Wedding Spotlight – Thornewood Castle in Washington

The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. 

A Thornewood Castle wedding in Lakewood, Washington is the perfect combination of historic grandeur and modern charm. Ali and Evan’s special day brought the castle’s Tudor-style architecture to life, with vibrant stained-glass windows, elegant woodwork, and lush gardens as the backdrop. From a private garden first look and intimate vow exchange to late-night DICK’s burgers under the castle lights, their celebration was full of heartfelt moments, joy, and personal touches that made the day truly unforgettable.

The Venue

A Thornewood Castle wedding in Lakewood, Washington offers a unique experience unlike any other venue in the Pacific Northwest. Built over 100 years ago using materials imported from a 15th-century English manor, the castle is filled with character – stained glass, sweeping staircases, and intricate woodwork that photograph beautifully. The gardens, designed by the Olmsted Brothers, provide romantic outdoor spaces perfect for first looks, portraits, and quiet moments away from the crowd.

For couples who love quiet luxury and architecture that tells a story, Thornewood is a dream. If you’re looking for a photographer who will tell your story timelessly – I’m your girl.

Ali & Evan’s Wedding Day

Getting Ready


The morning began inside the castle’s elegant bridal suite, sunlight streaming through leaded glass windows as IM Artistry created a soft, timeless glam look for Ali. Her gown from Anthropologie Weddings hung nearby- romantic, understated, and perfectly her.

The First Look + Private Vows

Ali and Evan chose the sunken garden for their private first look. They exchanged personal vows there, with the photographer and I watching from afar. The secluded garden offered a peaceful and intimate space for a Thornewood Castle wedding in Lakewood, Washington, giving them a moment completely their own before the ceremony. (Even though we watched from afar)

The Ceremony

Although the forecast called for extreme storms, the weather had other plans. By afternoon, the skies cleared and sunlight poured through the stained glass windows of the Grand Room, where Ali and Evan exchanged their vows.

The ceremony took place in front of the castle’s iconic windows: rich with color and history, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The scene felt ethereal, almost cinematic, as guests watched surrounded by rich wood paneling and flickering candlelight.

Portraits

After the ceremony, we explored the castle grounds and captured portraits in the sunken garden, lakeside lawn, and inside the grand staircase. Every corner of Thornewood Castle provides a unique backdrop, making it easy to create timeless images that truly capture a couple’s personality. I highly recommend setting aside 10-15 minutes for golden hour photos.

The Reception

The Great Hall came alive for dinner, beautifully coordinated by Jackie Butterfield and Alyssa Miller of Jacqueline & Co. Weddings. Guests dined on a delicious meal from Christie’s Catering, surrounded by romantic blooms from Stadium Florals.

DJ Nate Boyt kept the dance floor full all night long, while desserts from Nothing Bundt Cakes provided the sweetest finishing touch.

The Grand Exit

As guests began to head out, they were met with one final surprise – late-night DICK’s burgers handed out as everyone exited the castle. It was playful, nostalgic, and perfectly fitting for Ali and Evan’s laid-back spirit. What an unforgettable day!

The Dream Team

Planner:Jackie Butterfield & Alyssa Miller | Jacqueline & Co. Weddings
Caterer:Christie’s Catering
Florist:Stadium Florals
DJ: Nate Boyt
Dessert: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Glam: IM Artistry
Content Creator:The Social Flow Co.
Dress: Anthropologie Weddings

Why I Love Photographing Thornewood Castle Weddings

A Thornewood Castle wedding in Lakewood, Washington is perfect for couples seeking historic charm with modern touches. The architecture, gardens, and lighting create endless opportunities for stunning photographs, while the venue’s intimate spaces allow for personal, heartfelt moments like private vows and first looks. For Ali and Evan, Thornewood Castle was more than just a venue—it reflected their personalities and the love they share.

If you’re planning a Thornewood Castle wedding in Lakewood, Washington or a wedding anywhere in the Tacoma/Seattle area, and you’re looking for a photographer who captures authentic moments, timeless details, and the joy of your day in a way that feels natural and effortless, I’d love to chat.

this is my story

I’m the kind of person who finds magic in the little things. Growing up in Washington, I was surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, where every trail, mountain, and misty shoreline sparked a sense of wonder and adventure. It’s where I learned to see the world not just as it is, but as it feels... perspective that shapes everything I do as a Tacoma wedding photographer.

I’ve always valued that photos are a testimony to the life we’ve lived in our time on earth and I’ll never downplay how important that is. My love of photography grew from a love of connection; the kind of connection that pulls two people together, intertwining their lives and stories in ways that feel both ordinary and extraordinary.

Your memories are so important to me - it's at the core of why i do what i do.

An ode to the beautuy of the Pacific North West -

The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. The core values of my business are rooted in kindness, authenticity, and celebrating people for who they are. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and love—regardless of who they are or where they come from. At the heart of my work is the idea that everyone deserves to be seen and captured beautifully. 

Hi, I'm Lauren - PNW mother, lover, and photographer

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