What happens when you mix the elegance of a Seattle wedding with the warmth and traditions of a Serbian celebration? You get a night that’s equal parts heartfelt, joyful, and just the right amount of wild.


Tea and Tyler had already sealed the deal a few days earlier with a stunning elopement at Mount Baker’s Artist Point. But their wedding day at The 101 in Pioneer Square wasn’t just a formality—it was their chance to gather everyone they love under one roof for an unforgettable follow-up celebration.


Setting the Scene – The 101 in Pioneer Square


Located in the heart of Seattle’s historic district, The 101 brings modern industrial style to life with its exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and abundant natural light. It’s the kind of venue that can be dressed up or down, and for Tea and Tyler, it was the perfect blank canvas for their vision.


The day began with detail photos— florals, table settings, and all the little touches that tied the celebration together. The 101’s open floor plan allowed the decor to shine without feeling overdone. Think: simple elegance meets cozy family gathering.

White floral table seating cards displayed on a wall with elegant calligraphy and rose decorations.
A classic guest book with calligraphy text casting dramatic shadows on a white tablecloth.
Two guests in long dresses view photos and decorations displayed at an elegant event setup against a brick wall interior.
Large industrial event space with white walls and exposed ceiling decorated with floral arrangements and chairs.
Elegant wedding reception backdrop with dreamy sheer gray drapes and white floral arrangements against exposed brick wall.
White pillar candles and delicate floral arrangements with greenery on a light-colored tablecloth.
An elegant rustic brick venue space with string lights and dark chairs arranged for an event.
Round dining tables with white linens and floral centerpieces set up in an elegant brick-walled reception venue.
An elegant wedding reception venue with white round tables, black folding chairs and wooden support beams in an open space.
Elegant wedding table setting with white floral centerpiece, white linens, and rustic table number display.
A romantic white floral centerpiece arrangement featuring roses, daisies and delicate small blooms with greenery.
A series of candlelit banquet tables arranged in a reception venue with guests seated for a wedding celebration.

Family First


Tea and Tyler’s day didn’t follow a traditional wedding timeline. Instead of a long list of posed shots or a multi-stop portrait marathon, they kept it focused on what mattered most—family.


From the very start, there was an ease in the air. Relatives greeted each other with genuine warmth, and conversations flowed as naturally as the wine. It wasn’t a stiff, picture-perfect affair; it was a living, breathing reflection of the people in the room.


And while many weddings start with formalities, theirs began with connection. I moved between candid hugs, laughter-filled group shots, and small, quiet moments—capturing the kind of images that feel like memories, not staged scenes.

Wedding party group photo against a rustic brick wall with formal attire and bright yellow accent.
Wedding party wearing black tuxedos poses in front of red brick wall background.
Wedding party poses together in front of rustic brick wall at celebration.
Three men in formal black suits and bowties stand together against a rustic brick wall backdrop at an event.
Large wedding party group photo against exposed brick wall background at indoor venue.
Wedding party members stand in a row against a rustic brick wall backdrop in formal attire.
A formal group photo of wedding party members in evening attire posing against a brick wall.
Four people stand laughing together against a rustic brick wall background during a photo session.

A Reception with Heart (and Brandy)


Once guests were seated, ACT 3 Catering kept everyone happily fed. Plates arrived fresh and flavorful, perfectly suited to a crowd ready to fuel up for a night of dancing.


But the real star of the evening’s traditions? A wooden cask of Serbian brandy that made its way around the room. Guests took turns sipping from it, passing it on with smiles and the occasional cheer. It was one of those cultural touches that makes a wedding feel deeply personal—something you can’t replicate with Pinterest inspiration boards.


Toasts that Made You Laugh and Tear Up


Toasts can be hit or miss at weddings, but Tea and Tyler’s were pure gold. Friends and family shared stories that were equal parts funny, heartfelt, and revealing in the best way. You could feel how deeply loved and supported these two are.


As a Seattle wedding photographer, moments like these are some of my favorites to capture. The expressions, the laughter, the hand squeezes at the table—they’re all the unscripted details that couples cherish most when they look back.

