This mid September Wedding at Carleton Farm in Lake Stevens, WA was just stunning. The end of summer moving into the fall season in the Pacific Northwest is probably one of my favorite seasons here. It’s not too hot or too cold; the temp is just perfect the entire day. This venue was just so unique and I loved it here. The space was open, and there’s cornfield and sunflower section that is just perfect for sunset photos. There’s an outdoor ceremony area, and a farmhouse like barn where the reception was held. Plenty of space and separate rooms for the bridal party to get prepped as well.

Want to learn more about Carleton Farm as a Wedding Venue? Check out my Carleton Farm Detailed Venue Guide.

This was my first time second shooting for PNW Love Stories, owned by Valerie Blake of Valerie Blake Photography. I was excited when she extended me the opportunity to work with her as I really liked her work and I knew there was a lot I could learn from her. As I pull up to the venue, I meet Valerie in person for the first time, and she introduces me to the groomsmen and they are already dressed. Although I’m not able to get candid getting ready photos, I was still able to snag some “fake getting ready shots” with the gentlemen while Valerie worked on detail shots and the bridesmaids, so it all worked out.

I take the boys over for some formals in front of a barn area. It wasn’t the best location but there wasn’t much we were able to work with due to the direct sunlight and lack of shade at the venue. I also didn’t want to move to any locations where we would risk getting seen by the bride. After I finish up with the gentlemen, Valerie and I work the first look between Tanner (groom) and Alicia (bride). We take them into a small shaded area where they do a first look and it was so beautiful. They read their wedding vows to each other and share so many intimate moments. Tears start coming out and this tells me they were really meant to be together.

After the first look, we move on to wedding party photos. This is one of my favorite parts of the day as it allows for creativity and captures the bride and groom’s best friends, something that they would always value and treasure for a lifetime. We start with some formals and move to some creative group shots with wedding party tunnels. Valerie and I then separate as she works on bridal party group photos and I work on groomsmen photos. We some some really fun candids with the guys and I love how they turn out! I take a few individual portraits with the Tanner and each of his groomsmen as well and then we break for family formals before getting ready for the ceremony.

The weather isn’t perfect for an outdoor ceremony due to all the direct sunlight but we work with what we have. As the guests get seated, I take some candids of the guests and as they announce that the ceremony is about to begin, I get positioned to capture the entrance of the wedding party. Alicia comes out at the end, walked down the aisle by her dad, and after the hand-off, the ceremony begins. It was actually very short! Since Tanner and Alicia read their vows to each other during the first look, there wasn’t much else to say. The ceremony concludes and the wedding party exits the stage.

Cocktail hour begins and I capture some candids while Valerie works on capturing the signing of the marriage certificates. Guests continue to get seated and the reception starts. I take this time to get detail shots of the venue, and the dessert table. The desserts were looking so good! I spent a good amount, maybe too much time honestly at that table.

The wedding party enter the reception through the backside of the farmhouse and finally, Alicia and Tanner. Once they got seated, Valerie and I take our dinner break and we get this delicious BBQ dinner plate. Everything on the plate was so delicious and the meats were cooked perfectly! I’m not usually a fan of BBQ, but this was definitely one of the best plate’s of BBQ I’ve had. After our break, we head back in and get ready to capture the remainder of the reception. The best man and maid of honor speeches were so heartfelt. It’s so immediately clear from the speeches alone that Alicia and Tanner has really great genuine friends who care deeply for them. These moments happen only once in a lifetime and part of the reason why I enjoy doing this so much.

We follow the dinner time with dancing and another of my favorite part of the day: creative bride and groom portraits during golden hour. We go into the field and the sunset was absolutely gorgeous at this time. Alicia, Tanner, the sunset, the sunflowers, the field. It was all too magical.

We head back for some time of dancing! The guests were really enjoying themselves throughout the night and it just didn’t stop. Some rave lights came out as well! As the party concludes and guests start heading home, I say my goodbyes and pack up. Another long, but really fun day for me. This was truly one of the sweetest and heartfelt weddings I have captured, and am so happy for Tanner and Alicia.

Want to check out more top wedding venues in the Seattle Area? Check out my list of top Seattle Wedding Venues.