I met sweet Summer a year or so back at an extended family shoot. I knew her big brother and sister-in-law and we all had a great time on her grandpa’s farm out in the lush back country of Arlington, WA. When I received an email from Summer about her July wedding it took me a while to put the names and faces together, but needless to say I was so excited to get to meet with her and her family again to celebrate her coming marriage to her handsome Dekker! These two sweethearts met at the Everett Rowing Club down on the slough in Everett, Washington and that’s where they wanted to take their engagement pictures. It was a beautiful spot along the water that I’ve frequently driven past, but never been to.

We met there on an early and BRISK (36 degrees!) Saturday morning the weekend before Christmas. All things considered, for Washington State, the weather was great! Dry clouds and no 60 MPH winds like we had just experienced two days prior. So really, a magical winter day up here! As we walked around rubbing our hands together for any extra warmth, I learned more about how these two met…  At one point in their rowing season, Summer was placed as the coxswain of Dekker’s boat. (Yes I had to learn/look up quite a bit of new terminology for this post! haha!) The coxswain is the person sitting in the end of the boat who steers, gives commands to the crew and passes on the coach’s directions to the crew. So really, my question for Dekker was how he managed to beat down all the other young male rowers to get to this gorgeous girl first!? Whatever his methods were they worked and these two are adorably smitten and so fun to be around! On top of all their sweetness, they both have fascinating jobs. Dekker being an electrician and Summer a florist! Now I don’t exactly know yet how Dekker’s technical skills will play out on the wedding day, but I for sure know I can’t wait to see all the floral arrangements that Summer designs! (Dekker, feel free to email me your ‘bright’ ideas ;P #punintended.)

Happy wedding planning you two! I can’t wait for July!