Brett & J.R. | Sun Soaked Ceremony on the Smith River | Gasquet, CA

August 29, 2012

Crescent City Wedding Photographer

Just off the Redwood Highway in Del Norte County is the town of Gasquet, CA. As you make your way down the winding road you’re greeted by the Smith River, boasted as the cleanest river in the United States, and the third cleanest in the entire world. Brett grew up with the river right in her backyard, so it only made sense to marry the love of her life in it.

It was a day so sweet, even the bees wanted to join us.

The reception followed with wood fired pizza and Nutella calzones courtesy of Rosie’s Inferno, plus a pinata made of PBR boxes, and about 20 pies baked by Brett’s mother.

Inevitably, the day ended where it began: Back in the Smith River. If I had access to such crystal clear, serpentine waters, I’d be eager to get my feet back into them, too.

House in Gasquet, CA

Trees near the Smith River in Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Flower centerpieces near the Smith River in Gasquet, CA

Red Barn wedding photo montage - Gasquet, CA

Red barn wedding photo montage - Gasquet, CA

Intimate backyard wedding - Beer in a wheelbarrow and Radioflyer - Gasquet, CA

Mexican Coca-Cola at a backyard wedding - Gasquet, CA

Striped straws, flowers and limes at a backyard wedding in Gasquet, CA

Sign leading to wedding on the Smith River - Gasquet, CA

Guests walking to wedding ceremony on the Smith River - Gasquet, CA

Guests walking to wedding ceremony on the Smith River - Gasquet, CA

Children playing in the Smith River - Gasquet, CA

Children catching frogs in the Smith River - Gasquet, CA

Parents and their grandchildren at a Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Toddler playing in the water at a Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guests first glimpse of Bride and her father kayaking - Smith River Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Bride and her father kayaking to her Smith River Wedding ceremony - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Smith River Ceremony - Groom and Mother standing in water

Bride and Groom's first look at each other - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom waiting for his Bride - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Exchanging vows at a Smith River Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Smith River Wedding - Buzzing bee interrupts Bride and Groom

Bride giggling while exchanging vows - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Elderly guest taking photos of the ceremony - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Children playing in the water during ceremony - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

black-and-white photo of the water, Bride and Groom - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Ring exchange between bride and groom - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom getting choked up during vows - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Bride and Groom hug after first kiss as newlyweds - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Teary-eyed guests greet bride and groom - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Father helping Bride put her shoes on - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Fresh flower headband worn by bride - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Classical violin duo performing at Smith River Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Bride leaning on an oak tree - Smith River Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom goofing off near the Smith River in Gasquet, CA

Groom surprising bride with a hug - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Portrait of newlyweds laughing - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Portraits of Bride and Groom - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Detail portraits of Bride and Groom - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Detail portrait of bride and groom - Smith River wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Bokeh Panorama Portrait of Bride and Groom near the Smith River

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Individual portraits of Bride and Groom in Gasquet, CA

Rosie's Inferno Wood Fired Pizza Truck - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Rosie's Inferno Wood Fired Pizza Truck - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guests eating wood fired pizza - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guests eating Nutella calzones - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Appetizers at an intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guests use washi tape to label drink cups - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Stripes and flowers  - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Classical violin duo performing at an intimate backyard wedding - Gasquet, CA

Homemade wedding pies - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Mixed berry homemade wedding pie - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Homemade Wedding Pie - Gasquet, CA

Exotic Taxidermy - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Cheese and an exotic chandelier - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Fruit and cheese table - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Figs and cheese - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Cheese wheel - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Wedding guest controlling pinata - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Toddler with Pinata - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Blindfolded Groom attacking pinata - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guests laughing at blindfolded groom - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Blindfolded bride attacking the wedding pinata in Gasquet, CA

Blindfolded bride attacking pinata - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Groom laughing at little boy hitting a pinata in Gasquet, CA

Father of bride destroying pinata - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom watching Father of Bride destroy the pinata - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Children picking up candy from the pinata - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Toddler eating suckers with the wrapper on - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guests mingling at a backyard wedding in Gasquet, CA

Guests toast with beer bottles - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Bride photobombs Groom and his siblings in Gasquet, CA

Close-up wide angle of Groom's face - Gasquet, CA

Tree frog on a leaf - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Bride sneaking away from ceremony - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guests sitting at a picnic table near the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Elderly guest eating berry pie - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guest holding a glass of champagne - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Champagne toasts - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Champagne toasts - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Father of groom getting choked up during the toast - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom give champagne toast with parents in Gasquet, CA

