Luxury NYE Elopement in Downtown Seattle
What better way to ring in the new year than by marrying the love of your life, surrounded by your closest friends? Brianna + Brian had the sweetest NYE elopement in downtown Seattle, proof that your day can be luxurious no matter how small the celebration. I am in LOVE with the idea of getting married on NYE and planning an evening full of glitz, glam, and plenty of champagne, of course—such a memorable way to wrap up one year and kick off the next. Count me in for allll NYE elopements and weddings from now on, because it’s safe to say I’m obsessed.
Brianna + Brian’s NYE Elopement in Downtown Seattle
An intimate evening of laid-back luxury
Yes, it was New Year’s Eve, which is often a holiday associated with massive celebrations, giant disco balls, poppin’ dance floors, and a big countdown once 11:50 hits—but Brianna and Brian opted for something a bit different, only inviting a few of their closest people and nobody else (besides their pups, of course). They did a wonderful job of showcasing just how much luxury and glamor you can incorporate into your celebration even if you’re not having a wildly intricate party with 100+ guests, overflowing drinks, and a never ending dessert buffet; no, you can keep your day as small and as intimate as you’d like, and you can still make it ever so luxurious + lavish. Brianna and Brian pictured the type of luxury that felt effortless and laid-back, not one that required months and months of advance planning; they still wanted their elopement to feel relaxed and go-with-the-flow, rather than have a meticulous timeline and strict expectations. They did such a fabulous job, as it was obvious that their friends and family had the most incredible time celebrating with them + experiencing a night out in the city!
A short + sweet ceremony under the setting sun
Once everybody had arrived, we walked to 2+U, a building downtown that provided a gorgeous backdrop for Brianna and Brian’s ceremony with its unique architecture. We managed to time it beautifully, as the sun was slowly beginning to set over the skyline while Brianna and Brian exchanged their vows at the most perfect little spot overlooking the streets + the buildings around us. Brianna looked absolutely stunning in her silver gown, her purple-hued hair popping against the neutral tone and the white of the veil atop her head. She was the epitome of a joyful bride, smiling nonstop and dazzling her groom with her minimalist gold bracelets, pearl necklace, and natural makeup—what a beaut! Their friends held onto their pups as they swapped vows and rings, and it was the CUTEST watching them go up to their mom and dad after they were officially married. Elopement days are always extra special if you’re able to bring your four-legged babies along 🤍 Loved how short and sweet this ceremony was, allowing Brianna and Brian to say everything they wanted to say but also move on quickly to the rest of the night!
Joyful NYE elopement portraits in the city
If you’ve ever taken a look at my Instagram feed or have browsed through my blog posts, then you know I’m a sucker for some classic city elopement/wedding portraits 😉 So of course I had to spend a few minutes snapping pictures of Brianna and Brian meandering through the big city, hand-in-hand and looking ever so fashionable as they made their way through alleyways, around corners, up staircases. Who knew that stepping over a pothole on the sidewalks of Seattle could look so stylish? I was absolutely fawning over their rings (that ring stack?!) and the one-of-a-kind vintage bouquet Brianna held, which was actually *handmade* by her friend. Mind blown!
I’ve gotten the chance to shoot with SO many fantastic couples in downtown Seattle lately—if you’d like a bit of city inspo, take a peek at either Jamison + Charlie’s Rooftop Engagement Session in Downtown Seattle, or this Modern Luxury Wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle 🏙️
A celebratory dinner at Rider Seattle
The day wouldn’t have been complete without an evening celebration with mouthwatering food, sparkling cocktails, and scrumptious dessert, so we made our way to Rider, where Brianna and Brian actually had their first date. I love how they were so intentional about their restaurant choice; it added a whole extra layer of sentiment and memories that made this evening with their friends so special. The newlyweds changed into a fresh set of outfits and enjoyed a night of smiles, laughter, speeches, toasts, and plenty of yummy drinks; all in all, it was a beautiful way to end not only their NYT elopement day, but also 2023—and to start 2024 surrounded by the people they love most.
Intimate nighttime elopement portraits at Hotel Theodore
They also booked a room in the hotel attached to Rider, Hotel Theodore, so we wrapped up the night with some glitzy nighttime elopement portraits in their hotel room. Hotel rooms are SUCH a fun atmosphere to take elopement, wedding, or engagement portraits in; the sultry, private vibes are unbeatable, and we can get really creative with our lighting (aka I’ll absolutely be using the hell out of my flash and making you look like the hottest celebs). Booking a room for the evening of your elopement is SUCH a good idea because it gives us somewhere we can take a few final photos after you’ve said goodbye to your loved ones, and the mood is starting to get a little more intimate. Def take a peek at Maddie + Graham’s Luxury Detroit Engagement at the Shinola Hotel for more bridal-inspired hotel portrait inspiration!
For those of you who are craving these same luxurious city vibes for your own elopement, I’ve got a few blog posts I think you’ll have so much fun scrolling through—take a peek below at whichever one your heart calls to ✨ It would be my honor to document your downtown Seattle elopement and capture all the good vibes, the good times, and the good company that you’ll want to hold onto forever. Get in touch with me here, and I’ll be back in your inbox within a week; cheers to this exciting season you’re embarking on! 🍾
