I honestly don't quite know where to start with this post because the truth is, I could probably type up the longest post I've ever written but I'll try to keep it mid-length and sweet! As some of you know, I ventured down to Las Vegas in April to celebrate my sister's 30th birthday celebration. It was incredible. Over 24 hours, about 15 of her nearest and dearest friends came to town with what felt like a rolling surprise! Just when she thought the surprises were over, someone else would knock on our Air BNB door! It was so special and I was there to document it all... here's a special video I put together if you want to see some pictures from that weekend! The kicker of it all was that Nick had one more surprise up his sleeve which was a proposal. Surrounded by her closest people in life, Nick got down on one knee and Caitrin said yes to forever and we were all feeling the love and emotions! That was surely a weekend I'll never forget and I'm so happy I was able to be there to document it all for them.

So the wedding planning began and my sister wanted to keep it intimate, low key, and centered around the place they fell in love... Leavenworth, Washington.

They picked their ceremony spot on top of a mountain that overlooks the entire Leavenworth valley where they had their first date. I won't lie that it was really hot (a little tough on the littles including my 2 year old, but it was magnificent.) It was so sentimental which made the whole experience that much more sacred and special. But let me rewind a little bit...

The morning of their wedding started with a yoga session with Bridget from iLa Yoga and all their best friends! I wasn't there for that, but I heard that it was wonderful and the perfect way to start a wedding day. It was the vibe that Caitrin envisioned for her day and that makes me so happy! I got there late morning still in my bathrobe to hang out, get ready, and relax with the bride! We drank mimosas, listened to music, and had a fabulous morning. It was a different experience for me behind the camera and being part of a wedding day (even if it was "intimate", there's still a lot to do and to cover!) I realized that it is challenging to play both roles of family and photographer, but I did my very best to be in the moment and also document the moments happening around me.

After the ceremony, we all made our way down to Pybus Bistro in Wenatchee, Washington!

The owners, Michelle and Francis pulled out all the stops with the food. Caitrin and Nick customized a one of a kind menu that we will all never forget. Here's a glimpse of what was included:

Small plates: Roasted Bone Marrow, Veal Sweetbreads with Gribiche and Veal Sweetbreads with Piperade. Foie Gras Torchon with peaches and Foie Gras Mousse, Heirloom tomato salad with burratta, mixed cheeses and cured meats, baguette from Anjou Bakery. Cheeses were from Cheesemonger in Pybus Market.

Main course: Roast lamb leg with a pan sauce, porchetta with green pepper herb sauce, house made gnocchi with crimini mushrooms and sweet peas in cream sauce, ratatoullie (local zucchini, squash, eggplant, basil and tomato. Green Bean Salad with balsamic vinaigrette, pecorino, prosciutto, pecans, truffle oil.

In all honesty I had no idea what so many of these things were, but they were all incredible. Caitrin and Nick are what one could describe as "foodies". So it was fitting that the menu was out of this world. I overheard whispers after the "small plates" saying, "Oh, that wasn't dinner?" Haha! Besides celebrating their union, the most important part of their day was that they wanted the food to be really special and it was that and so much more. Pybus Bistro did not disappoint! I asked Michelle if this is something they offer to clients and she said, "Of course! We take budget from the get go and build menus based off that budget to make it customized and unique to the event." I think that is just amazing and such a wonderful option for Wenatchee!

The night was filled with delicious food, great conversation, full glasses, and laughter. The setting at Pybus Bistro was perfect!

My heart is full looking through all these photographs and there are many more to come for my family to enjoy for generations to come. Congratulation to my best friend in this life and her new husband, Nick! She married a man who I would describe as a keeper and also just an incredible human being in general. I'm so excited to welcome him into our big and often crazy family! Enjoy the images! Vendor credits at bottom of post!