Seattle Wedding Photographers and Destination Wedding Photography by Gerald and Airika Pope

Real Wedding Published in Seattle Bride Magazine!

thepopes — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:16:56 +0000

The Spring Issue of Seattle Bride Magazine just hit shelves, and Sarah and Sam’s Wedding at Treehouse Point has been featured in their Real Wedding section! Seattle Bride is one of our favorite local wedding magazines, and it’s a huge honor to be included as they only run 12 full features on real weddings each year. Thank you to our couple, Sarah & Sam, for going along with all of our artistic whims, to Kate Calamusa and the entire staff at Seattle bride for selecting their wedding, and to the amazing team of vendors (especially Herban Feast, Lisa Chambers of Chambers & Company, Bella Rugosa , Paper Moxie and New Renaissance) who helped make the day so magical. We had a great time working with all of you and can’t wait to do it again!

Seattle Snowstorm 2012

thepopes — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:44:12 +0000

We don’t get too much snow in Seattle, but it sure is nice when we do. We’ve really enjoyed it over the last few days, and if the weatherman is right, there’s more on the way! Here’s a few photos we took around our neighborhood…

Rustic Pacific Northwest Winter Wedding | Jaclyn & Lance | Puyallup, WA

thepopes — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:47:47 +0000

We feel so lucky to have been able to photograph a wedding for a couple like Jaclyn & Lance. We first met these two shortly before they got engaged, when Lance was checking out our church as he contemplated becoming the new junior high pastor. Much to the delight of youth and volunteers alike he accepted, and brought his lovely bride-to-be Jaclyn along. We absolutely love these two, and so does everyone at Timberlake Church! They are passionate about serving and helping others, not only through Lance’s work with the youth and Jaclyn’s pursuit of a MA in Counseling, but also as a natural result of their enthusiasm for life and love for the Lord.

Jaclyn & Lance were married at Puyallup Foursquare Church, and with the help of their amazing friends and family, they brought in trees decorated with strings of lights and hanging lanterns in order to recreate the scene of their proposal. Then the reception hall was completely transformed using DIY draping & canopies, a cute Mr. & Mrs. sign, cake pops, candles, more lights, more lanterns and umbrellas for the tables. Everything was beautifully personalized, and we had fun capturing every single detail!

Jaclyn, you were SUCH a stunning bride, and Lance- your awe for your bride was so adorable. We loved every moment we spent with you–from your first look (Best first look reaction EVER!) to chilly portraits at the park, from your Christ-centered ceremony to your cake smashing and crazy dancing at the reception, to the meaningful visit you had with your Nana at the hospital–your day was full of everything that a wedding AND a marriage should be and we feel so fortunate to have shared in it with you.

Friends & family, more photos can be seen in Jaclyn & Lance’s wedding slideshow, and you can click here to preregister to see all of their photos when they’re ready!

Like what you see? Then we’d love to have you like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePopesPhotographers

Hamptons Wedding | Megan & Stephen | Amagansett & Montauk, NY

thepopes — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:24:55 +0000

I’m pretty sure that the Hamptons has a magical effect on just about everyone who visits. From the moment Gerald & I first set eyes upon the easternmost point of Long Island, we began making plans to come back. So it was quite fortuitous that just one year later, we were invited back to photograph Megan and Stephen’s wedding in Montauk & Amagansett, NY.

We couldn’t have been more thrilled to be working with Megan & Stephen – from the outset, they told us that they loved out natural, candid style and wanted us to capture the essence of the Hamptons and what it means to them as a place of inspiration and weekend retreat from their busy Manhattan lives. With this in mind, we began by capturing Megan getting ready at their home, then we headed to the First Presbyterian Church of Amagansett for their ceremony. Afterwards, we headed to one of their favorite places, Atlantic Ave. Beach for their family and couple portraits (which are stunning!), then we all made our way out to the Montauk Yacht Club & Resort for their reception.

The entire weekend was full of fun and laughter (just wait till you see the “napkinheads” and the Tyrone Smith Revue), and family from all over the country came to share in the occasion. Jill Gordon and her team did a wonderful job coordinating Megan & Stephen’s day, and I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect celebration for them.

Megan & Stephen, thank you for entrusting us with your memories and for being the kind, generous people that you are. We thoroughly enjoyed working with you and hope to see you the next time we are in the Hamptons. In the meantime, enjoy your photos! (Friends and family, click here to preregister to view Megan & Stephen’s entire gallery when it becomes available.)

