Derrick and Van’s Lakewold Gardens wedding in Lakewood, Washington was intimate, relaxed, and full of energy by the end of the night. They had about 50 guests, got ready inside the main house, shared a private first look and vows in the tea house, held their ceremony in the gardens, and ended the evening with dinner and dancing on the back lawn.


Lakewold Gardens is one of those Washington wedding venues that gives you a lot to work with as a photographer: clean getting-ready light, formal garden paths, vine-covered structures, wooded areas, open lawn space, and a historic house backdrop for family photos and portraits.


Planning a Wedding at Lakewold Gardens?


Lakewold Gardens works especially well for intimate weddings because the venue has several distinct spaces without feeling spread out. You can get ready in the main house, use the tea house for a first look or private vows, take portraits around the garden paths, hold the ceremony outdoors, and move into dinner or dancing without needing to leave the property.


For photography, the biggest advantage is variety. The main house gives you a classic backdrop, the gardens give you soft greenery and structure, and the wooded areas add a more natural Washington feel. It is also a helpful venue if you want portraits that feel calm and elegant without needing to build a complicated timeline around travel.

Wedding invitation and detail flat lay from a Lakewold Gardens wedding in Washington.
Van getting ready inside the Lakewold Gardens main house before her wedding ceremony.
Wedding rings sit nestled among delicate pink and cream dahlia flowers on a light textured background.
Rustic barn interior with wooden beams and natural sunlight streaming through the roof structure.
Person in blue shirt looking into bathroom mirror with sink fixture and natural window lighting.
Hands work on a measuring task at a workbench with a ruler and tools against a textured surface.
Professional wearing a navy blue button-down shirt leans against wall in modern office space.
Four security camera views show darkened hallway angles inside what appears to be an empty office or commercial building.
A black and white image shows a suited figure adjusting a floral boutonniere by a window.
Close-up detail of a navy suit with red tie and white floral boutonniere being adjusted.
An elegant curved staircase with white railings and grey carpeting leads upward in a bright interior with yellow walls and plants.
Person in a navy suit and brown shoes adjusts laces while sitting on a carpeted staircase with white railings.
Groomsmen in matching navy blue suits and orange ties pose outdoors in a garden setting.
A person in a classic blue suit adjusts their cuff while standing near a window in natural light.
A bride in a white flowing wedding dress stands gracefully by a sunlit window in a vintage room interior.
A bride holds a romantic pastel bouquet featuring pink and peach roses with blue accents in a series of portraits.
Radiant bride in an off-shoulder lace wedding gown holds a colorful bouquet of pink, peach and blue flowers by a window.
Romantic floral arrangement featuring peach garden roses, pale yellow blooms, and delicate blue delphiniums in soft focus.
A close-up sequence showing someone putting on a pair of small earrings.

Getting Ready Inside the Lakewold Gardens Main House


We started the day upstairs in the main house. The second-floor rooms are filled with natural light, which made for beautiful bridal portraits of Van as she got ready. Just across the hall, Derrick was in the adjacent room getting ready at the same time.

After a few detail photos and final touches, it was time for the first look.


First Look and Private Vows in the Lakewold Gardens Tea House


Their first look took place in Lakewold’s tea house, an outdoor structure covered in vines and leaves. The space felt intimate and peaceful, perfect for them to share private vows.


Their vows were personal, emotional, and full of laughter. Once they were ready, we wandered the gardens for couple portraits.

Well-dressed person in a navy suit stands on a brick pathway in a formal garden with a mansion in the background.
Wedding couple walks down stone garden path holding hands as sun shines through lush green trees.
A couple poses under a wooden garden arch surrounded by lush greenery in an intimate outdoor wedding setting.
People celebrate a sunny outdoor wedding in a lush garden setting with elegant casual attire.
A wedding couple standing on a brick path surrounded by lush greenery and autumn trees on a sunny day.
A happy couple shares a romantic moment outdoors in a garden setting wearing formal wedding attire.
A couple in wedding attire share a romantic dance together in a sunny garden setting.
A couple dancing and embracing outdoors in a manicured garden with sunlit greenery.
A joyful couple shares a candid moment outdoors in a sunlit garden setting during their wedding celebration.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a lush garden setting with beautiful natural lighting and greenery.
Someone wearing white lace reads a vintage letter in warm sunlight, creating a romantic and nostalgic atmosphere.
A couple dancing together outdoors in wedding attire, surrounded by lush greenery and natural sunlight.
Joyful wedding couple dancing and laughing together on a brick pathway surrounded by lush gardens.
Elegant couple embraces in a sunlit garden with evergreen trees and manicured hedges in the background.

