Family-Focused Wedding at Red Cedar Farm in Poulsbo, Washington | Anne and David
Anne and David had a laid-back, family-focused wedding at Red Cedar Farm in Poulsbo, Washington. It included live animals as a backdrop, fun photo re-creations, and DIY elements all over!
From High School Sweethearts to Soulmates: Anne and David’s Love Story
Anne and David first met back in high school, and even went on a date! “He signed my yearbook and left his number but I never called him!” said Anne. But it wasn’t until early 2020 that Anne found him on a dating site and they got back in touch. “We had so much to talk about that first coffee date, over 25 years to catch up on,” Anne said.
David proposed the day after Thanksgiving in 2021. They were out walking their dog at a park in the rain, when Anne noticed two people standing with umbrellas. “I see a dozen roses and champagne on a table in the forest and I say to David, ‘wait, I think we might be interrupting something.’ I assumed it was for the couple that was checking out the view, under the big umbrellas,” Anne said. But then he got down on one knee, and it was obvious that it was for them! “I remember grabbing his face with both hands and saying "yes, of course, a million times!”
I first met the couple when we documented their engagement at Saint Edward State Park, where we got a great mix of photos with the unique architecture of the lodge in the background, and some photos in the garden! And I got to hear about the amazing wedding they were planning at Red Cedar Farm.
Planning a Kid-Friendly, Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Red Cedar Farm
When it came to wedding planning, these two wanted an outdoor venue that catered to a more family-friendly feel. They have two kids and their guests would be bringing kids as well, so a fun but relaxed spot was high on the list of priorities.
“We liked Red Cedar Farm because it allowed us to choose our vendors, and we like the vintage feel and decorations,” they said. “It had a nice clean barn for the party, an open grassy area for the ceremony, real bathrooms, it was close to where our parents live, and the room full of vintage pinball games/machines and foosball were a selling feature as well.”
Bridal Beauty with a Vintage Twist: Red Lips, Lace, and a Birdcage Veil
On the morning of their wedding day, June 24, Anne and her wedding party got ready in the bridal suite. Anne had her hair and makeup done by G&G Beauty—which includes Gem the Stylist and Makeup by Gel— following in line with Anne’s theme for the wedding: vintage glam. She wore a red lip, a classic up-do, and a birdcage veil to complete the vintage look.
When Anne had zipped up her lacey gown and stepped into her heels, she headed outside for a first look with her dad.
Meanwhile, David, his two best friends, and their dog—Riley—prepared in the groom’s suite. David wore a dark green tie and a dark gray suit. Riley wore a collar of flowers and a bandana that read “Dog of Honor.” The pup’s pink and green harness matched the colors of the flowers around his neck.
Then, it was time for Anne and David’s first look! We captured some memorable moments with David's dad's fire-red Classic Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, which really added to the vintage glam theme. We then did family and wedding party photos next, and did a remake of the pose from Bridesmaids!
Heartfelt Vows, DIY Décor, and a Ceremony Filled with Love at Red Cedar Farm
Guests were shuttled to the start of the ceremony in school buses, adding a touch of nostalgia to the day. Anne walked down the aisle with her dad, and the couple shared their own heartfelt vows. “Exchanging vows will be very special to me,” Anne said before the wedding day. “I'm not known for speaking about my feelings in public, so it will be hard for me. But I really want our guests to feel our bond and say when they leave ‘this couple is going to make it.’”
There was a huge DIY emphasis on this day. “I did all the décor myself,” Anne said. “From the ceremony arbor décor, to the table décor.” But she had help from family members, too. “My uncle is making the wine. My mother-in-law and I are doing all the bouquets and boutonnières.”
Pizza, Ice Cream, and Pinball: A Relaxed Reception with Family Fun
After the ceremony, the cocktail hour and reception were kept casual, with plenty of amenities like pinball machines and a game room. Anne and David treated their guests to pizza from Stella Fiore Pizza and an ice cream vendor, Ice Cream Social. And, the music was great the whole night! “We spent a lot of time thinking about the music, since David is a musician and music is something we love listening to together,” Anne said.
After four heartfelt speeches and a touching first dance to "Various Stages" by The Great Lake Swimmers, the couple took advantage of the beautiful sunset for some portraits around the property. We also recreated a childhood photo of Anne with her brother. I love helping couples achieve their unique visions for photography, and recreating fun photos is part of that!
The evening concluded on a magical note with a beautiful sparkler exit, and Anne and David hopped into their getaway car!
All in all, this Red Cedar Farm wedding was an incredible, fun, family-oriented day. If you’re looking for a Pacific Northwest wedding photographer to document your day, drop me a line! I would love to meet you and photograph your special day.
