Summer + Michael | An Elegant Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Wedding

Article originally posted on www.markielynne.com

I’ve always found it to be an honor when I’m asked to photograph a friend’s wedding. I’m definitely not the type that would rather attend a wedding than photograph it, and you can be certain it’s very likely I will have my camera on me at my own wedding (should that ever happen) no matter what other people think. It’s simply who I am.

This particular wedding, I’d waited a long time for. I met Summer when I did girl scouts with her sister, Tiffany. When she was graduating from Bonney Lake High School, her dad asked me to photograph her senior photos. I’d barely started my business and she was the first senior I ever photographed, but they insisted on paying me with a Red Robin Gift Card. It was the best dinner I’d ever earned. After that, Summer and I really became friends, and over the past 8 years she’s introduced me to several wonderful people and I’ve watched her grow into an extraordinary young woman. So of course, when she asked me to be her wedding photographer, I was ecstatic and had to try really hard not to cry. (Because we all know I look like a Bad-@$$ but I’m really, really soft in the middle. 😜 )

Summer introduced me to Michael around 2012/2013. I’d heard plenty of stories about him before that, but wasn’t prepared for the super quiet, seemingly shy young man she brought to their session. He barely talked to me, maybe cracked one joke the whole time, and was incredibly low-key. I just couldn’t get much out of him, though they were both thrilled with those photos. Now, I honestly can’t get him to stop talking. The banter starts the moment I walk up, and their wedding day was nothing like that very first session. What really stood out to me on Sunday was the way he supported Summer. Anytime a hitch or hiccup would start to worry her, Michael was right there offering comfort, support and loving words. To him, it didn’t matter how the day went. I’m sure they could have gotten married in street clothes on the corner somewhere and he would have been content. His love for Summer really shined through and it was difficult for me to keep my emotions in check around these two. They are so in love and so very perfect for each other.

Their wedding day really encompassed everything these two stood for. From the music they chose (Somewhere over the Rainbow) to the delicious bacon wrapped dates, the thought that was put into each and every detail was exquisite. Summer’s dress made her look like a Disney Princess, but her light blue converse gave her that rock-n-roll edge she’s always had. Their North Pacific Aquarium Ceremony was simple and sweet, even the shark teeth were dressed to the nines with rose and greenery garlands. But what is a Point Defiance Zoowedding without animal encounters? Siesta the Sloth and an adorable little hedgehog made appearances during the reception for a truly unique experience. Their entire day was truly amazing and I am forever thankful I was able to be a part of it.