Wedding Portraits Around Lakewold Gardens


The property has endless spots for portraits. Some of my favorite portraits from the day were of Van resting in Derrick’s arms outside the main house. We also explored a nearby wooded area for some forest portraits, which gave us both stunning formal shots and some fun candid moments.

A couple sits together in a sunlit wooden pergola surrounded by climbing vines and garden greenery.
Couple in elegant wedding attire gazes lovingly at each other during their special day.
A romantic moment between newlyweds sharing tender expressions in an outdoor setting.
Two well-dressed people share romantic photos in a sunlit wooded outdoor setting.
A couple in wedding attire hold hands and share romantic moments in a sunlit outdoor garden setting.
A romantic couple in white and blue embraces on a grassy lawn during their outdoor wedding photoshoot at sunset.
A couple shares a romantic kiss in a forest with golden sunlight filtering through the trees in the background.
Wedding couple in embrace poses for romantic photo series under weeping willow trees at sunset.
A romantic couple shares intimate moments in a serene garden setting with sunlight filtering through trees.
Candid wedding portraits showing joyful moments between a couple in a sun-dappled garden setting.
A wedding couple creates playful poses in a lush garden landscape with a house in the background.
A couple in wedding attire share intimate moments while lying in grass during an outdoor photo session.
A couple in wedding attire sit together and smile on a sunny lawn with natural lighting.
A romantic couple in wedding attire share tender moments during their outdoor garden photoshoot.
A couple shares warm embraces and romantic moments while taking photos outdoors in a natural setting.
A couple shares an intimate moment during an outdoor photo session with golden sunlight filtering through trees.
A romantic wedding couple poses in a serene wooded forest setting with vibrant fall foliage surrounding them.
Romantic wedding couple poses together in a wooded setting wearing blue suit and white lace gown.
Romantic wedding couple poses together in a lush wooded area with autumn foliage in the background.
A tender moment between newlyweds as they embrace outdoors in a natural setting.
Close-up black and white portrait series of a romantic couple on their wedding day sharing intimate moments together.
Sun dappled pathway through lush green forest with moss covered stones and autumn foliage overhead.
A couple poses among lush trees in a wooded area during a wedding photoshoot session.
Romantic couple sits under trees in lush green forest setting wearing formal attire for outdoor photoshoot.
Close-up of hands adjusting a white fabric on a work surface while crafting or sewing.
A couple in wedding attire share romantic moments in a sun-dappled garden setting during golden hour.
A couple walks through a lush garden archway tunnel covered in greenery and flowers during their outdoor wedding.

Outdoor Ceremony at Lakewold Gardens


Before the ceremony, we gathered everyone for a family first look. Watching everyone see Van and Derrick together for the first time was such a sweet moment.


The ceremony took place in front of the tea house, with a long walkway that gave us amazing photos of everyone walking in. One of my favorite details was their creative ring bearer idea: the rings were taped under a guest’s chair as a surprise.

Elegant outdoor wedding venue with rows of white folding chairs set up on a brick patio bordered by flowers and grass.
White folding chairs with small name cards attached line up at an outdoor wedding ceremony on brick pavement.
Peaceful garden wedding ceremony setup with rows of white chairs lining a shaded path between manicured hedges.
Wedding party poses under towering evergreen trees on a sunny day at an outdoor venue.
Wedding party gathered for group photos on grass under large trees in natural outdoor setting.
Wedding party members stand in a line under tall evergreen trees during an outdoor ceremony.
Wedding party gathered outdoors in a beautiful garden setting at golden hour with sunlit trees in background.
Wedding party members stand together in a line on a lush green lawn during a sunny autumn day.
Wedding guests share joyful moments while mingling and socializing outdoors in a sunlit garden setting.
Joyful wedding celebration captured through candid moments and hugs in an outdoor garden setting.
Wedding party poses for formal portraits in a lush garden setting under golden afternoon sunlight.
Tree-lined walkway with autumn foliage leads through a peaceful park on a sunny day.
A person in a dark suit walks along a stone pathway outdoors with sunlit buildings and greenery in the background.
White chairs line a tree-shaded outdoor garden path for an elegant wedding ceremony setup.
Beautiful autumn landscaping with colorful trees surrounds a charming ranch style home with white trim and brick facade.
A brick-paved walkway leads through a scenic garden setting with autumn foliage and greenery.
An exterior sequence of sliding glass doors and patios along a residential building surrounded by autumn foliage.
Two figures in wedding attire walk along a beautiful garden pathway at sunset with a white house in the background.
People enjoying a joyful outdoor celebration in formal attire during a sunset event.
Outdoor garden wedding ceremony setup with white chairs arranged on a lawn surrounded by trees.
Outdoor garden wedding ceremony setup with white chairs arranged in rows along a tree-lined pathway.
Joyful outdoor wedding ceremony featuring couple exchanging vows under trees on a sunny day.
Bride and groom dance together at an outdoor wedding celebration surrounded by guests.
A bride in a white wedding dress and groom in a navy suit share an intimate moment in a rustic outdoor setting.
Black and white photo capturing joyful moments during outdoor wedding dance.
A group sits together on a park bench observing something on the ground in a garden setting.
A panoramic wedding photo sequence showing couples seated outdoors on rustic wooden benches in a garden setting.
Wedding party captures candid moments during outdoor photo session in lush garden setting.
Newlywed couple dances joyfully outdoors at their garden wedding reception surrounded by guests.
Wedding photo series on a brick pathway surrounded by lush green gardens and trees.
Happy newlywed couple walking and embracing on a brick pathway surrounded by lush greenery.

