Joyful Summer Wedding at The Carey Gardens in Snohomish

As a Snohomish wedding photographer, I’m always in awe of how this area blends lush countryside charm with elegant wedding venues, and Allyson and Brendan’s celebration at The Carey Gardens was a perfect example. Nestled in the heart of Snohomish, The Carey Gardens is a hidden gem with vibrant blooms, manicured lawns, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you instantly feel at home.

The Carey Gardens, Snohomish Wedding

The getting ready moments set such a meaningful tone for the day. Allyson’s gown, with its lace details and soft sparkle, looked stunning as it hung before she slipped into it. Surrounded by her bridesmaids, she shared laughter and sweet candid moments while finishing the final touches. The rings and bouquet tied everything together beautifully, capturing the small but important details that complete the story of the wedding day.

A gold engagement ring with a large central diamond, surrounded by smaller diamonds, placed on a blue fabric, with a colorful bouquet of flowers next to it.
A white wedding dress hanging from a wooden outdoor structure with lush green foliage in the background.
Close-up of a white lace wedding dress hanging on a wooden rack outdoors.
A woman in a wedding dress with dark hair styled in a messy bun, smiling and standing in a room with elegant furniture and mirror.
Bride in a wedding dress with a veil having her shoe fastened by her bridesmaid in a room with a mirror.

Before the ceremony, Allyson and Brendan shared a peaceful first look tucked away in the gardens. It was just the two of them, taking a quiet moment to soak in the day, laugh together, and simply be themselves. No rush, no distractions, just pure connection that set the tone for everything that followed.

A groom in a blue suit and gray bow tie stands happily with hands clasped in front of him during a wedding ceremony, with a bride holding a bouquet of pink, purple, and white flowers behind him, under a wooden arbor in an outdoor garden setting.
A bride in a white wedding dress with a veil touching a groom in a blue suit, standing outdoors near a wooden arch and green foliage.
A bride and groom during their wedding ceremony outdoors, with the groom holding the bride's hand and smiling, in front of a green hedge and a wooden arch.
A groom in a blue suit is emotional with hands over his face as he sees his bride at their wedding ceremony outdoor, with greenery in the background.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a colorful bouquet of flowers is getting married to a groom in a blue suit outdoors under a wooden arch with greenery in the background.

From there, the air buzzed with excitement. Allyson and Brendan’s wedding party, dressed in coordinated shades of dusty blue and soft gray, set the tone for a classic yet playful day. Their group portraits were filled with laughter, hands in the air, and big smiles, perfectly capturing the energy of the celebration.

A bride in a white wedding dress holding a colorful bouquet, standing on grass in a garden with lush green trees and bushes.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a colorful bouquet, standing outdoors surrounded by greenery.
A group of six men in suits standing outdoors on a grassy area, with trees and bushes in the background. The man in the middle is wearing a navy blue suit with a bow tie, and the other five men are wearing gray suits with blue ties, each with a bouto
Group of ten people, including bride and bridesmaids, standing outdoors on grass with trees and houses in the background, dressed in formal attire holding bouquets of flowers, smiling.
A wedding party standing outdoors on a grassy area in front of a large tree, with a house visible in the background. The group includes the bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and others, all dressed in formal attire, holding bouquets of flowers.
A wedding group photo of the bride and groom with bridesmaids and groomsmen outdoors in a garden, all smiling, with some raising their hands or holding flowers.
A bride in a white wedding dress and veil holding a bouquet of flowers is walking in a garden with a woman in a light blue dress holding a bouquet. The garden has lush green trees and flowering plants.

The ceremony took place under a bright blue sky, framed by a stunning gold arch draped in airy blue fabric and adorned with fresh, colorful florals. As Allyson and Brendan shared their first kiss, the scene was pure magic—sunlight streaming through, guests cheering, and the lush gardens providing the most romantic backdrop.

