Intimate Seattle Destination Wedding: Emma & Jerred

A Photographer’s Dream

As a photographer based in the Texas Panhandle, every destination wedding feels like a special badge of honor, and honestly a dream come true. This was only my second time capturing a wedding so far from home, and I left Seattle feeling so incredibly proud of the reliable, grounded experience I was able to offer Emma and Jerred. Traveling for a wedding means being totally present, organized, and ready for anything. I want my clients to have absolute peace of mind knowing that even hundreds of miles away, their photographer is reliable, detail-oriented, and focused entirely on documenting their real, heartfelt moments. That feeling of providing a great experience, no matter the location, is everything to me. This intimate Seattle destination wedding was truly a testament to the intention I’ve poured into my process.

A Quiet Kind of Joy

There is a rhythm to an intimate wedding day that is unlike anything else. It’s built on a foundation of presence, simplicity, and a quiet confidence about what truly matters. That is exactly the atmosphere Emma and Jerred created when they planned their beautiful destination wedding in Seattle this past May.

The day felt immediately relaxed. I met the girls at a charming little AirBnb nestled just blocks from the park. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed not just as the photographer, but as a friendly witness. This is the heart of what I do: creating connections that make the day feel comfortable and stress-free. Emma’s details were stunning, and I LOVED that the girls put their bouquets together with fresh flowers from Pike’s Place Market.

The Beauty of Letting Go

Emma and Jerred were so intentional about what they wanted their story to look like. They skipped the traditional getting-ready photos for him, choosing instead to focus their energy on the moments that felt truly meaningful to them as a couple. This kind of intentionality is inspiring, and it’s something I always encourage my couples to embrace. Your day should be a reflection of you, not a checklist of traditions.

Their ceremony was held at the breathtaking Parsons Gardens. If you’ve ever imagined a ceremony wrapped in lush greenery and natural light, this was it. It was simple, grounded, and focused entirely on their commitment. Their connection is soft, intelligent, and deeply kind – and that quiet depth shone through every single moment. This small park was already a significant place in their lives, and choosing it for their vows made the whole thing feel incredibly intimate and meaningful. Before the ceremony, they opted for a private first look right there in the gardens. We were able to take all of their portraits during that time, which meant they could walk into their ceremony completely present and then immediately enjoy their celebration with their people.

The Dinner and Dance Floor at The Cathedral

We moved from the gardens to a vibey little venue called The Cathedral for the celebration. The setting changed, but the intimate, joyful mood never broke.

Their vision for the reception was so cool. They kept it grounded and fun with delicious barbeque for dinner, which immediately set a relaxed tone. And then the dance floor. It was electric – a party truly unlike any other. But the moment that will stick with me forever was the father-daughter dance. It was full of so much emotion and love, a perfect reminder of the deep family connection that anchors a wedding day.

For the Couple Dreaming of Somewhere Else

To my West Texas couples: if you are dreaming of trading the dry landscape for the coastal air of the Pacific Northwest, know that you can have a truly authentic, stress-free photography experience with a familiar, friendly face.

And to the couples near Seattle and Oregon: if you value a true-to-life editing style, a documentary approach, and a photographer who acts as a calm, grounded presence on your big day, I would be honored to be your guide. I’d love to capture your intimate Seattle destination wedding.

If Emma and Jerred’s intimate, relaxed day resonates with your heart, I would love to hear about the intentional wedding you are dreaming of – wherever in the world it might take us.