Shelbie and Josh – Wedding Day Happiness – Dragonfly Retreat

Shelbie was one of my past seniors and now she’s marrying Josh! We’ve never been to the Dragonfly retreat in Bothell, so it was exciting going someplace new :).  I love being surprised and discovering little gems I didn’t even know about.

This building is beautifully made and maintained!

When you go to a place called the Dragonfly Retreat, you expect to see dragonflies, right? Well, it didn’t disappoint! In the afternoon sun they came out, but I have to tell you, they were hard to get pictures of! They never wanted to land in a place I could get to, until a smaller one finally did! Joe was able to get this little guy :).

The venue has the coolest awning with custom metal work, so striking and I had to incorporate it anyway I could.  What better way than with Shelbie’s beautiful dress!

Shelbie was a calm bride and just took in the day as it came, one step at a time.

Dancing in the room, is always a must with your bridesmaids!  They all stayed together the night before since many traveled from Texas to be here (Shelbie went to college there).

Every wedding has it’s unique parts. Shelbie and Josh love to read, so for their vows they are exchanging books. Shelbie wrote her vows within the pages for Josh to read again in the future. Shelbie was to give Josh “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster and Josh would be giving Shelbie Jules Verne’s “Seven Novels.”

There was an array of colors in this wedding.  Her bouquet, the girl’s bouquets and the table decorations were all different colors.

Shelbie wore a small heart around her neck, her sister another and her mom the pendant the 2 hearts were taken from. An Etsy find :).  Shelbie also gave each of the girls a bracelet to wear during the wedding that was symbolic of the sorority that some of them shared, KKG – Kappa Kappa Gamma.

It’s always fun to have cute matching jammies!

The guys got ready in record time, since they were busy helping unload decorations.

Josh got each of the guys different fun cufflinks.

It was finally time for Shelbie to get her dress on.  This is such an exciting time for a bride.  Finally to have her dress on for more than a fitting.  It was THE time!  It’s good to just soak that in for a minute.

Her mom and sister helped her zip up!
The love between these girls is very special.

The first look, always one of the most special moments of the day!  Some couples want a very private moment and others are fine with letting their family and close friends watch.  Shelbie decided that she would share this moment and the girls helped her to her spot.  The anticipation in Josh’s face is perfect!

These two are so happy together!


Doesn’t Shelbie make a beautiful bride?  Such a natural beauty about her!

Real smiles are so obvious.  You can see it in their eyes!
Shelbie had her sister as the maid of honor and all her closest girlfriends as the bridemaids.
I thought it was awesome that Josh had his Dad as one of his groomsman.  It shows their relationship.  His little brother was there too!

It was so great how Josh’s little brother looks up to him.

Sometimes the little ones just don’t want to be in pictures, so I grab any opportunity to get them interacting with the bride and groom.  This is one of those perfect moments.  Shelbie was getting a little tired on her feet and as soon as she got down low her little ring bearer was right there by her side.
Shelbie’s KKG sorority girls did a special pinning ceremony for her before the ceremony.  A song, some hugs, a few tears and Shelbie’s bouquet was ready with the love and keys of her “sisters.”

A moment every dad is proud to be part of.  Walking his little girl down the aisle.



Shelbie has an infectious happiness and is so expressive with it!
The exchanging of their books after explaining the meaning behind them.

Introducing for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Nyman.






Another incorporation of the book theme – guest were instructed to write in the pages of several special books.
On each table was a memory represented and an explanation of what each of them liked about that particular event they shared together.
Each of the guests were encouraged to take a book from the shelves to take home with them.  All of these were read by both the groom and the bride and hand selected for their guests.


The s’more bar was tucked away in the woods and a perfect little getaway for a few minutes.
What can I say – these girls!

The first dance :).



Thank you for letting us be a part of such a special day for the two of you.  Your family and friends are awesome and we could see how much they all loved you!  Happy people, happy life!