Alex & Luis

There are some weddings that feel like a deep breath and are rejuvenating to photograph, and Alex and Luis’ early November wedding at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort in Leavenworth, Washington was exactly that.

Surrounded by evergreen forests, crisp mountain air, and the quiet beauty of this warm winter weather, their wedding day felt cozy, meaningful, and unmistakably them.

From OkCupid in Hawai‘i to Leavenworth, Washington

Alex and Luis met online through OkCupid in 2014, back in the pre-Tinder days, while both were living in Hawai‘i. Luis was stationed at Schofield Barracks, and Alex was finishing her undergraduate degree. What started as an online connection quickly grew into something steady and enduring.

Their relationship has always been shaped by travel, adaptability, and teamwork qualities that showed up again and again on their wedding day. One of my favorite details was their guest book, that tied their well traveled relationship, as well as the friends and family they’ve made along the way together in one piece of artwork to display in their home.

A Christmas Morning Proposal

Luis proposed to Alex on Christmas morning in 2022, at his father’s home in northwestern Montana. Alex loves to joke that this alone proves Luis is a keeper, she hadn’t even had time to brush her teeth or tame her bedhead before he popped the question.

It was perfectly them, heartfelt and full of love. And what a better way to relive that first moment of the rest of their lives, than celebrate it with a winter wedding, 3 years later!

A Wedding Weekend at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort

Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is one of the most unique and peaceful Leavenworth wedding venues, and it was the perfect setting for Alex and Luis’ intimate fall wedding. Tucked into the forest just outside of downtown Leavenworth, the resort feels secluded, natural, and timeless, especially in November, when the crowds fade and the landscape feels quiet and intentional.

Their wedding color palette reflected the season beautifully: deep forest green with pops of red and soft pearl accents, tying effortlessly into the surrounding evergreens.

A Flexible Wedding Timeline (And Making It Work Beautifully)

Like many wedding days, the morning didn’t go exactly as planned. Getting ready took longer than expected, and the timeline began to shift before the ceremony even started.

But one of the most important parts of hiring an experienced wedding photographer is knowing your day is in steady hands. We met before the wedding day to plan out a solid timeline, and, add in “emergency” buffers, just in case something went different than planned!

By working efficiently, adjusting on the fly, and prioritizing what mattered most to Alex and Luis, we were able to recover the timeline and still capture the portraits they truly wanted. After the ceremony, we carved out time for relaxed, intentional wedding portraits at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, taking advantage of the soft November light and the quiet forest surroundings. They both had mentioned wanting photos in front of a beautiful bridge, and in the Forrest, and we nailed it!

Thoughtful, Handmade Details

One of my favorite parts of this wedding was how personal every detail felt.

Alex and Luis designed their own florals using Flower Moxie, creating arrangements that felt organic, seasonal, and meaningful. The deep greens and reds added warmth against the neutral mountain backdrop and made everything feel cohesive without being overly styled.

Alex’s bridal look was effortlessly cool and completely her own, especially her veil, which was actually a cape. It added movement, drama, and such a modern edge while still feeling soft and romantic. It was the kind of detail that stops you in your tracks.

And instead of a traditional wedding cake, they opted for cheesecake, which felt both cozy and celebratory, a perfect fit for a mountain wedding in November.

Love Built for the Long Road

About a year into their relationship, Alex and Luis took their first major road trip together, from southern Minnesota to northwestern Montana, in December. It was Alex’s first time meeting Luis’ dad and family… and winter weather followed them the entire way.

At one point, they drove for hours through a blizzard in South Dakota because their lodging was temporarily closed. The next morning, they got stuck in a snowbank trying to return to I-90 after it had been plowed.

While it was the first of many long road trips they’d take together, that trip stands out as a defining moment, proof that they could navigate stress, uncertainty, and literal blizzards as a team.

That same steadiness and partnership was present throughout their wedding day.

A Calm, Meaningful Leavenworth Wedding Day

Alex and Luis’ Leavenworth wedding at Sleeping Lady Resort wasn’t about excess or performance, it was about intention. Every moment felt unhurried, every choice thoughtful, and every interaction rooted in genuine connection.

From quiet moments together to laughter with loved ones, their day felt like a reflection of the life they’ve built, steady, warm, and deeply loving.

Alex & Luis, thank you for trusting me to document such a meaningful chapter of your story. Your wedding was a beautiful reminder that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.

Now, enjoy some epic dancing photos, bevause Alex wanted to have the best dance party of the year!