A Relaxed, Rustic Fall Barn Wedding

Joanna Monger Photography – Snohomish & Seattle Wedding Photographer

Anna and Aaron couldn’t have chosen a better day for their relaxed, rustic fall barn wedding at The Loft at Russell’s in Bothell. The changing leaves were rich with color, the air was cool and crisp, and the weather kind to us. Between patches of rain, there was just enough of a pause to sneak outside and capture some great photos. It was perfect for autumn, the kind of day that truly reveals the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

It was my first time photographing at The Loft at Russell’s, and it certainly did not disappoint in any way. It’s a renovated dairy barn from the 1920s featuring cathedral ceilings, cedar-wall boards, and a gorgeous fir floor. With huge ties to local wineries, the restaurant also doubles as a wedding venue. It’s such a fun, unique option for a venue and perfect for a fall or winter wedding.  As for the food—let’s just say don’t wait to be invited for a wedding.  I’d recommend you try the restaurant. It’s absolutely delightful.

The Backstory: How Anna & Aaron Met

They originally met in high school, though they had only spoken a handful of times and didn’t really know each other.  After graduation, Aaron moved to Virginia for college, and Anna stayed in Washington. One night after college, Anna had an odd dream about Aaron where he was a toy designer and manufacturer by day, bodyguard at night.  She hadn’t thought of him in years, so she found the dream completely random.  She searched his name on Facebook and decided to message him. “The beginning was something along the lines of, ‘Hey, you probably don’t even remember me, but…’ and then I detailed the dream, said I thought it was funny and random, then sent it.  Then (I) immediately regretted that decision,” believing Aaron would find the message strange and never speak to her again. To her surprise, Aaron wrote back a few minutes later. He offered to catch up, and they met at a frozen yogurt shop where they hung out for four hours and were even kicked out of at closing. Neither one was interested in a relationship at that point, but they liked each other’s company and continued to hang out.

Their First Date

Anna and Aaron had already hung out numerous times together, but the first date as a couple was a trip to Ruston Way to watch a movie. Beforehand, Anna made “Oni Giri and fruit salad (that probably had way too much lime juice, but Aaron was a good sport and ate it anyway). And we walked up and down the boardwalk, because it was a beautiful day. I remember it being super relaxing. I had even been nervous beforehand since I hadn’t dated very much at all previously, and I thought the ‘officialness’ of it might change how we were together.  But everything just felt natural, laid back, and tons of fun.”

The Proposal

Last November, Aaron took Anna on a trip to Oregon to watch the total solar eclipse. “Before we left, I got a bit of a feeling that he might possibly propose (one doesn’t plan such elaborate and fun trips just every day), but the whole time leading up to the eclipse, he was very laid back and so I sort of put the thought out of my head.” After having a great time in Florence, Oregon, they drove to their camping site, located on the side of a mountain in the middle of nowhere, and watched the eclipse. “It was amazing, truly beyond explanation, to see the full eclipse, and then when I took the glasses off at the end, there he was with the ring.”

Highlights From Their Wedding Day

When I asked them about their favorite moments from their wedding, Anna and Aaron listed many of the same things. It just shows how in tune they are to each other! They both mentioned how the first look was really special and also seeing each other as Anna walked down the aisle at the ceremony toward Aaron.

Lastly, some of my personal favorite highlights of their wedding include:

The first look. Judging from the way Aaron’s face lit up with joy upon seeing his bride, it’s obvious how much he adores Anna.

The entire vibe of the wedding. Everyone, from the bride and groom, the wedding party, and their family and friends were so kind and friendly. It was a relaxed, joyful celebration of their love for each other. A special thank you to Kyro and her team at Good Friend Events for ensuring the day went smooth as could be.

The flowers. Anna’s love (or can I call it an obsession) with plants was apparent. From the socks, her green dress, and the beautiful flowers that adorned the already beautiful venue, it all came together in a perfectly warm, cozy way.

Of all things though, I loved how Anna and Aaron made the day unique to them, especially with Anna’s green dress and their own take on the bridal party. Anna’s sisters were alongside her, and instead of a best man, Aaron’s sister was his “best sister.” It’s so special when, instead of getting hung up on usual traditions, couples focus on a wedding that’s unique to their own story.

Please enjoy looking at some of the photos of Anna and Aaron’s special day at The Loft at Russell’s in Bothell, and feel free to leave them well-wishes in the comments below!

Anna and Aaron – thank you for the privilege of photographing your wedding! Your family and friends were amazing and so kind. I felt honored to be a part of it.

Seattle Wedding Vendors

Venue – Loft at Russell’s
Planner – Good Friend Events
Flowers – Watson’s Greenhouse
Photography – Joanna Monger Photography
Videographer – Lavender Bouquet
Hair – Heather Hopkins
Makeup – Natalie Johnson
Bride’s Ring – Johnson Jewelers
Groom’s Ring – Hawaiian Jewelry Company
Cake – J. Louis Cakes
Catering – Loft at Russell’s
Bartending – Loft at Russell’s
DJ – DJ Stephen the Stylist
Rentals – CORT Party Rentals and Sweet Buffet Lady
Signs – Chalk.Ink.Style
Officiant – Dan Seacrest
Dancing lessons – Studio 6 Ballroom Event Hall & Studios – Tacoma

If you liked this post, you may like to check out the following:

A Picturesque Wedding at Delille Cellars in Woodinville, Kelly & Matt
A Beautifully Detailed Wedding at Corson Building in Seattle, Kim & Brian
A Woodsy, Rustic Wedding at Dragonfly Retreat in Bothell, Josie & Oren

Joanna Monger is a wedding and boudoir photographer located in Snohomish, WA serving the Greater Seattle area. Photography coverage including but not limited to Seattle, Snohomish, Bellevue, Everett, Woodinville, Monroe and surrounding areas.