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A Columbia Collective Wedding: Tara and Ryan

This Columbia Collective wedding is one of those wedding days that still lingers with me — the kind that feels soft, intentional, emotional, and genuinely fun from start to finish. Tara and Ryan’s wedding in Woodinville, Washington was full of meaningful moments, thoughtful details, and a sense of calm that carried through the entire day.

Woodinville is known for its wineries, and for good reason. The setting alone feels elevated and romantic, but the wedding venues there are truly top-notch. Columbia Collective (formerly Columbia Winery) is one of those spaces that allows couples to move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor moments while still feeling intimate and connected. This Columbia Collective Wedding was a perfect example of that balance.

The day itself was beautifully overcast, with hazy skies caused by local wildfires. While that can sometimes feel stressful for couples, this particular weather created the most incredible light. Everything felt muted, soft, and romantic — no harsh sun, no strong shadows, just a gentle glow that wrapped around the entire day. It set the tone in the most unexpected and lovely way.

Tara and Ryan chose to host their ceremony outdoors on the patio, with twinkling lights strung overhead. Even during the daytime, those lights added such a magical feel. Guests gathered outside as the couple exchanged vows, surrounded by lush greenery and that soft, smoky light that made the moment feel almost cinematic. After the ceremony, everyone moved inside for the reception, where the warmth of the space paired beautifully with the cozy, intimate energy of the evening.

One of my favorite parts of this Columbia Collective wedding happened away from the crowd. Tara and Ryan chose to exchange their personal vows privately downstairs in the wine cellar — and it was incredibly romantic. The cellar was lined wall to wall with wine barrels, draped fabric overhead, dimmed lights, and glowing candlelight. It felt quiet, sacred, and deeply personal. They not only shared their vows there, but also signed their marriage license and practiced their first dance — all before joining their guests upstairs. Those moments felt like something just for them, and it made the rest of the day flow with even more ease and intention.

The couple also incorporated a really meaningful and fun wine tradition. Because this venue is known for its delicious wines, Tara and Ryan had wine bottled for future anniversaries. Guests were encouraged to write messages directly on the bottles and labels — some offering marriage advice, others simply signing their names or leaving well wishes. These bottles will be opened and celebrated on future anniversaries, making each year a little time capsule of their wedding day. It was such a thoughtful way to blend the venue, the guests, and their future together.

After the ceremony, we stepped across the street for portraits at the iconic Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. The grounds there are stunning and classic, and they paired beautifully with the overall feel of the day. Woodinville truly offers so much variety, and it’s one of my favorite places to photograph weddings for that reason alone.

The wedding design was elegant and timeless. Soft blue accents were woven throughout the day, adding just the right amount of color without overpowering the space. Tara’s florals were intentionally simple and striking — white and black — creating a very classic, refined look. Everything about this Columbia Collective wedding felt thoughtful without being overdone.

As the night went on, Tara and Ryan surprised their guests with a late-night snack that was incredibly meaningful to Tara. They brought in Dick’s Drive-In to cater burgers for the reception. Dick’s is a local Seattle favorite, and for Tara, it held a special place in her heart because she used to go on daddy-daughter dates with her dad to get Dick’s Burgers. Watching guests light up when the burgers arrived was such a fun moment — and if you’re not local to Seattle, it’s absolutely worth stopping by. I personally love the classic cheeseburger.

Toward the end of the night, Tara and Ryan shared a final private dance together — just the two of them — before rejoining their guests. Then, in the most joyful send-off, they departed in a vintage red car while guests waved glowing light-up wands that looked like little glow sticks lighting the night. It was playful, emotional, and the perfect ending to such a heartfelt day.

This Columbia Collective wedding was sweet, special, emotional, and truly fun — the kind of wedding that reminds me why I love documenting these days so much. It wasn’t just about how beautiful everything looked, but how deeply connected and intentional every moment felt.