Vineyard Vows: Sarah & Chris in Lake Chelan, WA

When Sarah Rowley, a technical recruiter, and Chris West, a real estate appraiser, began their search for a wedding location, they headed straight for the Columbia River in Washington State, a few hours from their hometown of Bellevue. “We love to go boating, camping, wake-boarding and tubing on the lakes and rivers,” says Sarah. “The water is where we’re happiest.”

Vineyard Vows: Sarah & Chris in Lake Chelan, WA

They followed the river, visiting a few potential sites, until they came to Lake Chelan. There, they found Tsillan Cellars Winery and Vineyards.

READ MORE
Vineyard Vows: Sarah & Chris in Lake Chelan, WA
When Sarah Rowley, a technical recruiter, and Chris West, a real estate appraiser, began their search for a wedding location, they headed straight for the Columbia River in Washington State, a few hours from their hometown of Bellevue. “We love to go boating, camping, wake-boarding and tubing on the lakes and rivers,” says Sarah. “The water is where we’re happiest.”
READ MORE
Vineyard Vows: Sarah & Chris in Lake Chelan, WA

On the big day, 55 guests gathered at a grassy area overlooking the vineyard and lake.

READ MORE
Vineyard Vows: Sarah & Chris in Lake Chelan, WA
Then the pair exchanged some very personal vows they’d written themselves, with some help from their officiant. “We put every bit of our hearts into the vows,” says Sarah. “Everybody had tears in their eyes.”
READ MORE
Vineyard Vows: Sarah & Chris in Lake Chelan, WA

They had about seven months to arrange the details of their July wedding.

READ MORE
Vineyard Vows: Sarah & Chris in Lake Chelan, WA

After the pair shared their first kiss as a married couple, the bell in the winery’s tower rang to herald the union — it was even timed to sound to the beat of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up,” which played simultaneously.

READ MORE
Vineyard Vows: Sarah & Chris in Lake Chelan, WA
A flower girl poses on the winery’s wooden bridge.  
READ MORE
Vineyard Vows: Sarah & Chris in Lake Chelan, WA

Sarah herself wore a simple sheath dress with an empire waist, and arranged white orchids in her hair. Her pastel bouquet of orchids, berries and white, pink and yellow roses finished the feminine look beautifully.

READ MORE
Vineyard Vows: Sarah & Chris in Lake Chelan, WA
The littlest flower girls get a helping hand.  
READ MORE
See More Photos