I’m guessing that there aren’t many photographers who weren’t shooting a wedding this last Friday – it’s quite the date, 08-08-08!  I spent a beautiful afternoon and evening out in Grapeview, WA at Fair Harbor Marina with two of my favorite engagement clients, Christa and Shaun.

Grapeview is a tiny town tucked far away past Gig Harbor in the far west of Washington.  The marina there is picture perfect and oozing with cuteness.  I hope to be invited back there someday!

Everything was running late when I arrived – so I had fun taking photos of the set-up, and of course the yummy-looking candy buffet.

When Christa and her bridesmaids arrived, we took some fun getting ready photos in the bridal room at the top of the property.  It was quite a squeeze in there with six bridesmaids, a flower girl, a ring bearer and several moms floating in and out!

Christa’s dress was beautiful – I love all the little details.

Fab shoes too!

What a cake!  I love how it is completely over the top, colorful and fun – a perfect match for Shaun and Christa’s personalities!

The cake topper was pretty awesome too …

Both Christa and Shaun were calm and happy before the ceremony – if there were any nerves they were very well hidden.

Shaun’s mom and dad walking down the aisle:

Who says you need an even number of guys and girls in the wedding party?  These guys made it work great (and those lucky groomsmen with two bridesmaids each!)

Christa told me that one of the most important shots for her was Shaun’s face the first time he saw her on her wedding day – this was one of my favorites from those first glances.

Christa’s mom and dad hugged tightly throughout the ceremony – it was really cute.

Shaun with a typically goofy expression – I love it!

The girls, between formals:

I asked the wedding party to walk, then run towards me.  I love this shot below – Shaun’s face is priceless.

I love when couples just kiss and hug all day without needing any encouragement.

After the family photos, there were lots of toasts – my favorite time for getting candid shots.

The first dances were full of emotion and smiles.

These little ones were so cute!

Most of the evening was spent dancing.

There was even a conga line at one point!

And DJ Sean Denard spotted me up high above the dancefloor and got everyone to wave at me – yay!  Thanks Sean!

At dusk, I took Christa and Shaun off for a few minutes of couples portraits.

This shot really sums up their personalities:

I love the shots by the water …

Run!

Kiss!

DJ Jeff Hill was assisting his buddy Sean Denard for the evening – it was really fun working with them both together.

Time for a little rapping from the ring bearer:

Congratulations Shaun and Christa on a beautiful and very fun evening!

© 2008 Kate McElwee Photography