On a chilly winter day in Seattle, Austin and Christina tied the know in downtown Seattle at the Arctic Club Hotel and Plymouth Church, United Church of Christ. Sheltered against the unpredictable pacific northwest winters with dual indoor venues, no amount of rain would be able to stop this love story from happening.

The day begins at the Arctic Club Hotel where the groomsmen hang around in one of the rooms toward the back of the lobby of the hotel. Just taking their time to catch up as the ladies prep in one of the bridal suites upstairs, the guys just really take it easy with plans to get dressed at secondary location where the ceremony would be happening. With better lighting and more open space, that’s probably the best decision. I take some time to get acquainted with the groom, Austin, and his groomsmen. They’re all having fun and I sit back and just observe their group dynamic.

The day progresses and we move to the church, where the ceremony is being held. As I arrive, I scout around and look for a spot to do groom flat-lays. Halfway up the stairs to the upper level, I see a large square coffee table right next to a large window. Bingo. Plenty of natural light. Hard surface. Perfect for flat lays. After I finish, I pack up the goods and head to the groomsmen prep suite, which I find to be a huge room cyclindrical shaped room with tall ceilings. This is just perfect. Groomsmen suites are usually underlooked for obvious reasons. Although not intended to be a groom’s suite, this large room in the church is perfect for getting ready. I have so much spacing to work with and am able to get more angles and perspectives as the gents get ready.

Not only do we have the groom and his groomsmen, we have flowerboys. Makes for a really fun ceremony. The guys all have bowties and spend time figuring out how to tie them. It’s evident they’re having a lot of fun with each other. We head on over to get ready for the ceremony and I am just stunned with what I’m working with. I’ve never shot at a church where there was so much light. It’s not natural light, but a ton of ambient light. There aren’t any windows in this sanctuary either, but there’s so much lighting and the decor is absolutely beautiful with the organi pipes in the background. The florals were stunning as well and the stage is just massive. This is probably the best conditions for photographing a church ceremony as it can get. Highly recommend considering this venue if you’re looking to get married at a church in downtown Seattle.

One by one, the wedding party enter the ceremony and take their spots on the stage. Guests observe in awe as they walk down the beautiful aisle. The bride walks down and greets her soon-to-be-husband on the stage. They don’t have a pre-ceremony first look, and so it’s their first time seeing each other for the first time today.

It’s a heartfelt and faith-based ceremony. Austin and Christina gaze into each other’s eyes as the officiant proceeds. They say their vows to each other, exchange their rings, and have their first kiss. This church is the perfect enviornment for them to have their ceremony. As they exit, the crowd cheers for them in celebration and excitement.

Cocktail hour is held at the hotel so I head back and capture candids of the guests enjoying their time mingling with each other in the hotel lobby. Although it’s dark, it’s a great ambiance for editorial style photos. With flash, you get a bit more lighting contrast and more dramatic and moodier feel. The bar in the back is massive and is such great decor that really fits the ambiance of the hotel.

I head upstairs with the guests to the reception area and the wedding party table is just stunning. With a huge floral arch, bouquets lined up down the table, and candles placed at perfectly spaced intervals, this setup is sure to turn heads. With multiple circular tables placed throughout the ballroom, surrounding a dance floor right in the middle which anchors the whole room together, this venue is perfect for entertaining guests throughout the night. For those considering the Arctic Club House as a reception venue, think no further. Completely indoors and fully sheltered from the unpredictable PNW climate, the Arctic Club is sure to accomodate your massive guest list and ensure they are feeling warm and cozy throughout the night.

The remainder of the reception is just a roller coaster of emotion filled with excitement, celebration, and tears of joy. The speeches and first dances were unlike any other. The interior of the Arctic Club Hotel ballroom was the perfect space for them and created photos that were slightly editorial in nature and truly reflected and matched the matched the ambiance and energy of the reception.

Even though it was a long day on my feet the entire day, it went by so fast. The Plymouth Church, United Church of Christ on 6th Ave in downtown Seattle is the perfect space to host your ceremony if you are looking for a light filled church in the area. With plenty of large rooms, and outdoor balcony areas, the space is perfect for your wedding party getting ready, and wedding party group photos, in addition to hosting your ceremony as well. The Arctic Club Hotel on 3rd Ave and Cherry St. is the perfect choice to host your reception, and pairs very well with the Plymouth Church as it’s only a short drive a away. Shuttle options work best to transport your wedding guests between the two locations.

To learn more about my wedding packages, send me an inquiry with your wedding date and venue! I’d love to learn what you’re dreaming up and how I can help you tell your love story.

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