Chic + Timeless Lakeside Wedding on Lake Sammamish
Pawehi and Nate proved just how chic and timeless a backyard celebration can truly be when it’s filled with the people you love, sentimental details, and an abundance of joy flowing through the day. A stunning lakeside wedding at Lake Sammamish with the most beautiful humans, celebrating the 9-year journey that had brought Pawehi and Nate right to this very moment ✨
If you haven’t seen their Romantic Coffee Shop Engagement Photos in Pioneer Square yet, now’s the time! Take a peek at their cozy Seattle session here before you scroll any further—you won’t want to miss out on the gorgeous images we created to celebrate their engagement 🥂
Pawehi + Nate’s Chic Summertime Lake Sammamish Wedding
Memories + nostalgia at the Blue Heron Lakehouse
Pawehi and Nate grew up near Lake Sammamish, exploring the windblown shores of this scenic lake east of Seattle—so it was only fitting that their wedding take place right on those same shores, at the spacious Blue Heron Lakehouse. There’s nothing more sentimental than hosting your wedding at a place that holds some sort of meaning to the two of you; be it having your reception at the dinner where you had your first date, or inviting all of your loved ones to your own home for an intimate gathering. This backyard on the shores of Lake Sammamish provided the perfect location for Pawehi and Nate’s lakeside wedding, with plenty of space to host their guest list of just over 50 people, breathtaking views, and childhood memories abounding. The two even share a dream of living by a lake, so this lakeside gathering may have just offered a sweet little glimpse into their future together 💙
Timeless, elegant, summer-inspired details
It wouldn’t be an Alexandrae Photo blog post without diving into + gushing over each and every detail, now, would it? Luckily for me, Pawehi and Nate’s wedding was every photographer’s dream; full of intentional details and timeless elegance that translates oh-so-seamlessly into photographs. Their “theme” for the day was a blend of that timeless elegance that went beautifully with the lakeside venue, chic decor that brought out the couple’s unique tastes + personalities, and soft colors that elicited all the lively summertime vibes they were dreaming of.
That summertime color palette was highlighted by soft pinks, pale blues, muted oranges, and bright white blooms abounding. These colors paired so beautifully with the elegant white of Pawehi’s dress, heels, and glistening pearl jewelry, as well as the clean white stationery detailing the timeline of the day! And a moment (or ten) for Pawehi’s gown, an elegant silk piece designed by Alexandra Grecco featuring a graceful open-back detail, delicate buttons down the back, and a sleek train. Paired with the classic white Badgley Mischka shoes and her loose curls + natural makeup, this gown brought out all of Pawehi’s natural beauty and showcased her as the most effortlessly stunning bride!
Heartfelt touches + meaningful moments galore
From gifts for each of Pawehi’s bridesmaids, to the personalized matchsticks the couple gave to their guests, to the napkins inscribed with a piece written by Nate a few years prior, this day was brimming with heartfelt touches and sentimental details everywhere you looked. Every little moment and object was planned with thought, care, and intention to help create a day that Pawehi and Nate would remember forever, and one that would honor the journey that had brought them to this day. Love loved all the ways they weaved so many special moments and memories into their celebration!
A sentimental morning with friends and family before the first look
Pawehi and Nate spent the morning getting ready with their closest friends and family, Pawehi toasting mimosas with her bridesmaids in cozy silk robes and Nate cheersing with his best friends in a separate room. Watching Pawehi have first looks with both her father and her brother was so special, and I am so, so glad I was able to capture those emotional moments for her family to look back on.
It was then time for Pawehi and Nate’s first look, which happened out on the dock under the bright blue sky. This was the most beautiful reunion to witness, which was made even more memorable by the bride & groom exchanging letters that they’d written to one another beforehand. I’m such a big proponent of doing a first look if it feels right to you, as you get to spend so much more time with your partner on your wedding day + have this really meaningful, private moment before you meet back up with your guests!
A breathtaking lakeside wedding ceremony under the August sun
Once it was time for the ceremony, Pawehi and Nate’s guests made their way to the gorgeous ceremony that was set up right by the lakeshore, with the warm August sun shining down and spectacular scenery in the background. I loved the little touches that Pawehi and Nate included to help their guests stay cool under that bright afternoon sun: white paper umbrellas and fans! Such a smart idea, and the umbrellas actually looked really stylish covering the ceremony chairs. Another one of my favorite details of this had to be the white rose petals that covered the entire aisle—obsessed with the way they looked against the greenery + vibrant blue waters in the background. The perfect place for these two to tie the knot and finally become Mr. and Mrs. Bagley 💍
An emotional evening reception by the water
Pawehi and Nate provided the loveliest cocktail hour for their guests to enjoy, featuring custom curated cocktails (include one based on their dog, Ruby!), mouthwatering finger foods, a luxe champagne tower, and a stunning setting under bistro lights strung between the trees. The reception was equally as spectacular (if not more), with some of the most glorious tablescapes I’ve ever seen! Delicate flower arrangements, custom table signs for each group of guests, chic crystal glassware, and golden candlesticks made this the dreamiest setting for an elegant lakeside wedding dinner.
The night continued on the dance floor after Pawehi and Nate poured their champagne tower + toasted to their newlywed status, which Pawehi followed up with a total outfit change into the most stylish cocktail dress—perfect for the 70’s and 80’s music that they blasted for the dance party! What a fun way to end the night after an emotional evening of heartfelt guest speeches, endless hugs, and plenty of happy tears 🤍
A special feature in Wed Vibes
Pawehi and Nate’s Lake Sammamish wedding was so memorable that it received a special feature on Wed Vibes! Take a peek at even more images + hear what Pawehi shared about their magical lakeside wedding celebration, in the Wed Vibes blog here.
Lake Sammamish wedding vendors
Photographer: Alexandrae Photo | @alexandrae.photo
Planning, Catering & Dessert: TABLE Catering Co. | @tablecateringco
Venue: Blue Heron Lakehouse | @blueheronlakehouse
Rentals: CORT Party Rental | @cortpartyrental
Dress Designer: Alexandra Grecco | @alexandragrecco
Dress Shop: The Dress Theory Seattle | @thedresstheoryseattle
Shoes: Badgley Mischka | @badgleymischka
Florals: Flori Flowers | @flori.flowers
DJ: Groove on Hyde Street | @grooveonhyde_dj
For more elegant + timeless wedding inspiration like this, browse through a few of my favorite blog posts below.
