7.11.2009
Hollywood Schoolhouse, Woodinville WA

When we met for the first time, Jim warned me that Holly was not big on pictures.

“You’ll see when you meet my family,” Holly had concurred. “We’re stoic people.”

I must say this made me a little nervous, photographing a bride who on the best of days did not like to take pictures. Which is the oddest thing because for one, Holly, a teacher and Jim, who works for Gamehouse (a company I’ve spent many a good penny on), are an attractive couple. I’d even go as far as to say magazine-worthy looks, but I wasn’t sure if they’d take it as a compliment.

The original plan was, according to Holly, a private wedding and that was it. But being Taiwanese Chinese – and I’m Chinese so I knew where this was going – there is no such thing as a private wedding. And so, a compromise was made. Holly and Jim did have a quiet ceremony of four: the bride, the groom, the officiant and the inn owner who witnessed their union, at the beautiful Gig Harbor. And Jim could throw a party for family and friends a few weeks later. That was how I came into the picture, pardon the pun.

It was a beautiful reception. The theme was purple, black and white. Centerpieces were assembled by Holly’s sister Erika from freshly picked flowers bought from the local farmer’s market just that morning. Handmade boxes of handmade chocolates and truffles as favors. A scrumptious buffet catered by the restaurant at the venue. And what a venue. The Hollywood Schoolhouse is a venue made for weddings, with its vintage furniture and antique knick-knacks. I’ll let you see for yourself.