Monique and Stu’s Queen City Yacht Club wedding in Seattle was the second of their two wedding celebrations. After honoring Monique’s Cambodian heritage during a traditional ceremony in Oregon, they gathered again with friends and family for a Western ceremony and reception on Portage Bay.


They both got ready inside the clubhouse before sharing a first look outside and taking wedding party, family, and couple portraits around the grounds and marina. The ceremony took place inside the main upstairs event space, followed by dinner, personal toasts, live music from Blue Wave Band, and a dance floor that stayed busy through the end of the night.


The two celebrations looked completely different, but both centered heavily on family and community. This day gave Monique and Stu space for a more traditional Seattle wedding while still feeling connected to the people and traditions that shaped the larger celebration.

Planning a Wedding at Queen City Yacht Club?

Queen City Yacht Club works well for couples who want an indoor Seattle wedding venue with immediate access to the waterfront for portraits. The clubhouse has separate getting-ready spaces, a large upstairs event area, docks, marina views, and several outdoor areas that can be used for wedding party, family, and couple photos.


One important thing to know is that the clubhouse is not rented like a standard public wedding venue. Private events must be rented through a sponsoring Queen City Yacht Club member who will be present at the event. Confirm that arrangement directly with the club before building the rest of the wedding plan around the venue.


For photography, keeping everything at the club made Monique and Stu’s timeline much easier. They could get ready inside, share their first look outside, complete their larger group portraits around the marina, hold the ceremony upstairs, and move into the rest of the reception without losing time to driving between locations.


The dock and marina were especially useful for their 16-person wedding party because there was enough open space to arrange everyone while keeping Portage Bay and the boats in the background.


Getting Ready at Queen City Yacht Club

Monique and Stu both got ready inside Queen City Yacht Club in separate rooms with their friends and family nearby. Keeping both sides of the morning in the same building made it easier to move between them and photograph the smaller moments happening at the same time.


Monique finished hair and makeup with I.M. Artistry before getting into her dress by the waterfront windows. A few rooms away, Stu got ready with his groomsmen, including tie and boutonniere adjustments, drinks, cigars, and plenty of time together before the first look.

Queen City Yacht Club and marina on Portage Bay before Monique and Stu’s wedding.
Queen City Yacht Club and marina on Portage Bay before Monique and Stu’s wedding.
Queen City Yacht Club and marina on Portage Bay before Monique and Stu’s wedding.
Queen City Yacht Club and marina on Portage Bay before Monique and Stu’s wedding.
Queen City Yacht Club and marina on Portage Bay before Monique and Stu’s wedding.
Queen City Yacht Club and marina on Portage Bay before Monique and Stu’s wedding.
A series of white spot lights mounted on dark ceiling tracks create dramatic lighting effects.
Queen City Yacht Club entrance sign before a Seattle waterfront wedding.
Monique and Stu’s wedding rings photographed at Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu’s groomsmen helping adjust his tie before the wedding ceremony.
Stu’s groomsmen helping adjust his tie before the wedding ceremony.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique getting ready beside the marina windows at Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique getting ready beside the marina windows at Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique getting ready beside the marina windows at Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique getting ready beside the marina windows at Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique getting ready beside the marina windows at Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique getting ready beside the marina windows at Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique getting ready beside the marina windows at Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique getting ready beside the marina windows at Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.
Stu getting ready with his groomsmen inside Queen City Yacht Club.

First Look Outside Queen City Yacht Club

Monique and Stu chose a shaded area outside the clubhouse for their first look. Stu became emotional as soon as he turned around, then the two of them had a few quiet minutes together before we moved into wedding party and family photos.


Doing the first look before the ceremony also meant we could photograph the larger group combinations earlier and leave more of cocktail hour open for them to spend with guests.

Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu sharing their first look outside Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu taking wedding portraits beneath the trees beside Portage Bay.
Monique and Stu taking wedding portraits beneath the trees beside Portage Bay.
Monique and Stu taking wedding portraits beneath the trees beside Portage Bay.
Monique and Stu taking wedding portraits beneath the trees beside Portage Bay.
Monique and Stu taking wedding portraits beneath the trees beside Portage Bay.
Monique and Stu taking wedding portraits beneath the trees beside Portage Bay.
Monique and Stu taking wedding portraits beneath the trees beside Portage Bay.
Monique and Stu taking wedding portraits beneath the trees beside Portage Bay.

