Weddings are always a celebration of love, culture, and connection, but H and B's wedding at Sweetwater Ranch in East Wenatchee, Washington, was something truly special. Their story, their styles, and the stunning winter setting made for an unforgettable day—one that I was honored to capture.

A rustic brown wooden barn wedding venue with decorative front doors and 'SJ' lettering under clear blue skies.

The Journey Through the Snow


February weddings in Washington can be unpredictable, and this one was no exception. The drive to East Wenatchee required crossing Snoqualmie Pass, which turned into a snowstorm adventure. Getting caught in heavy snowfall wasn’t ideal, but nothing was going to stop me from making it to H and B's big day—just as I always do for my couples. The snow added to the magic of the day, creating a crisp, breathtaking backdrop that contrasted beautifully with the warmth of the celebration.

A wooden ranch entrance gate spans a snowy dirt road with wooden fences and mountains in the background.
A snowy winter landscape with wooden fence stretching along a rural field under dramatic cloudy skies.
Gold skull ring displayed between elegant white high heel shoes in dramatic lighting.
White ballet flats arranged with dried pampas grass and gold jewelry on a light surface with dramatic shadows.
Elegant table setting with white linens, evergreen garland, and glowing string lights creating a romantic ambiance.

A Union of Cultures and Styles


H, originally from Eastern Washington, and B, from Senegal, brought together two worlds in a way that was both elegant and deeply personal.


For their attire, B embraced his roots by wearing a muted green Senegalese suit with gold highlights, while H chose a classic Western white bridal dress. The contrast between their styles was not only visually striking but also a meaningful representation of their union—two distinct backgrounds merging into one love story.


Capturing the Details in Perfect Light


Before the ceremony, I had the opportunity to capture some stunning detail shots of their attire and wedding elements. The direct sunlight portraits turned out beautifully, emphasizing the intricate details of B’s suit and the soft elegance of H’s dress. The natural light enhanced the richness of their colors, making for some truly timeless images.

Flat lay of an orange fragrance bottle next to green fabric and geometric patterned textile with scattered chocolates.
An elegant white wedding dress hangs in a sunlit rustic room with white walls and vintage furniture.
A white wedding dress hangs elegantly in a sunlit room with white walls, wooden dresser and vintage chandelier.
A person in a deep green dress helps adjust the back of an elegant white wedding gown in a sunlit room.
Bridesmaids in emerald velvet dresses gather with the bride in an elegant room during wedding preparations.
Two people prepare formal attire in a small dressing room with warm lighting and a shelf on the wall.
A joyful bride wearing a long-sleeved white wedding dress laughs while getting ready in a sunlit room.
A touching black and white moment captured during an embrace between a couple in formal wedding attire.
A bride in a white wedding dress shares a moment with her bridesmaids wearing black dresses in a sunlit room.
Black and white photo of bridesmaids helping a bride get ready in a small room before the wedding ceremony.
A bride in a long-sleeved white dress shares a joyful moment with her bridesmaids wearing black dresses.

A Sweet and Emotional First Look


H and B shared a first look just outside the bridal suite, and it was one of the most heartfelt moments of the day. As soon as they saw each other, they exchanged hugs and smiles, taking in the moment with pure joy. What made it even more special was the quiet moment they took to pray together, grounding themselves before stepping into their wedding ceremony.


Family Photos and Snowy Portraits


Following the first look, we transitioned into family photos, capturing the love and excitement of their closest family and friends. Afterward, we embraced the snowy scenery and took portraits outdoors, making use of the crisp white backdrop for some truly breathtaking images.

