Kenzie and Cole’s Vashon Island wedding was the kind of celebration you remember with your whole heart. From private vows in the forest to a vibrant reception filled with handmade magic, their day was romantic, artistic, and deeply personal. But what really stole the show? The details. Every color, every craft, every moment felt like it belonged.

Colorful Vashon Wedding in the Forest

These two middle school sweethearts (yes, really!) have been together since they were 13 years old. As such, Kenzie and Cole set out to have a ceremony that honored their unique connection and story. After a morning spent getting ready with their favorite people on the planet, they exchanged private vows in the forest. While I love a good intimate ceremony, especially with a lifelong love like theirs, the details were my favorite!

The vibrant color palette of red, pink, and green was integrated throughout the day, beginning with Kenzie’s accessories. Her colorful platform shoes were so fun, and her red gloves with matching ruffled socks added such a playful feel to her ensemble.  The bold pops of color created a beautiful juxtaposition against the wooded backdrop.  The dreamy contrast reflected personality, creativity, and intentionality in a way that made their wedding uniquely their own.  This wedding was proof that you can absolutely throw tradition out the window and still have something timeless.

A Family of Artists, A Vashon Island Wedding of Details

Speaking of the details, they deserve their own recognition altogether! Kenzie and Cole’s wedding is what happens when a family of artists gets together and decides to make a wedding their collective canvas. Many of the immediate family present, and the couple themselves, were artists. Their crafts ranged from stationers to metalsmiths, so many things were DIY and hand-made by friends, family, and Kenzie and Cole!

The couple wanted a feel of whimsy and fantasy for their wedding day, and these details helped them achieve that aesthetic. The red and blush pink paper goods were designed by the bride’s sister-in-law at June Press. The florals looked as though they bloomed straight out of a storybook. Even Kenzie’s earrings were handmade! Everything was created with heart behind every choice. If you look closely, you can see that Cole’s suit also had the wedding date embroidered on the collar! It’s that kind of attention to detail that makes this wedding feel so alive. Every inch of it felt handcrafted, intentional, and full of meaning.

Snapdragon Café Vashon Wedding Reception

While their forest vows were intimate and totally private, Kenzie and Cole’s wedding reception at Snapdragon Cafe was a family-oriented celebration.  The atmosphere at Snapdragon is warm and inviting, much like the bride and groom, along with their families, who joined them to celebrate. When it comes to Vashon venues that match the bright and whimsical aesthetic of their big day, they couldn’t have chosen a more fitting reception site. 

The long tables were covered in vivid, overflowing florals, tapered candles in shades of red, and handmade touches. The paper crafts, like the heart confetti and matching garland, were made by hand by Kenzie’s sister-in-law.  The attention to detail and intentionality with everything were unmatched. It was romantic without being stuffy, playful without losing meaning.

Tips for a Vashon Island Wedding

Vashon Island is an eclectic little island that boasts delicious food, beautiful views, and a slowed-down pace of life that most islands in Washington afford to people. Things somehow feel less rushed after a short 15-minute ferry ride. Even the ferry itself adds to the charm: leaving the busy, chaotic real world for the wild, forested lands of the islands. It’s a fantastic choice for couples who want to get married somewhere a bit more disconnected from the business of the city, but there are a few things to note.

1. Bring your car—there are no rideshares on the island, so transportation is on you.
2. Check ferry times and build in an extra buffer.
3. Last, do your Airbnb research if you’re planning a private ceremony.

Vashon Wedding Vendors

Dress | @brides_for_a_cause
Alterations | @cicadabridal
Tux | @suitsupply
Paper Goods | @junepress
Hair + Makeup | @lisaboehmbeauty
Florals | @herbanbloom
Venue + Catering | @vashonsnapdragon

Washington State Wedding Photographers

If you’re drawn to emotive, detail-rich photography that captures the heart of your day and all the in-between magic, you’re in the right place. Hey, we’re Bri & Haely, friends & photographers who capture love stories of all kinds, all over the country. We specialize in documentary-style wedding photography with a dreamy, film-inspired aesthetic. If you’re a couple who values story, art, and a little bit of whimsy, we’d love to help document your story. Whether you’re planning a private elopement in the forest or a vibrant celebration full of handmade details like the one in this blog, we promise to cherish your stories in our hearts like they’re our own. Let’s talk about making something beautiful together!