i've been the dugan family photographer for years; joel's mom has my photos plastered all over her walls. i was excited and honored when joel and lexxie asked me to be their wedding photographer a year and a half before their wedding. we met the summer before the wedding and took some engagement photos on the private farm near darrington, wa where they were planning on having the ceremony and reception.

fast forward to this july and on a rainy, dripping morning they started getting ready for their big day. everything was perfect, if only the rain would cooperate. soon, the clouds started rolling away and sunbreaks would peek through. it would be a beautiful day. friends and family joined joel and lexxie down by the pond, hay bales as pews. they were married by lexxie's dad as he explained how marriage is like a tree, each ring of the tree telling a story that builds upon itself to create a beautiful gorgeous tree.

this wedding was truly magical and special. all the parts of the wedding from the location to the food to the decor and the hair and makeup all coming from joel and lexxie's relationship with friends and family. a day full of joy and beauty and connections that matter.