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University of Washington Cherry Blossom Festival Elopement at Sunrise

Drag me!

One of my most memorable elopement experiences this past year was getting up before the sun to meet a bride of mine at the end of her hair and makeup appointment, drive to the elopement location, and hold their intimate wedding ceremony all before sunrise during the cherry blossom festival at Seattle’s University of Washington campus!

The gorgeous cherry blossom trees that fill UW’s quad made for an epic ceremony location but their popularity during peak bloom means that it is an absolute madhouse to try and see the trees if you aren’t there before the crack of dawn. Thankfully, Monica & Daniel were game to plan for a sunrise ceremony time in order to enjoy the quad when it was as empty as can be. We were able to choose an adorable pathway in the quad for their intimate ceremony, enjoying a background packed with delicate white cherry blossoms that was so much more enjoyable thanks to the lack of other people milling around.

When this couple first got in touch with our team at the Seattle Elopement Package we offered guidance on location and timing to ensure that their vision of a peaceful ceremony was brought to life while enjoying a location that they loved so much. Following the ceremony we explored campus for couples portraits, stopping by the Communications building where the couple first met, and other locations they visited on their first dates on campus. It was a joy to celebrate with Monica & Daniel in a location that holds such significance for their relationship as well as provide guidance on planning that helped make the day as special and stress free as possible.

Our team at the Seattle Elopement Package has decades of experience working with couples all over the Seattle area so we are familiar with popular locations and are happy to offer our recommendations and ideas for you throughout the planning process. Please enjoy the full gallery of Monica & Daniel’s sweet portraits as the sun came up and read below for links to our vendor team.

Thank you so much to our incredible vendor team that helps bring the Seattle Elopement Package to life!

Photography Alexandra Knight Photography

Officiating Rev. Ray Van Winkle & Associates

Hair and Makeup Offwhite Makeup & Beauty

Florals Anthera Floral

ready to tell your story?

Hi, I’m alex! A seattle wedding photographer who’s been documenting your stories since 2009.

I fell in love with photography almost 20 years ago in a darkroom class, and that love has never faded. What started as a darkroom class in college turned into photographing my first wedding solo in 2010,and I was hooked. The joy. The emotion. The vows. The details. The people.

I realized quickly that my fulfillment came from helping people see themselves in a beautiful, honest way. I move calmly. I guide confidently. I know how to capture all the angles and candid moments without you even noticing. My couples often say I have “photo superpowers” because of how much I capture while still keeping everything feeling easy and low-pressure.


Some photographers find wedding days chaotic.

I find them electric.

Alex was hands down our favorite vendor for our wedding! || Alex is literally the best. || Personally, I have worked with many photographers and Alex was one of the best! || Alex was hands down our favorite vendor for our wedding! || Alex is literally the best. || Personally, I have worked with many photographers and Alex was one of the best! ||