H&G originally planned a beautiful wedding at an incredible venue on San Juan Island. When we met for drinks in Seattle, we talked about capturing the organic interactions between them and their loved ones. They were excited to show off the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. They loved the idea of being right on the water, and wanted to look back on all the laughter, emotions, and experience with all of their family and friends. They were excited about the food, the guests, and the overall elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere.
Then Covid hit. We stayed in touch about guest counts and current safety regulations. H & G continued to have to whittle down their guest list until it was their closest family. It no longer became feasible to continue with their original venue and plan under the regulations.
H emailed me asking what I thought about them maybe exchanging vows on a private whale watching cruise. Originally they had a mid-day tour booked.
I quickly emailed back, “YES BUT BOOK THE SUNSET TOUR!!”
Then, a new vision was being implemented. While it was much smaller, it was incredible and unique. H&G created an intimate wedding, still supporting local economy, and making sure all of their guests were tested and familiar with local precautions before entering the small San Juan County. At this point, receptions under 50 were still allowed as long as strict guidelines were followed.
They also found a spot to host their land-based activities at Downriggers (a local favorite) on San Juan Island. Downriggers has an incredible view overlooking Friday Harbor- and even more amazing food. Downriggers and their incredible staff fully catered the private charter via San Juan Safaris.
This was extra special for me, because I actually used to work as a kayak guide and dock hand with San Juan Outfitters/San Juan Safaris out of Roche Harbor. My past co-worker and now friend Sarah, was working as a the Naturalist to tell folks all about the wildlife we would see. Sarah is incredibly knowledgeable about most subjects out on the water as a captain herself, but is specifically talented when it comes to advocating on behalf of the local Southern Resident Orca Whales.
I helped H & G plan a timeline that would give us space at several island locations before heading out on their cruise ceremony- and would take advantage of the beautiful sunlight throughout the day.
We were a go, and now the only thing to do was to enjoy the beautiful day and hope for that extra magic of seeing whales safely (for the whales) from the boat.
H&G booked a beautiful Cape Cod styled home near the north side of the island, overlooking Westcott Bay. I met them there to document them getting ready before we headed to their first look spot- one of my favorite, local known beach spots.
H opted for a first look with her father, which was a beautiful, intimate moment before heading to meet G.
I love first looks, whether it’s a subtle moment of a couple getting ready together and seeing the final touches, or when they get ready separately and come together fully dressed. I love the anticipation and excitement that builds, then the pure joy and relief folks seem to experience when they finally see one another and take in the moment- this day they’ve been planning and re-planning for so long is finally here! Now all they have to do is sit back, and enjoy the day together.
After spending time getting photo and video we headed into town for H & G to make their entrance to their guests, grab their cocktails, and head out on their cruise.
Downriggers was very sweet about reminding folks to wear their masks when not at their tables, and making sure folks remembered. While not everyone was super familiar with the guidelines, everyone was super responsive as soon as they were reminded. I appreciated how attentive and respectful folks were in finding the balance between enjoying the experience, but as safely for everyone as possible.
Once we got on the boat, it was time for a safety brief then time to get underway to find some whales and the perfect ceremony location!
If you aren’t familiar with the Southern Resident Orcas, they are currently endangered, due in large part to significantly declining Chinook salmon populations and increasing toxins in the salmon that does exist. It has become increasingly difficult for young to survive, large in part to starving mothers that are producing toxic milk for their new calves. The Southern Residents have been a staple part of the eco-system in the San Juan Islands for centuries, but have been declining rapidly. Because of the lack of food (free the dams), they have been disappearing from the Salish Sea and spending a lot more time traveling open ocean looking for the salmon they depend on. I could talk forever about this, and it’s a pretty hot topic locally, but there are some links here if you’d like to learn more.
As of July 24th when H&G’s wedding was, the residents hadn’t been around in a few weeks.
As we headed out, Sarah and Captain Pete got word from the other boats on the water that J-Pod was in the area. Sarah kept her cool as we headed out to observe these incredible animals.
We were off the coast of Henry Island when we started seeing the spouts. J-Pod was here.
I’m not going to lie, I cried. I love these animals. I loved working as a kayak guide and being able to educate folks about care for our environment. These animals are incredibly sacred, especially to the heritage of the Coast Salish People who the San Juan Islands truly belong to. Lummi Nation is currently fighting for Lolita (Tokitae) to be returned to her home and her family. She is the last living, captive, member of the Southern Residents that was stolen along with others in the 70’s. (Warning- this story is extremely sad and graphic if you do click).
If you’re interested, here’s a link to the work being done on this front: Save Tokitae (Lolita)
Any opportunity to spend time with them feels like a once in a life time experience. Growing up on the islands, I feel like I’ve been incredibly privileged to have many of these once in a lifetime opportunities.
This weight and beauty of this was not lost on H & G. They never expected to have this experience on their wedding day, but here we were.
We stayed with J-Pod, watching them play and travel from a safe distance (unfortunately also watched a tanker move right through the area).
After they faded into the horizon, we headed to the ceremony location that Captain Pete selected where we could watch the sun slowly sink behind the rising islands.
There, H & G exchanged their vows, then their first dance on the bow as the sunset.
Dinner was served as we headed back to the harbor, folks taking turns sitting and eating so not everyone was unmasked at the same time.
On the way back to the harbor, H & G reflected on the day together, and how it was so much more incredible then they would have possibly imagined. Despite Covid re-directing and sidelining their original plans, the day became so much more as they adapted and continued to dream.
We entered the harbor as the sun fully set, and H & G headed up with their guests to finish off the night with their guests at Downriggers with toasts, dancing as the ferry left the harbor, desserts, and videos from loved ones that couldn’t attend.
While it wasn’t the original plan, it ended up becoming so much more. Thank you to the incredible vendors that made it possible!
Florals: Apotheca Designs
Live Music and DJ: Oliver Strasser
Catering: Downriggers
Ethical Tour Company: San Juan Safaris
Videography: Orcas Video
