David and Marcus were super intentional while planning their Salish Lodge Micro-Wedding, keeping their guest list small while thoughtfully timing out the details. I’m pretty obsessed with the photos from this day, ranging from a quiet, scenic morning to a diner lunch and a luxurious micro-wedding space for the ceremony, cocktails, and dinner. I’m so excited to show you what it looked like!
David & Marcus’s Salish Lodge Micro-Wedding
Portraits beneath Snoqualmie Falls
We started our morning together with a short, easy hike to the bottom of Snoqualmie Falls. We meandered for 20 minutes down a lush path through the forest and then tested our balance during a short but muddy decline to the base of the falls. And voila! David and Marcus changed into their fabulous outfits and we enjoyed creating some fun photos together. David is a photographer himself, and so it was super fun to watch him photograph his love as they always do and then compare film cameras!
We were all enchanted by the falls themselves, flowing so powerfully after a wet winter and spring. The private, members-only shore of the falls offers such a unique and peaceful space to enjoy on your elopement day as you take in the rush of the falls and the cliffs surrounding you.
But beyond the beauty of the morning, one of the first things you need to know is that I was obsessed with the unique fashion of this day, and it started here, with the grooms. We had one groom go classic, and the other go bold– David looked polished in his tuxedo jacket with ruffled lapels, pleated pants, and lion necklace. Marcus wore a silky tank top, wide-leg pants, a textured blazer with crazy fringe, and plenty of rings. And together? Icons.
A Twin Peaks-themed brunch
After the morning’s waterfall portraits, we headed to Twede’s Cafe, the real-life site of the Double R Diner from Twin Peaks! This is a must-see for any fans of the show– although it was later replicated on a soundstage for the majority of filming, the pilot episode of Twin Peaks was filmed right here in this very cafe. It’s a fun and kitschy stop with great food and friendly staff, and the perfect spot to pick up a couple of Twin Peaks souvenirs while you’re in town.
We feasted and the grooms ended their meal with a big serving of pie– because dessert is always encouraged throughout your wedding day.
Getting ready at the Salish Lodge
After brunch, David and Marcus were joined by their parents while they got ready for their ceremony and moments like these are often one of my favorite parts of an intimate wedding day. They toasted champagne, compared nail polish colors, and enjoyed time full of tender moments and quiet laughter, jam-packed with love and joy🥹 It was so sweet and heartwarming– I absolutely love to see parents who exude such unconditional love and pride!
The parents all bonded and laughed as they waited for the suits to be pressed, the makeup to be applied, and the stars of the show to be ready for the big moment. It was a wonderful thing to witness.
A ceremony full of happy tears on the Hidden Terrace
During their ceremony, officiated by their friend Paris, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. We were in the Hidden Terrace of the Salish Lodge and Spa for their ceremony, which has clear sliding panels that allow you to see and hear the the falls beneath you. The space is pretty tiny, so if you’re considering a ceremony here, know that your guest list will need to be pretty small!
We laughed, we cried, and Paris did an amazing job honoring these two beautiful people and their love.
A candlelit dinner with their favorite people
While we enjoyed a cocktail hour al fresco on the private patio, the Hidden Terrace ceremony space was being transformed into a gorgeous dining space! This setup was so classy and so much fun to photograph– it’s really every one of your fancy dinner party dreams come true. I loved seeing the whole table laugh together, watching them do the wave, and David & Marcus’s cake cutting.
Salish Lodge Microwedding Vendors
Venue: Salish Lodge & Spa
Catering: Buddha Bruddah
Attire: Thrifted Issey Miyake and Comme des Garçons
Officiant: Paris
Snoqualmie Falls Elopement Guide
Looking for more info on the adventure part of David and Marcus’s day? Thinking that Snoqualmie Falls might be the perfect place for your elopement? I’ve got just the thing to get you started! Check out my full Snoqualmie Falls Elopement Guide for everything you need to know.
Snoqualmie Falls Micro-Wedding Photographer
Hi, I’m Marla!
I’m a full-time photographer based in Seattle who specializes in intimate weddings and elopements. Most of the weddings that I shoot take place in the great outdoors, with plenty of time spent in cute cabins, airbnbs, and lodges, too! I’d love nothing more than to help you find the perfect spot for your wedding day, whether you’re planning on having 0 guests or 50.
My goal on your wedding day is to balance artistry with authenticity; giving you the most beautiful photos possible without turning your wedding day into a production. If you’re ready to start planning, I’d love to chat with you! View my pricing, or head directly to my contact page.
