a picturesque wedding at thornewood castle
If you’ve never been to this little glorious nook of Lakewood, Washington, this wedding recap will just have to do. Kelsey + Eric had an intimate and perfect wedding at Thornewood Castle, an incredible Tudor Gothic mansion. I’m still beside myself with how truly picture perfect of a day it was. It started out with a good weather surprise – in Washington. It had been really dreary and the forecast was calling for more of the same. But at the last minute, the clouds burned off and a warm, sunny day blessed these two cuties.
Thornewood Castle is gorgeous and has endless intricate features and is a real historical castle, right here in the PNW. It’s been standing here in Lakewood for over 100 years, but its history goes back more than 5 centuries. The castle was constructed with the parts of a dismantled 400 year old Elizabethan manor from England. Then it was shipped here piece by piece and included in the structure that stands today. Can you think of a more fascinating background for a wedding venue?
I’m in love with the dreamy sunken secret English garden where their ceremony took place. It’s breathtaking. Kelsey + Eric said their vows with so much emotion; they’re such a calm but loving and caring pair and it totally shows. I especially loved that at the beginning of the ceremony, they gave each of their moms a flower; it was such a sweet token of appreciation.
They kept things simple, but fun. I always recommend leaving some room to breathe and be present on your wedding day, otherwise it’s just flies by. After Kelsey tossed her bouquet down from the balcony, all the guy guests felt left out that they didn’t get to line up and catch something. So they successfully peer pressured Eric into tossing something down too and it was really cute. Kelsey + Eric hadn’t planned on doing a garter toss, so he just improvised and wrapped his pocket square up to give the masses what they wanted…plus, it was hilarious.
It was wonderful to see these two have the dreamiest wedding day at the always magical Thornewood Castle.
And thanks to all the other wedding pros that made it happen:
Venue: Thornewood Castle
Officiant: Rev. Dr. Dorothy Ghylin-Bennett
Entertainment: DJ Z Entertainment
Catering: Aloha Kitchen
Cakes: Corina Bakery (vegan cake) and Sluy’s Poulsbo Bakery (sheet cake)
a quick Note
on bookings
While this post features a full wedding day, my work has shifted over the years. I now focus exclusively on elopements and free-spirited portrait work — experiences that allow for presence, flexibility, a slower pace, and all the creativity. It’s here where I feel my skills are the most helpful.
These more traditional wedding stories are still a part of my history and my heart, and I keep them here as a reflection of the way I see and document connection. If you’re planning an elopement or are drawn to meaningful, presence-filled imagery, I’d love to hear from you!
