Photographing this elopement on Henry Island, right outside of Roche Harbor, WA was one of my highlights of this past year. I was in Canada for a wedding the day before, then heading to Europe at 6am the next morning, but thanks to San Juan Airlines was able to fly in Roche Harbor from Bellingham. From there, I walked down to the harbor and met my transportation out to Henry Island.
Working as a kayak guide out of Roche, I had seen this home many times before…and had even said “I wish I could photograph a wedding there.”
Now, I’m the only person who has.
I walked into the guest cabin where Sarah was finishing her makeup to say hello, then scouted out the rest of the property. In the kitchen, Sam’s family was working to prep the food and decorations for their intimate reception. The table design looked like something professionally done, all brought to life through Sarah and Sam’s sister, Hannah’s, vision.
I guided Sam down to the water where he stood awaiting their first look. Sarah came through the forest towards him, looking like magic in the beautiful September light. Once Sam turned around, all the nerves and tensions were relieved. Instead, pure joy radiated from these two as they spent a few moments together on the shore overlooking Spieden island.
After these moments together, they went back up to set up for the ceremony. Watching Sarah walk down the aisle, illuminated by the golden afternoon light and madrona trees, Sam’s emotion and love was clear.
Surrounded by their family, Sam and Sarah were married by the water by Sam’s father.
After the ceremony Sam and Sarah grabbed a quick snack before we headed back to the neighboring Westcott Bay for portraits at Wescott Bay Shellfish Farm. Sam and Sarah showed me around their place of work, included dawning their work foot-ware!
After the portraits, they drove off into the sunset…. and I hitch-hiked back into town to catch a ferry to the mainland.
Cheers to you two, may the adventures continue!
