The Wedding Weekend Begins:

One of the best parts of Chris & Amelia’s wedding weekend was that everyone stayed onsite at The Captain Whidbey Inn. With the property completely bought out, the couple's community were all in one place for several days. There was something really special about this that is so different from the typical wedding day, it felt like an immersive retreat for their 90 guests.

The night before the wedding began on the lawn overlooking Penn Cove, with a welcome party that felt quintessentially Whidbey Island; burgers from the grill, Captain Whidbey wine, and a perfect coastal dress code. Before the guests made their way to the lawn from their rooms, we spent some time with A&C on the mussel seashell covered beach capturing portraits in the perfect golden light.

Planning something smaller? View our Captain Whidbey Elopement here.

Getting Ready at Captain Whidbey and a First Look on the Dock.

On the morning of the wedding, Chris got ready on the patio next to the Glasswing Cabin where they were staying, surrounded by friends and family. Amelia got ready in the wellness room, with all of her bridesmaids, her Mom, and his Mom. Their first look took place on the end of the dock, with their wedding party and family over looking from the lodge.

After their first look, we explored the property for portraits, moving from the dock to the lawn, and into the lodge.

Their wedding party and families wore a mix of seaglass-inspired colors, with everyone choosing their own suit or dress. The result felt cohesive and on theme without being overly matched or stuffy.

A Ceremony Beneath the Madrona Trees

Their ceremony took place beneath the madrona trees at Captain Whidbey, surrounded by creamy meadow inspired flowers, with beautiful mid-summer light filtering through the branches.

Their vows were personal and beautifully written, and there were plenty of emotional reactions from the guests gathered around them. Those guest reactions became some of our favorite photographs from the ceremony: the tears, the laughter, the couples and friends reaching for each other's hands, and all the little expressions happening just beyond the couple.

Cocktails on the Lawn

After the ceremony, cocktail hour took place back on the lawn overlooking Penn Cove, with custom cocktails adorned with flowers and herbs gathered from the Captain Whidbey gardens. Guests settled into lounge furniture, played lawn games, and enjoyed apps before dinner on the lagoon.

Dinner on the Lagoon

Dinner was served on the lagoon at long tables surrounded by towering pines, with glimpses of Penn Cove beyond the property. A few aerial photographs gave us a chance to capture the full scene and just how naturally the wedding was woven into Captain Whidbey. Guests lingered over dinner, enjoying some of the best dishes from the on-site restaurant, including the iconic CW bread, before heartfelt speeches from their parents and wedding party brought plenty of tears, laughter, and cheers.

Dancing at Sunset

After dinner, everyone made their way back to the lawn and onto the deck for the first dance and parent dances. The sun was setting in the background as the twinkling lights came on. Dessert was a table abundant with local pies, followed by tray-passed espresso martinis that officially kicked off the dance party!

A moment away for portraits…

One of our favorite parts of the evening was slipping away from the reception for sunset portraits with A & C. We walked around the lagoon and over the bridge while their guests continued enjoying the reception. They later told us how much they appreciated having that little break together. It gave them a few quiet moments to take in the day before heading back to the party!

Dancing Into the Night & After Party at the Lodge!

Back on the deck, the dance floor was going strong as the sun disappeared and the evening settled in. After plenty of dancing under the lights, the party moved into the lodge for an after party, where the couple changed into new looks and everyone kept the cocktails flowing. Late-night snacks (chicken fingers and garlic parm fries!) and a full dance floor carried the celebration well into the night!

An immersive wedding weekend at Captain Whidbey…

There was something really special about having the entire weekend unfold in one place. Their friends and family arrived early, settled into their rooms and cabins, and had several days to enjoy Captain Whidbey together. Guests kayaked, explored the property, gathered for drinks, and wandered between the beach, lawn, lagoon, and lodge as the weekend unfolded. There were no shuttles to catch or drives between a hotel and venue, just time to slow down and enjoy being together. It made the wedding feel less like a single rushed day for the couple and more like a long weekend spent celebrating with the people they love most.

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