A snowy winter landscape with wooden fences and bare trees under cloudy skies and patches of exposed ground.
Rustic wooden barn venue with covered entrance on a snowy winter day during a wedding ceremony.
Two people in formal attire stand outside a rustic wooden building on a sunny day.
A romantic winter scene in a snowy woodlands setting shows two people in formal attire standing together.
A couple stands together in winter scenery, with one in a white dress and one in traditional Scottish highland attire.
Winter wedding scene with two people standing in contrast between snowy ground and brown grass in a rustic outdoor setting.
Two people share a joyful moment outdoors on a sunny winter day with one wearing a white veil.
A bridal couple shares a tender moment together outdoors during an autumn wedding photoshoot.
Happy couple shares an intimate moment outdoors while celebrating their wedding day in autumn.
A couple embraces outdoors on a snowy winter day, with the bride in white and partner wearing a dark green coat.
A couple stands together in a snowy winter landscape with bare trees, one wearing a white dress and one in dark coat.
A couple holds hands during their winter wedding ceremony with patches of snow on the ground in a natural outdoor setting.
A rustic wooden cabin with a covered porch sits beside a snowy field during winter.
Wedding party in formal attire stands near rustic wooden building with groomsmen wearing black suspenders.
Rustic wedding scene on a wooden deck with a bride in white dress showing her gown to attendees.
A rustic wooden barn with exposed beams serves as the backdrop for a wedding party gathering beneath its entrance.
Wedding party celebrates joyfully in front of rustic wooden barn venue under blue sky.
Wedding party in elegant velvet dresses poses joyfully outside rustic wooden barn in winter setting.

An Emotional Ceremony with Unforgettable Vows


One of the most touching moments of the day came during the ceremony, where H and B exchanged their own vows. B, always humble about his English, often joked that it wasn’t his strong suit—but anyone who heard him speak that day would disagree. His vows were beautifully written, heartfelt, and filled with emotion, bringing tears to the eyes of nearly everyone in attendance. H’s vows were equally moving, reflecting their journey together and the deep love they share.


A standout moment happened at the end of the ceremony. As the couple walked down the aisle, guests erupted in cheers, celebrating their new life together. The joy and energy in that moment were contagious—it was so special that I turned it into a GIF that perfectly captured their excitement.

Rustic indoor wedding venue with wooden beams, string lights, rows of black chairs, and illuminated LOVE sign at the altar.
Well-dressed wedding attendees walk down the aisle at a rustic wooden venue while guests applaud from their seats.
Two people in green dresses embrace during a winter ceremony with string lights and guests watching in wood-paneled room.
Two individuals stand together at a wooden-paneled venue decorated with white drapery and floral arrangements.
A wedding couple makes their entrance through double doors into a venue while guests look on in this black and white photo.
People gather in a rustic wooden venue for a wedding ceremony as the bride walks down the aisle.
A traditional wedding ceremony takes place in a warm wooden church with sunlight streaming through windows.
Wedding ceremony taking place inside rustic wooden venue with natural light streaming through windows.
Wedding ceremony taking place in a rustic wooden venue with string lights on the ceiling.
Wedding ceremony in a rustic wooden venue decorated with Christmas trees and illuminated LOVE sign.
A bride in a white square-neck wedding dress exchanges vows during an intimate wedding ceremony indoors.
Business handshake between two individuals wearing gold watches and formal attire in a professional setting.
A joyful wedding moment shows a person in traditional dress with patterned symbols smiling at someone in a white veil.
A couple exchanges vows during a wedding ceremony with an officiant in a rustic wooden venue with white decor.
Smiling bride reading from paper during wedding ceremony under floral decorations.
People share a joyful moment during a wedding ceremony in a warmly lit indoor venue.
Close-up view of a ring exchange during a wedding ceremony being officiated in a traditional service.
A loving couple shares an intimate moment during their wedding ceremony in a rustic wooden venue decorated with white draping.
Wedding ceremony in rustic venue with illuminated LOVE sign as two people walk down aisle after exchanging vows.
A rustic wooden barn venue with vaulted ceilings hosts an indoor wedding reception with a glowing LOVE sign.
Wedding reception celebration inside rustic wooden barn venue with glowing LOVE sign and standing guests.

