Jamie + Hodges | Bohemian backyard wedding near Kelso, WA

Getting in touch with Jamie + Hodges about their DIY, bohemian forest wedding was one of those magical “I randomly found you through Instagram” moments that I was SO grateful for this year. Seriously, sometimes I can’t figure that app out for the life of me, but when it brings me clients like these two, I figure I must be doing something right.

I quickly found out that Jamie and Hodges were college sweethearts (cuuuute) that had been doing long-distance for a while, and they were just stoked to be making things official and starting their lives together. They were also both on their college basketball teams (okay baller couple alert), so I had a feeling their wedding would be stacked with fun teammates and college buddies getting down on the dance floor – and it totally was.

When I arrived at Jamie’s family home a few hours south of Seattle, I was immediately blown away by all the thought and care that was going into this backyard being transformed into a wedding venue. It was a DIY wedding that actually looked SO BOMB. Everything from the alter that Jamie and her dad build together (so sweet) covered in plants and macrame, the bohemian rugs placed throughout, the bathtubs used as coolers for beverages, and the pampas grass lining the ceremony aisle – everything looked professional and fun and perfect.

Aside from the details that make a photographer swoon, the whole pulse of the day was driven by love, thoughtfulness, and honestly easy-going people. At the end of the day, I could hardly believe I had just worked 9 hours because I had so much fun, and felt so appreciated throughout the day. Family members and guests consistently chatted with me and made sure I was taken care of, something that is not necessary by any means but made me feel like I belonged there.

All that to say, I live for the weddings where I show up a stranger, but leave feeling like I’ve made a surplus of new friends, and that was exactly this day. Jamie + Hodges: your day was a true honor to be a part of and I hope it has set the tone for what will be a beautiful love story. Thanks for taking a chance on that girl you found on Instagram!

xo

Wanna know how to plan a wedding (especially if it’s DIY) from start to finish? I’ve got a guide for that 😉

Major shoutout to my friend, Ryan Katai for second shooting with me this day! https://www.ryankatai.com/

Bride’s dress: https://www.davidsbridal.com/

Groom + groomsmen suits: https://theblacktux.com/

Florals: Vance Voetberg https://www.instagram.com/vancestagram/

Catering: Junior’s Tacos https://www.facebook.com/juniorstacoslongview/