A few times a year I get the opportunity to second-shoot for some of my amazing photographer friends. This means being their second set of eyes, capturing different angles, and getting them a glass of water when needed! Being able to learn from my peers is totally invaluable & I absolutely love getting to experience a wedding this way every now and then! I appreciate getting to watch how my friends work through a wedding day – which parts they emphasize, how they negotiate sticky situations, and how they interact with the couple & their guests. It is so much fun for me to be able to focus on the details and take my time with things like groomsmen photos which I don’t always get to do when I’m shooting my own weddings! As a photographer, I am always trying to learn new things about how to grow my skill-set and my business. Seeing a wedding from a secondary set of eyes (and lenses) allows me to realize nuances in the flow of the day, notice little moments that are quietly sweet, and get creative with different perspectives. My recommendation to any photographer is never stop learning, exploring and pushing yourself & surround yourself with encouraging, driven, inspiring peers. #communityovercompetition, y’all!
I have gotten to shoot with my dear friend, Jordan, a couple of times over the past few years and we always have a blast together! It was especially fun traveling up to gorgeous San Juan Island for this stunning wedding at Roche Harbor. I had never been to Roche before, and upon arrival, I immediately felt like I had been transported to a different place, if not a different time all together. Roche Harbor is like a little town in Disneyland, impossibly quaint & adorable. Hotel de Haro was a hoot as well – full of all the charm you would want out of this island escape – creaky floors, floral wallpaper & one bathroom for the whole floor! We arrived Friday evening, grabbed some pizza, and rested up for the next day. We rose early, got breakfast on the pier (again with the charm of this place, I can’t even!) & packed up our gear.
We headed to Jacquelyn’s family cabin a short drive away. We passed jaw-dropping vistas where we just knew we would have to take the couple for portraits. A light layer of fog blanketed the peaceful surroundings. There were deer grazing in the grass, and no surprise, Jack & Josh were a dream couple. Ridiculously good looking, and equally kind hearted. They were game for anything like trekking out to the edge of a cliff for the most epic tree Jordan & I had ever seen. The day went by quickly – traveling from point A to point B for the first look, then portraits, then the ceremony in the sunken garden. I jetted all over the Roche Harbor property to snag priceless shots telling the story of their day. Scroll on & see for yourself how gorgeous this celebration was & more notes on what was going on behind the scenes!
This dress from BHLD was one of my favorites from this season – it was delicate enough for Jacquelyn’s tiny frame, yet whimsical enough to stand up to the sweeping scenery on San Juan Island. Jordan and I got to the cabin a little early and were able to have some quality play time with her gown outside!
I found this vintage-looking “Welcome to Roche Harbor” sign in the cabin and thought it would be a fun backdrop along with some seashells for detail shots of Jack’s jewels & shoes! 
Nothing beats a good bridesmaid robe! Their hyacinth robes added a soft unified pallet for images of Jack giving out gifts.
When Jack was getting into her dress, I was wedged up against a table & Jordan was to my left shooting into the window light – I just love this sweet angle of her sister helping zip her gown!
Hanging with these guys was such a blast!! Josh gave his men Ray Bans so of course we had to sport them for a few groomsmen shots!
I mean, look at this stud! 
I’ve said it before & I’ll say it again, first looks are my FAVORITE. A trail from the cabin lead to this outlook & it was the perfect spot for this sweet moment. Jordan zoomed around me and got close ups of their faces & I focused on the big picture – swoon. 
This tree. I have no words! Jack totally crushed it, too. 
Classic Pacific Northwest. I love you, Washington!! I had a wider lens on my camera for these portraits while Jordan was rocking the close ups so I was able to get some crazy sweeping shots – this landscape would not be denied!
Jack & Josh lead us to this amazing spot overlooking the marina at Roche Harbor – it was definitely a favorite!!
A view of the sunken garden from the patio of the Hotel de Haro!
During the procession, I was posted up behind the last row of chairs while Jordan was up front. I love that Jack can have both vantage points of her father walking her down the isle! 
During the ceremony, I was able to sneak up to the patio of Hotel de Haro again and get some wide shots of the space – breathtaking! 
Seriously, this venue is to die for! 
The hugs & kisses immediately after the ceremony are some of my absolute favorite moments! 
While Jordan captured family portraits, I headed over to the reception tent to photograph all of the amazing details!
I loved the mixture of organic flowers and geometric candle holders. Navy & gold is always a solid color combo! Mercury glass votives make my heart patter! 
Jordan snagged them for a few more portraits at sunset on the dock next to the reception – I grabbed a few shots from the shore! 
Yes. That is a Cinnabon cake. It was amazing. And delicious. 
Every day at Roche Harbor they perform the colors ceremony – retiring the flags of the United States, Great Britain and Canada. I left the reception to photograph it & it was so cool to see such a time honored tradition! They conclude the ceremony by setting off a tiny little cannon! 
Jordan – thank you for being a wonderful friend, and so generously sharing your wisdom & passion with me. You inspire me so much! Thank you for bringing me along for this great adventure! Thank you, also, Jack & Josh, for having me there to capture your perfect celebration of marriage! Congratulations!
See how Jordan told the story of their day over on her blog here!!
