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Simple & Elegant – Port Angeles Wedding at Hunter’s Gate Farm

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August 22, 2022

Hanna & Sean’s Port Angeles wedding was a perfectly curated celebration of their love. It was easily one of the most intentionally planned weddings I’ve ever photographed. Their entire day was emotional from beginning to end. We hugged, we cried, and we danced our asses off, and it was epic.

This blog will highlight some of the memorable moments from Hanna & Sean’s wedding, as well as:

How to construct the perfect wedding day timeline
Tips for a flawless sparkler exit
How to plan an intentional wedding day
Things to do around Port Angeles
Places to stay near Port Angeles

Hannah & Sean’s Port Angeles Wedding

Hanna & Sean said, “I do’ at Hunter’s Gate Farm, which is located between the quaint coastal towns of Port Angeles and Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula.

With views of Vancouver Island, the Olympic Mountains, and if you’re lucky, the San Juan Islands, you can’t go wrong here!

Getting Ready Details

The two spent the morning getting ready with the help of their loved ones.

Hanna’s sister helped her with her hair and make-up

An intimate and emotional first look

They shared an intimate and emotional first look at the bluff overlooking the stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Hunter’s Gate Farm Ceremony

Sean’s reaction to seeing his bride walk down the aisle.

“And I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss your bride”

This venue is just one of the many stunning places to say “I do” in Washington. Be sure to check out my list of The Best Places to Elope in Washington to find a spot that’s perfect for you.

Their first dance

Port Angeles Sunset Portraits

Another prime example of why a perfectly constructed wedding timeline makes all the difference.

I love seeing which traditional elements couples like to incorporate in their day. I’ll always be a fan of the Mother of the Groom and Father of the Bride dances. They are so sweet and usually very emotional.

Wedding Day Timeline

Let’s talk about those super helpful, very handy wedding day timelines!

We all know time flies when you’re having fun with your best friend! This is especially true on your wedding or elopement day, which is why it’s so important to be intentional with your timeline!

Tips to keep in mind as you start to construct your timeline!

• Be sure to schedule extra time for detail shots. Trust me; the little things are big things that you’ll definitely want to remember in years to come.

Fresh flowers (unfortunately) only last so long. Having photos of those perfectly designed bouquets means they will last longer than a memory.

• Add a 30-minute buffer to your “getting ready” time. It’s not uncommon for couples to take longer than expected to get ready on their big day. Which is totally ok! By factoring in a bit of wiggle room, you won’t have to worry about feeling rushed or fear missing something big, like a sunset shot.

Sean looks real dapper in wedding attire.

Hanna wrote her sister a sweet card with her gift. This was taken seconds after she finished reading it.

I love this sweet moment with Hanna’s Mother and Sister before she walked down the aisle.

• Schedule time for portraits of just the two of you! This will give you a moment to be together in the middle of a high-energy day. The photos shot during this time are usually pretty epic too. Emotions are high, and you’re seeing your partner for the first time on your freaking wedding day!

Sean waiting patiently to see his bride for the first time.

• Most importantly, stay focused on what matters most – embracing every moment of your big day and the fact that you get to marry your best friend!

How do you feel about your wedding day timeline? Any questions? Let me know below!

How to have a flawless Sparkler send-off

Who doesn’t love a sparkler exit? You’re literally lit up in love by all of your favorite people! Sparkler exits are such a fun and special way to celebrate your grand exit from the best day of your life. When done correctly, they also make for some pretty iconic photos.

Here are a few of my favorite sparkler exit tips that helped make Hanna and Sean’s grand exit, flawless.

1. If you want to achieve the most magical lighting, plan your exit under a row of string lights!

2. Use the longest sparklers you can find. You’ll increase your chances of being able to go through the line twice, which allows for more photo opportunities. The first time through, we’ll aim for fun, classy photos. The next time through, be silly and have some fun!

Does it get more iconic than a sparkler send-off during your grand exit?

Hanna & Sean literally LIT UP in love (and sparklers)!

Moments they’ll undeniably hold on to forever.

A note about sparklers:

You’ll want to look for ones that don’t let off a lot of smoke and are made of metal. Not sure where to find the best sparklers for your send-off? Check out Sparklers Online! They offer the longest-lasting (up to four minutes) and the highest-quality wedding sparklers out there. For an added personalized touch, head to Etsy for sparkler tags that you can customize for your day.

3. Double-check that your venue allows sparkler exits before your day. If they do, they’ll most likely be able to suggest the best place to have yours.

4. Having a hose or bucket of water nearby is always a good idea for safety.

See what I mean about those second time through vibes!?

If your venue doesn’t allow sparklers or there’s a burn ban, let’s chat about alternative ideas!

Things to do near Port Angeles

Port Angeles is a magical little corner of the Pacific Northwest, with lots of things to do and places to explore. Here are a few ideas to incorporate into your Washington state wedding itinerary or share with your guests who plan to extend their stay.

Mount Rainier National Park

Visit Mount Rainier National Park! Mount Rainier is the most iconic spot in Washington. You could have a pre or post-wedding picnic in the park or spend the day after your wedding hiking the trails. Whatever you decide to do, it’s well worth the visit!

Pike Place Market

Walk through the original public market in downtown Seattle near the waterfront – Pike Place Market! Check out the first Starbucks, grab lunch on the pier, pick up some fresh flowers and local favorites and be sure to watch out for the flying fish!

Hoh Rainforest

Explore the Hoh Rainforest – yes, a real rainforest! This old-growth rainforest is one of my personal favorite places to visit in Washington. You can drive or take a walk on the many trails through the mossy wonderland and feast your eyes on ferns galore. The Hoh rainforest is 2.5 hours drive West of Port Angeles in the heart of the beautiful Olympic National Park.

Places to Stay in Port Angeles

There a tons of places to stay near Hunter’s Gate Farm in Port Angeles; here are just a few suggestions in the area.

Olympic Lodge

This luxury lodge-style hotel is located just outside downtown Port Angeles. It is a short 15-minute drive from Hunters’ Gate Farm wedding venue. You can find more about the Olympic Lodge accommodations here.

Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor

This hotel is 20 minutes West of Hunters’ Gate Farm and is in the heart of Port Angeles. For details and accommodations about this hotel, click here.

Campgrounds

Looking for a more off-the-grid place to stay? There is a gorgeous campground nearby! The Dungeness Recreation Area and Campground sits on the largest natural spit in the entire world. There is a mix of first come, first served, and reservable campsites.

If you’re thinking about getting married somewhere in Washington, check out my How to Elope in Washington State for all the details you need to know to plan your big day in the Pacific Northwest!