Elevated PNW Vibes Wedding at Semiahmoo Resort | Carrie & Kevin

Coastal WeddingBellingham Wedding

Jul 8

Written By Becca Jones- Seattle Wedding Photographer

Semiahmoo Wedding Photos

Carrie & Kevin’s Coastal Nuptials

Elevated PNW Vibes with an Elegant Twist

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Carrie and Kevin’s coastal grandma-inspired wedding at Semiahmoo Resort was a charming celebration of love, nostalgia, and timeless elegance. Nestled on a spit of land surrounded by the ocean, Semiahmoo Resort, with its buttery yellow boutique hotel, is reminiscent of Nantucket and holds a special place in my heart as it’s where I got married in 2012.

The aesthetic for this wedding was a delightful blend of elevated PNW vibes, coastal granddaughter charm, old money sophistication, and coastal cottagecore allure. As I greeted Carrie in the Northern Lights hospitality suite, she welcomed me back to my wedding venue with a warm hug, making the day even more special.

Carrie’s gown was a masterpiece from Leanne Marshall—a silk organza A-line dress with a V-neck bodice and petite spaghetti straps, embodying both the coastal grandma and old money aesthetics. The skirt, perfect for catching the coastal breeze, fluttered beautifully in the photos. Sourced from Blue Sky Bridal, a sustainable consignment store in Seattle, it was an ideal choice for eco-conscious brides.

Their first look took place at the Semiahmoo Marina, followed by a picturesque walk along a coastal path lined with wildflowers to the Cannery. We captured stunning bride and groom photos on a pebble beach with the ocean and the Cannery in the background. A tiny red crab found on the beach added a touch of coastal whimsy to the bouquet photos.

Carrie and Kevin exchanged vows privately on the Cannery dock, using navy and ivory vow books. The PNW vibes were in full swing with a light sprinkle of rain during the ceremony and cocktail hour, turning into a dedicated drizzle as the reception began. However, the sun made a brief appearance, allowing the couple to have the beach to themselves for sunset photos, culminating in a kiss on the dock—salty kisses, sandy embraces, and a lifetime of love.

In a heartwarming nod to my own wedding, they had the same recessional song: Dave Matthews’ "You and Me." Their guestbook was a photo album with Instax cameras in periwinkle and mint, creating a fun and interactive keepsake for guests.

Cocktail hour featured white and blue floral linen-covered tables with petite sweet pea arrangements, live oyster shucking, and a variety of PNW-inspired appetizers. An open bar stocked with custom koozies featuring a watercolor salmon by the groom’s mother and the couple’s names and wedding date, as well as matchboxes with watercolor art of the Cannery, were unique and coveted favors.

The reception took place in a seaside tent overlooking the pier and ocean. Semiahmoo Resort’s catering was impeccable, efficiently serving a multi-course plated dinner for 130 guests while ensuring vendors, including myself, were fed during the busy time when the couple was eating—an often overlooked but crucial detail for photographers.

The florals focused on seasonal, local flowers with a high scent for a full sensory experience. The designs were romantic, elegant, and slightly whimsical, with organic undertones that showcased the PNW garden without detracting from the venue’s natural beauty. Green blueberry sprigs, cupcake cosmos, sweet peas, and Queen Anne’s lace, which grows wild on Semiahmoo spit, adorned the arrangements. The groom’s pocket square boutonnière was a charming addition.

The cake, from Pure Bliss in Bellingham, featured delectable flavors like carrot cake, chocolate lavender, and chocolate raspberry, delighting guests with every bite.

Overall, Carrie and Kevin’s wedding was a delightful blend of charm, wit, and coastal elegance—a perfect celebration at a venue close to my heart.