Their Story: A Love That Crossed Continents


H and B's love story didn’t start in Washington or Senegal—it began on a mission trip overseas. Both were part of the same mission work in Senegal, and during that time, they built a connection that grew into something undeniable. Despite coming from different backgrounds, they found common ground in their values, faith, and love for adventure. Their wedding day was not just a celebration of their love but also a reflection of their journey—one that had taken them across continents to finally stand together at the altar.


Food & Venue


The couple chose Sweetwater Ranch (www.sweetwaterranch.net) as their venue, a beautiful and intimate space that perfectly complemented their winter wedding. The food was catered by A-Crew BBQ & Catering (A-Crew BBQ on Facebook), who provided an incredible meal that kept everyone warm and satisfied in the chilly February weather.

Wedding celebration in rustic wooden barn venue with guests gathered around long communal table with evergreen garland decor.
A speaker addresses guests during an elegant indoor wedding reception with string lights and wooden beams overhead.
Happy newlyweds smile and laugh together at their reception table decorated with greenery and white flowers.
Wooden Palo Santo sticks arranged on a round plate with spiritual ceremony items on a dark wooden table.
Child seated at restaurant dinner table playing with a blue toy while surrounded by plates of food.
A collection of handwritten wooden name tags or labels scattered in a shallow wooden bowl.
A speaker addresses wedding guests during an indoor reception at a rustic wooden venue with white columns.
Happy couple shares a joyful moment at their reception table decorated with greenery and floral arrangements.
Server addresses wedding guests seated in an elegant rustic venue with wooden beams and ambient lighting during reception.
A rustic wedding reception venue with illuminated LOVE sign, Christmas trees, and guests seated at long tables.
Elegant bride in long-sleeved white dress twirls on dance floor during reception with guests watching in background.
A couple cuts into their elegant three-tiered wedding cake at a rustic wooden cabin reception with candlelight and twinkle lights.
A couple enjoys a happy moment together with a wedding cake at a cozy indoor reception with string lights.
A romantic wedding scene with a three-tiered white cake, candelabra, and holiday decor in a rustic wooden cabin setting.
A three-tiered yellow buttercream wedding cake sits on a wooden table beside lit candles and table decorations.
Couple dances beneath illuminated LOVE sign at rustic wooden barn venue with draped curtains and wooden bar.
Person in elegant white dress prepares for a celebration in rustic cabin setting with Christmas lights and wood paneling.
Two people joyfully dance together in an elegant wood-paneled venue with string lights creating a romantic atmosphere.
Glowing string lights illuminate a wedding reception dance floor as guests enjoy dancing and celebration.
People dance energetically at a reception venue with indoor lighting and decorative elements in the background.

Capturing Love in Every Light


One of the reasons H and B chose me as their wedding photographer was my experience in working with different skin tones and lighting conditions. In the past, they had struggled with photos where B's darker complexion wasn’t properly balanced against H’s lighter skin tone. It was important to them to work with someone who understood how to photograph diverse couples with care and expertise—something I take great pride in.


Throughout the day, I made sure to use lighting techniques that showcased their natural beauty while preserving the rich details in every shot. Their photos not only reflected their love but also honored who they are as individuals.


Related Blog Posts

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Two people holding hands in a white snowy landscape with bare trees and blue sky on a winter day.
A couple in wedding attire under a flowing veil share an intimate moment in a bright outdoor setting with white landscape.
A couple shares an intimate moment while standing in a snowy field surrounded by bare winter trees and bright blue sky.
Two hands with wedding rings rest together against a fabric with geometric patterns in black and white.
A couple shares an intimate moment embracing on the beach during sunset.
A couple shares a romantic winter wedding moment on snowy terrain with dried grasses and a cloudy sunset sky.

Final Thoughts: A Day to Remember


From the snow-covered scenery to the heartfelt vows, H and B's wedding was an incredible experience. It was a reminder that love transcends backgrounds, cultures, and even unexpected weather conditions.


Looking for a wedding photographer who can capture your love story with authenticity and expertise? I’d love to help!


Visit www.weddingsbyandre.com/contact to inquire about availability and let’s create something beautiful together.