About a week before Chris & Michelle’s wedding, we received an email from Chris’ mom, Melody, and it was full encouragement and love for her son and future daughter in law. She has a true gift with words and we simply couldn’t keep them to myself. Here’s a little excerpt:
“We just wanted to drop you a note and say how thrilled we are that you are doing the photography for Chris & Michelle’s wedding this Friday. You know their story. They have waited a long time for this special day. Everyone is excited and ready and we feel honored to share this day with Michelle’s parents, Chuck (yes both Dad’s are Chuck!) and Erin.
The engagement pictures you took were amazing–my personal favorite actually is the one of them on the bench. I just love the relaxed look. Just like them. So down to earth. So homespun. Michelle is laughing. She is so beautiful inside and out. She makes the simplist of things special (like making hot chocolate) and Chris especially loves how she lights up a room when she walks in.”
For us, that pretty much sums up Chris & Michelle–their relationship with Christ, each other, and their families are the most important thing in the world to them, they relish in the simple joys in life, and they both really do light up whatever room they’re in.
We had a blast working with Chris & Michelle’s wedding party–they definitely rose to the challenge of taking photos on a rainy day at Cottage Lake Park in Woodinville. I really love the contrast of the eggplant & greens–something that would not have been nearly as noticeable without an overcast sky.
Toward the end of our couple portrait time, the sun emerged and helped create some sparkly sunlit photos. It was absolutely perfect.
Perhaps one of my (Airika’s) favorite moments from the entire day–Michelle as she patiently awaited her time to walk down the aisle and marry her husband.
After leaving the wedding, we went to the Downtown Bellevue Park for some nighttime wedding photos with the Bellevue skyline. We love shooting in low light situations like this! Sometimes it takes a little patience, but the result was well worth it! Chris & Michelle, thank YOU for a spectacular day, and congratulations to you both! 
To see more from Chris and Michelle’s wedding, check out their slideshow!
Wedding Gown: Amanda’s Bridal Boutique | Floral: Wilson Works | Wedding Venue: Maltby Christian Assembly | Officiant: David Brakke | Coordinator: Christine Brakke | Cake & Desserts: Lipincott Delivers | Pre-Ceremony Photos: Cottage Lake | Nighttime Photos: Bellevue Downtown Park | Photography: The Popes
[…] from right: City scene | Sparkler exit | Outdoor […]
These are lovely. Especially love the one of Michelle waiting and the second-to-last B/W with the city. Gorgeous!
Take that B/W image of Michelle waiting, and make it a canvas. Around 50′ high!
I look at these photos everyday! It’s a happy reminder of a most special day! Thank you so much for capturing the memories!!!
Beautiful! I love the bridesmaid one on the bridge and the purple-ish tones in the sparkler shot. Michelle- the b&w of you is stunning! Gerald and Airika, you rock everyone’s world!
Absolutely beautiful pictures!!!
SUPER solid guys!!! Way to pull this one off in the rain! The B/W of Michelle waiting to walk down the aisle is my standout favorite!
It’s so fun looking back on the day! Especially since it went by so fast for me. lol These are all beautiful you guys, I can’t wait to see them all!! Thank you for all you both have done, it’s much appreciated!
Love it! 🙂
that last shot is indeed epic…. love this set.
Yep, Gerald Rocked that last one! The power feeds a little odd on my monitor this morning, and the flare from the strobe is pulsing a little, makes it just that much cooler!!
(I love the bridge shot and the B&W of her with all the neg space as well!)