Wedding arch decorated with light blue fabric and a floral arrangement at the top, set up outdoors with trees, flowers, and a white fence in the background.
A man in a blue suit walking on a grassy area during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with guests seated in the foreground and greenery in the background.
A bride in a white dress holding a colorful bouquet walks with a groom in a black suit and a woman in a light blue dress in a garden setting.
A smiling man in a blue suit with a white shirt and light gray bow tie, standing outdoors with a blurred green foliage background, during a formal event or wedding.
A wedding ceremony outdoors with a couple standing under a floral and fabric decorated arch on a sunny day, surrounded by greenery.
A bride and groom exchanging vows during an outdoor wedding ceremony with a floral arch and scenic green background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with officiant, bride, and groom standing beneath floral arch, surrounded by bridesmaids, groomsmen, and guests in a garden setting.
A bride and groom holding hands during their wedding ceremony outdoors, under a decorative arch with flowers and blue drapery.
A couple getting married outdoors during the daytime under a blue arch decorated with flowers, holding hands and smiling at each other, with an officiant in a gray suit standing between them.
A bride and groom exchanging vows outdoors during their wedding ceremony, with the bride reading from a small book or note.
A bride and groom exchanging vows during an outdoor wedding ceremony, with an officiant reading from a booklet, under a decorated arch with light blue fabric and flowers.
A woman in a wedding dress laughing as she faces a man in a blue suit, during an outdoor wedding ceremony with a decorated arch and greenery in the background.
A wedding couple sharing a kiss under a decorative arch with flowers and blue fabric outdoors.
A wedding couple walking hand in hand down the aisle outdoors, surrounded by friends and family clapping. The bride is in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet, and the groom in a blue suit. The background features a decorated arch and greenery.
A newlywed couple shares a kiss during their outdoor wedding ceremony with guests clapping and celebrating, set against a scenic backdrop of trees and a blue sky.

When the evening began, Allyson and Brendan took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. With music playing, they swayed together, smiling like they were the only two people in the world. Later, they cut into a beautifully decorated cake, laughing as they shared the first bite. A sweet, lighthearted moment that had their guests cheering!

A bride and groom dance together at their wedding reception, smiling and holding each other's hands, with a white curtain and greenery in the background.
A bride and groom sharing a dance at their wedding reception, standing on dark flooring with white curtains and green foliage in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands during their wedding ceremony indoors, with a white curtain backdrop and green foliage at the top.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception, holding hands and smiling, with a white curtain backdrop and green garland above.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss during their wedding dance. The groom is wearing a blue suit and the bride a white wedding gown with a veil. The background features white curtains and green foliage.
A wedding cake with white piped frosting, decorated with artificial flowers and a topper that reads "Mr & Mrs" in cursive, placed on a glass cake stand.
A bride and groom cutting a wedding cake together, smiling and laughing, with desserts on either side of the table.
Bride and groom sharing a piece of wedding cake at their reception.
A bride and groom at their wedding cake table, with the bride giving a thumbs-up and the groom cutting the cake.

One of my favorite moments came later, when the newlyweds snuck away to sit together on the stone steps surrounded by flower beds in full bloom. With the warm summer light wrapping around them, they shared a quiet kiss that was as genuine as it was beautiful.

A newlywed couple exchanging a kiss during their wedding ceremony outdoors. The groom, dressed in a navy suit, is dipping the bride, who is wearing a white wedding gown and holding a bouquet, underneath a decorated circular arch with blue drapes and
A bride and groom walking hand-in-hand outdoors in a garden, smiling at each other, with the bride holding a colorful bouquet, on a sunny day with lush green trees and foliage in the background.
Bride and groom holding hands outdoors on their wedding day, with trees and greenery in the background. The bride is wearing a white lace wedding dress and veil, holding a colorful bouquet. The groom is dressed in a blue suit with a bow tie.
A bride and groom holding hands outdoors, with the bride looking back at the groom holding a bouquet of colorful flowers, surrounded by green trees and grass.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss on wedding day outdoors, seated on stone steps with floral arrangements and a garden background.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss outdoors after their wedding ceremony in a garden setting, with colorful flowers and greenery in the background.

The Carey Gardens offers the best of both worlds. Expansive outdoor spaces for portraits, plus thoughtful landscaping that makes every angle photo-worthy. The gardens are impeccably maintained, so you’ll have seasonal flowers and greenery in every frame. And the layout flows seamlessly from ceremony to reception, keeping the day relaxed and stress-free.

Tips for a Successful Snohomish Wedding

  1. Plan for golden hour portraits – The Snohomish countryside glows beautifully just before sunset, making it ideal for dreamy, romantic photos.

  2. Incorporate local blooms – Snohomish is known for its seasonal flowers. Work with your florist to use what’s fresh and local, it will enhance your décor and look amazing in photos.

  3. Keep guest comfort in mind – Snohomish summers can be warm. Offering shaded seating, hand fans, or a refreshing drink station will keep everyone happy.

Allyson and Brendan’s wedding was a joyful reminder of why I love photographing love stories in this beautiful part of Washington. If you’re planning your own celebration here, The Carey Gardens is a venue that truly lets your day shine.