Ballard Locks and Sunset Hill Park Seattle Wedding | Adrien Craven Photography

First Look and Portraits at Ballard Locks & Carl S. English Botanical Gardens

Julie and David’s Sunset Hill Park and Ballard Locks wedding will forever be one of my favorite Seattle Weddings! We began the day at Habitude Salon in Ballard where Julie had her hair styled in a timeless chignon. Her glamorous, classic style perfectly complimented the dramatic brocade ballgown and veil she wore!  Next, my second shooter Erica and I accompanied Julie over to the Carl S. English Botanical Gardens for a secluded first look with David. I’ve wanted to photograph a couple in these gardens since the first time I visited, so this was a major dream come true for me! The botanical gardens at the locks are one of my very favorite places in Seattle. I was lucky enough to live just a few blocks away in Ballard for four years, and visiting the locks and gardens was a monthly event. I’ve spent so many peaceful hours in every season of the year in these gardens, walking the paths, watching the ships travel through the canals, collecting leaves and sequoia cones in the fall. I can’t even articulate how much this place means to me! Getting to share it with David and Julie on their wedding day was truly meaningful. After wandering the gardens for relaxed and romantic photos of the bride and groom together, we made the short trip up to Sunset Hill Park for their sunny bluff ceremony.

Sunset Hill Park Wedding Ceremony

Sunset Hill Park in Northwest Seattle overlooks a panoramic view of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains to the west, which makes it a stunning location for a a Ballard wedding. Golden Gardens and the Shilshole Marina lay just below, affording views of the sailboats coming to and fro across the glittering water of the sound. You’ll often find people watching the sun set over the Olympics from benches in the park, making it a perfect spot for quiet contemplation of the gorgeous PNW. Although the day was sunny, there’s always a little breeze off the water, so the warm sunshine was welcome! Julie and David said their vows in a heartfelt ceremony overlooking what might be one of the most spectacular views on earth, but every eye was on them as they said their vows and kissed in celebration!

Garden Reception and Moonlit Patio Dancing

After the ceremony, the couple and their guests traveled to a private residence for an incredible dinner catered by Bacchus & Arianna in an intimate secret garden. Seriously, this was in my top ten of wedding meals I’ve ever eaten! The couple cut into a stunning two-tier cake from The Sweet Side, which was decorated with a floral pattern inspired by the brocade on Julie’s gown! The night continued with cocktails and dancing on the patio under a stunning full moon and a fun sparker exit!

Vendors:

Reception Venue | Private Residence

Cake Bakery | The Sweet Side

Caterer | Cynthia Lapp of  Bacchus & Arianna

Photographer | Adrien Craven Photography

Florist | Cheri Periera (friend of the couple)

HMUA | Habitude Salon

Gown Boutique | Calla Bridal

Gown Designer | Steven Birnbaum “Kim”

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Adrien Craven is a passionate and wildly creative Pacific Northwest wedding photographer. She specializes in natural light wedding photography and is best known for romantic, timeless images of couples against the backdrop of the scenic beauty of Washington State and the greater Puget Sound. With a heart of service and friendly demeanor, Adrien is able to connect with her clients and help them to feel beautiful and at ease while in front of the camera. Her photographs are often described as timeless, romantic, and full of emotion. Interested in booking Adrien for your wedding day? Get in touch here!