Family Photos


After the ceremony, we gathered everyone in front of the main house for family photos. The space gave us a beautiful backdrop and plenty of room to keep things organized while still letting everyone relax and enjoy the moment.

Beautiful wedding couple poses outside a grand historic estate with stone columns and classic architecture.
Wedding party poses playfully in front of brick building with white columns and doors during outdoor wedding photoshoot.
Seven photos showing a wedding celebration at a traditional brick church venue with decorative architecture and landscaping.
Wedding party members stand on stone steps in front of a church or historic building during a formal celebration.
A wedding party arranged in a line poses for formal photos outside a grand stone building with white shuttered windows.
Wedding party members interacting with each other in front of a brick church facade during a sunny day celebration.
Wedding party poses in front of a elegant stone mansion with white shutters and manicured landscaping.
A collection of wedding party photos taken in front of a stone building with white trim and windows.
Panoramic collage of exterior wedding venue photos showing stone building facade and groups gathered at different times of day.
A series of wedding party photos lined up showing elegant outdoor shots against a stone building backdrop.

Back Lawn Reception at Lakewold Gardens


Once family photos were wrapped up, everyone moved to the back lawn where tables were decorated with fresh fruit and little photos of the friends who would soon sit there with Van and Derrick. The setup was beautiful and made the space feel personal and welcoming.

Dinner and toasts were heartfelt and funny. Then Van made it very clear that it was time for everyone to hit the dance floor. I’ve never seen someone so determined to get everyone moving. She rallied the crowd over and over, keeping the energy high all night.

Wedding guests dancing and celebrating on a brick patio during an outdoor evening reception.
A couple enjoys an intimate candlelit dinner at a rustic outdoor venue with brick walls and string lights.
Wedding party dances and celebrates with energetic moves on an outdoor brick patio beneath leafy trees.
Couple shares intimate moments during outdoor wedding photoshoot in park setting with beautiful natural lighting.
Groups of guests gather outdoors at an elegant garden party with tables and chairs under hanging decorations.
Wedding reception setup in a brick-walled venue with warm lighting and floral centerpieces on tables.
Wedding celebration candids show joyful interactions between guests at outdoor garden reception.
Wedding guests laugh and cheer during an outdoor celebration under natural greenery.
People toasting with wine glasses at an outdoor wedding reception table decorated with citrus fruits and place settings.
Wedding guests mingle and dine under shaded outdoor tent during daytime reception celebration.
Wedding reception guests gathered at long tables under trees for an outdoor celebration.
Reception guests engaged in lively conversation around an elegantly set dining table with glowing candles.
A group of people mingling and socializing at an elegant indoor event or gathering.
Guests enjoying a wedding reception dinner at a table decorated with peach flowers and candles by a brick wall.
A person in black attire stands in profile against a blurred outdoor background during a fall day.
Wedding guests seated at dining tables laughing and enjoying a reception celebration with wine glasses and floral centerpieces.
A couple dances together during their first dance at a wedding reception in a pink-lit venue with brick walls.
Black and white panoramic collage shows multiple hallways and rooms inside a modern gallery or exhibition space.
A wide-angle view of a modern white gallery space with artwork displays and people browsing exhibitions.
Newlywed couple spins through five romantic dance moves captured in sequence during their wedding reception.
Dance partners gracefully practice swing dance moves across a wooden floor in a bright studio space with other dancers.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate together at a reception in a bright indoor venue decorated in classic style.
A group of people dancing and celebrating at an indoor wedding reception event.
Wedding guests dance joyfully together on a dance floor during a celebration reception.
Wedding reception dance moments captured in a sequence of candid photos on a hardwood floor with warm lighting.
Wedding reception guests dancing and celebrating together on the dance floor at an elegant venue with warm lighting.
People dancing and celebrating at a wedding reception in an indoor venue with dim lighting.
A sequence of photos showing someone doing a dramatic falling dance move in a dimly lit studio space.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate together on a dimly lit dance floor at an evening reception.
Guests celebrate and dance at a wedding reception with dimmed lighting and festive atmosphere.
Wedding guests dancing energetically in a banquet hall with purple lighting and creating an enthusiastic party atmosphere.
A breakdancer performs an athletic freeze pose while executing a dynamic move on a polished wooden floor.

