Nordic Museum Wedding

Chaya and Jarred’s Nordic Museum wedding was a beautiful coming together of love and family. The first time I met with Chaya and Jarred was during their engagement photoshoot. I got to hear all about how they met on Hinge, and a fun little quirk they had while dating. At the end of each of their dates, Chaya would playfully say goodbye with ‘see you next Tuesday!’ or whichever day they planned to see each other next. It was such a fun little anecdote of their personal love story.

After having worked with them on such a beautiful set of golden hour engagement photos, I was so ready to see what their wedding day would bring. Their Nordic Museum wedding was a gorgeous day on so many levels, but especially weather-wise. The Seattle sun decided to grace us with its presence and I knew we had to take advantage. Chaya and Jarred opted to plan a first look on their wedding day, and I was determined to make it an epic experience that they could enjoy together before meeting at the altar.

Chaya and Jarred prepared for their Nordic Museum wedding with suites at the Hotel Ballard. Chaya’s wedding party, comprised of her two sisters and close friends, filled her suite. During that time, she also let them in on a little surprise. In between their engagement photos and their wedding day, I worked with Chaya on a set of boudoir photos. She wanted something special to present to Jarred on their wedding day so she had them printed and put into an album. She shared a sneak peek of the photos with her wedding party and they absolutely loved the idea.

Are you planning a Nordic Museum wedding, or do you have your heart on set on another beautiful location in Seattle?

You can find more information on the experience I provide as a Seattle-based wedding photographer, here.

When Chaya and Jarred were both dressed for the day I set them up for a first look at the Botanical Gardens at Ballard Locks. The greenery is abundant and the backdrop is lush, and their wedding day attire? Chic and modern. It was the perfect setting to capture their first look and portray not only the love they share but also the fun banter and playful nature of their relationship.

But their wedding ceremony at the Nordic Museum awaited. So it was time to head back to their venue and capture every moment of Chaya and Jarred as they joined in marriage. During the wedding ceremony, there was a beautiful Filipino cord & veil ritual. Both Chaya and Jarred were draped together under the veil with a white cord wrapped around them. This deeply heartfelt tradition symbolized protection over their marriage, as well as unity and eternity.

It was a stunning ceremony filled with words of affirmation and lots of tears. At that moment, it was apparent how deeply the union of Chaya and Jarred’s marriage was felt by their friends and family members. After they said I do, Chaya and Jarred hosted a tea ceremony to honor their ancestors. It was a wonderful way to honor their Filipino and Vietnamese heritage while showing gratitude for those who came before them.

Their Nordic Museum wedding reception was one filled with fun. Chaya and Jarred had a photobooth setup for their guests and also ordered custom-printed cutouts of their heads for a fun dance floor prop! Their college friends and members of their family spent the remainder of the night celebrating the newlyweds. You can see all the details of Chaya and Jarred’s Nordic Museum wedding, in the photos below.