The Loft at Russel's | Sarah & Zack's Wedding »

I’m pretty sure it’s become one of my favorite things; to shoot alongside Lessie Blue Photography. I’m surprised she’s not totally annoyed by my insistent asking if she needs someone to shoot with her. Haha! Lucky for me, she invited me along for what would be my biggest challenge yet. A beautiful indoor wedding at the Loft at Russel’s.

The Loft at Russel’s offers Rustic Charm in the City

As we arrived at the venue, I honestly thought Lessie had gotten totally lost. We were supposed to be headed to a dairy barn, but somehow we ended up in an industrial area. Low and behold, she wasn’t lost at all. Russel’s, a gorgeous green and white dairy barn, is smack in the middle of an industrial complex. I’m willing to bet the look on my face was priceless when I saw the place. Seeing the contrast of the dairy barn against the corporate offices, really brought home the idea that many years ago, most of Washington was farmland.

A Low-Light Challenge

Most of my wedding career has been spent shooting natural light, outdoor weddings, only needing flash during reception hours when I’ve been able to play with it and not worry about missing super important moments like the first kiss. The Loft at Russel’s proved to be the most challenging space I’ve photographed in quite some time, as most of the lighting was provided by several huge windows on the far side of the venue. This wedding was one of those days I walked in with hesitation, but ended the day super proud of what I was able to accomplish. It felt like my 10 years of learning really paid off during this wedding.

The lives of the Party

To say I fell in love with the couple and guests is an understatement. I was mad about them. They were super cute and from what I remember of their story, had been high school sweethearts. Their entire family really got along with us splendidly. Zack’s father cracking jokes (sometimes at my expense haha!) and Sara’s mother commenting that Lessie and I looked like something out of a movie scene when we sauntered into the salon with all our gear ready to go. It’s weddings like these that make what I do, so much more special than just capturing the memories. It’s the people I’m able to meet, chat with and really get to know both during the planning process and the day of the wedding, that really bring everything home.

Sara & Zack’s Wedding at the Loft at Russel’s

From start to finish, Sarah and Zack’s wedding was enchanting. Each detail was carefully thought out, and curated for guests to enjoy as well as the bride and groom. They each got ready separately, and chose to forgo a first look, leaving that moment for when Sarah would walk down the aisle. This sweet laid back couple really made my day when they opted for a quick romantic couples session, then gathered their families for portraits. Everyone was laughing and cracking jokes by the time we headed back in for dinner.

The gorgeous spread hosted by the catering team at the Loft at Russel’s was impeccable. I could not have imagined a more thoroughly delicious spread if I tried. From delicious hors d’oeuvres that were passed during the cocktail hour to the full spread at dinner time, this team really knocked it out of the park. I graciously ate until my baby belly wouldn’t let me eat anything else, because seriously, I’m running out of room quickly this pregnancy.

After dinner a few toasts, then dancing the night away was on the agenda. Sarah and Zack took the traditional timeline for a ride by splitting their special dances with sections of open dancing. (I’ll cover more on this idea and other ways to twist tradition soon!). Of course, the party has to end sometime, and they ended with a beautiful sparkler send off.

I’m always honored to shoot by Lessie’s side and look forward to doing so in the future.