Angelene + Michael // Boho Backyard Wedding // Moscow, ID

If you know me personally, you know my love for Angelene runs real deep. She's one of my oldest and truest friends; a relationship I treasure above most. She's an extraordinary example of resiliency, growth and what it means to fight through the ugly and difficult in order to reveal and earn your truth. She is a force, and I love her with my whole heart. 

Then there's Michael. A human who is basically compassion and all around goodness, wrapped together (somehow) perfectly in patagonia sweaters, socks with sandals (!!!) and dad hats. The way he radiates love and kindness is such a powerful gift, and one that I am endlessly grateful to be on the receiving end of. And the way they love one another? Holy shit you guys. It's no wonder that everyone wants to photograph these two. From the looks they share, their tender touches and laughter, and the holding one another so closely, like they're each other's answer... it's out of control. A wholly inspirational love.

With all that being said, it likely comes as no surprise that this was one of the most magical and saturated-in-love weddings I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing. They were extremely intentional about the small group they invited to attend, and in turn created a day that brought each individual in to the ceremony. It's hard to express it in words, it was more than just the two of them getting married... it truly felt like we were all getting married. 

I'm going to stop for now and let the pictures speak for themselves because I'm getting emotional and need a hug. Hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into an absolutely remarkable day.

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To kick off a night-turned-morning filled with karaoke, too much whiskey and interpretive dancing - Michael decided to gift his new wife (and all of us) with a good old fashioned, down and dirty (but like, in a respectful way) strip tease to Genuine's Pony.
Blessings on blessings, ya'll.

By the end of it all, heart to hearts were had and sweat and tears were shed. 
We were and will continue to better off, because of these two.

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Thanks for making it through guys... this was a long one! Too much goodness, I just couldn't trim it down. These two are so good. I love them very much. The end. 

VENDORS // 
Handmade Bohemian Wedding Dress by Dame & Maiden 
Angelene's Vintage Wedding Ring by EmilyChelseaJewelry
Handmade Rose Gold Necklace by RoseRedRoseWhite 
Pink Velvet Shoes from Anthropologie
Florals Designed by the queen herself, Angelene of Little Bits Floral 
Cake and Dinner c/o Kiel Kleeburg

Jaimie + Curt // Edgy & Chic City Reception // Seattle, WA

PART 2/2: 

Party time! Two weeks after their mountaintop elopement, it was time to bring family and friends into the picture. Jaimie + Curt rented out The Good Bar in the iconic Pioneer Square neighborhood. In true Jaimie-fashion, the already gorgeous space was decorated with moss and succulents, geometric gold figures with cascading blooms, brass frames holding photos from the elopement, palo santo as gifts for the guests, and skulls on tables with airplants flowing out the eyes. Minimal, edgy and a little weird. 

The party was all about merging the community of people who've adored and supported the both of them over the years; to collectively celebrate Jaimie and Curt's union over all the good things in life: stiff cocktails, good conversation, delicious food and of course- dancing.

Mid-reception, I decided to take the couple on a stroll around the city. They embraced the rain and held each other close as we explored the neighborhood.

From the ledge of a mountain to the slick city streets, their love shines so bright. 
ok sure, that may sound cheesy as hell, but like, look at them. It's fucking true! TRUUUU. 

The remainder of the night was full of laughter, whiskey and big group hugs. 
All the essentials.

That's all folks. 
Thanks for reading! And for the couples out there who are doing love/weddings differently, I'd LOVE to work with you. Shoot me an email. Let me tell your story. 

xoxo, 
Alex

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VENDORS // 

Slinky Silk Slip Wedding Dress 
Curt's 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
Venue and Catering by The Good Bar

Jaimie + Curt // Sunrise Elopement on Rattlesnake Ledge // North Bend, WA

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

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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