After photographing Bonnie and Charles’ engagement session, I was thrilled to capture their wedding day at Briarwood Estate in Mount Vernon, Washington! Not only did I get to reconnect with this amazing couple, but I had the fun challenge of shooting on digital and two types of film. Described by Bonnie as a “boho-chic garden party with a dash of whimsy,” it was an outdoor celebration filled with heartfelt moments shared between loved ones.

Like so many modern love stories, Bonnie and Charles’s began online. However, theirs was nearly a missed connection! “I messaged him first, and he took two months to get back to me! I always joke that we must have been meant to be,” says Bonnie. Whether it was fate, mere chance, or the stars aligning that caused Charles to remember to send a reply, there’s no doubt that these two were made for each other. Scroll on for some of my favorite moments from their special day!

Wedding dress hanging from a pergola at Briarwood Estate

Film photograph of a bride getting her makeup done

Film photograph of a bride getting ready with her bridal party

Bride getting ready for her wedding at Briarwood Estate

Groom getting ready for his wedding at Briarwood Estate

Wedding Morning with a First Look and Chinese Tea Ceremony

Rising early on their wedding day was part of the fun for Bonnie and Charles, who opted for a brunch wedding instead of a traditional evening timeline. The pair readied themselves as the sun rose, and Bonnie surprised Charles with the videographer she secretly hired! Then, the two shared an emotional first look, complete with a silent reading of their vows. On the way to the first look location, we were lucky enough to spot a deer—a positive omen in many cultures, symbolizing love, good fortune, and new beginnings!

After their first look, Bonnie and Charles engaged in a tea ceremony. Beginning with Charles’ parents, they served tea to members of his family to show respect and symbolize the joining of their two families. The tea ceremony is a beautiful ritual, and I was grateful for the opportunity to photograph it!

First look at a Briarwood Estate wedding

Bride and groom reading private vows in a garden

Groom helping his bride with her dress as she walks through a garden

Chinese tea ceremony at a wedding in Mount Vernon, Washington

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Briarwood Estate

Mom and brother walking bride down the aisle

Bride hugging her mom after walking down the aisle with her

Wedding guest filming a couple getting married on a cell phone

Jennifer Lourie - PNW Documentary-Style Wedding Photographer

Bride and groom kissing in front of a wooden hexagon arch at Briarwood Estate

Film photograph of a bride and groom exiting their wedding ceremony

Outdoor Wedding Reception at Briarwood Estate

Bonnie and Charles’ reception was all about creating an unforgettable experience for their guests. Inspired by backyard gatherings with loved ones, they planned a laid-back, family-friendly celebration that was fun for all! Guests drifted between the various yard games— including Jenga, Connect 4, ring toss, and cornhole—and competed on the mini golf course from PNW Putt. Others tried their hand at the claw machine or collected clues for the photo scavenger hunt. The bounce house and photo booth, complete with signs and props, were both favorites among the littlest guests!

Everyone sat at tables named after the couple’s favorite travel destinations to enjoy the family-style meal, which featured brunch classics such as cream scones, waffles, quiche, and smoked bacon. Dessert was a selection of miniature tarts piped with matcha-flavored cream or decadent chocolate mousse, replacing the traditional layer cake. And who says you can’t have “late-night” snacks at a brunch wedding? Bonnie and Charles LOVE snacks and decided to go all in, serving trays of tomato-soup-and-grilled-cheese shooters and toasted s’mores cups.

Plates on rattan chargers at an outdoor wedding

Wedding guests lined up in front of a photo booth

Guests playing giant Connect 4 at an outdoor wedding

Film photograph of a bride and groom dancing underneath a tent

Outdoor wedding reception at Briarwood Estate

A girl in a red dress playing giant Jenga at an outdoor wedding

Children in a bounce house at a Washington wedding

Wedding guests holding red parasols at Briarwood Estate

Bride dancing with her guests in a circle at Briarwood Estate

I’m so grateful that I could photograph Bonnie and Charles’ wedding at Briarwood Estate! I loved how these two planned a day that felt authentic to them, while ensuring that their guests had a great time. In case you didn’t know, I’m a traveling wedding photographer! So, whether you’re planning a PNW wedding like B&C or have your sights set on a different part of the country (or world!), I’d love to work together. Let me know what you’re looking for from your wedding photography experience, and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours with next steps!

Jennifer Lourie - PNW Digital and Film Wedding Photographer

Bride and groom standing next to a hedge of yellow flowers

Bride and groom sitting next to each other on a bench

Groom holding up his bride's wedding dress train

Film photograph of a bride and groom at Briarwood Estate

Bride and groom walking hand in hand through the grounds at Briarwood Estate

Kind Words from the Couple

“Jennifer is the most amazing photographer, and we cannot tell enough people about her incredible work. With Jennifer’s pictures, you can feel the joy, the laughter, the music, and the sheer entertainment of a really fun and beautiful wedding. In addition, she is the most fairly priced (to be honest, probably under-priced) photographer we have seen in the business for this quality of photography. She does NOT get paid enough for the amount of time, energy, and attention she brings to the day, nor the sheer avalanche of photos you get at the end.”