Your Narrative blog will appear here, click preview to see it live.
For any issues click here

Elegant Summer Wedding at Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island

There’s something undeniably special about a wedding at Roche Harbor Resort. The setting feels peaceful and celebratory all at once — surrounded by water, history, and that unmistakable coastal energy that instantly slows everything down. This wedding at Roche Harbor Resort was absolutely gorgeous, blending classic elegance with subtle nautical charm in a way that felt timeless and deeply personal.

From the design choices to the emotional moments woven throughout the day, everything about this celebration felt intentional and full of heart.

A Classic Color Palette with Coastal Influence

The couple chose a clean, sophisticated palette of white, black, and green — a combination that felt perfectly suited for Roche Harbor Resort. It was simple, elegant, and allowed the natural beauty of the surroundings to shine.

The bride wore a traditional white wedding dress that felt timeless and refined, while her bridesmaids wore dark green silky dresses that added richness and depth to the overall look. The groom and groomsmen went full black tie, which elevated the entire celebration and paired beautifully with the formal yet relaxed coastal setting.

Florals were mostly white with soft pops of green, complemented by lush greenery woven throughout the day. The overall design felt classic, fresh, and effortlessly beautiful.

A Reception Space That Felt Warm and Inviting

One of my favorite parts of this wedding at Roche Harbor Resort was the reception space. Wooden chairs, long tables, and greenery hanging from the wooden chandeliers created an atmosphere that felt warm, welcoming, and intimate — even with a full room of guests.

There were the sweetest hints of nautical detail throughout the décor, including oyster shells with guests’ names beautifully calligraphed on them. It was such a thoughtful nod to the coastal location — subtle, meaningful, and perfectly placed.

A Love Story Years in the Making

This couple met in high school, which made the day feel even more meaningful. Many of their guests traveled from Seattle and beyond, including longtime friends from high school and college who had witnessed their relationship grow over the years.

That history was felt throughout the entire day — in the way people spoke about them, the laughter during the reception, and the deep sense of community that surrounded them. It truly felt like a gathering of people who had walked alongside this couple for a long time.

Sunset Photos and the Roche Harbor Color Ceremony

One of my favorite moments of any wedding at Roche Harbor Resort is stepping away for sunset photos — and this day was no exception. Just before the iconic color ceremony that Roche Harbor hosts every evening at sunset, I took the couple down near the water for portraits.

They were especially excited to take photos by the water, and waiting until sunset made all the difference. The light was softer, more flattering, and perfectly suited for quiet, romantic moments together. Taking this short pause during the wedding day is always such a gift — a chance to breathe, reconnect, and soak in the reality of being married before the night continues.

As the color ceremony began, guests watched from the reception area, creating a beautiful shared moment that felt uniquely Roche Harbor.

A Dance Floor That Never Slowed Down

The couple was very excited to dance, and they chose one of my all-time favorite DJs to make sure the energy stayed high all night. Orion Entertainment absolutely delivered.

From the first song to the last, the dance floor stayed packed. The music was fun, intentional, and perfectly timed — the kind of party where no one wants to sit down.

Ice Cream, Sunset, and the Perfect Ending

To close out the night, the couple brought in an ice cream cart — a fun, relaxed way for guests to cool off and celebrate. Everyone could customize their cone with whatever toppings they wanted, which felt playful and joyful in the best way.

Between the sunset, the music, the laughter, and the simple beauty of the setting, this wedding at Roche Harbor Resort was truly unforgettable. It was elegant without being formal, relaxed without feeling casual, and filled with moments that will be remembered for years to come.

Roche Harbor Resort continues to be one of my favorite places to photograph weddings — and this day was such a beautiful reminder of why.