I have learned over the past couple years of being a wedding photographer that I should just stay away from weather.com or noaa.gov the week before the wedding.  I always like to be prepared and know what the weather might be like going into the wedding day. Well, this was seriously the most nerve wrecking weather related weddings I’ve had to date.  On Thursday, two days before the wedding, I received an e-mail from Emily saying that she honestly didn’t even know if there would end up being a wedding that Saturday due to the weather. Her parents and family were flying in from Toronto, Canada and Ben’s mom, sister and nieces were flying in from Australia and most of the guests had at least four hours of traveling over mountain passes. SeaTac airport was shut down for part of the day, the passes were treacherous and there were ice and winter storm warnings all over the state.  On Friday, after knowing that the wedding was still a “go”, I went and stocked up on hand warmers, foot warmers, wool socks and extra batteries (as batteries wear down quickly in the cold)! ;) Well, the day of the wedding came and it seriously could not have been more perfect. It was a balmy 36 degrees (which actually felt warm compared other winter days!) and slightly snowing most of the day. It seriously felt like a fairy tale winter wonderland!

Freestone Inn was the perfect location for this intimate and cozy wedding. Ben and Emily are both avid athletes and enjoy cross country skiing, so this was such an awesome destination for a wedding and time of celebration. Congratulations, Ben and Emily!  We feel so blessed to have been a part of your special day!  **We are including many more pictures than usual to document their day as many family and friends were unable to attend due to the distance. Hope you all enjoy! :)

The first look is always our favorite part of the wedding day, when the groom gets to see his bride for the first time. I waited with Ben for Emily to come up behind him, tap him on the shoulder, and for him to turn around to see his beautiful bride. All he kept saying was, “Is she coming!?” and “Can I turn around now?” “How much longer?”.  As she got nearer he could hear her walking and his smile got bigger and bigger!  It was like watching a child on Christmas morning waiting with anticipation and excitement. His response to seeing Emily was priceless! :) This is one of the reasons I LOVE being a wedding photographer. . .