I’ve been a photographer in Kitsap County for 14 years, and there’s one place I go back to over and over again: Manchester State Park. It’s my favorite publicly-accessible spot for just about any kind of session. Beautiful old-growth forests, water views, cool old brick and concrete buildings, amazing color year-round – there’s a background for every type of session and it’s always one of the first places I suggest for local clients. But somehow, in all those years, I’d never shot a Manchester State Park wedding until now.
Irene and Grace booked the lovely old Torpedo Warehouse and invited their family and friends to help them celebrate their Manchester State Park wedding on a gorgeous fall day. With the sun beating down, a breeze coming in from Rich Passage and vivid fall leaves crunching on the ground, their wedding day was pretty much perfect.
They decorated the old historic warehouse with colorful fall flowers, handmade signs and centerpieces. Instead of place cards, every guest’s name was attached a vintage teacup. The cups were carefully sourced from local second-hand stores and doubled as a favor to take home. I’m using mine for coffee to get me through late-night editing sessions.
Irene and Grace got ready offsite, and met up with me before the ceremony for their couples portraits in the beautiful little patch of forest right behind the Torpedo Warehouse. The amazing light and lush trees here were a beautiful backdrop. Irene and Grace absolutely glowed, and their love and support for each other shines through in every image.
The couple walked into their Manchester State Park wedding together with Grace’s dad, and exchanged vows and rings in front of the beautiful old fireplace filled with flickering flameless candles. Once again, I noticed their mutual support – when Grace got emotional while reading vows, Irene reached across with a steadying hand. Grace returned the gesture a few minutes later.
The reception kicked off with family & group portraits, a fantastic dinner from Crescent Moon Catering, a sweet first dance for Irene and Grace, pie cutting, more tea and dancing, mingling and games for the guests.
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