Megan and Sam’s Wellspring Spa wedding near Mount Rainier brought their closest friends and family together for a full day surrounded by cabins, evergreens, mossy trails, and the venue’s wooded ceremony space. They both got ready on the property before Megan moved to a separate white cabin for final preparations, family first looks, and bridal portraits.


The ceremony took place in the forest, with their dachshund dressed in a small tuxedo as the ring bearer. Afterward, we used the trails, steps, and greenery around Wellspring Spa for portraits before everyone moved into the clear tent for dinner, toasts, cake, and a packed dance floor.


The day had a lot of personal detail without feeling overdesigned. Megan incorporated Taylor Swift references into the reception, including records, handwritten lyrics, and deep green velvet ring boxes, while the wooded venue already gave the rest of the wedding a strong sense of place.


Planning a Wedding at Wellspring Spa?


Wellspring Spa works well for couples who want the wedding and surrounding weekend to feel connected to the landscape. The property is a woodland retreat at the base of Mount Rainier, with lodging, forest paths, cabins, and wedding spaces on-site.


For photography, having the day in one place keeps the timeline simple. Megan and Sam could get ready in separate cabins, use the white cabin for portraits and family moments, hold the ceremony in the woods, take couple portraits around the property, and move into the tented reception without building the day around travel.


The forest is beautiful, but it can also be dark and heavily shaded. I would leave enough time for portraits while there is still natural light and avoid pushing every important photo until immediately before sunset. A second photographer can also be helpful when both people are getting ready in separate parts of the property.

Wedding invitation and earrings displayed with emerald green velvet ring boxes on a rustic wooden surface.
A white wedding dress hangs ethereally from a tree branch in a moody black and white forest setting.
Elegant white wedding sandals displayed on mossy tree bark in moody lighting.
Wedding rings and earrings displayed on elegant white invitations with gold accents and MiClear branding.
Through a darkened doorway, a striking silhouette stands by a window in dramatic lighting during an artistic photo shoot.
Traditional Japanese wooden pagoda structure with thatched roof nestled among lush green maple trees in a forest setting.
A person peeks through a rustic wooden fence window surrounded by green foliage in soft natural lighting.
Warm light illuminates a wooden cabin interior with a figure standing in a doorway at dusk.
A silhouetted person stands in a dimly lit rustic bathroom with wood paneled walls and hanging white linens.
In a warmly lit wooden room, a person in a black vest gets help adjusting their bow tie.

Getting Ready in the Wellspring Spa Cabins


Megan and Sam started the day in separate cabins at Wellspring Spa. Sam got ready in one of the darker wood cabins with his side of the wedding party, while Megan finished her makeup and details before moving to the white cabin deeper in the property.

Figure adjusting necktie in darkened doorway lit by warm light, creating dramatic moody atmosphere in formal attire.
Close-up view of hands adjusting a black tie while wearing a white dress shirt and elegant wristwatch.
A well-dressed person adjusts their black tie while standing in front of a mirror with light bulbs above it.
Side profile close-up of someone adjusting their black tie while wearing a crisp white dress shirt and watch.
Two people in formal attire share a moment on a wooden deck surrounded by lush greenery.
Two people in formal attire help adjust a bowtie during an outdoor wedding preparation.
Close-up view of hands adjusting formal white shirt buttons and cuffs during wedding preparation.
Two men in formal attire stand together, one wearing a white vest and tie while the other checks his phone.

Before finishing up, Megan made her way to a secluded white cabin deeper in the woods to complete her preparations. There, she shared an emotional gift exchange with her best friend, a heartfelt moment that left both of them in tears. Megan's mother and Sam's mother also joined her to give her thoughtful gifts, adding to the love and support surrounding her. This cozy and intimate cabin setting was where Megan had her first look with her grandmothers and parents—a tender exchange that beautifully highlighted the love shared between generations.

A rustic wooden cabin with screened porch nestled in a lush Pacific Northwest forest setting.
A small white chapel nestled in a lush green forest with a winding dirt path leading to its entrance.
A hand holds open a dark blue velvet ring box displaying an engagement ring with geometric pattern cards behind it.
Three people share a warm embrace and joyful moment together while wearing elegant dresses in navy and dark green.
Two young women check their phones while standing in a minimalist white interior space.
A woman with long wavy dark hair wearing a black sleeveless top shares a joyful laugh with someone off camera.
Profile view of a person with dark hair and pearl earrings wearing a white robe while getting makeup applied.
Someone applying red lipstick with a makeup brush in a soft, warm-toned beauty shot.
A black and white photograph shows bare feet and white fabric on a hardwood floor.
Reflection in ornate mirror shows someone applying lipstick in a warm-toned, atmospheric setting.
Four women in elegant black and teal dresses pose together for a photo in a lush green forest setting.
Three senior women laugh together while walking on a forest path during an outdoor excursion.
A heartwarming embrace takes place during an outdoor wedding ceremony in a lush forest setting.
A person in a black suit stands in a forest setting with moss-covered trees and wedding guests in the background.
A tender embrace between a person in a black suit and someone wearing a white wedding dress and veil in a forest setting.
A wedding ceremony takes place on a wooded forest trail as attendees gather around the couple.
Two people embrace in an intimate hug outdoors against a green natural backdrop.

