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A Classic Summer Wedding at Roche Harbor Resort

There are some weddings that just feel like pure sunshine, and this whimsical summer wedding at Roche Harbor Resort was one of them. Tucked away on San Juan Island with its historic charm, sparkling marina, and lush gardens, Roche Harbor was the perfect setting for a romantic, light blue and white garden celebration that felt dreamy, personal, and so full of joy.

From the very beginning, the couple knew they wanted their day to feel soft, romantic, and a little bit playful. They chose a light blue and white color palette that echoed the sky, the water, and the classic seaside feel of Roche Harbor. Everywhere you looked, there were delicate touches of blue—ribbons, linens, florals—layered with fresh whites and greenery. It felt airy and elegant without ever feeling fussy.

A Private First Look and Vows

One of the most emotional parts of the day happened long before the ceremony began. The couple chose to share a first look and exchange private vows, just the two of them.

Away from the guests and the noise, they took a quiet moment together in the gardens, surrounded by summer blooms and that soft island light. There’s something so special about private vows—they give couples the space to really say what’s on their hearts without worrying about anyone listening in. Watching them laugh, tear up, and breathe each other in before everything kicked off was such a beautiful reminder of what the day is truly about.

A Sky-Themed Ceremony Backdrop

I’ve seen a lot of ceremony backdrops over the years, but this one was completely unique. The couple created their own backdrop: a blue sky filled with clouds. It was whimsical and unexpected in the best way, almost like stepping into a painting or a daydream.

Set against the greenery of Roche Harbor Resort, the backdrop tied perfectly into their soft blue and white color palette. It felt like an extension of the actual summer sky overhead—playful, romantic, and so very them. I had never seen anything quite like it before, and it photographed beautifully from every angle.

To make the ceremony even more meaningful, a family member officiated. Having someone who knows you and your story lead you through your vows adds this layer of comfort and intimacy that you just can’t replicate. There were tears, laughter, and little inside jokes woven into the ceremony that made it feel deeply personal.

Personal Touches at the Reception

For their reception, the couple kept the table centerpieces simple but full of heart. Instead of overly elaborate decor, they chose something that told their story: framed photos of themselves at different locations throughout their relationship.

Each table became its own mini memory lane—travels, everyday moments, milestones, and silly snapshots that showed who they are together. Guests loved walking around and looking at the different photos, pointing out memories they shared with the couple and seeing how their journey had unfolded up to this day. It was such a fun, thoughtful way to bring their story into the design.

The whimsical theme didn’t stop there. Their cake topper might be one of my favorite details ever: LEGO versions of themselves. It was playful, unexpected, and so full of personality. Details like that are what make a wedding feel truly custom and memorable—you could tell right away that these two don’t take themselves too seriously and know how to have fun together.

A Private Dance and a Perfect Summer Evening

After the ceremony, before guests fully settled into the reception, the couple shared a private dance. Just the two of them, no one watching, no phones, no pressure. The noise of the day faded into the background for a few minutes, and they just held each other and soaked in the fact that they were finally married.

As the evening went on, we slipped away for sunset photos during Roche Harbor’s famous Colors Ceremony—a nightly tradition in the summer where flags are lowered, music plays, and a cannon signals the end of the day. It’s honestly one of the most magical times to sneak out for portraits. The sky shifts into soft pinks and golds, the harbor gets quiet for a moment, and everything feels a little cinematic. (Roche Harbor Resort)

We captured the two of them wrapped up in each other with the marina and twilight sky behind them, knowing they’d be heading back to the dance floor right after to celebrate with their guests. It was the perfect pause in the middle of a very full, very joyful day.

A Dream Team Behind the Scenes

This whimsical summer wedding at Roche Harbor Resort came together beautifully thanks to an amazing vendor team, including the planner who helped bring all the details to life: Your Perfect Bridesmaid. From timelines to design coordination, they helped make sure everything flowed seamlessly so the couple could truly relax and be present.

If you’re dreaming of your own Roche Harbor wedding with a soft, romantic, and whimsical feel, this day is such a lovely example of how to weave in personal touches—from custom backdrops and LEGO cake toppers to private vows and sunset escapes during the Colors Ceremony.

And if you’re looking for someone to photograph all the big moments and the little in-between ones, I’d love to be there to tell your story, too.