Gabrielle+James:: St. George and Sodo Park

January 14, 2017 • Leave a Comment

My phone rang and it was this upbeat chipper gal on the other end. Having photographed her fellow college friend in the summer, Gabbie was super excited to tell me all about her wedding. She was ecstatic. I could almost ‘hear’ her beaming from ear to ear. Adoring words flowed from her lips about her fiancé, Jimi and how they couldn’t wait to get married. She had a ton of plans for the reception and her enthusiasm definitely made me smile! Of course her excitement to hire me made me anticipate their big day even more.
Gabbie comes from a Lebanese family…vibrant and full of love for each other. They value the tight knit bond that family can provide and just walking into her home we not only saw it - we felt it.
With her dad passing 10 years too soon, there were certainly parts of the day that were teary and sentimental. Everyone had such kind words and acknowledged him and his presence.
There were a lot of little Lebanese traditions shared that day. Friends and family gathered at the brides mothers home to enjoy special chocolates and treats flown in from a bakery in Lebanon. They also each took time to have a photo with the bride prior to the grooms mother and father arriving to ‘steal’ her away. Sharon, Jimi’s mom gifted Gabbie with some heirloom items:: earrings, a rosary and a handkerchief…it was a tender moment as Gabbie received these gifts.
Music started to play and confetti started to fly. They celebrated Jimi’s parents taking her to meet her handsome groom. Everyone flocked in the streets chanting and doing their celebratory cheer!!

Meanwhile Jimi and his groomsmen were getting ready at a nearby hotel trying to relax, as a night of dancing was awaiting them.
Gabbie and her girls hopped on the party bus and headed to a park down the road to have her first look with Jimi. She could hardly wait. The day was here and as she reflected she was in awe!
We found a forest like spot at this park. Jimi was amongst the trees and was anticipating Gabbie’s arrival. He turned around and was enamored. Her nerves finally calmed and their embrace was such a symbol of what they are to each other. Peace.
The sun was shining…it may have been chilly but finding an open area with some pretty cascading light was more than I could have hoped. They enjoyed some time together and endured the brisk weather. The bridal party had such good attitudes and were full of fun banter!
Gabbie was so graceful…her dress hung on her and gave the illusion that she was floating. Jimi, poised and somewhat composed couldn’t stop smiling at her!! It wasn’t long before we had to get to the church for the ceremony. We made a brief stop at Sodo Park, where the reception was going to be, for a few other photos then we were off to the church.
It was a beautiful Catholic ceremony at St. George Church. With an encouraging and loving liturgy spoken, communion was taken, vows were exchanged and they were pronounced Mr. & Mrs. Lewnes.
They ran down the aisle ready to sign their marriage certificate. We quickly did some group family photos and then made our way to enjoy the reception party at Sodo Park.
Sodo is a stunning warehouse. Walking in, the tables had a simple yet elegant feel to them. Stunning centerpieces and an overall romantic ambiance filled the room. Gabbie had a vision to keep people entertained throughout the night (just in case they weren’t into dancing).
First up was a Cigar bar…I mean with it not raining people being able to be outside in January (in Seattle) was a treat in itself. The cookie table was full of decadent sweets to savor. It was hard not to hover around that table all night.
As dinner was about to start Gabbie & Jimi made their entrance and went straight into their first dance. It was followed by Jimi’s dance with his mom and Gabbie’s special dance with her mom. Let me tell you those two ladies can move!! Much love and affection were expressed during the toasts with a few moments of tender emotion shared by all. Words of affirmation and an excitement for their future was evident. The cake was cut and dancing commenced! This was surely a dancing crowd. I am not sure Gabbie left the dance floor for more than a minute here and there.
The Gelato bar and Caricature artist both arrived offering more variety for the guests to enjoy. The line for the gelato spoke for itself, as the scoops were generous and were full of delicious-ness (yes you bet I had some). Gabbie wanted something different than a photobooth so that’s how she landed on the caricature artist idea. They were so talented. I have to say not only in their artistic ability but in their knowledge of peoples ancestry based on face shape and features.
The crowd continued to dance of course working up an appetite so why not bring in….HAPPY MEALS…McDonald happy meals were delivered and people loved it! Gabbie thought of everything.
Ending the night with a bang…or shall I say sparkle..they ran through the crowd as everyone congratulated them. It was a seamless day and they couldn’t have been more ready for their honeymoon.
Congratulations you two. You are dynamic and definitely the makings of a power couple. It’s lovely to see how much people love you and it was an honor to share in your day!