Chambers Bay Wedding: Alayna and Nathan

Alayna is one of those brides who just glows—from the inside out. From the moment I saw her step into her BHLDN dress, I knew this Chambers Bay wedding was going to be something special. Her gown from BHLDN was simple, romantic, and so perfectly her. It flowed beautifully in the breeze, and every time the wind picked up along the water, her dress would ripple and dance right along with it. Watching that movement against the backdrop of the course made the whole day feel extra magical.

Alayna and Nathan chose to have their Chambers Bay wedding at Chambers Bay Golf Course, a stunning links-style course perched along Puget Sound in University Place, just outside of Tacoma. Chambers Bay is a public championship course and the centerpiece of a 930-acre park overlooking the water, with sweeping views of the golf course, the Sound, and the distant mountains. It’s famous for hosting major tournaments like the U.S. Open, but it’s also an incredibly beautiful place to say “I do.” For a Chambers Bay wedding, you get that wide-open sky, dramatic rolling hills, and the soft, salty air coming off the water—everything you need for a truly unforgettable day.

One of my favorite things about a Chambers Bay wedding is the Event Pavilion and its surrounding spaces. The Chambers Bay Event Pavilion is a 4,000-square-foot tented structure with floor-to-ceiling window walls and an adjoining patio that can accommodate up to 200–220 guests. From inside, you have panoramic views of the expansive golf course, Puget Sound, and the snow-capped mountain ranges in the distance. At sunset, the light pours in and turns everything gold—it’s truly a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re planning a big party or an intimate gathering, a Chambers Bay wedding at the Pavilion gives you an elegant, flexible space that still feels connected to the landscape.

Before we headed to the course, Alayna and Nathan got ready at the gorgeous Hotel Murano in Tacoma. I still remember walking into the hotel and being blown away by the art, the modern design, and the beautiful light in the rooms. Hotel Murano is filled with glass art and thoughtful details, which made it such a fun and stylish place for them to start their Chambers Bay wedding day. We captured getting-ready moments, details, and a few quiet portraits before making our way out toward the water.

Once we arrived for their Chambers Bay wedding, everything just fell into place. The breeze coming off the Sound kept the air feeling fresh, even in the warmth of summer. As we moved around the property for portraits, the course gave us so many different looks—long, rolling fairways, rugged bunkers, pathways with views over the bluffs, and that sweeping backdrop of Puget Sound. Alayna’s BHLDN dress moved so gracefully in the wind, and Nathan was so gentle and attentive with her, always making sure she was comfortable and steady on the slopes of the course. The way they interacted—soft smiles, little laughs, and quiet glances—made their Chambers Bay wedding feel incredibly heartfelt and intimate, even in such a grand landscape.

One of my favorite parts of the day was when Alayna ditched her veil later on and swapped it for a floral crown. As we moved into “golden hour” (or what was supposed to be golden hour—this is Washington, after all), the sun played hide-and-seek behind the clouds. Even though it wasn’t the blazing sunset we’d hoped for, the sky gave us this soft, diffused light that made her floral crown and dress pop beautifully against the muted tones of the course. Those sunset portraits from their Chambers Bay wedding—Alayna in her crown, Nathan by her side, the water and hills behind them—are still some of my favorites.

What I loved most about their Chambers Bay wedding, though, wasn’t just the scenery or the details (though those were incredible). It was the way Alayna and Nathan treated each other. They were so loving and gentle, and you could tell they have a deep friendship at the heart of their relationship. They laughed easily, held onto each other in the wind, and really soaked in each moment of the day. Even when the clouds rolled in, they stayed fully present and joyful, which always shows in the photos.

If you’re dreaming of a Pacific Northwest celebration with dramatic views and a unique coastal-meets-links feel, a Chambers Bay wedding is such a beautiful choice. With its championship golf course setting, the spacious Event Pavilion with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the sweeping backdrop of Puget Sound and the mountains, it gives you a location that feels both elevated and very “PNW.” Alayna and Nathan’s Chambers Bay wedding was the perfect blend of elegance, romance, and natural beauty—and I feel so lucky I got to be there to capture every windy, wonderful moment.