Wedding Party and Family Photos on Portage Bay

Monique and Stu had a 16-person wedding party, so we used the open areas around the clubhouse and marina for the larger group combinations. The docks gave us enough room to photograph everyone together while keeping the boats, water, and Portage Bay in the background.


After the wedding party, we moved into family photos. Family was central to both of Monique and Stu’s celebrations, so these were not something I wanted to rush through or treat as an afterthought.

Monique and Stu’s wedding party posing on the marina dock at Queen City Yacht Club.
Sixteen-person wedding party photographed beside Portage Bay in Seattle.
Sixteen-person wedding party photographed beside Portage Bay in Seattle.
Monique and Stu’s wedding party posing on the marina dock at Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu taking family wedding photos at Queen City Yacht Club.
Monique and Stu taking family wedding photos at Queen City Yacht Club.

Wedding Ceremony in Queen City Yacht Club’s Upstairs Event Space

Monique and Stu held their ceremony inside the main upstairs area at Queen City Yacht Club. The room gave them enough space to bring their families and large wedding party together while keeping the ceremony and reception portions of the day in the same building.


Stu became emotional as Monique walked down the aisle, but their vows also included plenty of humor. He admitted that he had once lied about their dog’s birthday so the date would be easier for him to remember. He promised it was the only thing he had ever kept from Monique, which got one of the biggest laughs of the ceremony.


Greg Milner officiated, and the ceremony moved naturally between personal stories, emotional vows, laughter, and the ring exchange.

Modern restaurant interior with white tablecloths and panoramic waterfront views through large windows.
Modern ballroom with round dining tables, white chairs, and rustic wood wall panels lit by elegant chandeliers.
Wedding guests mingle and celebrate at an elegant indoor reception with white tablecloths and natural lighting.
Professional audio speakers and equipment line the wall of an empty event space with wooden floors.
Professional musician performs on violin in a dark studio setting with lighting equipment visible in background.
A wedding party gathers in a warmly lit interior space wearing dark formal attire.
Wedding preparations take place in an elegant indoor venue with natural lighting streaming through windows.
A group of photos showing someone in a beige dress taking photos by a boat at a beach.
Person in white dress getting assistance with shoes in a room with large windows.
Wedding party guests clink champagne glasses together in a celebratory toast at a reception.
Wedding party members helping fit bridal shoes on couch.
A bride applying lipstick in a mirrored reflection wearing a white wedding dress and delicate jewelry.
A group of women in beige dresses share candid moments in multiple photo frames.
Directory or hallway navigation sign with room numbers and arrows mounted on a white wall.
Wedding party waiting anxiously in a hallway while others peek around the corner before a ceremony.
A group in formal black suits and ties stand together at a formal event with elegant white floral decor.
Wedding guests gather in a warmly lit indoor reception venue with elegant white table settings and decor.
Couples dance together at a wedding reception, enjoying romantic moments on the dance floor.
Wedding guests fully engaged in dancing and celebration at an elegant indoor wedding reception venue.
A wedding ceremony moment showing a line of groomsmen standing against a wall with flags and decor.
Wedding party laughing and posing together in front of white brick wall.
Reception guests gather in a modern banquet hall decorated with hanging string lights and flags for a celebration.
A happy couple shares a tender moment together during their wedding celebration, surrounded by loved ones.
A joyful wedding party moment as they read heartfelt letters and notes together.
Wedding party members share joyful laughter while gathered near a white floral arch during the ceremony.
Wedding party in formal attire lined up in an elegant venue with decorative balloon columns.
Wedding party members line up in formation wearing black suits and white dresses at an indoor venue.
Groomsmen in black suits stand together during a formal wedding celebration.
Candid reactions and laughter during wedding party photo session.
Bride smiles joyfully while reading wedding vows during ceremony with bridesmaids in background.
Wedding letter being read aloud showing handwritten words and emotional expressions.
Formal reception area with brick wall accent and wedding decor in an indoor venue.
Wedding celebration with guests gathered near an elegant white floral arch during an indoor ceremony.
Wedding party poses for a formal group photo with bridesmaids in white and groomsmen in black against a wall.
Wedding celebration with dancing guests on a hardwood floor decorated with red and blue flags.
People interact and socialize around a long table with water views visible through large windows.
Group gathers around a white-clothed table during a wedding ceremony document signing with champagne glasses.
Close-up of clasped hands at a formal event with a champagne glass on white tablecloth.
Group of wedding guests in formal black attire gathered around tables at a reception venue with city views.
A close-up view of hands signing a document, with a formal paper and printed text visible in the frame.
A group wearing formal attire poses together at a waterfront venue with a marriage certificate on the table.
Couple kisses while sitting at a table with city views visible through floor-to-ceiling windows in an elegant setting.

