The moment Emma came to me with all sorts of amazing vintage bridal inspiration, I knew this was going to be a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable celebration. She and Tony planned the most stunning, nostalgic, vintage-inspired mansion wedding in Capitol Hill; I swear every single image is reminiscent of the photos you’d see in your grandparents’ wedding album. From Pride & Prejudice-esque details, to Emma’s gorgeous vintage dress, to the breathtaking mansion where everyone got ready, this celebration was the essence of timeless beauty, and one that I was immensely grateful to be a part of.
Emma’s photography inspiration for her wedding day reminded me so much of the photos I had seen of my grandma’s wedding. She wanted to be transported to a different time, one where corsets, pearls, and delicate lace details took center stage; one where modern decor was swapped for antique pieces, and contemporary minimalism was traded for nostalgic charm. Floral patterns and muted color palettes were in abundance throughout the day, with sparkles of gold glistening across Emma’s accessories and beautiful shades of blue serving as a soft, vintage-inspired accent color. Everything was very much vintage in feel, yet timeless; from the stylistic choices based on Pride & Prejudice to memories of what our grandparents looked like getting married, it was so easy to step into her vision and bring it all to life.
When I arrived to meet Emma & her bridesmaids at the Stimson-Green Mansion on her wedding day, I immediately felt like I had stepped into a period-piece. The girls were floating around the room in their vintage nightgowns, hugging each other and letting loose an endless stream of appreciation and compliments for one another. Emma sourced these vintage nightgowns for all of her bridesmaids to get ready in the morning of her wedding day and I truly felt like I was transported into Pride & Prejudice: the intricate lace detailing, the sheer, delicate material, and the gorgeous curls the whole group was rocking made for quite the beautiful scene. The internet has been LOVING these vintage nightgowns—this Reel that I posted right after Ema and Tony’s wedding went totally viral!
Absolutely love how we got to bring her vision to life at the Stimson-Green Mansion before heading over to their ceremony. At the bottom of a beautiful staircase in the mansion, Emma met Tony for their first look; the most pure and precious moment they could have asked for, in front of the soft natural light gleaming in through the window and all sorts of vintage interior decor. I could think of no more deserving people for this slice of perfection in a wedding morning than these two ✨
Feeling inspired by Emma’s stunning gown choice and want to find your own? Seattle has SO many incredible bridal shops to choose from, so I’m sure you’ll find your perfect piece in no time. Take a look at these Top 8 Bridal Boutiques in the Seattle Area that I love recommending to my brides!
After what felt like a dream-like morning photographing Emma and her bridesmaids, as well as Tony and his groomsmen, it was time for their cathedral ceremony at the gorgeous St. Joseph’s on Capitol Hill. This church is filled with art deco, basilica-derived design that effortlessly fit with the vintage theme of Emma and Tony’s day; the stained glass windows, towering exteriors, and Gothic architecture stole the show. Photographing Emma inside the church was a breeze, with the rich stone accents, ornamented details, and Gothic architecture serving as a breathtaking (and fitting) backdrop. You know I’m a fiend for all things fashion, design, and artistry, so I found this fun blog post that goes into more depth about the architecture and design of St. Joseph’s—if you’re interested!
I shared a quick clip on Instagram of Emma’s reaction to a sneak peek of one of the portraits I snapped before their ceremony, which also went viral (rightfully so—she was an icon). Watch it here to see the most killer reaction I could have asked for (and see what the final shot ended up looking like below)! Shoutout to BTS By Angela for capturing this sweet video of me photographing Emma behind the scenes 😍
Emma and Tony hosted their reception at McMenamins Anderson School, a quaint little hotel in Bothell. Built back in the early 1930s with a similar art deco style, this venue provided the perfect setting for the newlyweds to celebrate amongst their loved ones with a series of first dances, a cake cutting brimming with laughter and smiles, and a dance floor where they were joined by all of their guests. Watching the pair finally get to bask in the success and emotion of all the hard work they’d put in was such a joy; the love from their family and friends was evident across the entire evening. What a kickoff to this year’s wedding season!
As a Capitol Hill wedding photographer in Seattle, there’s nothing I adore more than working with incredible couples like Emma and Tony, especially when it’s at exquisite venues like the Stimson-Green Mansion. If you’re interested in chatting about your own Seattle wedding, fill out my contact form here and let’s create some magic together, my darlings!
For more timeless wedding inspiration, visit the Blog or scroll through a selection of my personal favorites below 🤍