An Elegant Lairmont Manor Wedding
There are some weddings that feel as though they were destined for a particular place, and Savannah and Arne’s celebration at Lairmont Manor was exactly that kind of day. The venue’s rich history, European-inspired architecture, and lush gardens perfectly matched the timeless, romantic energy these two brought to their wedding. And when you add in the fact that Savannah and Arne have known each other since high school, the entire day felt layered with nostalgia, depth, and so much genuine love.
For those seeking an elegant Lairmont Manor wedding, this venue offers an enchanting backdrop for unforgettable moments.
If you’ve never visited Lairmont Manor, it’s one of Bellingham’s most treasured historic estates. Built in the early 1900s as the home of businessman Charles X. Larrabee and designed by renowned architect Carl Gould, the manor’s Italian Renaissance–style architecture is nothing short of breathtaking. The stucco exterior, elegant archways, wrought-iron details, terraced lawns, and vibrant gardens give it the feeling of a European villa tucked right into the Pacific Northwest. It’s one of those venues where every corner holds a story.
The Manor Grounds
When I arrived on the wedding day, the atmosphere inside the manor was warm and calm — a soft hum of excitement woven into every room. Savannah was getting ready with her bridesmaids in one of the upstairs suites, where the tall windows filled the space with natural light. Her joy was contagious. You could feel how ready she was for this moment and how meaningful it was after so many years of growing up alongside Arne.
One of the most emotional moments of the day came before the ceremony: Savannah chose to do a first look with her dad, and it was absolutely beautiful. We stepped into one of Lairmont’s garden pathways, surrounded by greenery and quiet pockets of shade. When her dad turned around and saw her in her wedding gown, his reaction said everything — love, pride, gratitude, and a hint of disbelief that this day had arrived. They held onto each other for a long moment, and I found myself tearing up behind the camera. These are the moments that stay with me forever.
The Couple
Savannah and Arne’s relationship began back in high school, and photographing a couple with such a long, intertwined history is always special. Their bond is effortless — built on years of friendship, shared experiences, and growing into adulthood together. As soon as they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day, everything seemed to fall into place. The nerves settled, the smiles widened, and the excitement became real.
Their ceremony took place on Lairmont’s immaculate front lawn. The manor’s grand façade provided the most stunning backdrop, with its Italianate architecture and old-world charm making the entire scene look like it belonged in a European garden romance. Guests sat beneath towering trees as soft sunlight filtered through their leaves. The gardens were lush and blooming, and the setting felt intimate and elegant — exactly what makes an elegant Lairmont Manor wedding so captivating.
As Savannah and Arne exchanged vows, surrounded by friends and family who had watched their love story unfold over the years, the emotion in the air was palpable. Their ceremony was heartfelt, tender, and filled with glances and smiles that only people who truly know each other can share.
Portraits Around Lairmont Manor
After the ceremony, we wandered the grounds for portraits — one of the biggest joys of photographing at Lairmont Manor. The estate offers endless opportunities for stunning imagery: ivy-covered walls, stone staircases, flower-lined pathways, and sun-drenched lawns. Every backdrop felt rich with character. Savannah’s dress moved beautifully with each step, and Arne never stopped smiling at her as if he was seeing her for the first time again and again.
The reception took place under the venue’s elegant garden tent, shaded by the estate’s signature tall trees and surrounded by manicured gardens. Inside the tent, warm lighting, romantic floral arrangements, and thoughtful décor created a soft, intimate ambiance that perfectly complemented the venue. Guests gathered around beautifully dressed tables, sharing stories and laughter as the evening settled in.
The toasts were especially memorable — filled with heartfelt words, nostalgia, and the kind of sentimental moments that reflect a relationship woven through many stages of life. Friends shared stories from high school, sweet memories from their early dating days, and anecdotes that had everyone laughing and misty-eyed at the same time. You could feel the deep roots of Savannah and Arne’s relationship in every speech.
Sunset Portraits In Bellingham
As the night continued, the dance floor came alive beneath twinkling lights. Guests celebrated with joy and enthusiasm, while the manor glowed warmly behind them. Savannah and Arne would occasionally step off to the side, taking in the scene together — a quiet moment to breathe in the beauty of the day.
Reflecting on their elegant Lairmont Manor wedding, what stands out to me isn’t just the floral beauty (though truly, every detail was stunning). It’s the heart of it all — a couple who grew up side by side, a family who has loved them through every chapter, and a venue filled with old-world elegance that framed their story with timeless charm.
Savannah and Arne, thank you for trusting me to document this magical day. Your love, your history, and your joy made it unforgettable — and I cannot wait to see where life takes you next.
If you are looking to have an elegant Lairmont Manor wedding, I would love to connect with you and help you create something magical for you to remember your love story with.
Venue // Lairmont Manor
Photography // Courtney Bowlden Photography
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