Queen City Yacht Club Reception with Live Music

After the ceremony, Monique and Stu made a point to greet every guest during cocktail hour. With two wedding celebrations and a large community surrounding them, spending time with the people who attended was clearly one of their priorities.


The reception included toasts from Monique’s cousins, father, and maid of honor, followed by speeches from Stu’s brother and father. Monique also handled much of the décor herself, while Mandee Osbourne of Buds and Blooms created the white floral arrangements throughout the room.


Blue Wave Band performed during the reception and kept the dance floor moving through the night. The clubhouse’s wood floors, marina windows, hanging maritime flags, and live music gave the reception a look and energy that felt specific to Queen City Yacht Club rather than a generic ballroom.

Monique walking down the aisle during her Queen City Yacht Club wedding ceremony.
Monique walking down the aisle during her Queen City Yacht Club wedding ceremony.
Monique walking down the aisle during her Queen City Yacht Club wedding ceremony.
Monique walking down the aisle during her Queen City Yacht Club wedding ceremony.
People dancing and celebrating at a wedding reception with raised arms and joyful expressions.
Dance studio filled with students practicing group choreography routines during a high-energy dance class session.
Panoramic view of a wedding venue with wooden beams, hanging flags and natural lighting.
A bridesmaid in a champagne satin dress gives a speech at a wedding reception with flowers and wine bottles visible.
Wedding reception venue with elegant table settings, floral centerpieces and festive decorations.
A panoramic view of a wedding reception setting with white floral arrangements and crystal decor at an elegant venue.
Wedding reception guests seated at a long table decorated with white floral centerpieces and candelabras.
Wedding reception guests gather at long tables while a bridesmaid gives a toast at a rustic indoor venue.
Wedding guests watch as a speaker in a champagne-colored dress gives a toast at an elegant reception decorated with flowers.
Wedding guests seated at long dinner tables with white floral centerpieces in an elegantly lit reception venue.
Young couple sharing their first dance on a polished hardwood floor at a wedding reception.
A formal wedding reception banquet table decorated with white floral centerpieces and elegant place settings.
People gather at a wedding reception event with table settings and decorations in an indoor venue.
Wedding party attendants in blush pink dresses check their phones together during a celebration.
Wedding reception speech sequence showing bridesmaid in blush pink dress delivering emotional toast at decorated table.
Wedding photographer captures candid reception moments with crew of cameras and photographic equipment at indoor venue.
Wedding party enjoying a candid moment with drinks and laughter during a reception celebration.
A long table at a wedding reception is decorated with floral arrangements and candles while guests celebrate and dine.
Wedding guests share laughter and conversation during an indoor reception celebration at a banquet venue.
Wedding guests gather at an elegant reception venue decorated with orchid centerpieces and glowing candles.
People in formal attire socialize at an elegant evening event with ambient lighting and glassware on tables.
Wedding guests seated at tables during a reception in an elegant indoor venue.
Wedding reception candid moment showing laughter and celebration with white floral centerpieces and champagne glasses.
Wedding reception panorama showing guests seated at long tables in a decorated indoor venue.

Queen City Yacht Club Wedding FAQ


Can anyone rent Queen City Yacht Club for a wedding?

Private events at the clubhouse must be rented through a sponsoring club member who will be present at the event. Couples should confirm sponsorship and availability directly with Queen City Yacht Club before finalizing plans.


How many guests can Queen City Yacht Club accommodate?

The main clubhouse can accommodate events of up to approximately 225 guests.


Is Queen City Yacht Club good for wedding photos?

The marina, docks, waterfront, tree-lined areas, clubhouse windows, stairs, and indoor reception space provide several different looks without leaving the property.


How much photography coverage works for a Queen City Yacht Club wedding?

For getting ready, a first look, a large wedding party, family photos, ceremony, cocktail hour, toasts, live music, and open dancing, eight to ten hours will usually give the day more breathing room.


