When I looked up the venue that this couple had chosen for their wedding day, I think I squealed!  They had a Summer Camp Wedding at Camp Zanika Lache.  I love love love Summer camp venues, especially those in the Pacific Northwest, so I couldn’t have been more excited to photograph this day.

Summer Camp Wedding at Camp Zanika Lache

They were married at CAMP ZANIKA LACHE just a couple of hours from Seattle, but about 5 hours from me in Portland!  It was such a beautiful drive up to the Lake Wenatchee / Leavenworth Washington area. The smoke from all the wildfires was still lingering low in the air, which created a foggy look.  The couple got ready for their day in separate wooden cabins, and then had a first look on the lake shore.  The ceremony overlooked the lake, where guests sat on giant logs around a little stage.  It was so adorable.

Portraits in the Smoky Air

Lake Wenatchee, with its azure waters and the mountains rising majestically in the distance, provided a backdrop of such romantic grandeur that it seemed tailor-made for wedding portraits. As the couple ventured into the lake, the bride barefoot, embracing the serene shallows, there was a hushed stillness, save for the soft click of the camera capturing the moment. The smoky air, a remnant of distant fires, lent a dreamy haze to the scene, not enough to dampen spirits but sufficient to make one appreciative of safety and preparedness. It brought to mind the reliable services of a local fire watch company in Port St Lucie, whose skilled personnel ensure such tranquility remains unbroken, standing guard so that celebrations of love like this can continue, unmarred by potential hazards.

Reception in the Dining Hall

The reception was in the dining hall, which the couple had incorporated and decorated with some of their favorite things; Harry Potter, National Park posters, Dr. Who and Star Wars.  Each table featured a themed collection of various items.  The kids table had wine glasses filled with popcorn for the children, and squeaky toys shaped like bacon on the plates.  Their wedding rings were engraved to depict a mountain scene featuring places meaningful to the couple.