A sunny ceremony with Olympic Mountain views, an emotional first look, and a dance floor that never quit


Some weddings hit different right from the start. Sarah and Philip’s did, not just because it was a gorgeous summer day at The Golf Club at Newcastle, but because there was so much heart baked into every part of it.


This was a two-photographer day. My second photographer started with Philip and his crew, and I started with Sarah and her bridal party. And let me tell you, they had a huge bridal party. The energy was instantly high. Friends everywhere, people popping in and out of rooms, and Philip doing what Philip does best: keeping everyone laughing.


If you’re new here, I’m Andre (Weddings by Andre), a Seattle wedding photographer photographing weddings all across Washington and the Pacific Northwest. If you’re planning your own day and want coverage that feels real, polished, and fun, you can explore my work here:

Seattle + Washington wedding portfolio

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Or reach out directly: Contact me

Newlyweds pose together at night in front of illuminated venue with twinkling lights in background.

Getting ready with Sarah (and a first look that had everyone feeling it)


Sarah’s getting ready portion was “standard” in the best way. Lots of friends, lots of excitement, and detail photos that looked straight-up luxury. The flat lays came together beautifully.

But the moment that truly stood out was with her dad.


Sarah’s mother has passed away, and she wanted to honor her in a way that felt personal and meaningful. So Sarah put on her mom’s wedding dress and did a first look with her dad. It was quiet, sweet, and emotional without being performative. Her dad’s face said everything. Shock, awe, pride, love. One of those moments that reminds you weddings are not just about the couple, they’re about family and memory too.

Philip’s side: the bobbleheads (and peak Philip energy)


Meanwhile, Philip’s morning had its own signature moment. He gifted his groomsmen bobbleheads of themselves.


I don’t even need to explain why this was hilarious. It was the perfect “this is who we are” touch, and it immediately set the tone for the day: meaningful, yes, but also genuinely fun.

The first look on the balcony with skyline and golf course views


Sarah and Philip’s first look happened on a balcony overlooking the golf course, with the city in the distance. Newcastle is known for those panoramic views, and it absolutely delivered.


This part of the day felt like the perfect mix of elegant and relaxed. No rushing, no chaos. Just them seeing each other, taking it in, and letting the day finally feel real.

A couple in wedding attire stands together on a scenic balcony overlooking a mountain landscape on their special day.

Portraits right after the first look


Right after their first look on the balcony, we did a short portrait session while the energy was still fresh and the nerves had settled. This is always one of my favorite windows to photograph because couples are usually the most present right then. It’s like the day “clicks” into place, and the photos naturally feel more connected.

The outdoor ceremony: chuppah, sunshine, and a Seattle-area view that doesn’t feel real


Their ceremony was outdoors on a bright, sunny, hot day overlooking the course, with the Olympic Mountains sitting far off in the background. Newcastle’s ceremony views are a huge reason couples choose it, because you get that elevated “Pacific Northwest panorama” feeling without needing to leave the Seattle area.

They incorporated a number of Jewish wedding traditions, and I want to name a few here (with quick story context), because it’s part of what made the ceremony so special.


The Chuppah (the beautiful “altar” with four openings)


The “altar thing with the four openings” is called a chuppah (sometimes spelled chupa). It’s a canopy that symbolizes the home the couple is building together, open on all sides like a reminder of hospitality, community, and the people who will be part of their life.


Sarah and Philip’s chuppah was stunning. It was made with a huge amount of roses and felt lush and intentional. It framed the ceremony perfectly.


Rabbi Mordechai Farkash


Their ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Mordechai Farkash, who guided the day with a calm presence and clear intention.

A wedding ceremony takes place under a white floral arch at an elegant outdoor venue with guests in attendance.

The ketubah: signing something that’s more than paperwork


After the ceremony, we moved into the ketubah signing.


A ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract. But calling it “paperwork” doesn’t really capture it. It’s a written commitment that reflects responsibility, partnership, and the seriousness of the promise they’re making. It’s often signed with close family or witnesses present, and it creates a quieter pocket of time in the middle of a big day.


This part felt like a breath. A reset. A “we’re really doing this” moment.

Reception: heartfelt toasts, then the Hora and nonstop dancing


Once we rolled into the reception, we got hit with two things back-to-back:

  1. Toasts that were actually great (the kind that make people laugh and feel something), and then
  2. a dance floor that basically didn’t stop.


The Hora and chair lifting


The “chair lifting thing” is part of the Hora, a classic Jewish wedding dance that’s all about celebration and community. The couple gets lifted up on chairs while everyone dances around them, usually in a big circle, and the energy spikes immediately.


It’s chaotic in the best way. It’s also one of my favorite moments to photograph because you can feel the joy through the images.


And then… they just kept dancing. All night.

Sunset portraits and flash photos that went off


Later, as the sun started dropping, we snuck out again for a second round of portraits. The light at Newcastle is unreal during that time of day, and it gave us a totally different feel compared to earlier.

And then we brought in flash.


These ended up being some of my favorite images of the day. That punchy, cinematic look, the kind of photos that feel like they belong in a magazine. Sarah and Philip were completely down for it, which made it even better. When a couple trusts the process, those flash portraits go from “cool idea” to “holy crap.”

Sparkler exit to close it out


They finished with a sparkler exit, which was the perfect final beat for a day that balanced elegance, tradition, and full-send party energy.

Why Newcastle is such a strong wedding venue near Seattle


If you’re planning a wedding in the Seattle area and want a venue that feels elevated without being stuffy, The Golf Club at Newcastle is a solid option. It’s known for panoramic views and large event spaces (including ballrooms that can host big guest counts).


If you’re currently venue hunting, you might also like this resource I wrote:

Best Wedding Venues Near Seattle (Photographer’s Guide)


And if you’re building your timeline right now, this will save you stress:

The Ultimate Wedding Day Timeline for Amazing Photos


Vendor team (linked)

Here’s the team that helped bring everything together:

Venue: The Golf Club at Newcastle

Coordinator: BD Event Management

Makeup: Salon Maison

Cake: Inna Shibu @innashibu

Ceremony Officiant: Rabbi Mordechai Farkash (bio/info) Chabad Bellevue

Entertainment: Orion Entertainment & Sway Band

Florals: Sweet n Design

Rentals & Decor:

Superior Event Rental

Amazing Ice Sculptures

Video: Seattle Wedding Videographer

Photography: Weddings by Andre


Joyful couple jumps in celebration on a dark golf course with illuminated houses in the background.

Planning a Jewish wedding in Seattle or Washington?


If you’re planning a Jewish wedding in Seattle or anywhere in Washington, I’d love to photograph it. I’m comfortable working with fast timelines, big bridal parties, and traditions that deserve to be captured clearly and respectfully.


You can start here: Wedding packages

Or reach out here: Contact