It began with tide flats and bare feet, then unfolded into vows, rings, butterflies, and breakfast at Dancing Fish Vineyards. Gina (she/her) + Ryan (he/him) planned a calm, kid-forward Whidbey Island Wedding that felt like them in every way: present, playful, and centered on their blended family.
We’re Alexis (she/her) + Katrina (she/her) of A+K Photography, a queer-owned wedding photography duo based in the Pacific Northwest, and documenting mornings like this is our favorite kind of magic.
Sunlight Beach Start: Barefoot, Overcast, and Family Ties
Overcast skies gave Sunlight Beach that dreamy, even light, perfect for slow, intentional portraits. We met Gina + Ryan at their Airbnb and, with the tide pulled way out, everyone kicked off shoes to wander the rippled sand. The shallows turned into a mirror, reflecting quiet smiles and the kind of anticipation that sits softly in the chest.
Back at the house, the rhythm shifted to family-life: food for the kiddos, hair brushed into place, and laughter between wrestling. We made space for portraits with the kids, then let them run the beach to shake out wiggles, scrunch faces at parent kisses, and beam at the camera like only kids can. The day’s heartbeat was right there.
Dancing Fish Vineyards Ceremony: Butterflies + a Little Magic
At Dancing Fish Vineyards, chairs faced the vines as loved ones gathered. Gina + Ryan walked down the aisle together, surrounded by all their kids, six heartbeats moving as one family.
First, the rings, and a moment we’ll be talking about forever. When Ryan reached for Gina’s ring and “couldn’t find it,” Gina’s youngest popped up, reached behind her ear, and... ta-da... revealed the ring like the world’s sweetest magic trick. Laughter rolled through the vines as they exchanged rings and promises.
With vows complete, guests opened tiny envelopes for a butterfly release. Wings lifted into the soft gray morning, echoing the theme carried through the day, right down to the dresses. Ryan’s daughter had found a butterfly dress back in California; there was one in Gina’s size, too, so both of them wore those wing-covered gowns, two joyful threads tying the ceremony together. After the kiss, the six of them walked back down the aisle together and tucked into a family huddle at the aisle’s end.
Breakfast Reception: Toasts, Lawn Games, and Pie
The vineyard eased into a cozy morning reception, coffee steaming, vino flowing, a beautiful breakfast spread by Dancing Fish Vineyards, floral touches from Flying Bear Farm, and later, slices of Whidbey Island Pies that tasted like summer. Between heartfelt speeches and belly laughs, the kids played lawn games while adults drifted between tables, catching up and soaking in the gentle pace.
We worked the property for candids and small groupings, then pulled Gina + Ryan for a few quiet minutes among the vines. Their day was relaxed, unhurried, and exactly the vibe they’d hoped for.
Kind Words from Gina + Ryan
"[We] couldn’t have asked for a better experience. [A+K are] amazing to work with. Super easy. Stress-free. The pictures are absolutely priceless. Can’t say enough good things about these two. [We] can’t recommend them enough. You will not be disappointed!!! Thank you for capturing the most amazing day of our lives so perfectly!!!!"
As a queer-owned, inclusive studio, we believe every family configuration deserves to be seen with care. Whether your celebration is big and boisterous or simple and morning-slow, we’ll document it with the same warmth and intention.
If you’re dreaming up your own Whidbey Island celebration; tide flats, rings, butterflies, breakfast, the works, we’d be honored to photograph it. Head to our Experience page to learn how we help build stress-free timelines (especially with kids in mind), and peek our Portfolio for more island love stories.
Meet Alexis + Katrina
Partners in life, photography, and way too many dad jokes. We connected online over our love of creativity, cats, and everything a little weird, and now we get to spend our days photographing love stories that feel just as real and honest as ours.
For us, photography isn’t about stiff poses or perfect timelines. It’s about connection, the way you laugh together, the quiet moments in between, and all the energy that makes your day yours. We want your photos to feel like you: vibrant, emotional, and full of life.
When we’re not photographing weddings, you’ll usually find us wrangling our three dogs (Koji, Pixel + Winnie), working on house projects, or trying to convince each other that ice cream counts as dinner.