Tips for couples getting married at Grand Pend Oreille.
1: Schedule a fifteen minute sunset session. The open nature of the lake means that the absolute best lighting is at sunset. You definitely don’t want to miss a sunset or blue hour session at Pend Oriel.
2: Ask your photographer to take the lead on photo locations. The venues layout means that the time of day greatly dictates the best place to capture photos. Your photographer will have an eye for the best light during that time of day.
Consider having your first dance later in the day. The light in the dancing area is stunning later in the day when the sun is lower.
3: Remember it's about what you want not people’s expectations! Everyone will have ideas for what you should do on your wedding day and how you should have things run. This is a day to celebrate your love so it should reflect who you are. Don’t worry what people will think, do things the way that makes the most sense for you and don’t stress about peoples opinions. The very best weddings I have been to were the ones that best reflected who the couple were
The Wedding
The day started with everyone getting ready. I love Grand Pend Oreille Weddings because the getting ready space is well equipped for photography. The lake facing windows let in plenty of light and the large mirrors allow for some creative candid photos.
Then we did first look with the father of the bride and group photos. Again, the wooded landscape creates soft shade for beautiful wedding party and couple photos during the day.
Then it was time for the ceremony. Backed with the a wonderful view of Pend Oreille River. I’m always excited to photograph ceremonies at pend Oriel. I tried to get creative to capture the most beautiful candid ceremony photos possible.
After the ceremony was food and dancing. The spacious driveway allows for stress free parking and easy access for caters. This wedding the couple opted to have an ice cream truck for a snack and there was plenty of room to accommodate the line. Then the dancing. What a beautiful couple dance!
At golden hour we snuck out to grab some breathtaking couples photos. To make things even more magical there is access to the venues beautiful dock complete with string lights. We drooped the brides dress over the side of the dock for a wall hanging quality photo.
Then the sendoff! What a good day to celebrate a couples love.
