Anne and Jake eloped on the Hood Canal in Washington this past July in a private ceremony, and held a party for friends and family in Normandy Park, a suburb of Seattle.  Anne is the daughter of my mother’s cousin, which makes her my second cousin.  My earliest memories are of a trip my family took to Seattle and Vancouver to visit Anne’s family when I was about two or three (more specifically – I remember the Steam Clocks in Vancouver, BC).  My parents, sister, brother in law and niece Rylee were all at the party.

The celebration was catered by Anne’s former volleyball coach and English teacher John who now is the co-owner of St. Clouds restaurant.

Anne had a brunch with some of her girlfriends and sent them out into the Pike Place Market to buy the bouquets for the centerpieces.  That is my cute niece Rylee above right; she is excited to meet her cousin soon – Jake and Anne are expecting their first child in a few months!

Jake gave two really touching toasts; in the first he had something to say about every single person at the party.  The guests migrated out to the beach to watch a spectacular sunset which included pink clouds.  Jake’s second toast was all about Anne and was really sweet.

The complete set of Anne and Jake’s photographs will be available for viewing and ordering prints soon.  You can sign up here to be notified by email when they are ready.

Click the link below to see more pictures from Anne and Jake’s party in the slideshow.  The music in the slideshow is from the album Ali & Toumani by Ali Farka Toure and Toumani Diabate which has been in constant rotation here for several months.