Professional looking well-dressed person in dark suit and tie sitting during a formal event or interview.
A celebratory wedding reception moment with guests laughing and sharing champagne at an elegant white-themed venue.
Ornate glass cognac bottle with royal crest sits beside elegant champagne flutes on wooden bar counter.
Two people at formal event smile while displaying round gold medallion award in indoor venue.
Wedding party in formal attire celebrating on the dance floor at a reception venue with brick walls.
Dance instructor leads couples in learning ballroom dance steps in a bright studio space with exposed brick walls.
Dancers practice their dance moves together in a modern studio with white brick walls and natural lighting.
Series of decorative wall art and framed photographs with text quotes and plants in a modern home interior design setup.
People in formal attire mingle and laugh during a social event in a bright brick-walled venue with natural lighting.
Couples practicing dance moves in a ballroom during a group dance lesson class.
Guests dancing and mingling at a wedding reception, with the bride in a white gown and guests in formal attire.
Spacious loft-style event venue with wooden columns, hardwood floors and round dining tables set for a celebration.
Wedding guests in formal attire share joyful moments during a reception celebration.
Wedding ceremony setup inside rustic brick venue with string lights and white floral arrangements creating elegant atmosphere.
A guest signs the registration book at an elegant reception table decorated with white floral arrangements.
Multiple hands write in a guest book at a wedding reception using elegant gold pens.
Wedding guests dancing and celebrating on a dance floor at an indoor venue with exposed brick walls.
Guests enjoying a celebratory moment at an elegant indoor wedding reception venue.
People mingling and socializing at an indoor event space with large windows and natural light.
Family and friends celebrate together at a reception in a rustic brick-walled venue with warm lighting and elegant decor.
A couple dances together at a wedding reception under string lights in an elegant indoor venue.
Wedding candid photo of children and groomsmen in suits and formalwear standing on white floor during indoor reception.
Two guests in formal attire share a celebratory moment with drinks at a wedding reception against a white brick wall.
Party guests sit at an elegant dining table with white floral centerpieces and candles at an evening event.
A joyful group sits at a bar counter enjoying casual conversation and laughter together.
Reception guests mingling inside a rustic brick venue with ornate chandeliers and natural lighting.
Joyful couple shares a laugh during their elegant wedding toast at an industrial brick venue with white floral decor.
A guest gives a heartfelt speech at an elegant wedding reception with bokeh lights in the background.
Wedding guests seated at rustic wooden tables during an elegant barn reception celebration.
Couple shares intimate moments under white floral arch at brick wall wedding ceremony setting.
Wedding couple shares an emotional candid moment at reception with white floral decorations against brick wall.
Wedding guests laugh and celebrate during a reception in a rustic brick-walled venue with wooden beams.
A couple exchanges vows during indoor wedding ceremony with floral arch and brick wall backdrop.
Two people share a tender embrace on the dance floor at an elegant indoor reception event.
Professional chef in white uniform and cap stands against rustic wood paneling in restaurant setting.
A wedding couple stands in front of a brick wall adorned with white floral and sheer drapery decorations during their ceremony.
An elegant table setting at a formal event with white floral centerpieces and place settings for guests.
A group of people celebrate at an elegant wedding reception with floral centerpieces and candlelit tables.
A couple sits together at their reception table adorned with delicate floral arrangements and candlelight decor.
Best man delivers an emotional wedding speech while kneeling in front of guests at a reception venue decorated with flowers.
Panoramic view of a modern cafeteria with exposed brick walls and large windows filled with dining guests.
Black and white photo of an emotional guest at a wedding reception wearing a white dress with floral details.
Guest delivers emotional wedding speech with microphone at elegant reception with exposed brick wall and white decor.
Intimate wedding reception moments captured in sequence showing newlyweds sharing tender moments at their dining table.
Wedding reception table decorated with white floral arch and sheer draping against exposed brick wall.
Sequence of candlelit moments showing two people leaning close together at a romantic table setting.
Bride and groom share their first dance in an intimate rustic brick-walled venue decorated with white floral arrangements.
Three friends share a joyous candid moment laughing together in black and white photograph.
A romantic couple shares a kiss against a brick wall decorated with white floral arrangements.
Two people in formal suits greet each other with a handshake against a backdrop of white floral decorations.
Four black and white photos show wedding moments and groomsmen sharing laughter amidst brick wall and curtain backdrops.
A romantic wedding reception dining area with brick walls, white floral arrangements, and sheer drapery decor.
A panoramic view of people seated at tables in a dining event space with warm lighting and industrial ceiling details.
Collage of wedding moments featuring dancing couples and festive celebrations against exposed brick walls with floral decorations.
Wedding celebration with drinks in front of floral arch and exposed brick wall at indoor venue.
A group of people in black suits and formal attire standing in front of a rustic brick wall.
Wedding guests dance and mingle during a reception in a rustic brick-walled venue decorated with floral arrangements.
Wedding party in formal black tuxedos and suits gathered near brick wall with white floral decorations.
Wedding guests gathered in a rustic brick-walled venue during a celebration event.
People gathering at a wedding reception with exposed brick walls, sharing laughter and conversation during speeches.
A speaker in a dark suit addresses a wedding reception audience in a rustic brick venue decorated with white flowers.
A speaker in a black suit and tie gestures while giving a speech at an event with brick walls in the background.
Wedding guests celebrate and applaud during a reception dinner with elegant floral centerpieces on the table.
Wedding reception guests laugh and socialize at elegant tables decorated with white floral centerpieces and glassware.
Wedding guests on dance floor with brick wall and floral decorations in background at evening celebration party.
A well-dressed guest smiles during a formal dinner event with wine glasses and table settings in view.

Cake Cutting and the Start of the Party


The cake arrived, was cut, and shared quickly—because the real energy was pulling everyone toward the dance floor.


