the silent auction.

 

Want to see more from our sparkly, popcorn-y, elephant-y Vintage Circus-inspired ad shoot?? >> Click here<<

WHAT: Step right up to the 5th Annual Bridal Auction & Gala, where you can get gorgeous goods for your wedding while giving back! Brides, grooms, & guests will indulge in sips and sweets while they shop for fabulous wedding goods and services, mingle with some of Seattle’s hottest wedding vendors, and give to a great cause. We’ll have amazing appetizers, raffles, auctions, a dance party and surprises, so put on your party shoes!

WHEN: The evening of Thursday November 8th, 2012 at 6 o’clock

WHERE: The fabulous Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

WHO: Seattle’s hottest and most giving weddings pros and YOU, the brides & grooms and fun folk of Seattle

WHY: To get gorgeous goods for your wedding while giving back.  Help us raise $100,000 on our 5th anniversary; YOU can grant wishes simply by attending and bidding!

HOW: Buy tickets here and you will be entered into a special drawing at the door!  Note: Ticket prices increase at the door, so get yours now while they’re still piping hot and you’re entered into a very special “advanced ticket buyer” drawing.

CAN’T COME TO THE CIRCUS? You can donate online to help us deliver dreams.

Please join us to toast to this wonderful cause that celebrates life and love and the fabulous spirit of giving! It’s an evening not to be missed, where the most stylish way to give . . . is to get!

If you have any questions about the event, our organization, or my auction item, please feel free to ask them in the comments section below and I’ll try my best to answer them for you!

I’ll see you there!!!  >>>>GET MY TICKETS NOW<<<<

And a better getting-ready view for a city-loving bride there never was.Wedding logo monogrammed pint glasses? Check.Hayley’s necklace was custom made from her grandmother’s engagement and wedding rings. Such a sweet touch.Kirstie with Simply Wed rocked the favor table, check out those amazeballs suitcases.

Bacon or chocolate? Put your hands together.

Borrowed cowboy hat = the fun has been brought-ed.Bride and groom tested, Hammering Man approved.

Bride Dress: Belltown Bride
Bride Shoes: Ferragamo
Groom Suit: Hugo Boss
Groom Shoes: Bruno Magli
Bridesmaids: Monique Lhuillier
Groomsmen: The Tux Shop
Rings: Green Lake Jewelry Works
Hair and Makeup: Luce Cousineau
Coordinator: Kirstie Warren with Simply Wed
Officiant: Nate’s Uncle Mike
Catering: TasteSam
Floral and Design: Aria Style
Invites and Programs: Gayle with Paper Passionista
Music & DJ: Braden Landon
Transportation: Uber Town Cars
Guestbook: 321 Foto
Calligrapher: Kelli Reiter with Kelligraphy                                                                                                                                                                                                  Venue: Seattle Art Museum

Tech Specs: these images were captured in Seattle, Washington, using a Nikon D3, Nikon D700, Nikon 24-70mm, Nikon 35mm 1.4, Nikon 70-200mm, and Nikon 14-24mm.