Styled Editorial Wedding Portraits at the UW Suzzallo Library
Who says quick courthouse elopements can’t be fabulous? Gone are the days of couples deciding to elope on a whim, running off to the local courthouse, and grabbing whatever attire they could find at the nearest thrift store – although those days were probably fun and full of thrilling, rebellious energy, I much prefer living in these days, where couples are allowed (and encouraged!) to curate the day of their dreams no matter what that looks like. Lydia + Tomas wanted to elope at the courthouse and make time for a special photoshoot to celebrate the big moment – so instead of choosing one or the other, they did both. I’ve been LIVING for these editorial, fashion-forward wedding portraits at the UW Suzzallo Library ever since we took them, so I am ecstatic to finally share them with you!
Fashion-Forward Wedding Portraits at the UW Suzzallo Library
A private courthouse elopement to tie the knot
As I mentioned, Lydia + Tomas opted for a private courthouse elopement ceremony to tie the knot, choosing to celebrate by themselves and keep their day minimal. I absolutely love when couples choose the route that feels most like them rather than giving in to pressure or expectations from family members, friends, society. . . you name it. Sure, they could have hosted a grand celebration and would have looked just as fire doing it – but this felt more authentic to them, and allowed them to have the quiet, simple celebration they dreamt of.
Now, having your ceremony at the local courthouse does NOT mean you can’t extend the celebration and plan other fun activities/moments to celebrate! Even though they eloped in private at the courthouse, Lydia + Tomas still wanted a special, styled photoshoot to celebrate the big day and the memories they were making together. So they got dressed in their finest attire, I said a big hell yes, and we made it happen!
Editorial wedding portraits at the UW Suzzallo Library
Once these two were dressed to the nines and looking fine as all hell, we made our way to the UW Suzzallo Library to explore the grand halls, the stunning architecture, and drool over every dreamy little detail of the building. We began with a few portraits outside of the library, giving Lydia + Tomas the chance to bask in the rare autumn sunlight that Seattle decided to gift us with that day. They strolled along the bricks, weaving through the massive pillars as if they did this every damn day – and knew they looked good while doing it 😉
As soon as we stepped foot inside the building I knew we were about to create some damn magic together – the way the sunshine flowed through the dramatic windows and drenched these two in the most delicious golden glow?! Simply breathtaking. I couldn’t believe the timing we had with the light dripping so perfectly through the glass ✨
We couldn’t decide where to start: behind the beautiful stone railing, in front of the towering pillars, or on the dramatic, winding staircase? Lydia + Tomas leisurely walked the halls of the library, making every corner look more beautiful than the last. I swear I was photographing a celeb couple for the cover of the next edition of Vogue, somewhere inside of a marvelous cathedral in Europe – not a college library in Seattle!
If you’re considering hosting your wedding or elopement at UW but aren’t sure which venue space to pick, here’s a peek at another one of my fave places on the campus – the UW Horticulture Center!
A snazzy, stylin’ duo in downtown Seattle
All you need to know about Lydia + Tomas is that they somehow made an elevator look like the dreamiest place on Earth. If that doesn’t tell you how stylish this couple is, I don’t know what will!
You know me – I could go on and on forever about my couples’ fashion choices, because they are always brimming with class, elegance, and taste. This couple was no different, clearly 😉
Lydia showed up in the most fabulous elopement dress, a strapless, thigh-length piece perfect for a casual yet classy courthouse elopement. Paired with deliciously billowed sleeves, a set of sexy evening gloves, and minimalist pointed white heels with bejeweled straps, this queen came to play – and boy did she do just that! And instead of investing in a large bouquet or floral piece for decor, she carried around a simple arrangement of white roses & baby’s breath, which completed her bridal look flawlessly. There’s something about holding bouquets upside-down like Lydia did that just adds a little unique bit of flair to your look!
And we won’t forget about Tomas, who kept with the classy theme & looked dapper in a full black suit, black tie, and you guessed it – black shoes. An all-black look with a touch of white somewhere in there (undershirt, pocket square, etc.) never fails, and will always look good against a bride glistening in white!
If you’d like to browse through more fashion-forward, stylish elopement outfit inspiration, take a look at the two weddings I’ve linked below! You’ll fall just as in love with their look as I have.
Luxury City Elopement in Downtown Seattle
Garden Party-Inspired Wedding at Lairmont Manor
Why I Love Taking Wedding Portraits at the UW Suzzallo Library
Now let’s talk a little more about this gorgeous space, the UW Suzzallo Library, and how YOU can create your own memories here if you want to replicate Lydia + Tomas’s breathtaking elopement!
The UW Suzzallo Library is one of the most iconic buildings on the UW Campus, located right next to the HUB Yard. Best known for its stunning architecture and long history on the campus, it’s a phenomenal place to stop at for some celebratory portraits just like Lydia + Tomas did! It’s centrally located on the campus and provides easy access to Seattle hotspots, making it an easy addition to your Seattle elopement itinerary.
Unfortunately you can only reserve a room in the library for events if you’re part of the UW community – so this isn’t a venue where you can hold your wedding ceremony or reception. However, if you’re looking for a venue that has similar vibes (I’m talking jaw-dropping architecture, Victorian era vibes, and enchanting lighting fixtures), I would recommend checking out the Shafer Baillie Mansion in Capitol Hill!
Even though you can’t host your day here, if you’d like to admire the marvelous architecture & have it featured in your wedding portraits, you can still stop at the library midday and explore the halls. You could make your way from your courthouse ceremony to the library, then head off to your reception at a downtown restaurant or bar to meet up with your loved ones!
If you’re thinking of hosting your reception at a restaurant in downtown Seattle, you have to check out Emily + Matt’s Fall Seattle Wedding at the Metropolitan Grill for inspo.
I am SO beyond glad that Lydia + Tomas decided to plan this styled photoshoot and have these gorgeous wedding portraits at the UW Suzzallo Library to hold onto for the rest of their lives! If you’re feeling inspired and ready to create your own magic at the library, I’d be honored to take you through the glorious hallways and photograph you & your love looking fab. Fill out my contact form here & I’ll be in touch with you soon!
More Seattle Wedding + Elopement Inspo
Need some more Seattle wedding + elopement examples to help inspire your special day? Take a peek at a couple of my very favorite recent couples that put together the most magical celebrations!