Bamboo Beats, one of Seattle’s top wedding DJs, took over and filled the room with a mix of Serbian and American music. And when the traditional Serbian dances began? That’s when the room truly came alive. Guests formed circles, feet moving in perfect rhythm, pulling even the shyest attendees into the fun.

A long white wedding reception table decorated with elegant flowers, candles and plates in a rustic venue setting.
Elegant display of cookies and pastries arranged on decorative gold cake stands at a dessert table.
Multi-tiered dessert display featuring an assortment of treats on ornate gold stands with flowers nearby.
A rustic dessert table with tiered white cake, pastries, and candles arranged on a white tablecloth.
Four sequential images show a couple setting up and arranging their wedding dessert table in an elegant indoor venue.
Wedding guests dance together on a wooden floor at an indoor reception with string lights overhead.
A bride and groom cut their white wedding cake together at an elegantly decorated reception table with candles and flowers.
A couple in formal wedding attire cutting their white wedding cake together at an elegant reception.
A series of candid wedding cake cutting moments showing the newlyweds sharing laughter and joy.
Newlywed couple cuts their elegant white wedding cake together at their reception dessert table decorated with flowers.
Four sequential images capture a couple putting finishing touches on their wedding dessert and refreshment table display.
A couple shares their first bite of wedding cake together at their elegant indoor reception.
A couple in formal wedding attire share an intimate moment and meal during their wedding reception celebration.
A couple shares their first dance at their wedding reception in an elegant white industrial-style venue.
Couple dances their first dance at wedding reception in modern venue with light wood floors and white decor.
Guests enjoy dancing and mingling at an indoor wedding reception with warm lighting and wooden beams.
A couple shares their first dance at their wedding reception, with the bride in a white gown and groom in black suit.
Dancing at wedding reception with DJ speakers and wood beam visible in industrial-style venue.
A sequence of dance poses between two people in formal attire performing on a minimalist dance floor.
A couple shares an energetic moment on the dance floor, with the bride in white and partner in black sharing a dance move.
Two women dancing joyfully in a bright studio space, one wearing a flowing white wedding dress and the other in a sage green dress.
Dance students practice their moves in a mirrored studio during a ballroom dance class session.
A group of celebratory guests dancing together on a dance floor at an indoor event space with string lights above.
People dancing and celebrating together at a lively party with string lights in the background.
A large group of wedding guests dancing together in a circle on a spacious dance floor at a reception venue.
Black and white photo of people dancing together at an indoor social event or celebration.
Wedding guests dancing and having fun on the dance floor at an indoor reception venue.
People dance and celebrate during a wedding reception in black and white with festive lighting.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate on a warm-lit rustic wooden dance floor at an indoor reception venue.
Wedding guests and wedding party dancing energetically at an indoor reception with atmospheric lighting and festive mood.
Wedding guests dance together on the dance floor at an indoor reception with string lights overhead.

Planning Done Right


Weddings that feel this effortless usually have a secret weapon: an incredible planner. 828 Planning worked quietly in the background all night, keeping everything flowing smoothly. Their attention to detail allowed Tea and Tyler to focus entirely on the people around them instead of worrying about logistics.


Vendor Spotlight


  • Act 3 Catering – A family‑owned gem based in Tukwila, serving the greater Seattle and Tacoma region with fresh, seasonal menus and full‑service catering. Feast options include buffet, plated, family‑style, and stations, with personalized tastings, rental coordination, bar services, and more.


  • Bamboo Beats – Seattle’s award‑winning DJ collective specializing in turntable style, video mixing, and multi‑genre music energy. Voted “Best DJ” by Seattle Bride Magazine, they deliver the dance‑floor energy that lasts all night long.


  • 828 Planning – Full‑service wedding and event planners rooted in creativity, seamless coordination, and genuine collaboration. Born at The 101, now serving couples across Seattle with packages from full‑service to month‑of coordination.


Why This Wedding Stuck with Me


I’ve photographed countless weddings across Washington and the Pacific Northwest, but there’s something unforgettable about the way Tea and Tyler celebrated. It wasn’t about grand gestures or over-the-top styling. It was about warmth, culture, and family—the perfect reminder of what weddings are truly about.


From their intimate elopement on Mount Baker to this vibrant night at The 101, their story is proof that your wedding day should feel like you—whether that means cutting a cake, passing around a wooden cask of brandy, or dancing your heart out to traditional music.

Romantic wedding reception table setting with candlesticks and floral centerpieces against exposed brick wall and flowing drapes.

Thinking About Your Own Seattle Wedding?


If you’re planning your wedding in Seattle or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest, I’d love to help you capture your story in a way that feels authentic to you.


You can explore my wedding photography packages here—packages start at $3,800 for 6 hours of coverage, with options for smaller celebrations and elopements.


Whether you’re envisioning a classic city venue like The 101, a mountaintop elopement, or a blend of traditions like Tea and Tyler, I’ll be there to capture it all—candid moments, happy chaos, and the quiet in-betweens.


Contact me today to start the conversation.