Vendor Team

Venue: Queen City Yacht Club

Officiant: Greg Milner

Catering: Willie Williamson

Bakery: Safeway MLT

DJ/Band: Blue Wave Band

Florist: Mandee Osbourne (Maple Valley & Covington Buds and Blooms)

Hair & Makeup: I.M. Artistry (Ivonne Mendoza)

Decor: Monique Mey

Dress: I Do Bridal

Bartender: QCYC

Elegant wedding table setting with white tablecloth and tall cascading floral arrangement in soft neutral tones.
Couple stands behind round white table with wedding cake and floral decor in elegant venue with string lights.
Wedding ceremony couple sharing intimate kiss at altar decorated with white floral arches and modern lighting.
A couple shares a joyful moment cutting their elegant white wedding cake together at their reception.
Bride and groom perform traditional cake-cutting ceremony at wedding reception, dressed in formal black and white attire.
Two people share an intimate moment during a romantic wedding ceremony in a rustic brick room.
Newlyweds share a joyful moment while cutting into their elegant white textured wedding cake.
A joyful wedding moment captured as newlyweds share a laugh while cutting their elegant white floral cake.
A couple shares a playful moment together while cutting their white wedding cake decorated with delicate flowers.
A collection of white ceramic plates and dishes arranged in a commercial kitchen setting with some remnants of food visible.
A dessert table with plates of pastries and a large decorated sheet cake at a wedding reception.
A couple shares a romantic dance in an elegant ballroom setting with natural wood floors and white decor.
A couple dances elegantly at a wedding reception with colorful bunting flags hanging overhead on the wooden beams.
Two dancers in formal attire perform an elegant ballroom dance lift sequence at an indoor venue with floral decorations.
A couple dances together on a wooden floor during their wedding reception with decorative flags visible in the background.
A couple shares a romantic dance together in a dimly lit venue during what appears to be a wedding reception.
Four sequential shots show wedding dancers performing a dramatic dip move on a polished wooden dance floor.
A couple dancing together in a reception hall decorated with white floral arrangements and illuminated wooden flooring.
Dance partners glide gracefully across a wooden floor with a pennant flag visible on the wall behind them.
Couples elegantly dance across a polished wooden ballroom floor during a formal wedding reception event.
A couple shares their first dance at an elegant wedding reception surrounded by guests.
Two people share a dance together at an indoor event with soft lighting and tables visible in the background.
A tender moment between two people dancing at a formal event, with one wearing black and the other in a dark dress.
Two dancers share an intimate moment on a dance floor while guests watch and take photos during an evening celebration.
Dance couples practice traditional dance moves in a large, bright studio during a ballroom dancing class.
A group of women wearing champagne-colored bridesmaid dresses pose together at a wedding celebration.
A large crowd of wedding guests wearing white and black attire dance together energetically on a dance floor.
People dancing in formal attire at what appears to be a wedding reception or celebration event.
A group of people laughing and dancing together at a social gathering with festive atmosphere.
A person in a champagne-colored dress dances enthusiastically on a wooden dance floor at a party venue.
Guests dancing together at a lively wedding celebration in an elegant indoor venue.
A couple shares a romantic dance together during what appears to be their wedding reception.
Wedding guests dance and mingle at an evening reception with colored lighting and decorative elements.
Guests dance and mingle during a lively reception party in a dimly lit venue space.
People dance at a celebration in a dimly lit reception hall.

Two Wedding Celebrations, One Complete Story

This Queen City Yacht Club wedding was the second part of Monique and Stu’s celebration. Their first ceremony in Oregon centered on Cambodian traditions, family, colorful attire, and the Hai Goan Gomloh groom’s procession.

The Seattle wedding looked different, but the focus remained the same: bringing their families and community together. Seeing both days gives a much fuller picture of how they chose to honor their backgrounds while creating a wedding experience that felt like their own.


Read Part One of Monique and Stu’s Cambodian wedding celebration.

Wedding guests dressed in white dance and celebrate with joyful expressions at an indoor reception venue.

A Review from Monique & Stu

"Andre did an amazing job with our wedding photos. We had a Cambodian wedding and a Western wedding, and he photographed both. He is a very talented photographer. Andre was great at directing us on what would look best for the photos. I loved that many of the photos embodied all the emotions of the day. We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer. We highly recommend Andre if you’re looking for a great wedding photographer!”


Planning a Queen City Yacht Club Wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding at Queen City Yacht Club, another Seattle waterfront venue, or a celebration that brings multiple cultures and traditions together, 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 keep large groups and busy timelines moving without turning the day into one long photoshoot.

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



A panoramic view of people dancing in pairs during a social dance event in a spacious white-walled venue.