RebeccaAnne Photography has seen Jessica and Aaron’s relationship blossom. It all started with a model call for an elopement shoot that the photographer put together.
“Jessica and Aaron had such a lovely intimate Swiftwater Cellars Elopement with just their closest friends and family present. I have absolutely adored getting to know these two over the past year. I met Jessie and Aaron when they responded to a model call for a styled elopement shoot that I was putting together at Wahclella Falls. I instantly knew via photos and our communication that they would be the perfect fit and such a fun couple. And sure enough, they were amazing and I adored every minute of getting to know them throughout our adventure that day. And so when I got an email from Jessica earlier this year that they were planning their real elopement, I could not be more ecstatic that they wanted to book me! And their day proved to be even more then I could have imagined.”
RebeccaAnne Photography could not have done a more beautiful job of capturing this gorgeous wedding!
Jessica, 32 & Aaron, 30
Location: Cle Elum, WA.
Wedding Date: July 12, 2017
Number of Guests: 15
Wedding Cost: $10,000
Wedding Ceremony Location: Swiftwater Cellars
Wedding Reception Location: Swiftwater Cellars
Why did you have an intimate wedding?
We really wanted to be focused on each other and the commitment we were making on our wedding day rather than be overwhelmed by hosting a large party and all of the details that go along with a big wedding. It felt important to include our families and a few close friends who have contributed to our lives individually and now as a couple be there to witness, support, and celebrate with us. Not only were we exchanging vows with each other, but we made a commitment and promise to one other’s family and our community that we would take care of each other and asked them for their continued support in upholding our vows throughout our marriage.
What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
We were surprised that although we planned a small celebration, there was still a lot of work that went into executing all the details. All of our guests live out of state so coordinating flights, transportation, and accommodations took some time. The majority of our guests all stayed in one house together and we cooked most of our meals family style. We spent a lot of time ironing out all the food details, but it turned out exactly how we wanted! Everyone came together and pitched in for every meal and it really felt like a joining of our families all week.
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
We both have a small immediate family so that was easy, but we are blessed to have lots of lifelong friends we are still close with from back home in Ohio and drawing the line there was a challenge. We had decided it needed to be all or none, so with the exception of my two best girlfriends who are more like sisters, and the couple that married us, we kept it family only.
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?
Everyone was very gracious and understanding of our choice. We felt really supported by everyone in our decision and ended up having a party at a taproom at a great brewery back in Ohio in the fall to celebrate with everyone. We got the best of both worlds, an intimate ceremony and a big party later on with no pressure…just an open bar and good people.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
Seeing each other for the first time; walking down the aisle with both my dad and brother by my side; hearing each of our parents speak during the ceremony. We had written our vows together, but we each prepared something to read to each other at the ceremony and that was really fun to surprise each other after all we had planned together along the way.
What were the highlights of the reception?
One of my (bride) favorite moments of the reception was sitting down at the long dinner table and looking down as our families joined together for our first meal together. It might be my old school Italian roots, but I’m a sucker for a big family dinner.
Continuing the party back at the house after the dinner reception, complete with a late night bonfire and s’mores was also a big highlight for me.
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
We truly got to focus on each other and soak up every moment together. It felt relaxed and we were able to socialize with the whole group without feeling overwhelmed or pressured to cater to anyone else. It felt exciting, yet manageable. When we pulled back into the house that night we sat in the Jeep for 15 minutes before we went in recapping just how amazing the day was, we couldn’t believe it all actually came together just how we wanted.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
Planning a wedding is nothing like what I imagined it to be. It can easily become overwhelming, even when you keep it small and intimate. Looking back I would encourage all couples to stay true to who they are when deciding how they want their day to go. The process can be consuming and it very easily snowballs out of control. I think some of the most helpful things we did were to step away from time to time, re-evaluate and make sure we were still planning what we really wanted. I needed those moments to reel myself back in after drowning in Pinterest and Instagram ideas! We also had date nights where we didn’t talk about the wedding at all. It was a great reminder to just have fun and remember why we were getting married in the first place.
Vendors:
Photographer: RebeccaAnne Photography
Venue: Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, WA (Where we stayed all week in a cabin and the lodge) and Swiftwater Cellars (ceremony and reception on Suncadaia property)
Brides dress: Revolve
Grooms attire: Calvin Klein Suit
Bride/Groom wedding bands: Nanikaii
Dessert: Pie Bar (Ballard, WA) and 509 Bake House (Cle Elum, WA)
Hair and makeup: Bride did her own
Officiants: Josh and Alexis Charles (friends of bride and groom)
