Monica and Ryan’s wedding at Pretty Bird Weddings and Events was nothing short of magical. Nestled at the end of a charming dirt road surrounded by trees, the drive in already sets the tone—peaceful, tucked away, and full of character. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by a beautifully renovated barn on one side of the property and a cozy main house on the other.
The main house serves as the perfect getting-ready space, with stunning mountain views right outside the windows. It feels intimate and peaceful, with the kind of calm you want before such a big moment. The ceremony space is just a few steps out the back sliders—down a short staircase to a backyard setting that features an arbor perfectly aligned with the shape of the mountain behind it. When the couple stood at the altar, it framed them beautifully for photos. Such a photographer’s dream!
We experienced all the moods of Washington spring weather on their day. When we first arrived, it was pouring rain—complete with hail and low-hanging clouds that completely blocked the mountain view. But right before the ceremony, like some sort of wedding miracle, the skies cleared. Suddenly, we had sunshine, blue skies, and the most vivid view of the surrounding mountains. Everything felt fresh and lush—classic Pacific Northwest in the spring.
Inside the house, there were multiple getting-ready spaces. The upstairs master bedroom and bathroom offered plenty of room for the girls, including space for the makeup artist and her full setup. Downstairs, the guys had their own separate area with a hangout room, bathroom, and a large kitchen with a fireplace that became the central spot for pre-ceremony lounging.
The reception took place in the remodeled barn—warm wood paneling, string lights, and just the right amount of charm. Before the party kicked off, we snuck away to a wide gravel area just outside the barn, nestled against the trees. As the sun began to set, it filtered perfectly through the trees, giving us dreamy backlighting while the couple stayed in the shade. The colors popped. It quickly became one of my favorite spots on the property for golden hour portraits.
Inside the barn, the layout made everything feel so easy and inviting. The DJ was tucked away in a loft above the reception space, which not only freed up room for more tables but created a really fun, elevated (literally) vibe for the dance floor.
Everything about Monica and Ryan’s wedding felt thoughtful, relaxed, and full of joy—and Pretty Bird Weddings and Events was the perfect backdrop for it all. I would absolutely love to shoot here again!