PART 1/2:
Jaimie and Curt's love story is one worth telling. Beyond the incredible eight year partnership and life they've built together, these two have such a strong point of view when it comes love, intention, design and style, and their wedding was a perfect marriage (lol) of each of these elements coming together.
J + C have such a unique way of loving and living that neither bothered with the sometimes overwhelming traditional expectations that come along with a planning wedding. Doing it their own way was the only way, right from the start. They didn't give a shit about a fancy cake, first dances, garter tosses, or playing hostess with the mostest to distant cousins and aunts they've never met before.
They wanted it to be intimate. Intense. Selfish, even.
Just the two of them, no distractions.
Come wedding day, they scooped myself and their officiant, Ian, up around 5am and off we went, driving down winding, dimly lit roads until we made it to our destination: Rattlesnake Lake.
Jaimie hiked up the cold, dark mountain in her slinky silk slip dress wrapped in fur as Curt lit the way in his suit and headlamp (such combo, v PNW). We made it to the top and were greeted by a cool breeze, gradient blue sky and a wild, expansive view.
Curt and Jaimie stood on ledge and exchanged their vows. They were quiet, full of heart and extremely intimate and vulnerable... things you only feel comfortable saying to your person when no one else is around (another benefit to eloping).
As if on cue, mid-vows, the sun peaked over a mountain in the distance and shattered the darkness with a glorious, warm glow.
We spent the morning eating doughnuts and drinking champagne, all sprawled on the rocks, soaking up one of the last sunny days of the season. The two bust out a celebratory wedding joint to smoke (modern love: what a glorious thing) and we capped the adventure with a jam session. Curt played some blues guitar while Jaimie sang from her heart, tapping a tambourine rhythmically on her hip.
The newlyweds had the whole rest of their day to spend relaxing and embracing their love and togetherness.
I'll close this with a quote; one that unknowingly made it in both Ian (the officiant's) reading and Jaimie's vows.
“You are not two people. And you are not one person. You are an experience.”
I cannot emphasize it enough. At the end of the day, your wedding day is about you. It's not about your pleasing all your family and friends, living beyond your means or making yourself crazy over designing something perfectly pinterest-worthy. If those elements of a wedding are what make you happy, then fucking go for it. But as with everything, always be sure to ask yourself - is this what WE want. Does this represent our love? Is this fulfilling or draining?
The beautiful thing is there are no rules here! I love that as time goes on, the cultural shift in weddings is becoming more focused on celebrating couple's own unique flavor, love and doing it your own way vs. perpetuating tradition for the sake of keeping things the same. What are your thoughts on the matter? Are you all about tradition, blending traditional and non-traditional, or do you like totally breaking the mold and shaking things up. Would absolutely love to hear your opinions!
Thanks for reading!
xoxo,
Alex
VENDORS//
Slinky Silk Slip Wedding Dress
All-Black Pant's and Dress Shirt
Curt's Black Garnet Ring
Jaimie's Natural-Cut Garnet Ring
Skull Jewelry
Flowers by Seattle Florist Angelene of The Flower Lab