This Orcas Island Wedding was a very special wedding for me to shoot because Hailey and I have been friends since we were, what? 15 or so?! Together we spent many high school memories together – from dance-partying at our favorite lake, TPing all the boys in our class, being on homecoming court, and going to camps together. We also both went to the University of Washington, and graduated a year early together! Her and Brett met while working in the San Juan Islands (Brett is native to the islands!) one summer, and the rest is history. Their love is tender, goofy, and contagious. And it only made sense that they get married on one of the islands! It was a weekend I won’t forget.

Hailey and Brett effortlessly made all of their wedding dreams come true by inviting many of their friends to play important roles on their day. Family and friends came together to arrange florals, bartend, cook, bake, and set tables. It was truly a family and friend affair at this Orcas Island Wedding at Oddfellow’s Hall.

A few helpful tips if you are having a semi-destination wedding like this Orcas Island Wedding:

1. Book out a few airbnbs ahead of time. These will be helpful for the wedding party getting ready, family from out of town, and providing housing for vendors.
2. Have a welcome dinner at one of the airbnbs! The best part about these types of weddings is that most people make the trek up early, which means you get more time with your people! Host a bbq the night before, or even a morning-after brunch as people start hitting the road.
3. Stay a while! You’re in a beautiful place, and if you don’t feel like making an early drive to the airport to immediately go on your honeymoon, take a day or two to enjoy the vacay spot just the two of you, after the guests have gone. 

Brides Dress: BHLDN

For another summertime, WA-based destination wedding, check out Alice and Evan’s wedding in Lake Chelan.