Photography, Ben Wagner Photography | Venue, Hope Island Beach Club | Location, La Conner, WA | DJ, Uncle Smiley the DJ | Catering, Paella San Juan
A Summer Sunset For a Hope Island Beach Club Wedding
When I arrived for Mackenzie and Kevin’s Hope Island Beach Club wedding, the light looked like it wasn’t going to cooperate. It was overcast and even a bit cold, the ever-present risk of June wedding photography in the Pacific Northwest. Mackenzie and Kevin were getting ready in separate houses up the block, so I made my way up the street to document their preparation. Once I started shooting I knew the weather wouldn’t matter — this was going to be special.
During their prep the girls popped a bottle of champagne, they laughed and posed for selfies, there were tears as Mackenzie put her veil on. Perhaps stereotypically: the boys drank white claws, made fun of each other, and couldn’t figure out how to put on a boutonniere (I really should learn how to put those on, I get asked at every wedding…)
And then the weather did co-operate. Just as they began their first look, the sun broke through the clouds, the temperature warmed up, and the day, already going great, became perfect. The ceremony took place on the dock that jets out into Skagit Bay, the wedding party just holding it together. The slight winds gave the photographs a sense of motion, catching Mackenzie’s long veil and lifting it slightly in the air.
The ceremony was followed by a cavalcade of hugs. As a documentary wedding photographer I’m always keeping a keen eye on this moment, right after the ceremony, when the couple is rushed with tearful hugs. Because Kevin and Mackenzie chose to do a first look, we had quickly knocked out the few family photos and formal portraits before the ceremony even began. I like doing this whenever possible so that the couple can enjoy the cocktail hour, rather than miss it. This cocktail hour was joyous, with hugs, a few silly moments, and ample lawn games.
The certificate signing led to another bottle of champagne, and then a glorious feast of Paella (a personal favorite) catered by Paellas San Juan. The tented dining area on the edge of the bay gave the speeches an extra jolt of emotion, the blue water stretching out behind the toast givers.
When the speeches ended, the party began on the lawn overlooking the bay during the longest golden hour I can remember. I love the look of direct flash on the dance floor, and often use a shutter drag technique to give a little more drama, but there was no need tonight as the guests passed around beers and ice cream, dancing in the fading golden light on the edge of the water.
Hope Island Beach Club Wedding Photography – The PhotoFilm
Hope Island Beach Club Wedding Photography – Select Photographs
The gallery below includes a select group of photos from Mackenzie and Kevin’s wedding day. In the following gallery you will see images in both Color and Black and White. Each couple receives all digital photographs edited in both color and black and white. Any film photography images are delivered depending on the chosen film stock.
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Click any image to view in fullscreen or slideshow mode.
All digital images photographed on the Fujifilm X-T5 and Leica M11. Processed in Capture One.
