Annika and Eden’s tranquil Wellspring Spa Wedding in Ashford, Washington was the perfect way to end my summer weddings. Buried deep inside the Mt. Rainer wilderness is one of the most relaxing, quiet, pristine sections of forest. A place to retreat and disappear from the rest of world. With limited cell reception and unlimited forest to roam, it was an idyllic atmosphere for their wedding.
Wellspring Spa has parts so quiet that all you can hear are birds chirping and the rustling of tree branches dancing in the wind. There is a Labyrinth at Wellspring Spa that is built of small stones and tucked away from the lodges and common areas. It was the ideal location for Eden and Annika to share a few early morning moments together before their ceremony.
The forest and calm wildness set the tone of the entire wedding day. A Wellspring Spa wedding brings a real intimate and secluded in pure nature. Getting to the ceremony location, guests navigated through a quarter mile wandering path, through the trees and up a hill until they reached the amphitheater. Annika and Eden arrived at the ceremony site before any guests. Instead of walking down the aisle to their guests, they had all of their guests walk to them. All of the guests carried and waved different colored flags as they arrived at their wedding ceremony. It was a truly joyous and celebratory sight – and just another way Annika and Eden put their own personal touch on their wedding.
Hearing the toasts from family and friends, it was clear that Annika and Eden were surrounded by a caring group of people. Even if parts were slightly embarrassing to both of them throughout the process (as is any good speech, in my opinion). It was evident that their family and friends had a great sense of humor. I can’t remember a time when I had laughed so much during a wedding toast. I wish could remember exactly what they shared but the photos I captured will certainly help remind just of how comical and meaningful the toasts felt.
Since the family had a Jewish heritage, dancing got started in the best possible way with a Hora. Annika and Eden were lifted up in chairs and danced around the floor. With a slight sense of fear in their laughs, they were hoisted above everyone’s head. They danced the rest of the night in between the trees of the Rainier Forest. Lit only by a few strands of lights that hung from the trees. The dance floor glowed – not only from the lights but from the feeling of love and celebration for Annika and Eden.
Please enjoy these photographs from Annika and Eden’s tranquil Wellspring Spa Wedding in Ashford, Washington.
