Snoqualmie Point Park has been a location I’ve been wanting to shoot at for quite some time. It’s a beautiful park that’s not a far drive from Issaquah, WA and is nestled in between the mountains with a nice view of the nearby cities.
I was ecstatic to be their Snoqualmie Elopement Photographer.
I had instantly fell in love with their story and how they were destined to be together. You just have to read how they met because it gives me major rom-com vibes along with a heartfelt cry at the end. Alli is from Australia and Rich is from the US. Rich was sent to Australia on a work assignment near the end of 2014. Rich was living on site at the workers camp and Alli worked on the same site in the office. After about a couple months, Alli heard about this good looking guy on site through some of the girls but had never met or seen him as she worked in contracts and their paths never crossed. It wasn’t until May 2015 when Rich was in need of a notary to witness some property documentation that he needed to send back to the states. Alli was one of the notaries on site, so he was directed to her. He was on his way to his desk and stopped half way to speak to another person on the construction team and Alli happened to be in the same area speaking to their admin and she overhead this loud American voice say, “yeah, I’ll catch up with you later – I have to go find an Allison first.” She turned to the direction of the voice and saw him for the first time and said, “Hi, I’m Allison.” Rich gave her a big grin and chuckle and walked up to her with his hand raised for a high five and said, “Hey I’m Rich!” She responded professionally with her hand held out to shake and then said, “yeah, we don’t high five here.”. He laughed, tried to fist bump but then finally surrendered and shook her hand. They hit it off immediately.
For the next 5-6 months they had went on lunches and multiple adventures throughout Australia. They went to the Whitsundays, snorkeled, took a helicopter tour over the Great Barrier Reef, cage dived with great white sharks just to name a few. Sadly in February 2016, Rich had to head home after finishing his work assignment and they decided to part ways as it hadn’t been long enough for a long distance relationship. They kept in touch for the next 9 months via phone calls and emails, but didn’t know when or if they would ever see each other again.
Then a friend and her decided to go to the US for a holiday and were planning a fun girls trip. Alli had told Rich about it and they discussed catching up but it was all a maybe. A month later her friend had cancelled and Alli decided she’ll still go and asked Rich if he had free time to catch up and if he was interested in meeting up in New York as they had talked about going there together for their first time ‘one day’. This couldn’t have been better timing for the both of them. Rich was currently working in Virginia, so meeting in New York was a good idea for the both of them. On November 3rd, 2016, Rich’s flight arrived before Alli’s and he waited for her at the baggage terminal in Newark. It was definitely a life changing moment when they both saw each other again. Over the next 11 days, they rekindled their relationship and realized that even though they lived on opposite sides of the world, they had to be together again. They’ve been doing the long distance thing ever since until April of this year when Alli arrived to the USA on a K1 visa (hellooo #90dayfiance).
Now you’re probably wondering how he proposed right?! Well it’s your lucky day, because the bride herself will tell you exactly how it went down:
“It was Memorial Day weekend last year and after a gorgeous day of sightseeing and shopping around Seattle, we went out to dinner at a restaurant close to our home in Issaquah. After a lovely and romantic dinner, we went for a walk along the path near the park and gardens behind the restaurant and as we were walking, he stopped under a lamppost and dropped down to one knee and asked me to marry him. He was going to wait until the next day when we planned to go on a hike together but told me he couldn’t wait any longer. :)”
Major crying emoji, amirite?! After reading their story, I just could not wait til their elopement at Snoqualmie Point Park. Alli and Rich wanted something intimate and relaxed, set amongst beautiful scenery, but private. They didn’t have a specific color palette or style vision and the outfits they chose were each their own style. Alli wanted a classic, simple dress and Rich wanted a blue suit. A cute element Alli had included was eucalyptus leaves in her bouquet as they’re native to Australia and she wanted something that’ll remind her of home.
Now their ceremony was more than special. The most memorable moment for Alli and Rich of course was when they were announced as husband and wife. It was a surreal moment for the both of them and of course something they’ll never forget.
I had asked Alli and Rich one piece of advice that they would give for newlyweds-to-be, and here’s what they said:
“Do what makes you and your fiance happy, not making others happy. People often get caught up in all the fluff with weddings but you’ve just got to remember why you have decided to marry your love. And don’t let other people’s opinions or feelings get in the way of your magical day.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Check out their Snoqualmie Elopement below!
I am absolutely honored to have been Alli & Rich’s Snoqualmie Elopement Photographer. They were the most friendly, down-to-earth, outgoing love birds and I couldn’t have thanked them enough for choosing me to capture their beautiful elopement.
Have you been wanting elope in Snoqualmie or any of the other beautiful locations that Washington has to offer? Maybe Alli & Rich’s story inspired you to finally do your wedding your own way? Either way, I’d love to hear your thoughts and vision about your big day! Fill out my contact form and send me a message. I would love to help any way that I can!
So if you’re looking for a Snoqualmie Wedding Photographer or even a Destination Wedding Photographer, I’m your gal! I have many more locations on my list that I’m dying to shoot at!
And while you’re here, take a look at my Snoqualmie Elopement Inspiration blog! If you love what you see, don’t hesitate to contact me, it’s never too early to book your Snoqualmie Wedding Photographer!
Featured Vendors:
Hair & Makeup: Katie Boyar Hair & Makeup
Florals: First and Bloom
