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A Romantic Lakeside Wedding in Auburn + Elegant Tacoma Reception | Joshua & Moth

Some weddings feel like a scene pulled straight from a novel — layered with meaning, full of color, and woven with personal history. Joshua & Moth’s day was exactly that.


From a heartfelt backyard ceremony at Moth’s grandparents’ lakeside home in Auburn, WA, to a cozy reception at Dystopian State Brewing Co. & Event Venue overlooking downtown Tacoma and the Puget Sound waterfront, this celebration was intimate, joyful, and beautifully intentional.


Couple kiss at an outdoor wedding on Trout Lake in Auburn. Bride in couture floral dress, groom in Bespoke suit.

How Their Story Began


Like many modern love stories, Joshua and Moth matched on Bumble in 2021 while Moth was in college.They quickly realized how much they enjoyed simply being together — relaxing picnics, cozy nights in, and sharing their favorite movie universes:✨ Harry Potter for Moth✨ Star Wars for Joshua


In June 2022, they visited Disneyland for Joshua’s birthday — his very first time — where he built a custom lightsaber. By 2023, they moved into their first apartment, just the two of them.


And on September 17, 2023, they returned to Disneyland where Joshua proposed in front of the castle — with a ring he had been holding onto for over a year.


A true fairytale.


Wedding couple hold hands, smiling on a rooftop with a colorful mural background at Dystopian State Brewing Co in Tacoma WA

A Wedding Vision Rooted in Intention & Ease


Their dream was simple:A stress-free wedding day filled with fun, love, and their closest family and friends.

To honor their connection, they chose to exchange private vows after their first look, a deeply emotional moment shared quietly before the ceremony — allowing them to feel grounded and soak in every moment without nerves.


Their wedding party included:


  • For Joshua: childhood friends Tory, Judah, and Gaia; former roommate Dominic; brothers Tim and Ricky

  • For Moth: Lake, Angelia (sister), and Grace

  • Planner/Coordinator: lovingly supported by Moth’s grandmother, Mary, who helped bring the day together.


As an intimate group, this wedding was a celebration of community, family, and shared stories.


Wedding party on a Trout Lake dock; bridesmaids in maroon dresses, groomsmen in black suits, surrounded by lush greenery and calm water.

A Backyard Ceremony on Trout Lake | Auburn, WA


Held at Moth’s grandparents’ home on Trout Lake in Auburn, WA, the ceremony felt intimate and intentional.The color palette — navy, maroon, and plum — added depth and elegance to their romantic, whimsical theme.


Some of their most meaningful photographs came from inside the home:


  • getting ready in the upstairs bedrooms

  • on the grand staircase, flooded with soft light

  • and with an heirloom chair treasured by generations

  • on the dock on Trout lake


It was a beautiful way to honor family history while celebrating the beginning of their own.


Bride in lace gown and groom stand on a bridge adorned with flowers. They gaze at each other in backyard wedding. Black and white.

From Lakefront to Tacoma | A Warm + Moody Brewery Reception


After the ceremony, guests made their way to Dystopian State Brewing Co. & Event Venue in Tacoma — a perfect, cozy contrast.


Think:✨ Warm golden lights✨ Textured wood + industrial detail✨ Festive energy✨ Views overlooking the Tacoma waterfront


This space created the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed celebration full of good food, laughter, and heartfelt toasts.


Dinner was catered by Los Chilangos, whose adorable pink taco truck parked outside and served incredible tacos to delighted guests.


Dessert came from Seatown Sweets, followed by dancing with music by DJ Owen Artlip.


Dystopian was a whole vibe — intimate, warm, eclectic, and overflowing with joy.


Wedding couple dance under warm string lights at Dystopian State Brewing Co venue in Tacoma. Several other couples dance around them. Romantic setting.

What Made This Wedding Special


Aside from the meaningful spaces and heartfelt vows, this wedding was rich with story:


  • The blending of close-knit families

  • The importance of childhood friendships

  • Private vows to ease nerves and enhance connection

  • The beauty of hosting in a family home

  • A relaxed brewery reception to celebrate


These thoughtful choices made it clear what mattered most: connection, ease, and presence.


A group hug among best friends in a warmly lit room with hanging lights at Dystopian State Brewing Co, creating a joyful and intimate atmosphere.

Going Above & Beyond


There was a hiccup at the end of the night — the couple’s transportation to their hotel fell through unexpectedly after everyone else had left. Without hesitation, I drove them myself.


Because wedding photography isn’t just about taking pictures — it’s about caring for people and making sure their day is smooth, joyful, and stress-free.


