In the early emails that Holly sent me, she told me all about how they wanted to get married up at Vista House on Mt. Spokane. She told me that they wanted a small wedding, not quite an elopement, but only their families there. And what she told me resonated so much, because they knew what they wanted, they knew the wedding that would be best for them, and they chose to make that a reality. You guys, this wedding was so beautiful and so perfect for one reason – Holly and Justin planned a wedding that was exactly what they wanted! They could have had a big wedding, or eloped with no one there, but they listened to what their hearts wanted, which was to have this intimate wedding with just a few special people there to share the day. They got ready together at the top of the mountain, and we traipsed around to take photos after their sweet ceremony, before they drove off to have a family dinner together.

And here is the thing, big or small, first look or no, traditions or no, I don’t care. I’m going to advise you on how to budget time for photos so that you’re less stressed and get beautiful photos to keep forever (print them, please!). I’ll tell you the pros and cons of each option when we plan your timeline, but it’s not my job to dictate how your day goes. You should have a wedding that is a reflection of your relationship, your love, and your dreams for the future.

Which, on a mountain top on a Friday afternoon, is exactly what this Holly + Justin did. But I would have loved this wedding just as much if it’d been at the courthouse.

Holly + Justin, thank you for letting me into your lives to capture this precious day. I wish you both all the love and joy in marriage for the rest of your lives!!