On this special day, meteorologist for Fox 13 Seattle, Claire Anderson and her husband Garret, experienced a wedding day that read like a weather report – sunny, warm, and utterly blissful. Let me take you on a journey through a meteorologist’s dream wedding day, where the skies were as clear as their love for each other. Claire and Garret’s intimate wedding day at the Ray’s Boathouse in Seattle, Washington, was so elegant, and it was filled with so many intentional moments. From getting ready, to ceremony, to the reception; there was one thing that the couple cherished – intimacy and family.

Bride Getting Ready With Family

Claire comes from a family of strong and supporting women. Therefore, it was not a question about who she was going to spend the day getting ready with. Claire’s cousin was her makeup artist, and her mother helped her get dressed in her beautiful off-the-shoulder mermaid gown.

Claire donned a stunning modern bridal up-do with curled front strands. This look was exquisite that allowed to show her beautiful face, and it withstood the windy weather for her wedding day. Actually, I’m a huge fan of updos on wedding days– it helps keep the hair in one place and you don’t have to worry with flat hair!

After getting ready, Claire wanted to have her first look photos with her bridesmaids, mother, cousins, aunts, grandmothers, and her flowergirls. It was such a touching moment to capture. Their faces said it all – there was joy, happiness, and so much love.

First Look Photos With The Groom

Claire also wanted an intimate first look photos with Garret at the Carl S English Botanical Gardens. Nicknamed “The Oasis In The City”,  this botanical garden has acres of exotic trees and plants, and it was the perfect location for outdoor wedding photos. Claire and Garret got married on a gorgeous Friday, and it allowed them to have an intimate bride and groom portrait session. Garrett was so in awe of his stunning bride, and you could feel the love between the two in every single photo.

Intimate Ceremony At Ray’s Boathouse

The ceremony at The Ray’s Boathouse, overlooked the Puget Sound and it was absolutely breathtaking. The overall atmosphere was magical on The Sound, the boats passing by, and the mountains as their backdrop. The aisle was covered with white rose pedals and their aisle centerpieces were tables with vases of their wedding flowers. 

This wedding was intimate and very intentional. The ceremony was officiated by their friend, who was also their florist. Garret’s sister read the beautiful scripture.  Claire and Garret wanted a small wedding because they wanted to truly share this moment with everyone. The couple even took a moment to look at everyone to appreciate their attendance. It was magical!

Golden Hour Wedding Portraits

Shortly after the ceremony, the sun began to set and golden hour struck which was the perfect time to take dreamy, golden shots. We snuck away to grab the couples shots. We had taken family portraits before the ceremony. Golden hour is such a short period, that I wanted the couple to get their dreamy shots during this time. Having family shots before the wedding allowed their family to relax during cocktail hour and we could use our time grabbing the coveted golden sun! Their wedding portraits were shot at the iconic Ray’s Boathouse with the red neon sign on the dock. These photos were so dreamy and captured their joy authentically.

A Laid-Back Boathouse Reception

The wedding reception was simple elegance and laid-back. The space already offered so much beauty; all they had to do was add their flowers, and little table details and smiling faces in attendance. The theme was enjoy the moment, and it was planned to perfection. The drinks were refreshing, children were playing, and it was utter joy in the air. Additionally, the food was delicious. I was served a salmon plate and YUM!! It was so good that I want to come back here for a date night with my husband! 

The couple had a unique spin on their cake by having a personal cake for them and having a dessert table for their guests. They opted out of cake and rather served an array of the tiniest, yummiest little desserts for all different taste buds. My mouth is still watering from thinking about their desserts! Then the sunset was the icing on the top of the cake. Honestly, the wedding desserts are one of my favorite things about getting to attend weddings! And these were top notch!

A Seattle late summer sunset is so DREAMY. The sun went below the mountains during the toasts and it created the most lovely colors cast up on the couple. I think the beauty of it all really filled all of our hearts. The night ended with dancing and fun on the dance floor!

Closing Thoughts

Claire and Garret’s Seattle wedding was incredible and I loved all of the intentional moments. This was so special and this is what inspires me to capture these moments that will last a lifetime. Congratulations to these two and I know a great future awaits them!

Kind Words From The Bride And Groom

“Omg, the photos are magical!!!! Thank you so so much! I am so beyond grateful that we had you as our person to capture the most magical day!”

– Claire, The Bride

“The best photog in the game”

– Garret, The Groom

Hi, I’m Lauren, A Seattle Wedding Photographer. My passion is to capture your truest and most authentic selves and the connection you share. I cannot wait to photograph your Seattle wedding and any moments after you say ‘I Do’. Learn more about me. If you think we will be a good fit, let’s connect. Let’s create something beautiful together.

   Lauren Mitchell | Seattle Washington Wedding Photographer 

    Check out the rest of this Seattle Intimate Wedding below

Vendors Who Made This Day Extra Special

Reception & Ceremony – Ray’s Boathouse

Hairstylist – MakeupByImArtistry

Makeup – Emily Oliver Beauty

Floral Designer – In Bloom Inc.

Bridal Gown – Made With Love Bridal

Jewelers – Happy Jewelers Kate Spade

Bridal Shoes – Badgley Mischka

Coordinator & Stylist – Gather With Mimi