A Romantic Swiftwater Cellars Wedding: Sydney and Cole

Sydney and Cole’s summer wedding at Swiftwater Cellars was one of those days that just felt good in every possible way—sunny, emotional, and full of sweet full-circle moments for me personally. Tucked near Suncadia, Swiftwater Cellars is such a beautiful destination, with vineyards, mountain views, and that relaxed yet elegant winery atmosphere that feels made for a summer celebration. Their day was the perfect example of how a Swiftwater Cellars wedding can be both timeless and deeply personal.

This wedding was especially meaningful to me because I’ve known Sydney’s family for years. I first met her when she was a high school senior in Bellingham, WA, photographing her senior portraits as she talked about her dreams and what life might look like one day. To go from that season to seeing her in a wedding gown, walking into this new chapter, honestly made me emotional behind the camera. And as if that wasn’t special enough, I had also photographed Cole’s brother’s wedding in Maui the year before (you can see that one here: Destination Maui Wedding – Olivia & Ronnie). Being invited back to document another milestone for the same family is something I will never take for granted.

Sydney and Cole decided to rent a house on the property so their families and wedding party could all get ready together. It made the morning feel incredibly cozy and connected. Instead of everyone being spread out in different hotels, people moved in and out of rooms, helping with last-minute details, steaming dresses, tying ties, sharing coffee, and soaking in the excitement. From a photography standpoint, it also meant beautiful, consistent light and a lovely backdrop for all those candid getting-ready moments.

I was also really excited that I got to work with Alise again—she is truly one of the most talented wedding hair stylists in Seattle. Sydney’s hair was polished, romantic, and held up perfectly throughout the day. For makeup, her sister Lauren took the lead, and she did such a beautiful job. Having her own sister do her makeup made the morning feel even more meaningful and emotional. There’s something so special about being literally “held” and cared for by your family as you get ready to walk down the aisle.

When it was time to step into the dress, Sydney put on the most stunning Sarah Seven gown from The Dress Theory in Seattle. It couldn’t have suited her more perfectly—clean and modern, yet soft and romantic all at once. Sarah Seven gowns have this effortless sophistication to them, and Sydney’s dress was no exception. The way the fabric moved as she walked through the house and later across the grounds at Swiftwater was absolutely dreamy. Every time she stepped into the light, the lines and texture of the gown photographed beautifully.

Cole matched her elegance with his own incredible sense of style. He wore a beautiful blue double-breasted tuxedo that fit him perfectly and added such a refined, elevated touch to the day. The rich blue looked amazing against the warm tones of the winery and the lush greens around them. Together, they were such a stylish pair—classic and timeless, but with just enough personality to feel uniquely “them.”

The overall design of the wedding matched their style perfectly: very classic and timeless, with a color palette of crisp white accented by pops of green. The florals, table settings, and décor all leaned into that simple, elegant combination—white blooms, soft greenery, and clean details that let the beauty of Swiftwater Cellars shine through. It felt fresh and refined without ever feeling overdone, and it photographed beautifully against the natural backdrop of the vineyards and surrounding landscape.

Rather than reading their personal vows during the ceremony in front of all their guests, Sydney and Cole chose to keep that part of the day more private. They shared a first look in front of Swiftwater Cellars and exchanged their personal vows there—just the two of them, with me quietly photographing from a little distance. The stone and wood façade of the winery, paired with the view of the property, created a beautiful backdrop for such an intimate moment.

I absolutely loved this part of the day. You could almost see the nerves and anticipation melt away as soon as they saw each other. Their private vows were full of laughter, happy tears, and those little inside moments that don’t always make their way into a public ceremony. Giving themselves that space allowed them to breathe, be fully present with each other, and really soak in the meaning of the day before walking down the aisle.

Faith was woven beautifully throughout their wedding. There was a lot of praying over the couple all day long—before the ceremony, during quiet moments with family, and as they stepped into this new chapter together. You could feel how deeply loved and covered they were. At the ceremony, they also included family Bibles on display, which was such a meaningful detail. It was a quiet but powerful reminder of the foundation their relationship is built on and the legacy of faith in their families.

The weather was exactly what you hope for on a Pacific Northwest summer day—warm, bright, and bathed in that golden light that makes everything outside feel a little extra magical. Guests enjoyed the sunshine, the views, and the relaxed, inviting atmosphere that Swiftwater Cellars is known for.

Their ceremony was overflowing with joy and emotion. One of my favorite details was that Sydney asked her grandmother to be the “flower girl.” Watching her grandmother walk down the aisle with petals in hand was such a fun and unexpected surprise, and the guests absolutely loved it. It was such a sweet way to honor someone so special in her life. Throughout the ceremony, you could feel how supported Sydney and Cole are by their families and friends—many of whom have walked alongside them through so many seasons. There were smiles, quiet tears, and those little knowing looks between family members that say, “We’ve been waiting for this day.”

The reception was just as thoughtful and joyful. One of the standout details was that they had not just one, but six different cakes for their guests to enjoy. It felt like such a fun reflection of their personalities and their desire to truly spoil their friends and family. From a storytelling (and photographing!) perspective, it made the dessert display feel extra festive and inviting. Guests loved getting to choose from all the different flavors, and it added such a playful, celebratory touch to the evening.

The toasts ended up being one of my favorite parts of the day. Their loved ones stood up and shared stories from childhood, early dating days, family memories, and all the little things that make Sydney and Cole who they are. The speeches were emotional, heartfelt, and genuinely funny—the perfect mix. As I moved through the room capturing reactions, I saw people wiping away tears, leaning into each other, and laughing through the emotion. Those are the moments that really tell the heart of a wedding day.

As the sun dipped lower and the sky softened into evening, the energy shifted fully into dancing and celebration. The dance floor was full, the music was lively, and everyone was clearly all-in on celebrating these two.

To finish the night, Sydney and Cole chose a classic, always-magical sparkler exit. Guests lined up outside with sparklers in hand, creating a warm, glittering tunnel of light for the newlyweds to run through. The combination of the summer night air, the glow of the sparklers, and the huge smiles on their faces made it the dreamiest ending to an already beautiful day. If you’re thinking about your own send-off ideas, I put together a whole post with inspiration here: 10 Wedding Send-Off Ideas.

When I think back on Sydney and Cole’s wedding, it’s not just the gorgeous details that stand out—though it truly was a stunning, classic celebration. It’s the story woven through all of it. From senior portraits in Bellingham, to a Maui wedding for Cole’s brother, to this sun-soaked, faith-filled, white-and-green Swiftwater Cellars wedding, I’ve had the privilege of watching this family grow through so many seasons.

Documenting this chapter of their story was such a gift, and I feel so lucky to have been there. I can’t wait to see where life takes Sydney and Cole next.