Lauren & Riley

I meet with Lauren and Riley a few days before their Within Sodo Seattle wedding for dinner to catch up a little before the big event. This was just to spend some time together, not talk business or wedding logistics. Lauren asked me one question that stuck in my mind, “What Parks and Rec character do you relate to most?” To which I answered that I’m little of both Ben and Andy. I can be very serious and thoughtful in my work but I also like goof off. Lauren said she was most like Leslie Knope and she said Riley was like Gary… or is it, Jerry? Or Larry? Terry? It might just be Laurens fun sense of humor but I didn’t see Riley as a Gary but more of an Andy/Ron with a little bit of Tom.  After the dinner, Lauren and Riley’s pre-wedding nerves were completely settled. They walked away holding hands together ready to get married in a few days. Their anticipation was as if they were meeting Lil’ Sebastian.

Before their Within Sodo Seattle wedding celebrations, Lauren and Riley started their day in the comforts of their home – just the two of them. They swapped cards they had written for each other. Something they do often, just because, and on every big occasion as well. Inside the cards were their vows to each other.

Later in the morning, I meet Lauren at the W Hotel in downtown Seattle. When Lauren finished getting ready she started to get a little nervous. She wasn’t nervous about the highway construction that could cause guests to show up late, or worried about the table decor details, or that one of the vendors would not show. She was nervous about something you can’t even really describe. Once we got to the venue, Riley and Lauren had their first look all of their nervous energy melted away. She just wanted to see Riley. It really showed on their wedding day how much comfort they bring one another. They are 100% their authentic selves when they are together. Not Leslie Knope or Gary Gergich. They are Lauren & Riley.

Lauren and Riley are Seattleites who have embraced Seattle and everything about it that makes it their home. Riley works with Amazon, they live in Pioneer Square, and got married less than 15 minutes away from their house. We even did their engagement session right outside their house, in the rain, on purpose. Within Sodo was the perfect venue that has a modern -meets-industrial vibe for their wedding celebration.

Overall, it was a beautiful and sentimental day. My favorite part was the wedding reception when both families got together to dance all their loving feelings out for Lauren and Riley. It was fun to see family from both sides tearing up the dance floor together. Families who dance together stay together.

Please enjoy their photos from this Within Sodo Seattle Wedding.