Here’s what Moth shared in their review:

“Just got married yesterday and haven’t got the pictures yet (obviously) but Leah really went above and beyond for our wedding. She kept us all organized and on time, was able to manage the chaos of families all arriving at different times with energetic children, suggested extra photo opportunities that I never would have thought of, fixed my husband’s glasses that broke a few minutes before walking down the aisle, and even drove us home when our transportation services fell through! If you want a photographer who’s organized, professional, and really cares about making your day extra special you should definitely book with Leah.”

Their words mean everything!


Details shot of Perfume bottle, blue ring box with ring, and embroidered clutch on lace fabric; pearl necklace accents. Elegant and romantic setting.

Vendor Team


  • Photography: Sage & Soul Photography — Tacoma Wedding Photographer

  • Ceremony Venue: Private family lake home — Auburn, WA

  • Reception Venue: Dystopian State Brewing Co., Tacoma, WA

  • Cake: Seatown Sweets

  • Catering: Los Chilangos (pink taco truck)

  • DJ: Owen Artlip

  • Videography: unknown name

  • Planning / Coordination: Grandmother Mary


Sign for "Dystopian State Brewing Co." at venue with a black eagle logo on a wooden wall. Warm pendant lights and a menu board create a cozy atmosphere.

Final Reflections


From their Bumble beginning to Disneyland magic, private vows, heirloom spaces, and brewery celebration — Joshua & Moth’s wedding day was filled with emotion, intention, and joy.


Their celebration is a beautiful reminder that a wedding with friends and family close to you is full of heart.


For couples looking for:✅ Intimate wedding photography in Washington✅ Backyard + small wedding photographer✅ Tacoma wedding photographer✅ Auburn wedding photographer✅ Documentary-style, candid storytelling photography✅ Wedding coverage that is calm, organized, and personal

— Sage & Soul Photography would be honored to capture your story.


As Sage & Soul Photography, a Tacoma–Seattle wedding photographer specializing in romantic, candid, storytelling wedding photography, capturing every moment of this gorgeous celebration was an absolute honor.


With more than a decade of experience photographing weddings, people, and real emotion, I bring a stress-free, highly organized, people-first approach so you can enjoy your day fully while knowing your memories are in expert hands.


✨ Ready to connect about your Washington wedding? I’d love to hear your story.