Groom and Father of Bride hugging after toasts - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom and his mother hugging after toasts - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Bride and groom looking at their red barn wedding photo montage - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom looking at old family photos in Gasquet, CA

Bride looking at red barn wedding photo montage - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Bride getting her picture taken with guests - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom filling mason jar from beer keg - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom and a basket of Pliny the Elder - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Drinking at the Smith River wedding afterparty

Bride in bathing suit - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guests in bathing suits greet bride - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Bride in bathing suit on the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guest drinking Rose on the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Bride climbing rocks on the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom watches brother leap into the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom flips kayak with guest in it - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Bride and Groom swimming in the Smith River in Gasquet, CA

Family watching bride and groom swim in the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom smiling while swimming in the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom and brother wrestling in the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Mother of Groom laughing while drinking a beer - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guests and children swimming in the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Guest drinking beer while sitting in the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Feet hanging over a rock - Smith River Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Smith River Afterparty - Guests jumping into water - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Crescent City Wedding Photographer - Bride swimming in the Smith River in Gasquet, CA

Groom drinking Pliny the Elder  - Smith River Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Bride swimming in the Smith River - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA

Groom's wet feet standing on a rock - Intimate Backyard Wedding - Gasquet, CA


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COMMENTS

Was this wedding at a private home? We are looking for a ceremony sight on the smith and would love details

Hi RikA, yes unfortunately this wedding took place at a private residence. Good luck on your search — the Smith is so beautiful!

[…] someone who’s terrified of open water, I spent a lot of time hanging out around the rivers, lakes and oceans of the Pacific Northwest this summer. It always seems like such a novel idea to […]

So so good! I agree with Jasmine, it didn’t seem to be the best time to shoot but you did such a fantastic job!

[…] month I got a small tour of Redwood Roots Farm near Arcata, CA before heading back to Portland from Brett & J.R.’s wedding on the Smith River. Visiting Farmer Janet, meeting her new baby chicks, and frolicking in the dahlia garden on a […]

ps: I can see the light was totally hard to work with, middayish? Anyway, totally pulled it off, lady!

Thank you, Jasmine! And isn’t it funny how the best weather that lends itself to the most fun on a wedding day also makes our jobs so much harder? Glad to know my effort wasn’t in vain. :)

Though, I have to admit, I recently decided to accept a truly documentary approach to weddings. In previous years, I might’ve tried to edit photos differently to create an environment or lighting that didn’t actually exist, if that makes sense. But now I think, if I aim to be strictly documentary, once I accept what is there and only try to work with it instead of against it, I’ll be much happier with the results. Chris half-jokingly calls this “The Taos of Photography.”

Simplicity. Joy. Energy. Love. You made all the things that really matter sing. Oh, Kim. One day I sure do hope we work together. You experience these with such an effortless and genuinely natural joy. Swoon.

I LOVE this wedding! Your coverage of it is fabulous!

Love everything about this wedding. Looks like the most fun you could possibly have at a wedding!

Wow this has to be one of the best weddings I’ve ever seen! I wish I was there!

I’m pretty sure getting married IN the river makes them officially the coolest couple ever to wed!

Kim! These are amazing. You and Allyson were such a pleasure to have shooting the day. You truly melted away and snuck in to capture the moments and fun details that were actually happening, instead of forcing shots. Thank you both so much!

– Brett (the bride)

phew i scrolled through this post twice because it so damn good. great work.

I want to know these people. LOVE this set. I loooooove #s 26, 31, 39, 63, 79… too many to list. Really fantastic coverage!

This is stunning, and I pretty much want to live in this wedding. Amazing work!

Seriously the RADDEST couple ever. What a fun and truly unique wedding! I love everything about this.

That wedding looks like a blast. I love that they have a pinata!

I agree with Jade – I want a do-over and someone like you to capture the magic. These are splendid. You rock!

Um, so how cool is it that they got married in the water!? I want a wedding do over!

I feel like this thought runs through my head every single time I shoot a wedding. “Why didn’t I think of that?!”

Wow, love it! Looks like a wedding I would enjoy :) Great photos and what a great couple, looks like everyone had a wonderful time.

For real? This is the best wedding ever. Swimming + wedding = awesomeness. You killed it, Kimbo!

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