Ren Faire Mountain Springs Lodge Wedding

Annabelle + Matthew

A Ren Faire Mountain Springs Lodge Wedding is already guaranteed to be memorable, but Annabelle and Matthew somehow managed to create a wedding day that exceeded every expectation and became the biggest wedding I’ve photographed to date.

From the moment I arrived at Mountain Springs Lodge in Leavenworth, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary wedding. Annabelle and Matthew spent years dreaming up this celebration, and every detail reflected the creativity, humor, and imagination that have defined their relationship from the beginning.

The two met on Tinder eight years ago. If you ask Annabelle how they met, she’ll first tell you an elaborate story involving a burning building, a trapped kitten, and Matthew heroically climbing the side of a building to save it before admitting that’s absolutely not what happened. Their sense of humor has always been part of who they are, and it showed up in every corner of their wedding weekend.

In true Annabelle and Matthew fashion, the festivities actually began the night before the wedding with a championship competition between Team Crawford and Team Rotter. Friends and family battled it out in tug-of-war, relay races involving hobby horses, and a stein-holding contest that eventually came down to the bride and groom themselves. Matthew ultimately claimed the championship title, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend.

The wedding day itself felt like stepping into a fantasy novel.

With twenty-four members of the wedding party, known lovingly as “The Fellowship,” guests were treated to an incredible cast of fantasy characters including witches, warriors, knights, sorcerers, orcs, and everything in between. Hair and makeup artists spent the morning transforming dreams into reality with detailed makeup, prosthetics, and fantasy-inspired looks that made every character feel fully realized.

Before the ceremony, Annabelle and Matthew shared a beautiful first look in the Aspen Grove. Surrounded by towering trees, they took a quiet moment together before joining family and friends for portraits. Photographing “The Fellowship” may have been one of my favorite parts of the day. We captured battle cries, dramatic charges toward the camera, and enough Lord of the Rings energy to make any fantasy fan proud.

Then came the ceremony.

Set beside the water beneath a breathtaking floral installation, the ceremony was filled with personal vows, meaningful traditions, and one of the coolest wedding moments I’ve ever witnessed.

A live falcon flew down the aisle carrying the wedding rings.

Yes, really.

As guests watched in amazement, JuneBug the falcon delivered the rings directly to Matthew for the ring exchange. The falconers remained throughout cocktail hour, allowing guests to meet, hold, and interact with several birds of prey, making the experience even more memorable.

Cocktail hour continued the immersive Ren Faire experience. Guests mingled with a fairy on stilts, watched an axe juggler perform, and enjoyed live tavern music while exploring some of the most detailed tablescapes I’ve ever seen. Each table featured its own collection of crystals, woodland creatures, fairy houses, lights, glassware, and whimsical treasures. As the sun set, the glowing lights transformed the entire reception space into something truly magical.

Annabelle even added fairy wings to her wedding look, which somehow made the day feel even more enchanting.

One thing I loved most about this wedding was how personal every detail felt. Annabelle told me before the wedding that what mattered most was capturing their friends and family together, candid laughter, and everyone fully embracing the celebration. Looking around at guests dressed head-to-toe in fantasy attire, it was clear they had accomplished exactly that.

The reception continued with a bouquet toss launched from a custom-built catapult, dancing that somehow blended medieval fantasy with “Turn Down for What,” and countless moments of laughter between family and friends.

Later in the evening, Annabelle surprised everyone with an outfit change into a stunning gold sequined jumpsuit that perfectly matched the energy of the dance floor. The celebration carried on late into the night before ending with a lantern and sparkler exit surrounded by the people who helped bring this incredible vision to life.

What I’ll remember most, though, isn’t just the falcon, the costumes, or even the incredible scale of the wedding.

It’s Annabelle and Matthew.

These two spent years building a day that reflected exactly who they are. They’re creative, funny, wildly imaginative, and completely committed to making life fun together. After eight years of dating, a proposal hidden inside one of Annabelle’s treasured restaurant menus, and a wedding day unlike anything I’ve ever photographed, they officially started their next chapter together.

At the end of the night, when we said our goodbyes, there were tears, hugs, and that feeling you only get after being part of something truly special.

It was an absolute honor to serve my king and queen for the day.

I don’t think I’ll ever get over this one.

Vendors:

Venue + Catering: Mountain Springs Lodge / Hair + Makeup: K & Hart / Dress: Teuta Matoshi / Photography: Works by Sarah Jane Photography / Videographer: Ridgewood Films / Florist: Au Natural / Ring: Fail Jewelry / Falconer: The Falconer / Stilt Walker: Janet Rayor / Music: The Morrigans //

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