Ryan and Mel Washington State Wedding

Ryan and Mel's Washington State wedding.

I was so excited that Mel and Ryan asked me to travel to Washington State for their wedding! A wedding in the forest is right up my alley! But what I loved the most was Ryan and Mel. Ryan and I go way back but it was the first time I was able to meet Mel and it was easy to see why they made just a great couple. These two are everything I could ask for in a couple. They are so down to Earth, loving, playful and fun beyond belief! But really, it was all about family and friends getting together and having a good time.

Check out these highlights!

Will the real Mel please stand up...

This Scottish forged Damascus steel sword was a gift from the best man.

They had matching Damascus steel rings.

This was pretty dang awesome. But that was one hell of a sharp sword!

Boys will be boys...

He-man anyone?

Robin Hood Village Resort is a cool wedding venue nestled in the forest between Hood Canal and the Olympic National Forest. The next day I walked across the street and photographed a Bald Eagle. But the grounds here were pretty awesome.

After raining all morning the clouds broke and the Sun emerged literally minutes before the ceremony.

After a first look and a private moment they made their way down the ceremony aisle together.

Meet the ring bearer, Sadie.

This was definitely one of the most memorable ceremonies I've ever seen. Not just because it was in a beautiful Washington forest or all the beautiful people but particularly because the audience got Rick rolled by Mel and Ryan.

Yes, that's right, their vows contained these Rick Astley song lyrics "I'm never gonna give you up, I'm never gonna let you down, I'm never gonna run around and desert you". I was laughing so hard I missed the high five.

Sadie made her grand entrance and didn't want to leave mom and dad.

And what better way to finish of this ceremony than with a selfie during the kiss!

A short walk into the Swingwood Forest...

...led us to a gorgeous tree swing.

I could have spent all day shooting there.

The back drop of Hood Canal was a great way to end the romantics.

This reception was literally...

This was definitely a first.

Each guest would pick a card that related to their personality best.

And each card was particularly unique.

You found your table with the correlating card which meant an appropriate game was waiting for you and your table mates. Everything from Trivial pursuit to Cards Against Humanity were there for the partaking.

With games being played all night, this was definitely one of the most fun receptions I've ever been to.