WHIDBEY ISLAND ELOPEMENT

bride & groom portraits at Ebey’s Landing

Erika & Ryan’s Whidbey Island Elopement was perfect and comes with an amazing story. First, though, I want to preface this post by giving props to Erika, the dopest wedding planner around. You may have heard of her: The Greatest Adventure Weddings. I am still so honored thinking about when she asked me to photograph her adventure wedding. If another vendor loves your work enough to trust you with their own day, that’s a huge self-esteem boost. I was nervous and got a bit of imposter syndrome but I’m so proud of these images. We romped around with Alexis from Green Attic Films and laughed our asses off the whole time.

Let’s look back to the date of this wedding: March 2020. It was a crazy time. COVID-19 was in its initial phase and the world was shutting down. These two were supposed to tie the knot in Scotland but their plans changed in a span of a few days. I was in Mexico, texting Erika like a madwoman trying to figure out what to do. Then the UK forced our hand and made the decision for us when they closed their borders. After shedding lots of tears, they still decided to marry. They’d been together for years at this point and it was time!

Erika put her planner hat on and turned their Scotland wedding into a Whidbey Island elopement. Do you want her as your planner now? If that’s not a testament to her skills, I don’t know what is. I flew home from Mexico in the nick of time as the US was in talks about shutting its borders as well. Four days later, we were on Whidbey Island having a blast. Since then, countless rescheduled weddings were in her hands. She received first-hand experience on her own day. After that experience, she could relate on a deep level to all her couples affected by the pandemic.

The day turned out wonderfully. They booked an Airbnb on the water close to Ebey’s Landing to be as Scotland-esque as possible. Turns out, Washington has a very similar vibe to Highlands. Large cliffs, wild waters, and verdant landscapes extend as far as the eye can see. They limited the guest count to close friends and family but that’s what they wanted to begin with.

Erika got ready with her close friends and mom at the cabin. Angie Evans had given her a makeup and hair tutorial ahead of time so Erika styled herself! Her dress is actually a skirt with a wrap sweater from Aritzia. She pulled it off! The separate skirt blowing in the wind was a photographer’s dream.

The ceremony was on the balcony looking over the water officiated by her brother. Afterward, we headed up to Ebey’s Landing for their photos. The wind and overcast day made for some of my favorite images. And can we talk about Erika’s dress from Grey Loves Lace? And boots from Portugal? Dying over here.

Intimate weddings are among my favorite to shoot. There’s more time for candids and less hustle and bustle. We had over an hour for portraits which gave us time to relax. Despite popular belief, wedding vendors are not comfortable in front of the camera. Erika and Ryan were no exception but look at how baller they look! Ryan’s maroon suit is a top groom look for me, hands down.

And the cherry on top? We’re going to Scotland next month!! Two years later, the trip is back on the books. Soon we’ll be romping around the Isle of Skye getting to know the epic landscape. Should we meet some fairies along the way? Erika’s great-grandparents married in the same town in Scotland so it’s important that we make it there. I’m so happy it’s finally coming to fruition. Lives have changed and we’ve been through a lot (I have a baby now!) but it was all meant to be.

And to toot my own horn, here’s a review from the couple:

Lynnsey is the best of the best when it comes to wedding/elopement photography and a gem of a human! Hire her…like yesterday! I’ve known her for a while as I am in the wedding industry. I have always loved her photos and how she can make anyone feel comfortable in front of the camera! We knew going into the day we’d be happy with whatever she gave us! Yet, she impressed us most when she showed up after our intimate wedding in Scotland was canceled 4 days before we were to leave, due to Covid 19. We were heartbroken but we were still able to get married around home, on our original date, in the PNW. We had a blast romping around with her and our videographer! Have you hired her yet?! 😛 Thank you Lynnsey!! We love you, we love our photos!

Okay, enough talk! On to the photos!

VENDORS

VIDEO: Green Attic Films // FLORALS: Goldenrod Floral // PHOTOGRAPHY: Lionlady Photography // HMUA: Angie Evans // DESIGN: The Greatest Adventure Weddings // PAPER GOODS: Krisanna Elizabeth // DRESS: Grace Loves Lace // SUIT: Studio Suits // RENTALS: Cort Party Rental, Balancing Balloons, BBJ Linen