Intimate Monroe Backyard Wedding
Victoria + Ryan
A Monroe Backyard Wedding was the perfect way for Victoria and Ryan to celebrate a day that felt completely true to who they are.
Hosted at Ryan’s parents’ home in Monroe, Washington, affectionately known by the family as “Watson Manor,” their wedding overlooked the rolling hillsides and created the perfect setting for an intimate celebration with around 60 of their closest family and friends. Even a few four-legged guests joined in on the fun.
Like so many great love stories, theirs started in an ordinary place. They met at work, where Ryan’s very first words to Victoria were simply, “Is this your notepad?” What started as coworkers slowly grew into something much bigger, eventually leading to a lunch date that Ryan calls their first date… and Victoria still insists wasn’t. Some debates are just meant to last forever.
A few years later, Ryan proposed during a hike at Lord Hill Park, one of their favorite places together. After secretly carrying a bottle of champagne and a ring nearly an hour up the trail, he proposed on a quiet rocky overlook with no one else around. Just the two of them, exactly how Victoria had hoped it would happen.
Their wedding reflected that same intentionality. Victoria and Ryan created a day centered around spending time with the people they love most. Their ceremony took place in the backyard before everyone gathered under the patio tent for dinner and celebration. Portraits around the family property captured the beauty of the Monroe landscape while giving them space to simply enjoy being together.
There was no shortage of smiles throughout the entire day. Golden hour gave us some absolutely incredible light, and Ryan’s white suit paired perfectly with Victoria’s stunning gown. Together they looked effortlessly elegant against the warm summer evening.
One detail that perfectly captured Ryan’s love for Victoria was how intentional he was about making sure everything was comfortable for her. He even made sure sections of the lawn were mowed just right so she could easily walk through the property in her wedding shoes. It’s those thoughtful little acts that say so much about a relationship.
This wedding was especially meaningful for me because Ryan plays lead guitar in the band Katzenvader, whose concerts I’ve photographed before. After photographing one of the band’s shows, then their bass player’s wedding, it was incredibly special to now photograph Ryan’s own wedding day.
Victoria and Ryan describe their favorite part of being together as simply being able to be themselves. They both feel completely accepted, understood, and loved for exactly who they are. Looking at these photos, it’s impossible not to see that reflected in every smile, every glance, and every quiet moment they shared throughout the day.
Vendors:
Venue: Ryan’s Parents’ Home, Monroe, WA / Florist: Monroe Floral / Photography: Works by Sarah Jane Photography / Cake: Mike’s Amazing Cakes / Catering: Shawn O’Donnell’s / Invitations: The Knot / Wedding Rings: Magick Alchemy / Rentals: Grand Event Rentals //
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