MAX + KATIE

Max & Katie decided to officially tie the knot in Seattle, despite having a huge family wedding on the East Coast in a few months. Now you may be wondering, why?? Well, Seattle is currently where they live, but it was also because of the officiant laws in Pennsylvania are super strict. So much so that the dear friend they wanted to marry them couldn’t do so. And this is the work-around, by first officially tying the knot in Seattle, they can have their friend officiate the larger family wedding with no issues what so ever. Plus, it is something sweet for them to do together in celebration, making it more intimate.

We met downtown at the courthouse and went up to the lobby to wait with quite a handful of other couples & witnesses. There was such a beautiful mix of people, waiting anxiously for their name to be called to process the paperwork, meet with a judge, and get the time slot for a ceremony. Nothing like being in a room filled with couples in love — so much happiness drifted through the air and it truly felt like you were all part of one little family. I helped a few other couples snag some pictures of their little “family” groups while we waited, which was so heartwarming!

There were so many little nooks and spots to snag pictures, one being a silhouette image with Mt. Rainier in the background! We finally heard Max & Katie’s name called and they were delighted when the judge said the rooftop was available for their “i do’s” — it was the spot they were hoping to snag! We all made our way up to the rooftop and thankfully it was not raining, like it had been earlier! With a sweet little ceremony and exchange of vows, Max & Katie were officially married. And Max scooped her up to celebrate with all the twirls and kisses.

I hope that I get to shoot more of these weddings, something about it being so simple makes you find so much joy in the love of it all. I love the last image of everyone jumping for joy together on the street, before they headed off to celebrate with a dinner!