ben + kim

On a beautifully, typical gray Washington day in Maple Valley, Ben and Kim were married at the Lake Wilderness Lodge. Kim's Filipino heritage was celebrated beautifully with many ceremonial traditions that were new to me that I just loved. It would be wonderful to incorporate so many different cultural traditions in a typical American wedding--if only I could go back in time to my own wedding! There was a beautiful veiling of the couple during the ceremony and the couples had "sponsors." Their sponsors helped with the wedding and really were there in commitment to the couple to support their marriage. How cool is that? Every newlywed couple (or any couple!) needs that support to navigate their new stage of relationship together. They also took the money dance to an entirely new level. It was so fun!

But the most memorable event of the day was Ben's surprise to Kim! Their honeymoon was not at all what Kim thought (Mexico)...Ben planned FOR MONTHS to take her to Japan!!! So during the money dance, Ben had a friend pin Japanese yen on her dress. She was so suprised, it was adorable! They had talked about wanting to go to Japan together, but she never dreamed it would happen so soon!

Ben & Kim, I have had so much fun getting to know you both at your engagement session and celebrating with you at your wedding! I'm so excited for your future together and can't wait to hear more about your Japanese honeymoon at our next session! Thanks so much for having me and allowing me to document your wedding.