Inspired Photo Blog

The forecast called for strong winds and heavy rain. For once they got it right. It didn’t put a damper on the day, but certainly changed our approach to the photography. Dixie and Brian were married on November 4th at Christ’s Church in Federal Way. Everyone arrived at the church at 6:45 AM to get ready and we started formals at the church at 8:00 AM, probably one of the earliest start times I’ve had in recent years.

Dixie made it very clear from the beginning of the day that the most important thing that could happen that day was her marriage to Brian and that everything else was secondary. There were smiles on everyone’s faces and little to no stress as their wedding day unfolded. Here are a few of my favorite images from their day.

Josie, the flower girl and Dixie’s niece, was nicknamed “Boo” and was absolutely priceless. It doesn’t take much to see the resemblance to Dixie in her face.

The music at the rehearsal (and wedding) was fantastic and the lighting at the church very theatrical and dramatic.

Dixie and Brian enjoying a private moment after their first look in the sanctuary.

Captured by Kristen, I really enjoyed the whimsical nature of this image. It captured the fun loving spirit of their family and friends.

Dixie’s mother was a beautiful woman with a quiet elegance about her. She reminded me of a movie star. She and Dixie are sharing a laugh moments before the ceremony.

I’ve said it all summer, being a flowergirl is one of the toughest jobs at a wedding. Boo is taking her job very seriously.

A beautiful moment as Dixie and Brian are pronounced husband and wife to their family and friends.

Dixie and Brian hosted their wedding reception across town at The Tacoma Club in downtown Tacoma (where else?). It was a beautiful dinner celebration with their family and friends. I used one of the favors to showcase their wedding rings.

Dixie and Brian making their getaway…

When I met Dixie and Brian for their engagement session a month ago, we drove to downtown Tacoma and scouted out a couple of beautiful locations near the train station for photographs between the ceremony and the reception. As the old saying goes, “The best made plans are laid to waste”. The gusting wind storm and torrential downpour made it impossible to realize our plan from a month ago. It was hard for me to let this part of the day go as it was my creative gift to Dixie and Brian, but in the end I realized that pushing my agenda was not important. But in my mind’s eye, it was beautiful.

It was great meeting all of Dixie and Brian’s family and friends. I’ve met Dixie’s brother and sister at a commercial event that we all work annually and you would be hard pressed to find a more loving and closely knit family. Brian, being an only child, was welcomed with open arms.

To say that I’ve been blessed in meeting and working with these families, just barely begins to scratch the surface. They are very unique and gracious and warm and loving and that extends to everyone around them. Best wishes to the newly married couple, I wish you a lifetime of happiness and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your story.