Snoqualmie Falls Wedding at Salish Lodge & Spa | Cydney and Jordan | Washington Adventure Elopement Photographer
Snoqualmie Falls Intimate Wedding at Salish Lodge & Spa | Washington LGBTQ and Same Sex Adventure Elopement Photographer
With only about 30 mins drive from downtown Seattle, Salish Lodge by Snoqualmie Falls offers one of the best views for those who want to witness the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. However, to truly have the waterfall all to yourself, you have to put in a little bit of work and that was exactly what Cydney and Jordan did on their wedding day.
Before we get to their story, I have have to brag. Cydney and Jordan’s intimate and adventurous wedding by Snoqualmie Falls is now published on Dancing With Her Volume 6
Cydney and Jordan first inquired for their elopement. The couple wanted to go to the courthouse, get married, and get some photographs from the day. From reading the initial email, I got a sense of who they are and I truly wanted to learn more so I jumped on the phone call with the couple.
Jordan was busy on the day we talked so I only get to talk with Cydney. I still remember that early morning call when we were both sleepy. I was in my pajama at my home and Cydney had a little mug of coffee on her end. Within the first 10 mins, I knew right away a courthouse wedding would not be the best fit for the couple.
I provided my insights and my experience from when I had other courthouse weddings. I knew how rushed it can get and how it almost feels like the day is being robbed away from the couple due to the nature of the courthouse.
Therefore, I felt like I really needed to be honest and told them how I truly felt. I did not expect them to change anything but I am so glad they did because the couple then decided to have a small elopement by Snoqualmie Pass instead. I shared with the couple another elopement I photographed at Gold Creek Pond Lake by Snoqualmie Pass and they fell in love with the mountain views and the beauty of all the greeneries that Washington has to offer.
The thing about getting married is that this is your first time ever doing this, you don’t really know if something is right for you or not. We might have an idea of what we wanted but we don’t really know how we might feel when it’s actually happening. It took us another round of email and phone call to finalize the little details of what the day will look like. And finally, the couple decided to change from an intimate elopement to an intimate wedding at Salish Lodge by Snoqualmie Falls so their family and loved ones could also be there.
Intimate weddings and adventure elopements are what I am passionate about so I totally understood the couple when they changed their minds on the size of their wedding as well as the location and the whole entire plan. Intimate weddings and elopements for me are not at all about “best fucking photos for instagram and Pinterest”. Rather, they are about my couples and what they wish for in terms of creating art together and capturing memories together.
One of my favorite parts of their wedding day was when I placed the beautiful brides in their cute little bath tub at Salish Lodge so they could get ready together. During getting ready time, I like to step back so I could observe all the little moments people might miss. I want to be able to create an environment where my couples can be who they are, have fun, and enjoy a care-free wedding. So when I see how quirky and goofy my beautiful brides are, I asked if they want to get cozy and get ready in a little bath tub.
I super honored and excited to share that the photo above has won Junebug Wedding’s Best Wedding of 2019
The photo above was also featured in Rangefinder Magazine - Photo of The Day - Following The Good Light
From wedding planning, we knew the day would go so fast since the couple wanted a little adventure. In order to go incorporate Snoqualmie Falls into their wedding photos, we needed to do a bit of hiking. Therefore, the couple decided to enjoy their time with loved ones the day before and the morning of their wedding. We knew that we had to cut the reception short so we all could go on our hiking adventure.
In order to make it down to the lower part of Snoqualmie Falls safely, I had Cydney and Jordan changed into normal clothings and I helped them carrying their dresses down. We hiked through the woods and some very narrowed and muddy trails.
By the time we got down to the river, we looked up, and were all blown away by the beautiful view in front of us. Snoqualmie Falls was roaring in front of us and it was such a magnificent view. Truly, this is one if the best locations for wedding and elopement photos around Seattle.
Cydney and Jordan quickly changed into their dresses again since it’s getting dark quick.
We spent the evening together, taking in the views, and photographing some quiet and intimate moments together. By slowing things down, my beautiful brides were able to truly immerse themselves into their wedding day and enjoying each other’s company.
We ended the day with us hiking back up in the dark. The night was quiet and all we could hear was leaves rustling around our feet.
Cydney and Jordan, thanks for allowing me to be a part of your day and for trusting me enough to wander in the dark with me for your wedding photos. Your photos are more than just photos. They are the moments in time captured in the form of photographs. They are the memories of a day full of love and adventures. They are the reminders of your commitment and your love for one another.
Some kind words from the couple :)
Words cannot describe how much of an absolute joy Henry is! The first vendor we booked upon choosing our wedding date was Henry because we knew we had to have him photograph our wedding. When we first spoke, we planned for a courthouse elopement. What ended up happening was a fancy wedding ceremony at a lodge, a plated dinner reception, and a 3 hour trip hiking to the bottom of Snoqualmie Falls to take photos afterward. Our wedding was absolutely not what Henry signed up for, but he was incredible throughout every moment. He was flexible when the timing of our event changed, willing to stay way past when he was supposed to stay in order to lead us on a crazy long hike (in the dark AND carrying our dresses the whole time) just to get the photos we wanted, and came to our venue hours early to get the getting ready photos we wanted. Within 12 hours of our wedding, Henry sent us previews of our photos and they were EVERYTHING we wanted. About 2 months after our wedding, we got our full gallery of about 480 photos, all of which are better than we imagined. Quality of the work aside, Henry is an absolute JOY to be around. He builds you up the entire time he photographs you and he keeps things lighthearted and entertaining throughout everything. We cannot sing his praises enough.
The Wedding Team:
Photographer: This handsome dude Henry
Venue: Salish Lodge & Spa
Florist: Down to Earth
Hair and makeup: Salon Maison
Officiant: Elaine Way
