A tender & joyful pre-elopement family dinner at The Corson Building in Seattle.
I won’t lie—The Corson Building has been on my list of dream photography venues for a long time.
The beautiful, timeless and rustic architecture emulates a charming aesthetic not many other buildings can accomplish. Located under a bridge in Seattle, the building’s tall front gates, looming and whorling grapevines, and dreamy indoor lighting made this pre-elopement family gathering one of my favorite highlights of Lucy and Peter’s four-day-long intimate celebration.
I met Lucy and Peter through a mutual friend—funny enough, through my past life as a LinkedIn ghostwriter and entrepreneur in the personal branding space—and made arrangements to photograph their courthouse elopement in Seattle, Washington.
Whether it’s the universe or a shocking cosmic coincidence, the fact I was able to connect with the London-native Lucy and Peter through our friend, Sasha, and have the privilege to meet them multiple times to document their special escape into Washington, feels like one of the most precious blessings.
This is one part of several stories I’ll be sharing about Lucy, Peter, and their small family gathering of people who are just as earnest, cultured, and honest as they are.
If you’re looking to elope in the Seattle area—and you’re more drawn to urban environments, private ceremonies, and a backdrop of timeless city architecture and meaningful locations over slipping on your hiking boots—we should chat.
Prologue
Before the guests arrive, there’s a sense of calm. An indescribable quiet cloaks ancient, timeless stone walls. Grapevines decorate a pair of iron gates, partially opened to welcome the soon-to-be bride, groom, and their families. Individuals from all over the world, setting foot on Washington soil—to celebrate two people in love.
Chapter I: The Gathering
The reunion begins. The evening swells with laughter. Brothers embrace. The matriarchs and patriarchs of the bride and groom talk amongst clinking wine glasses and bathe every emotion in warm golden light.
Chapter II: The Lovebirds
A moment of escape.
A second of reprieve.
A minute of peace.
(With you)
Chapter III: The Bathtub
When the children want to play, you follow. When the mother of the groom wants to take photographs on her iPhone with you, your young nieces, and the shockingly beautiful lighting of the restaurant bathroom—you let it happen. You follow it, feel it, and can’t deny the impact it holds.
Epilogue
When generations young and old embrace—hearts and all.
Venue: The Corson Building
Event: Pre-Elopement Dinner
Location: Seattle, Washington
Photographer: Living Ghosts // Taylor Barnes
