Saturday, August 22, 2009

Gretchen & Josh: Married in Seattle

For Airika and I, one of the most important (and fun) parts about what we do is getting to know the bride and groom. When we have the chance to build a relationship with them, it gives them a sense of trust that helps us get the natural and authentic photos that we strive for. Even with that, we quite often show up at a wedding and know no one outside of the bride and groom. This is a big reason that we started doing rehearsal coverage. It not only gives us a chance to see the venue, check out the lighting, and get a feel for the flow of the day, but it allows us to document the interactions between the closest friends and family in a relaxed, fun, and intimate setting.

We were fortunate enough to have already met Gretchen's family--the bride's father Kim was Airika's former boss at Fuller Seminary, and a very influential mentor in her life. Knowing the family and some of the history leading up to Gretchen and Josh's rehearsal made the stories we heard even more meaningful, leading to more than our fair share of tears and laughter.

It has been an huge blessing to get to know Gretchen and Josh over the past few months--they have incredible hearts for the Lord and a strong desire to serve and love all the people they come in contact with. They give so much of themselves--whether through their jobs, their church, or their daily interactions with friends and family. You can't help but come away from a conversation with them feeling encouraged and energized. This probably had a little something to do with the crowded church and overflowing reception on their wedding day!

You can enjoy some of our favorite images from their rehearsal & wedding day below, or you can view their entire slideshow. Congratulations Gretchen and Josh!


During their engagement, Gretchen & Josh kept a traveling journal to share their hearts and thoughts with each other since they were living far apart. This journal, along with Gretchen's grandfather's devotional book, are pictured here.









I love that Gretchen & Josh set aside time to relax and pray with their entire wedding party and family before the ceremony. It's such a testimony to the things that are most important to them.









Gretchen & Josh's amazing vendors include:
Bridal Gown: La Belle Elaine's
Tux rental: Men's Wearhouse
Officiant(s): Kim Anderson, Becca Bruner, Andrea Kladder, Dean Kladder
Flowers: Linda Hand
Catering: UW Club
Cupcakes: Cupcake Royale
Photography: Airika & Gerald Pope, Gerald Pope Photography ;)
Hair and Makeup:
Annie Fisher, Swoop Salon

8 comments:

jamiedelaine said...

Gerald and Airika: just beautiful.

Unknown said...

You two are brilliant. We are speechless. Thanks for your good work, and thanks for your friendship. We are grateful.

Unknown said...

Grateful for you both. Absolutely amazing pictures and helped us relive the day when we really needed it. Thanks. :)

Holly said...

Simply beautiful. Both the photos and the day.

Holly said...

Simply beautiful. Both the photos and the day.

GrayPhotography - Zach and Jody said...

This is our first time to your blog. Nice shots! We keep wanting to make a trip out to Seattle, maybe we'll time it to make a PUG of yours or we will see you guys at PartnerCon - you guys going? Fun!

jennakarwoski said...

Just beautiful Pope's!!!

Unknown said...

All I can say is that as Josh's parents, we are absolutely blown away at the incredible job you did in capturing such special moments surrounding their wedding day ... how can we choose? It's reduced me to "happy tears" ... thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Ron and Jan



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