Ashley + Joey | A Solar Eclipse Wedding Day

A Love Written in the Stars: Ashley & Joey’s Solar Eclipse Wedding at Tolmie State Park

“In that still and settled place, there’s nobody but you.” – Edward Monkton

Some weddings are all about the grand ballrooms, towering floral arrangements, and black-tie affairs. And then there are weddings like Ashley and Joey’s—deeply personal, intimate, and wrapped in a kind of cosmic magic that makes you believe in fate. Because really, how many couples can say they got married on the day of a solar eclipse?

As a Tacoma wedding photographer, I love getting the chance to step outside my usual territory and explore new places. So when Ashley and Joey planned their wedding at Tolmie State Park, I was all in. A waterfront ceremony, a tree-lined amphitheater, and an eclipse ushering in their new beginning? Sign me up. Oh, and if you know me, you know I’m a little bit of an astrology nerd—give me all the crystals, moon phases, and celestial alignments, please!

A Ceremony in Circles: Symbolism & Serenity

From the moment I arrived at Tolmie State Park, I could feel the peaceful energy surrounding the day. Nestled between towering evergreens, the amphitheater created the perfect natural sanctuary for Ashley and Joey’s heartfelt ceremony. But what truly set this wedding apart was the beautifully symbolic circle ceremony they designed.

Ashley explained it best: before marriage, each of them had their own circle—a space filled with family, friends, and life experiences. Now, as they joined together, they would step into a new circle, one they would build together. This symbolism carried through the ceremony in the most touching ways. Their officiant even drew a physical circle around them, creating a sacred space as they spoke their vows. With the sun casting golden light over the water, and the quiet reverence of their closest loved ones, it was the kind of moment that felt almost otherworldly.

And let’s talk about Ashley and Joey’s wedding-day style! Joey’s maroon jacket was an unexpected but stunning choice, perfectly complementing the deep red accents in Ashley’s bouquet. It was one of those subtle but powerful details that made the whole day feel cohesive and intentional.

Solar Eclipse Magic: A Cosmic Beginning

A solar eclipse is often seen as a time of renewal, a shift in energy, a doorway to new beginnings—kind of perfect for a wedding day, right? While solar eclipses happen a couple of times a year, they’re not always visible, especially here in the Pacific Northwest, where cloud cover likes to play spoiler. While I personally don’t remember if we saw it or not, the vibrations it offered could easily be felt as the ceremony commenced.

I loved the intimacy of this wedding. It wasn’t about putting on a show or impressing a crowd. It was about Ashley and Joey, their love, their journey, and the people who meant the most to them. The simplicity of a Monday afternoon ceremony, tucked away in the beauty of nature, was a reminder that the most meaningful weddings aren’t always the biggest ones.

A Perfect Start to Forever

After the ceremony, we took advantage of Tolmie State Park’s waterfront for some truly stunning portraits. The light reflecting off the water, the stillness of the trees, and the lingering glow of the eclipse created a dreamlike setting. Ashley and Joey’s happiness was contagious, radiating through every frame.

Their wedding was the perfect blend of romance, meaning, and celestial wonder. It was one of those days that reminded me why I love what I do—capturing moments that feel bigger than just a wedding day, moments that hold a weight of destiny and love intertwined.

Ashley and Joey, thank you for letting me be part of your story. May your love continue to orbit around each other, pulling you closer with every passing year.

Planning a unique wedding with personal meaning? Whether it’s under the stars, during an eclipse, or in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, I’d love to capture your love story. Let’s make magic together!

📍 Website: www.markiejonesweddings.com
📷 Instagram: @markiejonesphotographyllc
👍 Facebook: www.facebook.com/mjpllc

Vendors

Second Shooter: Rachel with Rachel Bonilla Photography 
Dress: David’s Bridal
Suit: Groom’s Own