Thalia and Ricky choose Suncadia Resort in Cle Elum, WA, as their wedding venue for its open views, tall trees and late autumn colour. Leena McKinney, who photographed the day, describes it as “the perfect mix of moody romance and mountain views.” The couple kept their surroundings largely untouched. The ceremony design stayed minimal, allowing the location and their styling to lead.

Thalia wore a black gown with a long train that moved across the forest floor as she walked. Her bridesmaids wore white, reversing the expected palette and bringing a sense of structure to the group without overcomplicating it.

Before the ceremony, the couple met for a first touch (rather than a first look). They stood back to back among the trees and shared private vows without seeing each other. It gave them a moment away from the crowd, a pause before everything kicked off. Ricky only saw Thalia for the first time as she walked down the aisle.

“My favourite part of the day was definitely the ceremony”, Leena said. “The setting itself was absolutely gorgeous. It was one of those classic Washington fall days where it had been lightly raining earlier, but the rain stopped right in time for the ceremony. The background had these beautiful pops of yellow fall trees mixed with the deep green evergreens, which made the whole scene feel so magical and very Pacific Northwest.”

At the reception, tables were set with florals and moss which added colour and texture, but nothing felt overdone. One of the most talked about details was the guestbook. Instead of writing messages, guests picked up a vintage telephone and left voicemails for the couple.

“I wish there were no ‘rules’ for weddings”, Leena concluded. ” Couples should be able to design their day exactly how they want it, from the dress colour to how vows are shared, to the tiniest details like guestbook ideas. Every wedding should reflect who the couple really is. The more personal, unique, and intentional the day feels, the more unforgettable it is, and that’s exactly what makes each wedding special to photograph.”