A floral wedding invitation with purple and pink flowers, ivory shoes, lace, vow books, rings, a perfume bottle, and a bouquet on beige fabric.
Detail shot of bride's Perfume, blue ring box, and white embroidered clutch on her veil. modern, delicate setting.
A blue velvet ring box with a diamond ring atop bride's veil. The delicate detail setting creates an elegant and romantic mood.
Bride in a wedding dress sits smiling on wooden staircase at grandparent's family home in Auburn WA. Bride wearing white heels with bows.
Groom in a green grey suit with floral boutonniere stands by Trout lake at Auburn WA venue. Trees and sky in the background. Calm, serene expression.
Bride in a white gown stands on a lakeside dock facing a groom in a suit for first look. houses reflect on the water.
Bride in white designer lace dress with floral details holds bouquet by lake. She has tattoos and veil, set against a lush green forested background.
Bride in trending designer lace gown stands on a dock, overlooking a serene lake with evergreen trees in the background in Auburn, WA.
Bride with veil covering arm tattoos smiles by Trout lake in Auburn. Her designer dress has floral details and a serene lake in background.
Close-up of a bride holding a white vow book tied with a ribbon, touching groom's suit adorned with blue flowers, set against a blurred outdoor background in Auburn.
Close-up of a couple; groom holds a black vow book, reads vows to bride in a white dress, has visible tattoos.
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Bride in unique strapless lace dress and groom in a bespoke suit smile by a lakeside. She holds colorful flowers. Trout Lake Auburn in the background.
A diamond engagement ring and a silver wedding band sit on a rust-colored rock, highlighting the rings' intricate design and sparkle.
Bride in white gown and groom in gray suit hold hands, walking under floral arch by a lakeside. Background: greenery and serene water.
A wedding couple embraces on a decorated patio with foliage and lights. Bride is in a white strapless lace dress, the man in a green custom suit. romantic mood.
Bride and groom embrace on a decorated bridge at family home on Trout Lake backyard. He kisses her cheek. Black-and-white photo. Romantic mood.
Bride and groom kiss on a bridge decorated with colorful flowers, set against a lush, green park backdrop. Romantic and serene mood.
A wedding couple embrace under leafy trees, smiling. The bride holds a bouquet. Black and white photo with a romantic mood.
Wedding party on a lakeside dock, bridesmaids in burgundy, groomsmen in suits, bride and groom smiling. Lush greenery background.
Groom in a gray custom suit with blue purple floral boutonniere is very bespoke and stands by Auburn's Trout lake. Calm and formal atmosphere.
Groom in grey suit with floral boutonniere stands on lakeside dock, bride in foreground. Trees and houses reflect in the water.
Bride in strapless floral lace dress and groom smiling, bride holding colorful bouquet. They're on a dock by a lake, surrounded by trees under a blue sky.
Two rings on a vibrant red dahlia, surrounded by green and pink hydrangeas. The mood is romantic and celebratory.
Bride and bridesmaids in burgundy red dresses and a white bridal gown raise bouquets on a house balcony. Background shows trees and a red umbrella.
A bride in a white couture gown and groom in a bespoke custom green suit embrace overlooking the Tacoma skyline with city lights twinkling in the background. Romantic mood.
Bride in white dress and sneakers holds bouquet, walking with groom in suit. They smile against a mural of blackbirds on a blue wall at Dystopian State Brewing Co Tacoma.
Wedding couple at Dystopian State Brewing Co reception in Tacoma with a decorated table with drinks and flowers, in a brick-walled room. Warm atmosphere, evening gathering.
A glass of cider on a windowsill at Dystopian State Brewing Co wedding venue with blurred city lights in the background, creating a calm, cozy ambiance.
Bride and groom holding hands in front of a colorful food truck with "los Chilangos" text. Both smiling, bride in white dress, groom in suit.
Pink taco truck catering at Dystopian Brewery Co Tacoma with "We LOVE TACOS!" text under a cloudy sky.
Bride and groom order from Los Chilangos pink food taco truck with floral patterns. Menu details visible. Chef serves inside. Casual, celebratory mood.
Wedding guests playing cards around a table with drinks and decorative plants in a warm, casual setting at Dystopian State Brewery. Mood is relaxed and focused.
Bride in a trending white dress and groom in a custom green suit walk hand in hand, smiling. Background shows soft lighting and rustic wooden beams.
Sign for Dystopian State Brewing Co. hangs on a wooden wall. Warm lights create a cozy atmosphere. A menu screen is visible to the side.
Crystal vase with flowers on a wooden table, adorned with purple fabric. Soft bokeh lights in the background create a cozy atmosphere.
Bride in white gown holds bouquet, standing with groom in dark suit. They gaze at each other, Tacoma city lights twinkle in the background.
Tables with leafy centerpieces and name cards in a warmly lit, rustic room. Large windows in the background fill the space with golden light at Dystopian State Brewing Co.
Bride and groom smiling, holding hands, by Dystopian State Brewing Co mural with birds and patterns. Bride in gown with sneakers, groom in trending green suit. Romantic urban setting.
Rustic banquet hall with round tables set for an event, adorned with greenery and place cards. Warm lighting from geometric lamps. Cozy ambiance.
White cake with "just married" text on top, intricate icing details, set on a dark surface at Dystopian Brewery in Tacoma. Celebratory and elegant mood.
Bride and groom smile with forks near a wedding cake on a table. Ambient lights hang above, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
Five family member pose for a cheerful group selfie at a lively gathering with string lights and dark wood walls in the background.
Bride and groom dance on wooden floor at Dystopian State Brewing Co, surrounded by guests raising phones. Warm lights hang overhead, creating a festive atmosphere.
Group of best friends hugging tightly in a warmly lit room with string lights at reception. They appear joyful and are wearing casual and formal attire.
Bride and groom laughing with guests in a warmly lit indoor venue. A man holds a lighter; others capture the moment on phones.
Couples dance under dim, warm string lights at Dystopian State Brewing Co. Bride and groom dance in shutter drag image. The setting is dark with a joyful mood.
Bride and groom kiss passionately in dimly lit Dystopian State Brewery venue, surrounded by hanging lights and guests. The bride wears a detailed floral lace gown.
Groom and groomsmen dancing and laughing and celebrating indoors, with dim lighting and hanging bulbs, creating a festive atmosphere.
Groomsmen joyfully embracing groom on the dancefloor at reception with string lights in the background at Dystopian State Brewing Co.
Guests dancing energetically in a warmly-lit room with wooden beams, wearing colorful outfits. Festive mood with hanging lights.
People dancing energetically at a dimly lit party. A woman in a black and white dress and a man in black engage with lively expressions.
A bride in a floral gown and a bridesmaid in a burgundy dress dance joyfully at a warmly lit venue with wooden beams and hanging lights.
People dancing energetically at a party, some holding drinks. String lights and a rustic interior create a lively, fun atmosphere.
Men in white shirts dance with joyous expressions at a lively party. Other guests, dressed in black, watch and cheer under warm string lights.

 
 
 

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