Joely and Travis Thornwood Castle Wedding – Tacoma Wedding Photographer

I have had the privilege of documenting 3 of my niece’s weddings. If you asked me 6 years ago if I would ever document a wedding I would’ve said no. I had declared myself a senior photographer and never wanted to do any other sessions. Well, as soon as I had decided to change careers, a co-worker asked if I would now do weddings? I hesitated, but said, I guess I will! She hired me for her son’s wedding and the rest is history. 6 years later I have documented over 75 weddings and this year is my busiest year yet for weddings with 23 total and 10 already on the books for next year. I feel so grateful for my clients and for all the people I have met along this journey.

Another fun fact is that Joely, the bride, was my very first senior! I had one lens at the time and had never done senior portraits before, but she trusted me and asked me to take hers. They still adorn the halls of her mom and dad’s home and I’m still proud of that very first session. It unleashed a love inside me and helped me to move forward in a career I had never thought possible. To be able to resign from my corporate job and pursue something I thoroughly enjoyed didn’t seem possible, but it was and here I am, documenting my niece’s wedding. I’m beyond thankful.

Joely and Travis were married Aug. 13, 2016 at Thornewood Castle and it was a gorgeous day in every way.

We started off at Che’mel Salon on 6th Ave.  They were able to close the shop and cater to all of the bridal party at the same time!  It was beautiful and comfortable and so much fun!  Thanks Melissa for your wonderful shop and great service and for making my niece even more stunning, if that is even possible!

Joely wore a beautiful color by MAC on her lips called Craving.  Her future SIL bought it for her and it was the perfect color.

It was a warm day and Joely decided on up-dos for everyone!  She bought each of the girls a robe from BHLDN (the Anthropology wedding line) that reflected each of their personalities.

I love this image of the girls!  That’s my daughter, Amanda to the left of the bride.  It was Amanda’s first time being a bridesmaid and she loved it.

We decided that unleashing the champagne in bed might not be a good idea, so we stepped out to the balcony instead.

Joely had her mom and bridesmaids helping her that morning.  It takes a village to get a bride ready!  Joely’s dress was stunning on her.  Dress by Essense of Australia.

Joely and Amanda had tattoos done honoring their Nani’s 90th bday earlier this year.  It says “Luella M Riggio” in Nani’s handwriting.  I love that it’s seen in this image.  Nani is very special to us all.

Just down the hall Travis was getting ready with the guys.

The guys were relaxing and having a beer while they waited for their time to shine in front of my camera :).

What a great groomsman gift, personalized beer mugs.

The wedding rings were actually sitting on the Great Dane’s leg :).  It’s fun to see the perspective.

Gorgeous!

Ready to see her groom.

Together at last!  It’s always such a great experience to watch the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their special day.  I admit, I always get teary eyed.

They are such a gorgeous couple together!

Wedding parties are always a lot of fun and these guys did not disappoint.

The girls all looked stunning!  Dresses from BHLDN.

I had to laugh out loud when I saw this image… do you see it?

The moms and dads… so much love!

It was about right at this moment that I started to cry!  I mean ugly cry!  Embarrassing, yes, but so heartfelt. I really had no control of it.

My nephew, Adam was the efficient and he did such an amazing job!

I mean, really, could this be a prettier backdrop!

Pure joy!

This is always one of my favorite images to capture for every wedding party.

Announcing, Mr and Mrs Hibbard!

The flowers and decor was done by Amy Tanton Designs, as well as the overall event planning.  She is AMAZING!

I love vineyard chairs, they are my favorite!

On the left – they used wood pieces for their guest book.  On the right – a beautiful bouquet for the buffet table.  Gallucc’s did a fabulous job with catering.

A lovely cake by Celebrity Cake Studio.

Many brides are choosing to have a calligrapher help with details of their wedding.  They have them for addressing the invitations, making signs  and menus and for table place cards.  I loved this menu on a beautiful mirror.

There are several spots in a wedding that I cry;  the first look, the vows or the toast.  With Joely’s it was pretty much the whole time. haha

JoMy husband and second shooter, Joe sang the first dance song along with my daughter, Amanda.  “Only You Can Love Me This Way” (Keith Urban).  Very special!

Then the dancing began!

A great end to a great day!  Congratulations Joely and Travis!  We LOVE you!