Cake, Group Photos, and More Dancing


Midway through the night, we paused for cake cutting and a big group photo with all the guests. Then it was straight back to dancing until the night wrapped up.


Why I Loved This Wedding


Van left me the kindest review after the wedding:


“Andre was one of the vendors we had complete trust in. He was easy to talk to, responsive, professional, a great listener to your needs, and most importantly, he suggests! We love when a photographer knows to direct and suggest where good lighting and poses are to help us be natural. All our friends and families love him—how he tells you to stand straighter or make sure your face is at a good angle. At the end of the night, he even helped us pack up some stuff. He was just so wonderful!”


Feedback like this means the world to me. I take pride in making sure my couples feel supported, look their best, and actually enjoy their wedding day without feeling rushed or over-posed.

Small white wedding cake with black ribbon detail sits atop round table covered in white linen outdoors.
Elegant white round floor cushions with black ribbon accents arranged in a row.
Romantic outdoor sweetheart table with floral arrangements featuring white linens and purple allium blooms at sunset.
Romantic outdoor engagement session with blush toned floral altar setup in a serene garden setting.
Four romantic engagement photos show a couple sharing intimate moments in a beautiful outdoor garden setting.
A couple at an outdoor table with floral arrangements celebrates a special occasion in a garden setting.
Two hands press down and knead fresh white dough on a floured wooden surface during bread making preparation.
Two people share an intimate moment at a round table decorated with white linens outdoors.
A sequence of images showing a white frosted chocolate cake being sliced and served on plates with black ribbon decor.
A couple shares joyful laughter while seated at an elegantly decorated outdoor table.
A happy couple shares a joyful moment together in an outdoor garden setting.
A newlywed couple shares a romantic moment while wedding guests cheer in a garden setting with evergreen trees.
Wedding party celebrates outdoors with raised arms on a lawn surrounded by evergreen trees and autumn foliage.
Wedding guests dancing and twirling on the colorful dance floor at a reception with pink uplighting.
People dancing in formal attire at a wedding reception with dramatic blue lighting.
A group of people dancing and celebrating at a wedding reception in formal attire under blue lighting.
Party guests dancing in an energetic line formation on a dark wooden dance floor at an indoor celebration event.
Dancers on a party floor during a wedding reception with someone in a white dress twirling energetically.
A couple shares a romantic kiss during their dance at a wedding reception.
Couples dancing together on a dimly lit dance floor during a formal evening event.
Wedding party guests dance joyfully with sparklers at an evening outdoor reception celebration.
Wedding guests dance in a synchronized line during an outdoor evening reception celebration.
People dancing outdoors at night while others watch from a distance in a dimly lit area.

Vendor Team


Derrick and Van had an incredible team that made the day run smoothly:

Venue: Lakewold Gardens

Hair & Makeup: @skstudioseattle

Florals: @emm.floral

DJ: @m8rix.dj

Catering: @jonz.catering

Baker: @puffyclouds_pastry

Dress: @seattlebridalrack

Alterations: @alterations_by_julia

Coordinator: Bridal Wilde

Officiant: Eric Warn


Why Lakewold Gardens Works Well for Wedding Photos


Lakewold Gardens has a nice mix of formal and natural backdrops. The main house gives you a classic estate feel, the tea house works well for private vows or quiet portraits, and the garden paths make it easy to get variety without leaving the venue. For a smaller wedding like Derrick and Van’s, that made the timeline feel simple and relaxed.


This is the kind of section Sarah’s site is effectively doing more often: the blog is not just “what happened,” it becomes useful for someone considering that venue.


Planning a Lakewold Gardens Wedding?


If you’re planning a wedding at Lakewold Gardens or another garden venue 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 help you feel comfortable without turning the day into a photoshoot.


You can see more weddings and proposals on my blog including Tea & Tyler’s wedding at The 101, Paulina & Andrew’s Lake Colchuck proposal, and Heather & Victor’s North Cascades elopement for more inspiration.


You can also check out my wedding photography packages to see how I approach days like this.


If you’re ready to start planning, reach out to me here and let’s make it happen.