Alicia and Derek’s Wedding

I met Alicia during my days at WSDOT, and when times got tough, I just walked across the floor and found her mischievous eyes peeking out from a cubicle wall. As I got closer, her beaming smile always made my day. We became fast friends outside of work and I looked up to Alicia. We’re about 6 or 7 years apart and I always saw Alicia as this strong, independent woman. Alicia and I shared a common theme of being perpetually single ladies, but that didn’t stop her from buying the perfect first home and turning it into what I could only hope would be my first home. I have always admired her courage and creativity. Anything Alicia did, I wanted to do too.

Eventually, as we all hope to do, Alicia finally met the one: Derek. He’s seriously the best. When I was able to meet Alicia while traveling through Thailand, and she surprised me with the news of a baby on the way, I was over the moon. Unfortunately, that day in May when little Burton entered our lives, we learned he would be struggling for his life. Medical complications one after another proved that Burton would not get better. Burton peacefully left this world less than 5 months when he entered it, but he was well loved above and beyond. Alicia and Derek traveled with him, he even got to be in the wedding in his short time on earth.

I will never be able to comprehend or begin to understand the emotional turmoil Alicia and Derek went through. But they chose to move forward in life, and one thing I think helped them begin the healing process was continuing with their plans to get married.

The day couldn’t have been more perfect. A beautiful sunny day in July in the North Cascades. Love in every way shape and form showed its way through. Family and friends gathered on a private property to put together a wonderful day celebrating some of the bravest, strongest, and loving couples I have the honor of knowing.

It was quiet when I arrived on site that morning. Lovely ladies started the day with some yoga.

I enjoyed the morning with Toby (the dog) and admiring all of the D.I.Y. touches from family and friends.

While Alicia is not a girly girl, she ended up opting for a soft pink dress. I never would have guessed she would have worn a pink wedding dress, but it couldn’t have been more perfect for her. Alicia was gorgeous. The soft country colors were perfect for her.

Love these moments. Alicia breaks down and cries for the first time. And the girls sneaking a peak through the window to see all the commotion.

Barefoot ladies. And now onto the men!

This was tricky. Taking photos of bride and groom as they’re getting ready when they’re about 15 miles miles apart? Yeah…well I did it! Whoohoo!

Ok back to the festivities! These kids were seriously the cutest.

And they lived happily ever after.