by Emily Wenzel | May 14, 2015 | Photography
Joel & Dan were married last August at Within Sodo, and ever since I drove home (with the windows down) at midnight after their wedding, I’ve been trying to find the words to describe their wedding. And months later, I don’t feel like I’m any closer to doing these wonderful men justice. Joel & Dan are an amazing, creative, and loving couple. They planned the wedding day to make sure every guest had a wonderful time. There were couches for lounging, space for dancing, drinks before the ceremony, and a the whole space was filled with love.
Basically, this wedding was a true reflection of Joel & Dan’s love, and their relationship. They are such caring, giving, people, and I have been so honored to know them. Their wedding day had me laughing, crying, and dancing. Sometimes doing more than one at a time. This wedding? It was one for the books.
Joel & Dan, thank you. Thank you for the epic dance party, the beautiful rooftop moments, for dancing in fur coats, and for having me along and allowing me to spend the day with you, your families, and your guests. It was an honor. And another huge thank you to the lovely and talented Kate Ford, who shot this wedding with me. She’s my favorite Seattle tea buddy and shooting partner. Some of these shots are hers. Vendors are at the bottom.






































































Venue: Within Sodo // Caterer: Eat Local // Suits: Bar III // Candles: Made by Dan // Florist: Flowers on 15th // DJ: Injoy Entertainment // Live Music: Breaks & Swells // Rentals: Vintage Ambiance
by Emily Wenzel | Dec 17, 2014 | Photography
Laura & John were the winners of my wedding giveaway last year, and I am so glad they entered. [For more about a 2015 wedding giveaway, please see the end of this post.] I agonized over who to pick, and there were so many wonderful entries, but I’m so glad that Laura & John entered, and that I chose them! It’s be wonderful getting to know them over the past year, and getting to be a part of their wedding. They are an amazing couple, with amazing families, and it was a blessing to be part of their wedding day!
Laura & John are Gonzaga grads, and since they met at Gonzaga, they wanted to get married there. I’ve loved St. Aloysius (St Al’s) since the day I first walked in it as a college freshman. So I am truly honored that I was able to shoot Laura & John’s wedding there, and that their wedding was my first wedding at St. Als. I shot many masses there as a student, but to be there for a wedding? That’s special. I know that church weddings aren’t “in” right now, because they’re not in barns or super hip urban spaces, but I love church weddings.
Laura & John got ready at the Red Lion River Inn, then we went to Gonzaga University for some photos. Since they had an 11am ceremony, we had plenty of time afterwards to take photos. And if you’re worried about taking photos when it’s not “golden hour”, almost all of Laura & John’s photos were taken between noon and 1pm! Make sure your photographer is comfortable with this, so you still get amazing photos. Their reception was at Commellini Estate, which has become one of my favorite Spokane area venues.
Many, many thanks to the lovely and talented April Egly for 2nd shooting with me. Some of these shots were taken by her. <3
























































































//
2015 Wedding Giveaway: Like last year, I’m planning to do a wedding giveaway for 2015. I’ll be announcing it in January, after the bridal show. If you want the inside scoop, be sure to stop by my booth at the Spokane Bridal Fest on January 10th or 11th.
by Emily Wenzel | Nov 24, 2014 | Photography
Heather & Danny love the Methow Valley, so it was an easy decision for them to get married there. Their families came from all over — some of them drove across the country — to celebrate Heather & Danny’s sweet wedding day.
What a day. Actually, what a weekend. Heather & Danny’s families and friends came up to the Methow for the weekend, staying at the Spring Creek Ranch, their venue, camping in Mazama, or at other little places throughout Winthrop. They had a laid back wedding, with a small ceremony in front of the willow tree, and an afternoon filled with board games, laughter, and joy.
Congratulations again, Heather & Danny. Thank you for having me along to celebrate in your wedding weekend. Thank you for being such wonderful people, and I wish you all the best in your latest adventures! <3








































Vendors:
Venue: Spring Creek Ranch // Caterer: Arrowleaf Bistro // Heather’s Dress: Vintage // DJ: Cousin // Stationary: Friends
by Emily Wenzel | Jan 14, 2014 | Photography
2013 was a crazy year. It started with our trip to Germany, where we spent three weeks exploring Munich, Dachau, the Reingau, Bonn, Berlin, & Hamburg. While I didn’t take any photos of cake, trust me, I ate plenty. Once we were back, it was time for weddings! My wedding season started in March last year & ended in October. With tons of portrait sessions and a cross-state move in the middle.
I’ll be posting a little review/my thoughts on my first bridal show later this week and a 2013 business recap next week. [Summary: it was overwhelming but great, and I learned a lot. From both.] If you’ve found your way here after visiting my booth at the show, hi! I talked to so many wonderful ladies and gentlemen, so if you didn’t sign up for the email, but want more info on my bridal show special offer (or signed up and didn’t get the email), send me an email through the contact link above and I’ll get you all sorted out.
And now, the photos! I tried to go through all my photos from this year on my harddrive and pick out my favorites, but it was too hard. So I quickly went through my upload archive for the blog and grabbed them that way. This way I can recap my 2013 before the first month of 2014 is done. And yes, there are a couple I did pull from a portfolio update I did that haven’t been blogged. Next week! Without further ado, the best of 2013.








































by Emily Wenzel | May 23, 2013 | Photography
Meet my beautiful friend Katja. We met at Gonzaga while on a retreat and have been friends ever since. She’s graduating from Seattle University next month with her Master’s degree and needed some portraits for her announcements and for her future job hunt. So we spent an hour traipsing around Seattle U, finding secret gardens and sunshine. Success! Besides her stunning blue eyes, Katja has a beautiful soul. She’s one of those people who will always be there to lend a hand, listen to your troubles, and help you out. So, it’s not surprising that she’s planning to use her Master’s of Divinity to work in Crisis Counseling. I’m only bummed she’s moving halfway across the country this summer.







by Emily Wenzel | Aug 9, 2012 | Photography
Nothing I say can do this lady justice. Kayte is a beautiful, intelligent, and loving woman who works hard and has a fabulous smile. I shared a shoot we did four years ago, back when I first started shooting and, I swear, Kayte makes my job easy. Although I’m bummed she’s moving to North Dakota for grad school, I know that North Dakota is gaining a wonderful (temporary) resident.