 Bridal Portraits in the White Cabin at Wellspring Spa


Before the ceremony, we used the white cabin for portraits of Megan and the final details of her dress. The lighter interior gave us a clean contrast to the darker wood cabins and surrounding forest.

Window light worked especially well with the lace and texture of her gown, and the quieter space gave us time to make a few more intentional portraits before the ceremony started.

A stunning bridal portrait in a white lace gown with thigh slit standing in an elegant doorway with glowing sconces.
Beautiful bride in white lace wedding dress with long dark hair and sparkling earrings poses for portrait.
Elegant white lace wedding dress with floral embellishments and spaghetti straps shown in romantic bridal portrait.
A bride in an elegant white lace wedding dress with long dark hair poses indoors near a window.
Ethereal wedding dress with delicate lace details and thigh-high slit photographed in front of floral wall decor and lamps.
Elegant wedding scene at a rustic white chapel tucked away in a lush green forest surrounded by tall trees and ferns.

Forest Wedding Ceremony and Dog Ring Bearer


The ceremony took place in Wellspring Spa’s wooded ceremony area, surrounded by ferns, moss, and tall evergreens. Megan walked through the forest toward Sam while their guests watched from the wooden benches.

Their dachshund joined the ceremony in a small tuxedo as the ring bearer, which immediately got a reaction from everyone. It was a personal detail that fit the day rather than feeling added only for the photos.

After the vows and ring exchange, we stayed around the ceremony area for portraits before moving deeper into the property for more photos together.

A wedding ceremony in a lush forest with participants and guests gathered among tall evergreen trees.
Two people embrace during a forest wedding ceremony as guests and a formally dressed officiant look on.
Wedding ceremony taking place on a wooden boardwalk in a lush green forest surrounded by ferns and tall trees.
A scenic outdoor wedding ceremony takes place on a wooded path surrounded by tall pine trees and guests.
A happy moment between the bride and groom during their forest wedding ceremony.
A wedding ceremony takes place outdoors in a wooded setting with pine trees in the background.
Close-up shot of hands exchanging wedding rings during a marriage ceremony, showing white lace dress details.
Group of people sitting on wooden benches with small dogs and puppies on the ground during an outdoor gathering.
A joyful wedding ceremony outdoors with a black dog being held between the bride and groom in the forest.
A romantic wedding ceremony moment shared between a couple in formal attire beneath tall trees in a forest setting.
A romantic wedding photo shows a close intimate moment between a couple against a backdrop of lush greenery.
A romantic wedding portrait of a couple in formal attire against a leafy green backdrop.
Newlyweds pose on rustic forest steps with bride in lace gown with train and groom in black suit.
Romantic wedding couple shares an intimate moment in a serene forest setting, bride in lace gown and groom in black suit.
Two people share a romantic moment on wooden steps leading through a lush green forest canopy.
Close up detail shot of hands wearing elegant diamond engagement and wedding ring set against white fabric.

Taylor Swift-Inspired Reception Details


Megan included several Taylor Swift references throughout the reception without turning the entire wedding into a theme. Records, handwritten lyrics, deep green velvet ring boxes, and the seating display all connected back to music she cared about.


Those details worked because they were personal to her. They gave guests something to notice and gave the reception photographs more context than a standard collection of table settings and decorations.

A vinyl record and album cover displayed on moss-covered wood with white carnations in an outdoor setting.
Wedding seating chart display with mason jars filled with white roses and baby's breath on green shelves with printed cards.
A vintage record player set up on grass with a pink vinyl record and an ornate gold mirror in the background.

Clear-Tent Reception at Wellspring Spa


The reception took place beneath a clear tent with string lights, disco balls, and a black-and-white checkered dance floor. Megan and Sam shared their first dance before moving into toasts, parent dances, and cake cutting.


Once open dancing started, the energy changed quickly. There were Fireball shots, louder music, and plenty of opportunities for direct flash and shutter-drag photos as guests filled the dance floor.


The tent worked well photographically because the clear roof kept the surrounding trees visible during the earlier part of the reception, while the string lights and disco balls gave the space more texture once it became dark.

