After years of planning heartfelt weddings for engaged couples throughout the Pacific Northwest, Alyssa Ayala, the founder of Pacific Engagements Wedding Planning and Design, planned her own wedding on Whidbey Island. The island, with its charming beaches and lush landscapes, held a special place in Alyssa and Ethan's hearts, as it was a place where Ethan spent a majority of his childhood playing at his grandfather’s waterfront home. Over the years of their relationship, the home developed a deeper significance by becoming the setting for relaxing family get-togethers and holiday gatherings. Together, they decided this idyllic setting would be perfect to celebrate their marriage. As they discussed further, they determined that their wedding would be tailored to be relaxed and intimate, with the ceremony taking place on the sunny beach before guests enjoyed the remainder of the evening free of an agenda.
On the morning of their wedding day, Ethan embarked on a solo paddleboard adventure, slowly navigating through the tranquil waters that surrounded Whidbey Island. Just below the surface of the water, seals glided under the paddleboard, occasionally peeking their heads above to observe. Anna Peters photographed Ethan from the shoreline, documenting his tranquil journey while tables and chairs for the later reception were being set up around the yard by the Pacific Engagements team.
Wicker baskets brimming with playful and colorful flowers stood in place of a traditional arch. Incoming ripples from the slowly rising tides lapped the bases of the baskets, which created a mirrored reflection on the beach. Eventually, guests dressed in a color palette of navy, slate blue, and white and blue chinoiserie gathered on the beach, and warmly welcomed the couple as they processed past. With the Olympic Mountains in the background and the sun glinting off the waters of the bay, Alyssa and Ethan exchanged intimate, personal vows during the ceremony. Erika of The Greatest Adventure Weddings, a dear friend of Alyssa, officiated the ceremony and pronounced the two husband and wife.
As the two were cheered on by everyone on the beach, they embarked on an impromptu stroll down the beach to soak in the excitement of the moment together. Upon their return, they were embraced by friends and family with utterances of congratulations. Children played among the driftwood and the sand, and collected oyster shells and whole sand dollars to show off. On the lawn, tables adorned with floral bud vases and seashells were surrounded by small groupings of guests getting to know one another.
Music filled the scene as guests soaked up the sun’s rays while dining on the lawn and enjoying glasses of wine on the beach. Relaxed smiles and conversations carried on through sunset and into the evening, making the event everything that Alyssa and Ethan had imagined.
