Mr. + Mrs. Spencer | Point Defiance Pagoda
The wedding of Ella Clark and Rhys Spencer on October 12, 2024, at the iconic Point Defiance Pagoda was a day that truly captured the spirit of international love, faith, and celebration. Nestled within the lush greenery of Point Defiance Park, this historic pagoda set the stage for a wedding that blended the couple’s unique journey with a few unexpected twists. From the florals that almost didn’t happen to a timeline challenge that turned into a fun adventure, their wedding day was unforgettable.
A First Look and a “Trust Fall”
Ella and Rhys, like many couples, faced the usual pre-wedding jitters, but they had complete trust in us, which made the day a breeze. One of the highlights of the day? The first look. But not just any first look—the one we didn’t plan for! I’d been dreaming of seeing Ella waltz over a little bridge in the woods, like something out of a fairytale, but when we arrived at our chosen spot, we found the bridge broken and completely unusable! To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Remembering the beautiful area up above, which would allow us to feature the venue as well, we quickly pivoted, and without hesitation, Ella and Rhys were all in. They trusted us to find a new, equally stunning spot, and I have to say—it turned out beautifully.
Ella’s gown, which she’d picked out back in January, was nothing short of breathtaking. The way it flowed behind her as she walked toward Rhys made for a picture-perfect moment. The best part? She’d kept it a total secret from Rhys until this very day! We’ve photographed many first looks and they’re always stunning, but there’s something extra special when a bride reveals her gown for the very first time, and the look on Rhys’ face did not disappoint.
The Timeline Curveball
Weddings often come with their fair share of hurdles, and for Ella and Rhys, it came in the form of a unique timeline challenge. Due to venue constraints, they weren’t able to rehearse before the big day, which could have been a logistical nightmare for some, but not for these two! Instead of panicking, they embraced the challenge. We started the day with their first look and portraits before they slipped into more comfortable attire to rehearse, while we got to work photographing their gorgeous details.
Their ability to go with the flow is just one reason why we love working with couples like Ella and Rhys. Despite the shift in plans, everything fell into place seamlessly, proving once again that a little flexibility can go a long way on your wedding day!
Flowers Against the Odds
Now, let’s talk florals. Their florist, Carli, deserves major props for pulling off what can only be described as a floral miracle. Just when you think you’ve got everything under control, nature throws a curveball—an early frost wiped out her entire garden. Yet, she didn’t miss a beat. Carli swooped in with stunning, hand-selected blooms that perfectly complemented Ella’s vision for the day.
Seeing Ella’s reaction when she received her bouquet was a highlight for us. It was a beautiful, intimate moment where you could just see the joy in her eyes. It’s moments like these that make weddings so special—the little things that bring everything together.
A British Family Affair
Speaking of special, let’s not forget Rhys’ side of the family. If there’s one thing we learned that day, it’s that the British know how to throw a party! Rhys’ dad, in particular, had everyone in stitches during his toast. I’m not entirely sure what the story was (something got lost in translation with all the British humor), but it was enough to have everyone laughing to the point of tears.
And of course, we got the more intimate details of their story from their friends. Ella met at summer camp, which quickly blossomed into a cross-continental romance. Ella spent some time in the UK, but it was Rhys who ultimately made the leap, moving to Canada to be closer to her. From there, the visa process began, and they couldn’t wait to tie the knot. Hearing bits of their story woven into the speeches was a reminder of how love transcends distance, borders, and all the little bumps along the way.
Point Defiance Pagoda: The Perfect Backdrop
It wasn’t just the couple’s love that shone bright that day. They were surrounded by a team of incredible vendors who worked together to create a flawless celebration. Officiant Sara Balcaitis brought it all together with a ceremony that was heartfelt, genuine, and filled with moments that reflected Ella and Rhys’ personalities. Pyramid Catering served up a delicious spread, and let’s not forget about dessert! Kelsee Wesselius and Karly Olsen knocked it out of the park with a sweet selection that had everyone heading back for seconds. Mystik Music kept the dance floor alive, mixing a perfect blend of beats that had everyone on their feet. The energy in the room was electric, and when the night wrapped up, it was clear that this group of friends and family knew how to celebrate in style.
Let’s not forget the venue itself. Point Defiance Pagoda, with its rich history and stunning gardens, was the perfect backdrop for Ella and Rhys’ day. The pagoda is one of those venues that feels both grand and intimate, offering a serene space for moments of quiet reflection, but also big enough to host a lively celebration. Surrounded by the towering trees of Point Defiance Park, it’s easy to see why Ella and Rhys chose this iconic location for their wedding.
As the night came to a close, and the last dance was danced, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Ella and Rhys are the kind of couple that makes you feel like you’ve been best friends for years. Their wedding day was filled with joy, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of love—not just between them, but from everyone around them.
It’s couples like these that remind us why we do what we do. Documenting love stories, especially those that span oceans and continents, is such an honor. Ella and Rhys, we love you and cannot wait to see where your next adventure takes you. Whatever the future holds, we know it will be filled with laughter, love, and probably a bit of British humor!
Vendors:
Catering: Pyramid Catering
Officiant: Sara Balcaitis
Florist: Petals and Posies Flower Farm
DJ: Mystik Music
Photo/Video: Markie Jones Photography LLC
Dessert: Kelsee Wesselius, Karly Olsen
Looking for a PNW wedding photographer or videographer? We’d love to chat! You can find more of our work at [www.markiejonesweddings.com](https://www.markiejonesweddings.com) or follow us on Instagram [@markiejonesphotographyllc](https://instagram.com/markiejonesphotographyllc) and Facebook [www.facebook.com/mjpllc](https://www.facebook.com/mjpllc). Whether you’re planning a wedding at Point Defiance Pagoda or elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest, we’re here to capture every magical moment.