Photography: The Popes | Coordination: Jill Gordon Celebrate | Hair & Makeup: Hiroko of Space Salon | Flowers: Amagansett Flowers by Beth | Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church of Amagansett | Reception Venue: Montauk Yacht Club | Rehearsal Dinner: East Hampton Boathouse | Live Band: Super T and the Tyrone Smith Revue | Gown Boutique: Priscilla of Boston

Salish Lodge Wedding | Anna & Piotr | Snoqualmie Falls, WA

thepopes — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:26:06 +0000

The morning Anna and Piotr started off on a hike up Chino Canyon in Palm Springs, it’s doubtful that Anna suspected it would be the day Piotr proposed to her. They started the hike early in the morning and by the time they finally reached the top of the 10,000 foot climb (yes, these two are incredible athletes!), I can only imagine that they were both were exhausted, sweaty, and feeling not in the least bit romantic. Nevertheless, Piotr set up their camera for what Anna thought was a quick snapshot of them at the top, when in fact, he was about to video their proposal! Obviously, she said “yes” (despite the fact that he jokingly proposed with a plastic spider ring), which brings us to where we are today!

Piotr & Anna wanted their wedding to be somewhere that would showcase the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, so they celebrated their wedding at Salish Lodge, overlooking the breathtaking Snoqualmie Falls. Their ceremony took place on the terrace beside the falls, and was an intimate celebration with their family and friends. Piotr’s grandmother flew in all the way from Poland, his entire ultimate Frisbee team came from L.A, and Anna’s family and friends were representing the Northwest from Leavenworth. Needless to say, it was a great group of people!

Anna & Piotr, we loved capturing your timeless simplicity, and the tender, quiet love you share. Thank you for inviting us to be a part of your day. It is clear that your love for each other runs deep, and we had a wonderful time with you.

Friends and family, you may preregister to view Anna & Piotr’s entire gallery here. You will then be notified once all of their photos are available online.

Photography: The Popes | Wedding Gown: J.Crew | Flowers: Aria Style | Wedding Venue: Salish Lodge | Hair & Makeup: Bella Vita Salon & Spa

Tsillan Cellars & Campbells Resort Wedding | Stephanie & Dan | Chelan, WA

thepopes — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:36:27 +0000

We first met Stephanie & Dan over a glass of wine at Bin on the Lake in Kirkland, and we connected with them immediately. It would have been hard not to — Dan is an incredibly warm and caring man, and Stephanie has a joyous energy that can fill any room — you can’t help but smile when you’re around her!

Stephanie & Dan are well-traveled individuals (Stephanie first contacted us while she was visiting her sister in Scotland, and Dan was working in South Africa), but they decided to return to their roots for their wedding. So, having grown up in Wenatchee in eastern Washington, they selected “one of the most beautiful places on earth” (as Stephanie told me), Campbells Resort on the shores of Lake Chelan.

Their wedding day dawned beautiful, sunny, and hot. To avoid melting in the sun, we decided to go to Tsillan Cellars, where they had had their rehearsal dinner the night before, for their first look. As you’ll see from the photos, it was a little like being transported to Tuscany.

Stephanie & Dan’s ceremony was held on the grassy shore of the lake, and their yellow and navy blue details were the perfect compliment to the surroundings. After a moving ceremony and dinner on the waterfront, we moved inside for the dancing and dessert portion of the reception. In the midst of all that, however, we were able to steal Stephanie and Dan away for a few shots with the gorgeous Chelan sunset. We love when couples are excited about collaborating with us, and these two told us they wanted awesome portraits, so we built lots of time in!

Stephanie & Dan, thank you for inviting us to be a part of your wedding day. We hope you enjoy this snapshot of your beautiful lakefront celebration!

Despite teasing from family and friends about their height difference, I think Stephanie and Dan have found some ways to make it work! ;)

Olympic Sculpture Park Wedding | Rhea & Justin | Seattle, WA

thepopes — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:19:58 +0000

If you’ve ever been on a first date, you know how it goes: you arrive excited and nervous, eager to make a good first impression, hoping that this might just be “the one.” For Justin, finding “the one” was proving to be more difficult than he had hoped. After a couple of nicely planned (and expensive) first date dinners that ended in mid-meal realizations that there would be no need for dessert or coffee, he decided it was time to simplify things. For his first date with Rhea, he suggested meeting at the Olympic Sculpture Park for a dog walk since he knew that they both shared a deep love for their dogs. That way, if it looked like it was going to be another no-dessert-or-coffee kind of first date, he’d have an easy out and they wouldn’t even need to progress to the dinner part! Well, when Justin and Rhea met for a walk, they had an instant connection and Justin immediately asked her out to dinner! They spent a long evening together, and well, the rest is history.

For their wedding, Rhea and Justin decided to go back to the place of their memorable first date (and where they got engaged), so they held their ceremony and reception at the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle. Every little detail of Rhea & Justin’s wedding was beautifully designed–a collaboration of Rhea’s design vision and the expert execution of Jacky Grotle, with Event Success. The artful, modern venue was the perfect place for their bright yellow and white themed wedding. The decor and flowers were gorgeous, and perfectly complimented Rhea’s stunning yellow diamond engagement ring!

Rhea and Justin, thank you for inviting us to be a part of your wedding day. Enjoy this little preview of your day, and since we couldn’t fit all of your amazing moments on our blog, we created a slideshow for you too!

