There is simply nothing I adore more than a day spent strolling through an uber-romantic, Italian-inspired estate with a sweet sweet couple in love, snapping portraits at every corner of a gorgeous manor, surrounded by lush gardens. . . doesn’t that just sound like every artist’s dream? What a pleasure it was to be with Kiana and Zach for their elegant summertime Lairmont Manor wedding in Bellingham, WA, which just so happens to be one of my favorite venues north of Seattle. Cheers to the newlyweds and to a breathtaking day full of love 🥂
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is heaven on Earth, truly—it’s why so many people move here despite the rainy climate we’re most famously known for 😉 And Kiana and Zach took full advantage of the dreamy summer weather for their early June wedding in Bellingham, fortunately getting an absolutely gorgeous day of striking blue skies and bright sunshine, which made the greenery covering this property incredibly striking, popping out against the whites and creams of the manor itself.
The florals and decor that Kiana and Zach chose were perfectly reflective of the season, inspired by the vibrant colors of the Pacific Northwest in the summertime with shades of pink, orange, and yellow blending together to create the perfect summer-inspired color palette. Each and every bloom was delicately placed next to another of white, cream, or ivory, creating a gorgeous contrast against the luscious greenery included in each and every arrangement. With the cream and pink ribbons draping down from her bridal bouquet, and the floral appliques covering her veil, Kiana looked like a summer princess pulled straight from a fairytale ✨
Elegance doesn’t always mean your wedding needs to be stuffy or strict; in fact, the best type of elegance on a wedding day is one that is effortless. One that feels as though it barely took any effort to bring to life, and that’s exactly how Kiana and Zach’s wedding decor & design felt. From the personalized, pearl-covered bottle of champagne decorated with gold wrapping, to the golden picture frames with a vintage touch, to Kiana’s pearl jewelry and the wicker fans provided for guests, the small details that made up this day came with an air of easy elegance and sophistication, with a hint of whimsy and a touch of glam. Love loved the green velvet ring boxes I got to use in their flatlays, and their invitation that featured an illustration of the manor + an elevated wax seal envelope!
Kiana and Zach exchanged their vows first in private, during their first look, then again at their ceremony, held in the enchanting gardens in front of the bright blue water fountain. The sun shone down on the two as they became husband and wife, surrounded by friends and family who wanted nothing more than to support them every step of the way and cheer them on as they shared their first kiss in front of the sparkling fountain. A stunning way to kick off life as a married couple, I’ll say!
The evening concluded with a lively reception beneath the manor’s Grand Marquee tent, where Kiana and Zach gathered with their guests for a brief cocktail hour, a delicious dinner, and a series of heartfelt toasts. The two shared their first dance as husband and wife back inside the grand ballroom, where their friends and family joined in on the fun and contributed dollar after dollar to their fun money dance! Seeing the way everyone shared their love, support, and encouragement throughout the night was a joy, and you can just see the emotions overflowing in every single image. This was the most fabulous day to be a part of!
Lairmont Manor is nothing if not magical, a venue that never ceases to amaze me with its historic beauty and breathtaking estate. Located just up the hill from Bellingham’s iconic Fairhaven village, this secluded property was built in the early 1900’s and continues to be the perfect setting for weddings & events to this day. The manor is just under two hours away from Seattle, offering the perfect locale for couples looking to escape the city without going too far from home. Boasting a stunning Italianate style, Lairmont Manor is home to charming gardens, lush greenery galore, beautifully-manicured lawns, and exquisite architecture & design of both the interiors and exteriors of the manor itself. With space for up to 200 people in the spring/summer and 125 people in the fall/winter, this indoor & outdoor venue can be used year-round, making it a dream come true for couples who don’t want the Pacific Northwest weather to impact the structure of their day!
Venue amenities at Lairmont Manor include the following:
All in all, this is a spectacular venue for couples craving an elegant yet vibrant and whimsical celebration. Your celebration at Lairmont Manor could include an intimate cocktail hour under the pavilion, a romantic ceremony in the fountain garden (just like Kiana and Zach had), a snazzy reception in the ballroom. . . the opportunities to customize this venue to your liking are endless.
Take a peek at another gorgeous Lairmont Manor wedding here for some enchanting, European garden party-inspired inspiration!
Just as important as booking the right venue for your wedding is finding the right photographer to capture it all—someone who has experience working at your venue, who knows the ins and outs of the property and everything it has to offer, and who knows how to document it beautifully to tell the narrative of your wedding day. Let’s create some magic together, my loves; reach out here to inquire about having me as your Lairmont Manor wedding photographer. I can’t wait to see how you transform this incredible venue into your own wedding-day paradise 🤍
For more Seattle-area wedding inspiration, peruse my recent blog posts below.