“For Every Blue Moon and Berry Burst Moment, there’s been you.”
That was on a placard at the head table, and Sarra had made sure to pull me aside and let me know what it means. They just happened to be drinking BJ’s Berry Burst during some high points in their relationship. For bad days, they always seemed to be reaching for a Blue Moon beer. It’s a sign of a great relationship when you’re there for both the good times and the bad. Sarra wanted to make sure that the couple’s special saying made a sweet little appearance at the wedding.
The couple got ready at the lodge, and then we loaded up the cars and headed off into Battle Ground to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. There was a grand ceremony with lots of friends and family filling up the pews.
There was a short receiving line, we signed the license, and headed back to the lodge.
Summit Grove Lodge is tucked up on the hills between Ridgefield and La Center, WA. Its a gorgeous log structure with an open hall for weddings and receptions, an upstairs loft for the bride and her party to get ready. The basement has been converted into a grooms area to get ready and hang out.In the back is a gorgeously landscaped grass area with two waterfalls and a giant tent to protect everyone from the typical Pacific Northwest weather.
Sarra’s father piped them in, and there was a tradition sharing of the whiskey and wishing the bride and groom many years of love.
One of my favorite spots on the property are the trails in the back.
It was December, so we had this gorgeous fog roll in and gave us a change in the landscape. The minute I saw it, I knew I had to light the couple up in it. After the ceremony, we snuck outside, and I found the perfect spot on the trail between two trees. This image is the result.
Summit Grove has a fantastic kitchen, and they even let Sarra bring in her family recipe for carrot puree. There was dinner, dancing, and of course the cake cutting. They opted for little cupcakes that looked like mushrooms (and were quite delicious).
Chris and Sarra are an amazing couple, and I enjoy working with them for both their family portraits and their wedding day. I look forward to hanging out with the Cunningham’s for many more years to come.
