Brittany + Rayne

Wedding at Twin Willow Gardens | Snohomish, Washington

Some wedding days are remembered because everything goes exactly according to plan, right? Wrong.

This wasn’t one of those days, and I think that’s part of what made it so memorable.

The forecast called for rain, but somehow it waited. By the time Brittany and Rayne stood together for their ceremony, the weather had done them a favor, leaving us with one of those soft June evenings that photographers and filmmakers quietly hope for.

Twin Willow Gardens was especially beautiful as the day went on, but what really stood out to me was the reception. Most receptions happen after the sun has disappeared, and while those dance floors have their own energy, there’s something special about celebrating outside while the last bit of daylight hangs around. The warm June evening light, the surrounding trees, and the atmosphere made it one of my favorite receptions I’ve filmed at.

Of course, every wedding has a few unexpected moments.

Before the day had really even begun, Rayne’s boutonniere decided it had other plans. Instead of letting it become a problem, Rayne grabbed a glue gun and fixed it during the getting-ready portion of the morning. It’s one of those little behind-the-scenes moments that says a lot about how the day unfolded: calm, lighthearted, and full of laughter. Keep an eye out for that moment in their full highlight film.

The surprises kept coming throughout the day.

One of my favorite moments was Brittany’s dance with her mom. What started as a traditional mother-daughter dance quickly turned into a line dance that brought family members onto the dance floor.

Then came one of the best reception entrances I’ve seen. Brittany and Rayne walked in wearing cowboy hats, immediately setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

As if that wasn’t enough, Rayne’s soccer teammates had one more surprise waiting. They arrived wearing matching jerseys before presenting Rayne with a custom jersey of their own. Their energy was contagious, and from that moment on the dance floor never really slowed down.

As fun as the celebration was, the moment I’ll remember most happened much earlier.

Rayne’s vows were some of the most emotional I’ve had the privilege of filming. There are moments when you can hear guests getting emotional, but this was one of those rare ceremonies where even those of us behind the cameras, including me, my assistant, and the photographer, were all trying to keep it together.

The way Brittany and Rayne look at each other, support one another, and speak about each other made it obvious to everyone there that this wasn’t just another wedding day. It was two people who genuinely couldn’t imagine life without the other.

One thing I loved most about Brittany and Rayne’s day was how present they were. Even with a few unexpected hiccups, surprise dances, and an incredibly energetic group of friends, they always found their way back to each other. Watching them together, it never felt like they were performing for the cameras, they were simply soaking in every moment. I think that’s what made the day so special. Not because everything went perfectly, but because it was real.

Full highlight film coming soon!

VENDOR TEAM

• Coordination: @yourperfectbridesmaid @seattleweddingplanners @carlydoesweddings

• Ceremony & Reception Venue: 

• Catering: @alexascafeandcatering

• Dessert: @celebritycakestudio @ahasugarco

• Floral: @floradamorefloral

• Photography: @samwilderphotography

• Videography: @k.t.films

• DJ: @orion_ent

• Musicians: @arcobalenostrings

• Rentals: @cortpartyrental

• Hair & Makeup: @elizabethwhiteartistry

• Attire, Rings, & Jewelry: @ivoryologybridal @sewgenerouslybespoke

• Transportation: @butlerseattle

8 Wedding Ceremony Tips Every Couple Should Know

After filming weddings and working through serious filming challenges,, I’ve noticed that the smallest details can make the biggest difference. Not just for your photos and film, but for how your ceremony feels. Here are a few things I’d recommend to every couple.

1. Consider having an unplugged ceremony.

I know Aunt Susan really wants to get right up in the action, sometimes even front and center in the aisle, to grab the photo.

The problem is, you’ve already hired professionals whose entire job is to capture those moments. When guests step into the aisle with phones or iPads, they’re often blocking the very shots you’ve invested in.

One of the easiest ways to avoid this is to have your officiant make a quick announcement before the ceremony begins.

“The couple has hired a videographer and photographer to capture today’s moments. They ask that you put your phones away, be fully present, and enjoy the ceremony.”

Your guests will thank you later, and so will your photo and video team.

2. Give yourselves plenty of room in the aisle.

A wider aisle makes a bigger difference than most couples realize.

It gives you room to comfortably walk together, especially if you have a larger dress or are walking arm in arm with a parent. It also gives your photographer and videographer the space they need to capture beautiful angles without becoming part of the ceremony themselves.

3. Face each other during your vows.

When it’s time to exchange vows, look at each other as much as you can.

Those little smiles, tears, and reactions are often some of the most meaningful moments in your wedding film. Reading to each other instead of down at the paper helps those moments shine.

4. Slow everything down.

Walking down the aisle.

Putting on the rings.

Your first kiss.

It may feel like time is standing still, but from behind the camera these moments can go by in seconds.

Take a breath. Soak it all in. No one has ever watched their wedding film and thought, “I wish we had rushed through that.”

5. Hold your first kiss for just a couple extra seconds.

No need to make it awkward.

Just don’t treat it like a quick peck.

Holding your kiss for two or three seconds gives your photographer and videographer enough time to capture it from multiple angles, and it lets you enjoy the moment a little longer too.

6. Trust your vendor team when it comes to timing.

If your vendor team suggests moving your ceremony by 30 minutes for better light, there’s usually a good reason.

Good light can completely change the look and feel of your photos and wedding film, especially for outdoor ceremonies.

7. Don’t worry when something doesn’t go perfectly.

A boutonniere might fall apart.

Someone might forget the rings.

Your flower girl might decide halfway down the aisle that she’s done.

Those moments often become the stories everyone laughs about for years.

The best wedding films aren’t made because everything went perfectly. They’re made because real moments happened.

8. Ask your officiant to step aside for your first kiss.

This is one of the easiest things you can do that makes a huge difference in both your photos and your wedding film.

After your officiant announces, “You may now kiss,” ask them ahead of time to take one or two steps to the side. That simple movement keeps them from being directly behind you during one of the most iconic moments of the day.

Most officiants are happy to do it. They know the focus should be on the two of you, and it gives your photographer and videographer a much cleaner shot that you’ll appreciate for years to come.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, your guests won’t remember every tiny detail.

They’ll remember the joy and love.

If you spend the ceremony focused on each other instead of everything going perfectly, your photos and wedding film will naturally reflect that. Those are the moments you’ll find yourselves coming back to for years.