There are some weddings I circle on my calendar and count down the days, and this Gig Harbor wedding was one of them.
You see, every year I give away one free wedding to one lucky couple. Courtney and Alden are one of them. When we met officially on our zoom call, it was easy for me to decide they were the right couple to win this wedding. I even told this story at the wedding day to some guests – how I could not stop thinking about them from our meeting. First impressions matter. Maybe it was that they met while studying abroad in Perth, Australia. Perhaps it was a hand-written letter that Alden wrote to her and mailed to her home. Or it could have been the smile they had on their faces when they told me about their wedding and how important family was to them. Either way, it all was included in why I chose them.
We first met in person for their engagement session in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and from the first frame, I knew they were special. The chemistry between them was unreal — the kind you don’t need to pose, just witness. Courtney is radiant in her own right, running her own business now, and Alden loves her with his whole heart. They support each other in such a beautiful, steady way.
Gig Harbor Wedding
Their wedding day took place at Courtney’s grandmother’s family estate in Gig Harbor.
It overlooks the bay, with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. It’s the kind of view that takes your breath away every time you look at it. I took so many photos of the view during day, it’s hard to pick a favorite.
From the moment I arrived, the air felt light and joyful. Everywhere I turned, people were smiling, hugging, and genuinely happy to be there. Friends and family had flown in from all over — even a couple from Australia.
Courtney got ready in one home on the property with her bridesmaids. The room buzzed with laughter, bright spring dresses, and the soft scent of fresh flowers.
Across the lawn, Alden and his groomsmen prepared in another house, sharing jokes and just enjoying the beach before high tide.
So many personal touches had gone into making this day special Gig Harbor Wedding. Close friends and family had arranged every flower, each one bought from a local farm. A family member also took the blessing to make the cake – a four-tier cake where each layer is a different flavor. It wasn’t just a wedding — it was a group of people pouring their love into every detail.
Emotional First Looks
Courtney and Alden’s first look happened on the estate’s green lawn. It was emotional, raw, and overflowing with love. Their smiles said everything words couldn’t. Then came another moment I’ll never forget — Courtney’s first look with her dad. The joy and pride on his face could have lit up the whole bay.
We wandered down to the ceremony space for more portraits, where the light wrapped around them like it knew this was their day.
Gig Harbor Wedding Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the yard, framed by blooming spring flowers. The bay sparkled behind them, and the Olympic Mountains stood tall in the distance. The weather was breezy, warm, and sunny — absolute perfection. The vows were heartfelt, the kind that leave everyone smiling through tears.
When they shared their first kiss, cheers filled the air, and it felt like pure happiness had settled over the entire crowd.
Cocktail hour was full of laughter, clinking glasses, and one incredibly special detail. In memory of Alden’s cousin and good friend who had passed away, they had an oyster bar. It was a beautiful way to honor someone who was so loved, and you could feel how much it meant.
Because most of the formals and couple’s photos were done before the Gig Harbor Wedding ceremony, Alden and Courtney were able to enjoy their full cocktail hour. They got to laugh with their guests, try the food, and have candids captured with many in the crowd. The main reason why I always encourage a first look.
A Tented Reception Celebration
The reception took place under a glowing white tent, illuminated by strings of lights. The tables were dressed in crisp linens and bright pops of color from the flowers. Every bloom echoed the joyful spirit of the day.
The dance floor came alive the second the music started. From “Dancing Queen” to “Mr. Brightside,” the night was filled with millennial favorites and timeless hits. Even those who swore they wouldn’t dance couldn’t resist.
Courtney and Alden never stopped smiling. They were always surrounded by people who loved them, and the joy was contagious. Every laugh, every toast, every spin on the dance floor — all of it felt like magic.
The Final Moments for this Gig Harbor Wedding
Courtney and Alden’s Gig Harbor wedding was more than just beautiful. It was full of meaning and the kind of love that makes you believe in forever. I’ll always remember the way the light hit the bay, the sound of laughter drifting from the tent, and the way these two looked at each other. Where each guest loved having their photo taken and always had something sweet and kind to say.
There were many moments when guests came up to me, asked how I was doing, if I needed anything, and shared a story about the day and the couple with me. Something I never really experienced at most weddings, and if anything, it shows just how incredible and kind every single guest is!
It was an experience that I will never forget. It was the kind of day I will carry with me.
Destinations With Dana
I’m Dana, the wedding photographer behind Destinations with Dana, capturing heartfelt celebrations across the U.S. and Europe. My work is all about preserving authentic connections, the kind you feel in every laugh, every embrace, and every quiet glance. Whether it’s a wedding tucked into the Washington coast or a chateau in France, I focus on telling your full story — not just the wedding day, but the entire experience. Now booking weddings in 2026 and 2027, both near and far, for couples who value romance, personality, and moments that feel like home.