Rhea’s dad passed away a number of years ago, but his love for his only daughter was quite evident. When Rhea was born, he purchased a bottle of wine to be opened on her wedding day – and it’s been waiting for her ever since.

Rhea’s dad bought this beautiful Mercedes convertible many years ago as a gift to her mother, and Rhea and Justin had it restored just in time to use on their special day.

Caroline & Josh | Sand Point Country Club | Seattle Wedding

thepopes — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:12:24 +0000

As wedding photographers, we are honored and humbled to witness people committing their lives to each other. It’s an exciting moment, and sometimes, you just get a great feeling about a couple. Caroline and Josh are an adventurous pair (as evidenced by their dancing photos below and the fact that they had Caroline’s sister Ashley planned a full-on scavenger hunt for their guests the day before the wedding), but what was even more inspiring than their fun-loving spirits was seeing how great they work together.

Their Seattle wedding day was filled with beautiful moments — both big and small. From their first look in the woods at the Seattle Arboretum, to a quick jaunt through Magnusson Park for portraits, to the profession of their love at the ceremony and reception at Sand Point Country Club, their entire day was memorable and joy-filled. When Caroline thanked her soon-to-be husband for “the little things” (like not cutting his hair too short) in her vows, or when Josh said without his bride, he’d be eating frozen Costco food every night (but with her he eats like a king), we knew that we had found a couple who truly appreciates one another. These two really do complete each other, and there’s no question that they will love and support each other for a lifetime to come.

Caroline and Josh, we were honored to be a part of your wedding day. We wish you all the best in your new life together, and we can’t wait to see where this adventure takes you!

Friends and family, click here to preregister and be notified when Caroline & Josh’s complete Sand Point wedding gallery is available.

Phtography: The Popes | Getting Ready Venue: Washington Athletic Club | Couple & Wedding Party Portaits: Seattle Arboretum, MOHAI, & Magnussen Park | Wedding Venue: Sand Point Country Club | Hair & Makeup Artist: Michelle Chappron | Cake Artist: Decadence Custom Cakes | Florist: Loves Me Flowers | DJ: The Wedding DJs | Gown Boutique: La Belle Elaine’s Bridal |Wedding Coordinator: Lindeman Weddings & Events

A special thanks for Erin Lindeman of Lindeman Weddings & Events for doing such a fabulous job of pulling all the details and vendors together, and to Ed Griffin of The Wedding DJs for keeping the reception fun and beautifully lit! :) It’s always a pleasure working with the two of you and your teams! Also, a huge thank you to my sister Hannah of Orange Rose Photography for coming along and assisting us for this wedding.

Like what you see? Like www.facebook.com/ThePopesPhotographers to keep up with all the latest news, offerings, and fabulous weddings.

Austen & Emily | Bellingham Wedding | Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Bellingham Golf & Country Club

thepopes — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:04:06 +0000

Sometimes in your life you meet people who simply affirm you in your entirety. They see you and love you for who you are, express their gladness to be around you, and thank you for being in their life. These people have a rare and invaluable gift in today’s world, and the funny thing is, they’re really the ones who deserve the thanks.

Emily and Austen are some of these incredible people. These two go all the way back to junior high, but as the priest stated during their ceremony, whether you’ve known them 10 years or 10 minutes, they let you know exactly how important you are to them — and they mean it. They have genuine hearts for serving others, and they are constantly encouraging each other to grow and become better people as they interact with the world around them.

Their Bellingham wedding at Sacred Heart was touching and beautiful, and a testament to their love and faith was evidenced as both their priest and Austen’s childhood pastor presided over the ceremony. And later in the evening, it became clear just how how proud their families wereof these two – I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the room during their toasts!

Emily and Austen, we’re so grateful to you for not only inviting us to be a part of your story, but also for inspiring us with your clearly evident love for each other and everyone around you. We are thankful to have you in our lives, and hope you continue to grow in your love daily!

Fire in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre | Italy

thepopes — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 18:30:38 +0000

As many of you may know, we have been traveling in Italy this week. We’ve captured lots of photos and can’t wait to share them all here on the blog, but this one was so unexpected and dramatic that we wanted to share it right away. Yesterday, we spent the day hiking in the Cinque Terre along the western coast of Italy, and as we approached the southern-most town of Riomaggiore, we noticed a lot of smoke rising in the distance. When we reached the town, we realized that a pretty large forest fire was on the ridge above the town, and at least one home was already fully engulfed in flames. It was an incredible sight, and we couldn’t help but take a few photos while praying that the firefighters would be successful in fighting the fire. Since the easiest way to reach these regions is from the air, a plane and helicopter were taken turns dropping water on the hillside. The pilots were so amazing–in 10 minutes, the would touch down on the Mediterranean, reload their tanks while barely slowing down, and return to the hillside to make the next drop, flying right through the smoke to do so.