Kristen and Jason’s Summer Wedding at Trinity Pines Ranch

Growing up, I spent a lot of my summers in the La Center, WA, area. My grandparents lived up there, and I would spend my summers up there helping them and going to the small church that sits across from the Police Station. When we had the opportunity to purchase land up there, we did not hesitate. That move changed a lot for me and my little business. Living out in the middle of nowhere separated me from a lot of my clients and venues that I was working with. Not too much, it just takes me longer to get into town these days.

When I found out that there was a new wedding venue, Trinity Pines Ranch, opening up just outside of town, I was so happy to hear it. But when I got a call from the owner of the venue a few years after opening, to capture his daughter’s wedding, I was ECSTATIC. Getting to work in a town I love and with a fantastic family that is there to help it grow.

I stopped by a little bit before the wedding when Kristen was in town to meet up with her and to scope out the venue again. I had visited when Matt first booked with me to get the layout of the place and introduce myself. I like seeing the sites before we shoot so we know the design and what the landscape looks like. If I haven’t been to the venue before and can’t make it out before the wedding, I usually show up about 30-45 minutes early the day of your wedding to get everything down and find some sweet spots for portraits.

The day if the wedding, we did the usual split. Jen went with the boys, and I headed in with the girls, but not before we stole the gown. Jason was on the other side of the driveway, so we had to scout and make sure he couldn’t see us head to the gazebo with is.

And seriously, how cool are the custom throwing axes, Jason got for his groomsmen.

Back in with the girls, they were having a great time getting ready and helping Kristen out.

And the boys were all having fun outside.

With is being the middle of summer, it can be hard to find spots to hide from the harsh light from the sun. Luckily, Trinity Pines Ranch has this tree-lined driveway that worked gorgeously for the first look.

Between this little spot, and a spot in the back of the house, we had plenty of shade for the family to get all of their formals done. The more time to party, the better!

The ceremony itself was in a meticulous landscape pavilion of sorts. Shaped in a circle, paved for easy access, and hidden away from the rest of the venue.

I LOVE that these two included their pup Kato into the ceremony. Although she looked as if she was just going to take a nap right up there at the altar with them.

We snuck in a few more formals with the Grandparents right after the ceremony, and then I whisked them away for a sort little portrait session up at the koi pond. Trinity Pines Ranch has a gorgeous landscape, and small details sprinkled throughout that I could shoot here for a while and not get everything.

PLUS, all the little touches that the couple included.

We took our usual small break while everyone was eating, and set up for the reception. There were some fantastic stories to hear during the toasts, and Jason’s father even gifted Kristen with the set of scrubs from when Jason was born. Lot’s of sweet moments and TONS of laughter hearing stories about these two.

After the toasts, we looked outside to see that the sun was setting, so we rearranged the schedule a little bit and stole the couple. Right across from the reception barn is this big open field that is surrounded by forest. Perfect for us tree lovers.

Back inside, Matt with Groove Machine Mobile DJ got the dances started up. ( BTW Matt is seriously one of the best DJs I have worked with to date). Having the giant LOVE sign right, there is also a great addition from the venue.

Now for the part that had everybody in stitches. For the garter toss, Matt came out to blindfold Jason. We didn’t know why at first until Jason’s brother came out in a skirt and switched places with Kristen. I think she knew that Jason was going to get a little creative with the retrieval of the garter.

Jen and I were trying really hard not to laugh too hard to give it away, but also to continue to photograph the entire thing. At times I had to force myself to remember to push the shutter button instead of laugh.

I’m just surprised that these groomsmen didn’t tackle each other for the garter.

Kristen’s flower toss went without a hitch as well. However, the cake cutting got a little messy for Jason.

The floor then opened up, and the dancing commenced!

While the party was going late into the night, we did have a little fun with the sparklers. So much fun, that we made them walk up and down the aisle until they all burned out, but I don’t think they minded. Everyone was there cheering them on.