Evan & Kelly’s Garden Party Wedding at Thornewood Castle

What could be more romantic than tying the knot at a real-life Gothic castle, in the middle of Washington? Literally nothing – and Evan & Kelly’s garden party wedding at Thornewood Castle is proof! From their emotional first look and private vows to the last song played on the dance floor at the end of the night, their day was elevated, timeless, and honestly straight out of a fairytale. Most importantly, it was a total blast for everyone there to celebrate them… because despite their classy, elegant theme, these cuties never shied away from having FUN together.

An elevated summertime soiree

Evan and Kelly chose the perfect time of year to get married, a sunny day at the end of August (cue Noah Kahan). There is truly nothing better than a late summer wedding here in the PNW, when the season is winding down but you still get gorgeous sunshine, blue skies, and a breeze coming off the water. 

Actually, the only thing that could make it better is spending your time at a gorgeous castle that feels like it belongs in a storybook, like Thornewood! Especially if your wedding vibe is as elegant and enchanting as Evan and Kelly’s, featuring lots of lush greenery, white florals (roses and baby’s breath for the win), and gorgeous accessories. I loved the classic bridal look Kelly went with, wearing effortlessly glam hair & makeup, an incredible dress with billowing sleeves, and chunky pearl jewelry. Evan killed it in a sleek black tux and bowtie, and so did the rest of their wedding party – who all wore black, too. Love a group of bridesmaids who color-coordinate, but wear mismatched gown styles!

A prince & princess getting ready in their castle

These two were literally cosplaying a prince and princess for their entire day, I swear. I spent the morning with Kelly as she got ready inside the castle’s Grandview Suite, which was the most beautiful setting for portraits: lots of natural light, 16th-century stained glass windows, and perfect views of the gardens… a dream come true. Plus the candlestick chandeliers above her as she walked down the stairs to meet her groom-to-be – perfection!

Private vows and a romantic first look under the arch

I was so happy that Evan and Kelly decided to do a first look, and we found the most amazing spot for it under an arch outside, surrounded by rustic exposed brick walls! Evan’s smile when he saw his bride for the first time was priceless, and as soon as they started reading their vows, we definitelyyy had to get out the tissues. 

I am a huge fan of couples doing first looks, for many reasons – one being that you get to experience this emotional moment without anybody else around. It also gives you a chance to exchange your vows in private, which can really remove the pressure of having an audience listen in on your super personal, sentimental promises to each other. If you’re worried that doing a first look will ruin your ceremony, I recommend reading this blog next. (Spoiler alert: it won’t!)

After all the tears were dried, we had a little extra time before we had to meet up with the couple’s family and wedding party – so of course we used it to take some newlywed portraits around the property. Evan and Kelly made my job SO dang easy; I barely had to offer them any prompts or encouragement because they were just so effortlessly, adorably obsessed with each other! I loved how Kelly wasn’t afraid to run around the grass in her gown, we got such a great mix of stunning posed shots and fun, laid-back candids.

A fairytale ceremony in the Sunken English Garden

Evan and Kelly held their ceremony in Thornewood Castle’s Sunken English Garden, a breathtaking spot surrounded by colorful hydrangeas, greenery, brick walls, and a fountain. They barely even needed any decor, because the florals, statues, and scenery really did all the talking – although the vases of white bouquets they had on either side of the altar WERE the perfect addition.

Cocktails on the lawn, portraits around the castle, & Whiteclaws on the dance floor

Who says you can’t have two different wedding dresses? Not Kelly, that’s for sure… because after enjoying cocktails, toasts, and first dances, she came down the castle steps with the most insane outfit change, swapping her ballgown for a chic corseted top, a mermaid-style skirt, and the lace gloves of my dreams. Evan got rid of his jacket to match his wifey’s new look, and the rest of the night was full of heart-shaped glasses, sultry flash portraits around the castle, and everyone cracking glowsticks & Whiteclaws on the dance floor. The best end to an unbelievable day, so happy for these two and grateful I was there to capture it all! 

(Kelly sent me the sweetest text afterward, too – “THANK YOU for how amazing you are!! You seriously made it so fun and I am just so grateful. I can’t wait to see them!🥹🤍🤍🤍🤍”)

Vendors

Planning & Coordination: Amethyst Events | @amethystevents_wa

Venue: Thornewood Castle | @thornewood.castle 

Catering: Mama Stortini’s | @mamastortiniscatering

Photographer: Valen Lee | @valenleephotography

Videographer: Juniper Collective | @juniper.collective

Music/Photobooth: Elevate Sound & Entertainment | @elevate.dj

Flowers: The Enchanted Florist | @theenchantedfloristtacoma

Officiant: Cameron Bullock 

Dessert: Spilled Butter Desserts | @spilledbutterdesserts

Dress: a&be bridal shop | @aandbe_seattle

Makeup: Katie Ashley Beauty | @ktashleybeauty

Hair: Indy Hair Co | @indy.haircompany

Rings: Brilliant Earth | @brilliantearth

About Thornewood Castle, a Historic Estate Wedding Venue in Lakewood, WA

Before you go, let’s talk a little bit about what it looks like to get married at this fairytale venue. Thornewood Castle is in Lakewood, WA, and is a real-life Gothic castle that’s been around for over 500 years. It’s one of the few authentic private castles in the country and has tons of history in its architecture, gardens, and grounds.

Is Thornewood Castle an indoor or outdoor wedding venue?

Both! This is one of the reasons Thornewood Castle is so great; it has both indoor and outdoor venue options, so you can tie the knot here at any time of year. Your venue options include:

• The Great Hall (indoor)
• “Secret” Sunken English Garden (outdoor)
• American Lake Waterfront (outdoor)
• Ballroom (indoor)
• Reception Lawn (outdoor)
• Loggia Patio (covered outdoor)

What is the guest capacity for weddings at Thornewood Castle?

Thornewood Castle can accommodate up to 200 guests, unless you host your wedding in the Ballroom and/or Great Hall – those venues can fit up to 125 guests.

How much does a wedding at Thornewood Castle cost?

Wedding packages at Thornewood Castle currently start at $7,949 for a Sunday wedding in July or August. Prices vary by season and day of the week, so I recommend checking their package details here for the most up-to-date info!

Here’s just a sneak peek at what you get when you book a wedding package at Thornewood Castle:

• Exclusive use of the full property
• Changing rooms for your wedding party
• On-site parking for up to 150 guests
• Chairs & tables
• Sound system

And more! Thornewood Castle also has overnight accommodations conveniently located on site, so you can stay right on the property when you’re ready to hit the hay. It would be so fun to invite your wedding party, extended families, out-of-state guests, etc. to stay at the castle with you and enjoy even more time together.

Are you ready to hire a photographer for your wedding at Thornewood Castle?

Hey! I’m Valen, a Washington elopement and wedding photographer documenting down-to-earth couples like Evan and Kelly…. who also have a little bit of a wild side. This venue is obviously spectacular all on its own, but it’s so important that you find an experienced wedding photographer to capture all the magic & do it justice. 

Think I might be the Thornewood Castle wedding photographer for you? YAY. Get in touch with me here, I can’t wait to chat with you!

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Peep my recent blog posts below for even more wedding and elopement inspo:

Ebey’s Landing Engagement Photos | A Dreamy Whidbey Island Session

Olympic National Park Elopement Guide | How to Elope + Real Wedding Inspiration

Mount Rainier Engagement Session in Paradise