When you picture a wedding that perfectly represents the joy, color, and unapologetic love of two people who are so clearly meant for each other. That’s S and D’s wedding at IslandWood. From the vibrant rainbow ceremony installation to the drag queen performances that had every guest cheering, their day was an unforgettable celebration of queer love, self-expression, and community.
As their wedding photographer, I had the honor of documenting the day. I chose to do it largely on film, which brought out every lush hue and emotional detail in a way that felt timeless and intimate. Looking at these photos, you can feel the authentic joy and community at the heart of S and D’s wedding day.
In this blog post:
- IslandWood: A Beautiful Bainbridge Island Wedding Venue
- S and D’s Story
- Jaw-dropping Wedding Design
- A Fun Reception with Drag Queens
- Queer Love on Film Photography
IslandWood: A Beautiful Bainbridge Island Wedding Venue
Nestled on Bainbridge Island, just a short ferry ride from Seattle, IslandWood is an eco-friendly retreat center surrounded by towering evergreens, lush moss, and serene woodland trails. It’s the kind of venue that feels like stepping into a Pacific Northwest fairytale. The woods and fields are quiet, natural, and endlessly photogenic.
For S and D, IslandWood provided the perfect mix of outdoor beauty and cozy indoor charm. The sprawling property gave them space to bring their bold, colorful vision to life while the rustic architecture and natural textures grounded the day with warmth and intimacy. IslandWood gives you access to its trails and structures, including treehouses. They’re such a fun setting for portraits.
As sunlight filtered through the trees and reflected off the vibrant floral installations, it was easy to see why IslandWood has become one of the most beloved wedding venues in the Seattle area. It’s easy to feel like you’re in your own world here.
Here are some quick facts to help you plan your IslandWood wedding.
- Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
- Capacity: 200 guests
- Venue type: indoor/outdoor
- Inclusions: overnight accommodations in the Guest Cottage, four lodges for guests, activities like garden tours
- Accessibility: IslandWood’s indoor spaces are ADA accessible, and service dogs are welcome. You can check out the venue’s accessibility map here.
- Starting cost: $62,000 + tax
S and D’s Story
S and D’s love story began the new-fashioned way on OkCupid. D calls it the “official app for queer romance.”
D, who was preparing to move to Seattle, changed their profile location and stumbled across S’s profile. “The first green flag was that he was wearing overalls in his photo,” D said. “I LOVE overalls and wear them regularly.”
After sending an admittedly long message, the connection was instant. Within a day, they were video chatting. Within two weeks, they were meeting in person. Each drove three hours to meet in a California state park for their first date. That night, they made it official.
Their relationship grew quickly and deeply. They bonded over their shared love of bees, dogs, and hearty breakfasts. After six months, they moved in together and built a cozy, joy-filled life working from home, taking road trips with their dogs, and sharing milkshakes with a view.
S proposed in November 2022 with the sweetest surprise. He flew to Chicago to propose in D’s parents’ backyard with a rose petal pathway, framed photos, and a stained glass ring box (a nod to D’s love for stained glass art). “It was the easiest yes,” D said.
Jaw-dropping Wedding Design
If there was one thing that immediately stood out about S and D’s IslandWood wedding, it was the color.
Their design team transformed the venue into a kaleidoscope of joy, starting with a ceremony installation featuring flowers arranged in rainbow order. Approaching the ceremony site was like walking into a Technicolor dream.
D walked down the aisle in a show-stopping hot pink veil paired with a vibrant bouquet bursting with texture and color. S looked equally incredible, complementing D’s look with an elegant gold ensemble.
The reception design was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Lavender and blue tablescapes adorned with whimsical flowers created a dreamy atmosphere, while a massive floral installation hung from the ceiling, drawing everyone’s eyes upward. We were literally surrounded by flowers.
Metallic chandeliers glimmered above conversation pits filled with plush couches, encouraging guests to relax, mingle, and soak in the magic of the evening. Every element of the design, from the florals to the fabrics to the lighting, was a love letter to color, queerness, and creativity.
This wedding caught so many people’s attention that it was featured in Green Wedding Shoes. You can check out that article here.
A Fun Reception with Drag Queens
If S and D’s ceremony celebrated love, their reception celebrated joy.
S and D’s guests were treated to an unforgettable evening featuring live drag queen performances that had everyone on their feet. The energy in the room was electric. Every cheer, dance, and laugh felt like part of a larger celebration of queer community and unapologetic self-expression.
Between sets, guests mingled in the conversation lounges, enjoyed the artful tablescapes, and toasted to S and D’s love. D later changed into a blue tulle reception dress with a feathery blue veil, continuing the theme of playful color and movement.
This IslandWood wedding was a statement. It’s a testament to the joy that comes when love is celebrated fully, boldly, and without compromise.
Queer Love on Film Photography
For this wedding, I knew digital photography alone couldn’t capture the full feeling of the day. So I turned to film. It turned out to be the perfect choice. I’m really passionate about film. If you’re considering hiring a film wedding photographer, check out the guide I created in this blog post.
Film photography has a certain softness and depth that digital can’t replicate. It captures the way light interacts with color, the subtle texture of fabric, the glow of candlelight, and the warmth of emotion in a way that feels organic and nostalgic.
At IslandWood, with its mix of natural greens and vibrant decor, film was the perfect medium. Every photo of D’s pink veil, the rainbow ceremony flowers, and the saturated blues and purples of the reception came out with a painterly quality that reflected how the day truly felt.
For S and D, whose story is all about authenticity and emotional connection, film photography told their love story in the truest way possible.
Love in Every Frame
S and D’s wedding at IslandWood was a joyful declaration of queer love, creativity, and color. Every detail, from the rainbow flowers to the drag queen performances, reflected their shared values of playfulness, inclusivity, and deep emotional connection.
Capturing their day on film was an absolute honor. I’ll never forget the energy, laughter, and love that filled every moment.
Your Film Wedding Photography
I’m Theo, a film wedding photographer based in Philadelphia. If you’re planning your own colorful, creative, queer wedding (at IslandWood or anywhere) I’d love to help you tell your story through affirming, artful photography.
My approach centers authenticity, emotion, and connection whether I’m photographing with film, digital, or both. Everyone deserves photos that feel true to who they are.
Thank you to the vendors who helped make this wedding so amazing.
Wedding Planning & Design: Hallea Events
Venue: Islandwood
Photographer: Theo Nash Photography
Florals: Bahtoh
Videographer: Gold Hairpin Films
Wedding Attire: S.E. Pattison Atelier, Brides by Young, Demetrios Bride, Madison Chamberlain, Elizabeth Dye
Bridal Styling: Alysia Cole Styling
Band: Blue Wave Band
Cakes: Blue Box Bakery
Hair: Studio Bahtoh
Drag Performers: Betty Wetter, Beau Degas, Dion Dior Black, Queen Andrew Scott
Signage & Stationery: The Fancy Cat Studio
Rentals: BBJ La Tavola, Back Country Bohemians, Cort Party Rental
Lighting: Lightsmith Seattle
Photo Booth: 321 Fotobooth
Getting Ready Attire: Peridot Robes, Me Undies
Transportation: Butler Seattle
