From Eden Gardens to Kubota Gardens | Stephanie and Franco

man and woman hold one-eyed dog while sitting on wooden bench during their photo session

It’s incredible how love stories evolve, and Stephanie and Franco’s journey is no exception. These two first captured my heart back in 2016 when I had the honor of photographing their wedding at Eden Gardens in California. Their big day was filled with love, laughter, and one truly unforgettable moment: their grand entrance, hand-in-hand, walking toward a sea of smiling faces.

Back then, Stephanie and Franco envisioned a destination wedding surrounded by a forest, clear skies, and a serene lake view. But when family logistics made that dream a bit more complicated, they shifted gears. They ended up having an amazing wedding where they cherished the moment of being surrounded by the people who meant the most to them. Stephanie even said, “I really hope that’s what heaven feels like one day.”

A Full Circle Moment: Living in Their Dream Forest

Fast forward to 2017, when Franco got a job opportunity that brought them from sunny California to the lush beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It was a big move, but one that felt like it was meant to be. Now living in the Seattle area, Stephanie and Franco have embraced everything the PNW has to offer, from the breathtaking forests to the snowboarding in the winter and hiking and paddle-boarding in the summer.

And speaking of forests… their journey has come full circle. The couple, who once dreamed of a forest wedding, is now living in one! The natural beauty of their new surroundings has been a perfect fit for their adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors.

Kubota Gardens Photo Session with Their Dog, Winky

I had the pleasure of meeting up with them at the stunning Kubota Gardens in Seattle, WA for a special photo session with their dog, Winky. Winky, who is 8 years old, was adopted by Stephanie and Franco from a shelter when they were living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This sweet pup has been a constant companion throughout their journey, and it was so fun to see him trotting around the beautiful garden, adding his own charm to their session.

Their story is a beautiful reminder that life has a way of leading you to exactly where you’re supposed to be, even if it means taking a few unexpected turns along the way. I can’t wait to see where the next chapter of Stephanie and Franco’s story takes them, but I’m sure it’ll be filled with love, adventure, and walks with WInky, in their very own slice of forest paradise.

man and woman walk through grassy field
man and woman hold small beige dog in front of purple flowers at Kubota Gardens
man and woman hold small beige dog while standing in front of purple flowers
man and woman kiss a small beige dog they are holding in their arms while standing in a grassy field
small beige dog with one eye stares at the camera while sitting on a wooden bench at Kubota Gardens
man and woman walk their beige dog at Kubota Gardens for their engagement session
man and woman hold dog while sitting on wooden bench at Kubota Gardens surrounded by greenery
man and woman hold dog up in "Lion King" pose while sitting on a bench at Kubota Gardens
up close of a woman holding a dog's paw
man and woman stare at camera, smiling, in front of fall tree at Kubota Gardens
man kisses the top of the head of a woman in a blue dress staring at camera
man holds woman in front of fall tree for a photo session at Kubota Gardens
man in a white shirt holds woman's hands from behind while both smile while at Kubota Gardens

I absolutely loved photographing these two in the beautiful nature of Seattle! Check out some other PNW sessions below.

xx,

Jennifer Lourie

Engagement, FamilyJennifer LourieWashington, PNW, Dog