A Fun, High-Energy Black Tie Wedding with a Relaxed, Candid Feel
If you’re searching for a Seattle wedding photographer, Aly and Jake’s day at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park is the perfect mix of classic black-tie style and genuinely fun, high-energy moments.
From a supportive wedding party to a packed dance floor and a full gallery captured on both film and digital, this wedding had the best of both worlds—timeless and relaxed.
A Black Tie Wedding with a Fun, Laid-Back Feel
Aly and Jake planned a black tie wedding in the Seattle area that felt elevated but never overly formal.
The day had that polished, classic look—clean lines, timeless styling—but the energy was completely the opposite of stiff. Their wedding party set the tone early on: supportive, excited, and fully present the entire day.
It’s always the combination of those two things—style and energy—that makes a wedding stand out.
A Meaningful Return to Washington
Jake is a pilot, and he and Aly had recently moved back to Washington to be closer to family. That made this wedding feel even more intentional.
Hosting their wedding near Seattle meant they were surrounded by the people who matter most, which you could feel in every part of the day—from getting ready to the reception.
The Lodge at St. Edward State Park Wedding Venue
The Lodge at St. Edward State Park is one of the most unique and sought-after wedding venues near Seattle.
It offers:
- Historic architecture with a modern feel
- Forested surroundings for portraits
- Clean, elevated interior spaces
- A private, tucked-away atmosphere
For couples planning a Seattle wedding, it’s a venue that gives you both elegance and access to nature without having to travel far.
From Big Sur Engagement Photos to a Seattle Wedding
One of my favorite parts of working with Aly and Jake was that we had already photographed their engagement session in Big Sur.
That session gave us time to connect before the wedding day, which always makes a difference. By the time their wedding came around, everything felt easy and natural—they already knew what to expect, and I knew how they interacted together.
If you’re planning a wedding, engagement sessions like that are one of the best ways to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Film and Digital Wedding Photography
This wedding was photographed on both film and digital, which adds a lot of depth and variety to the final gallery.
- Digital allows for flexibility, speed, and capturing fast-paced moments
- Film brings in softness, texture, and a timeless feel
Blending both formats creates a gallery that feels elevated but still real—perfect for a black tie wedding like this.
A Dream Vendor Team
Aly and Jake worked with an incredible planner, Juliet & Lou, who kept everything running smoothly from start to finish.
Having a strong planner makes a huge difference on a wedding day. It allows everything to stay on track while giving the couple space to actually enjoy their day.
A Reception Full of Energy
As the night went on, the energy didn’t slow down.
Aly changed into a second reception dress, which shifted the vibe into full celebration mode. Outfit changes like this are always a great way to move from formal to fun without losing the overall aesthetic of the day.
Between the outfit change, the music, and their incredible group of friends, the dance floor stayed packed.
Adventure Elopement Photographer in Washington
In addition to weddings like this, I’m also a Washington adventure elopement photographer, working with couples who want something more intimate and experience-driven.
Washington offers an incredible range of landscapes for elopements:
- Mountain views
- Forests and waterfalls
- Coastal cliffs and beaches
Whether you’re planning a large wedding in Seattle or a quiet elopement somewhere more remote, the goal is always the same—to create a day that feels like you, not a production.
Best Time to Get Married in Washington
If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in Washington, timing makes a big difference.
Summer (June – September)
This is the most popular time to get married in Washington, especially around Seattle. You’ll get:
- The best chance of clear skies
- Longer days and later sunsets
- Ideal conditions for outdoor ceremonies
Fall (October)
Fall is underrated and one of my favorite times to photograph weddings. You’ll see:
- Moody skies
- Rich colors
- Fewer crowds
Spring (April – May)
Spring can be beautiful but unpredictable. Expect:
- Lush greenery
- Possible rain
- Softer light for photos
Winter (November – March)
Winter weddings are less common but can be incredibly unique, especially for indoor venues like The Lodge at St. Edward State Park.
Why This Seattle Wedding Stood Out
Aly and Jake’s wedding is a perfect example of what happens when you balance:
- Thoughtful planning
- A strong vendor team
- And a focus on actually enjoying the day
It never felt like a production—it felt like a celebration.
Planning Your Wedding at The Lodge at St. Edward State Park
If you’re considering The Lodge at St. Edward State Park for your wedding, here are a few tips:
- Book early: It’s a popular venue for Seattle weddings
- Plan time for outdoor portraits: The surrounding forest is worth it
- Consider a second outfit: It’s a great way to transition into the reception
- Hire a planner: Especially for a larger wedding
Seattle Wedding & Washington Elopement Photographer
If you’re looking for a Seattle wedding photographer or a Washington adventure elopement photographer who blends film and digital photography while focusing on real, unscripted moments, Aly and Jake’s wedding is a great example of that approach.
Black tie doesn’t have to mean stiff. It can feel relaxed, fun, and completely personal—and that’s where the best photos come from.
Vendors
Photographer
Venue
Wedding Coordinator + Designer
Hair and Makeup
Florals
Cake
Design
DJ
ELEVATE SOUND & ENTERTAINMENT
Live Music
Stationery
Videography
Bride's Attire
Bride's Attire
