Elegant Summertime Seattle Wedding on Lake Union
Under the lights of Lake Union’s most glamorous wedding venue, Beri & Max danced the night away with their loved ones, celebrating their newfound status as newlyweds. I had the time of my life capturing these two in their element, from the morning nerves to the laughter-filled vows, all the way until the very last dance was shared.
Beri’s reaction to receiving their gallery says it all: “Allie this is the LEMONADE of photo albums – no skips.” Not sure I’ll ever recover from being compared to Queen Bey like that, but I WILL share a selection of the images that have stuck with me to this day!
Beri & Max’s Elegant Summer Wedding on Lake Union
Bridesmaids, Banksy, & a breathtaking lakefront mansion
As a lover of all things fashion, art, and design, you best believe my mind was blown when I showed up to the stunning lakefront mansion, where Beri and her girls got ready. Nestled right on the shores of Lake Union, this home was a dream place to spend the morning of your wedding, with gorgeous light fixtures & furnishings, direct views of the water, and walls covered in artwork—including original Banksy works of art.
Consider this your sign to think outside of the box for your getting ready space, and find somewhere that fits your personal aesthetic and/or brings unique elements into your images—as this mansion does with the brightly-colored artwork, the enchanting bubble chandeliers, and the gorgeous hardwood flooring. Details like these can really make a difference in the feel of your space as you prepare for the day, as well as add extra flair to your photographs. Beyond incredibly designed, absolutely delightful to photograph, and one of the loveliest getting ready spaces I’ve seen!
Anyway, let’s get back to the bride & her bridesmaids, shall we? Beri surrounded herself with the closest women in her life, spending the morning sharing champagne toasts, laughs, and cherished moments before seeing her groom. The gals stunned in mismatched black bridesmaids dresses, wearing a fun array of fabrics and details, from sequins, to fringe, to silky satin. Stepping out of her room for a precious first look with the group, Beri was GLOWING in her strapless sweetheart gown. And when she added those sheer sleeves to the mix? Whew I was obsessed.
(Sleeves are SO in this year when it comes to bridal fashion, and I am here for it!)
Once the tears were dried and champagne was flowing, we popped outside for a few sun-drenched portraits on the dock. After all, how could we not take advantage of the bright summer skies, glistening blue waters, and the boat folks who cheered us on in the background? 🍾
A romantic ballroom ceremony at Imperia Lake Union
I’m sure it’s overwhelmingly clear by now that Beri and Max have impeccable taste, so it makes perfect sense that they’d choose one of the most fabulous venues to host their day—Imperia Lake Union. I arrived to find groomsmen serving up Rainiers on a platter (iconic), and took my time documenting all the gorg venue details while Max finished up his final touches. The glamorous, old Hollywood style of this venue never fails to inspire me, filled with gilded chandeliers, arched window accents, and wrought-iron accents galore. An absolute gem of a space to experience for couples, guests, and vendors alike.
Feeling like Imperia might just be the right venue for you, too? Take a peek at this Downtown Seattle + Imperia Lake Union Wedding for more inspo ✨
Max and his groomsmen looked dapper as they walked outside the venue in their stylish black tuxedos, ever the supportive group cheering on their friend. Slowly but surely we made our way back inside once ceremony time had arrived, with guests seated in gold Chiavari chairs for the ballroom ceremony. Beri and Max chose to wait until this moment at the altar to see each other for the first time, so it was a joy getting to watch them come together, exchange their vows, and finally be able to call each other husband & wife!
Waterfront wedding portraits at Fairview Park
As if this venue weren’t already wonderful enough, just down the road sits Fairview Park—a picturesque waterfront spot perfect for portraits (or even an outdoor ceremony, if you so choose!). The summer sun was out and shining as we took photos of the newlyweds with their wedding party & family members—plus a few dreamy couples portraits of Beri & Max in the glow of the early evening light, of course. Can’t quite decide which set of portraits I love more: the ones surrounded by greenery at the park, or the iconic shots under the Imperia Lake Union sign?
An electric evening under the lights
As the day turned into night, so did Beri’s veil change—from the striking floor-length piece she wore during the ceremony, to a shorter design that opened up more room for dancing. She and Max listened to toasts from loved ones as the sun set, and eventually stepped into the spotlight for their first dance as a married couple—and it wasn’t long before the rest of the crowd joined them! Max’s family is from Australia and they were SO much fun, probably the most electric party I’ve ever photographed. And to end the party, I snuck the bride and groom away for a few sultry nighttime portraits under the venue’s neon sign. Do they or do they not look like the most charming, old Hollywood-glam couple that the streets of Seattle have seen?
Lake Union wedding vendors
What a marvelous day celebrating these two lovebirds at Imperia. My heartfelt thank-you’s to the rest of the talented vendors who made this celebration possible!
Venue/Food: Imperia Lake Union | @imperialakeunion
DJ: DJ Jay Curry | @jaydavidcurry
MUA: Michelle Wight | @michellewight.hmu
Bride’s Hair: Hair by Courtney
Lake Union Wedding Photography
I already can’t wait to head back to Imperia for another wonderful event like Beri & Max’s—or to any of Seattle’s other breathtaking lakefront wedding venues, for that matter. Inquire about your wedding date now; I cannot wait to begin this creative partnership together. ✨
Still searching for the right setting for your special day? I’ve curated a guide just for you, featuring the Top 10 Luxury Wedding Venues in Seattle that you can browse through next.