A newlywed couple walks together under a canopy tent at an outdoor wedding reception with string lights overhead.
A couple shares their first dance under a tent at an outdoor wedding reception with guests seated at tables around them.
A couple shares an intimate moment during their first dance under a clear tent at an outdoor wedding reception.
A couple in wedding attire share an intimate embrace on the dance floor under twinkling lights at their reception.
A couple shares their first dance on a black and white checkered floor under a clear tent with string lights.
Romantic couple kissing under illuminated neon sign at a wedding reception dinner table with flowers and candles.
A black and white photo capturing an intimate slow dance moment between two figures under dim lighting at an event.
A romantic nighttime wedding ceremony under a clear tent illuminated by twinkling lights and string lighting.
A couple shares an intimate dance on their wedding night as guests watch in the background and applaud.
A couple dances together at a wedding reception while guests watch from their tables in the background.

Why Wellspring Spa Works Well for Intimate Weddings


Wellspring Spa is a strong option for couples who want a smaller wedding surrounded by forest rather than a traditional ballroom or estate venue. The property is located in Ashford at the base of Mount Rainier and functions as a woodland retreat with lodging, spa services, and wedding offerings.


Getting Ready on the Property

The separate cabins make it possible for both sides of the wedding to get ready on-site. For Megan and Sam, that meant we could move between their preparations without losing time to driving.


A Ceremony Surrounded by Forest

The wooded ceremony space already has a clear sense of place. It does not need much decoration to feel intentional, and the trails and trees around it give you several nearby options for portraits.


Space for an Intimate Reception

The clear tent kept the reception connected to the surrounding property while still giving guests a defined space for dinner, speeches, and dancing.


Portrait Variety Without Leaving

The wood cabins, white cabin, forest paths, mossy steps, ceremony area, and tented reception each photographed differently. That gave Megan and Sam a varied gallery without adding another location to the timeline.


Wellspring Spa Wedding FAQ


Where is Wellspring Spa?

Wellspring Spa is located in Ashford, Washington, at the base of Mount Rainier.


How much photography coverage works for a Wellspring Spa wedding?

For getting ready in separate cabins, family first looks, ceremony coverage, couple portraits, reception details, toasts, cake, and open dancing, eight hours is usually a good starting point.


What should we consider when planning forest wedding photos?

Forest locations can become dark earlier than open venues. Build portrait time into the schedule while enough natural light is still reaching the trails and ceremony area.

A wedding reception table setup outdoors at night with a glowing neon sign and someone giving a toast.
A crowd of people seated at a dimly lit bar with drinks and ambient lighting creating a lively nighttime atmosphere.
A person in black attire speaks into a microphone on a darkened stage while gesturing with one hand.
Two people sit at a table during an intimate dinner setting with soft lighting and wine glasses on the table.
Two-tiered cream colored wedding cake decorated with delicate white flowers and baby's breath on a dark surface.
Couple cuts into an elegant yellow wedding cake at a romantic evening reception with hydrangea flowers nearby.
A couple in formal wedding attire cuts into a yellow two-tiered wedding cake decorated with flowers in a dark setting.
A joyful moment at a wedding reception as newlyweds celebrate while cutting their elegant gold-colored cake adorned with flowers.
A couple shares their first bite of wedding cake under an umbrella during an evening outdoor reception celebration.
A couple shares a playful moment under umbrellas while cutting their elegant two-tier wedding cake decorated with flowers.
An elegant two-tier white wedding cake sits on a dark table with floral decorations and evening lighting.
A whiskey cocktail garnished with ice cubes and cherries sits next to a disco ball in dark lighting.
A group of people raise their glasses together in a celebratory toast at a dimly lit party or gathering.
People dancing energetically at a formal evening event with someone in white vest and tie on a dark dance floor.
Guests dance and celebrate during a lively wedding reception in a dimly lit venue.
Wedding guests joyfully singing and celebrating at a reception under string lights.

Planning a Wellspring Spa Wedding?


If you’re planning a wedding at Wellspring Spa, another forest venue near Mount Rainier, or anywhere in Washington, I’d love to hear what you’re putting together.


I photograph weddings with a mix of candid coverage, clean portraits, and enough direction to make the most of the location without turning the day into a photoshoot. Forest venues can be dark and unpredictable, but with the right timeline they give you a setting that already feels distinct.


You can view my wedding photography packages, browse more Washington wedding stories, or reach out through my contact page to check availability.

A group of formally dressed people in suits raise their glasses together in a toast at a celebration event.
A group of formally dressed friends having fun and posing playfully together at a party venue.

More Mount Rainier and Washington Wedding Stories


To see more of Megan and Sam's magical day, check out their full wedding gallery here: Megan & Sam's Wedding Gallery


If you loved Megan and Sam's wedding, here are more resources and inspiration for your own Pacific Northwest celebration:



Ready to Capture Your Love Story?


Every couple deserves to have their story told in a way that's true to them. If you're planning a wedding in Seattle, Mount Rainier, or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, I'd love to be part of your day. Let's create photos that feel as real and beautiful as your love story.


Contact me today to learn more about my wedding photography services!

A large group of wedding guests celebrate together on a dance floor under a tent with glowing string lights.