A Rainy Swiftwater Cellars Wedding: A Beautiful Swiftwater Cellars Wedding Day

Maria and Mike’s Swiftwater Cellars wedding is one of those days I still think about often—the kind where the weather doesn’t quite cooperate, but somehow it makes everything feel even more romantic and memorable.

Every detail of Maria and Mike’s swiftwater cellars wedding was infused with love and joy.

When I arrived that morning in Cle Elum, the sky was low and gray and the rain was already starting to fall. A lot of couples might decide to scrap outdoor photos and hide inside, but not Maria and Mike. They were all in. They had dreamed of the mountains and the moody Pacific Northwest skies, and they were determined to soak up every bit of it—raindrops and all.

There’s something so cozy and intimate about a misty wedding day at Swiftwater Cellars. The magic of their swiftwater cellars wedding was enhanced by the natural beauty surrounding the venue.

Before we headed to the winery, Maria and Mike shared their first look at an overlook near Suncadia Resort. If you’ve ever been to Suncadia, you know how stunning those views are—the tall pines, the layers of mountains in the distance, the sense that you’re tucked away in your own little world. Even with the drizzle, or maybe especially because of it, their first look felt incredibly romantic. Mike turned around to see Maria for the first time, and you could just see everything else fade away for them in that moment.

Mike wore a classic grey suit that looked so sharp against the green landscape and the muted sky. It was the perfect choice for a mountain winery wedding—timeless, but relaxed and comfortable enough for a full day of celebrating. Maria wore a Sarah Seven gown that she found at The Dress Theory in Seattle, and it fit her like it was made just for her. Sarah Seven dresses have this beautiful blend of modern and romantic, and Maria’s dress was no exception. It moved so gracefully in the wind, and the simple, clean lines photographed beautifully from every angle.

After portraits and their first look, it was time to head fully into celebration mode at Swiftwater Cellars, where their swiftwater cellars wedding came to life. The winery has such a warm, inviting feel—rustic details, rich textures, and views that stretch across the valley.

One of my favorite parts of the entire day came later in the evening, during the reception. After the toasts, when everyone was already a little emotional and full of love for this couple, Maria and Mike shared a surprise announcement: they were pregnant. The room absolutely erupted. There were tears, cheers, hugs all around, and this overwhelming feeling of, “Of course this is exactly where their story is meant to be going.” It’s always special to photograph a wedding, but getting to document a moment like that—a brand new marriage and a new life being celebrated all at once—felt incredibly meaningful.

The unique ambiance of their swiftwater cellars wedding truly set it apart from others.

As the night went on, the dance floor completely came alive. Maria and Mike had glow sticks for their guests, and it was such a fun, playful touch. There’s nothing like a sea of colorful light streaking through the air while everyone dances their hearts out. Glow sticks are such a great way to bring in that party energy, especially when the reception is indoors and you want it to feel like a full-on celebration. The photos from the dance floor are some of my favorites—laughing faces, blurred movement, and bright swirls of color cutting through the dark.

To end the night, they had a sparkler send-off, which felt like the perfect final chapter to the day. Even with the lingering drizzle, friends and family lined up outside, sparklers in hand, and created a glowing tunnel for Maria and Mike to run through. The golden light reflecting off the wet ground, the cool night air, and the huge smiles on their faces as they walked (and then danced) their way out—it was pure magic.

Each moment captured during their swiftwater cellars wedding told a story of love and commitment.

Looking back on Maria and Mike’s swiftwater cellars wedding, I’m reminded that some of the most beautiful days aren’t the perfectly sunny ones. Their swiftwater cellars wedding showcased how love shines through any weather.

I feel so honored I got to be there to photograph it all—and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for them and their growing family.

Wedding Vendors:

Coordinator: Bixby + Pine

Hair and Makeup: Zo and Co Styling

Florist: Where Style Blooms

Wedding Cake: Beautifully Made Cakes

Videography: Evergreen Creative Co

DJ: Paradox Productions