Intimate Wedding at Olympic Rooftop Pavillion, Seattle | Caitlin + Marlon
When Caitlin first inquired about me potentially photographing her wedding, I just had this feeling about her. Her description of the wedding felt very honest and true to who her and Marlon were as a couple. And after chatting with the two of them on the phone, I remember telling my husband “I really want this one.” They are so down to earth and kind and their wedding day was every bit as down to earth as they are. I captured their wedding on digital and 35mm film and I’m so pleased with the way their gallery turned out.
Intimate Wedding at Olympic Rooftop Pavillion
About the day
The day began with some detail and getting ready photos of Caitlin at a nearby Airbnb. The couple chose to forego a bridal party (something that I’m seeing a lot of these days) and it was just Caitlin and her mom when I arrived. She slipped into her gorgeous Alena Leena from a&bè bridal shop gown and off we went to the Carl S. English Botanical Gardens at the Ballard Locks for the couple’s first look. The botanical gardens were a lovely backdrop for first look and couple portraits and it’s just a short drive to the Olympic Rooftop Pavillion, which is where we headed next.
A no-fuss affair
The couple invited ~60 of their closest friends and family members to witness their union, which made the whole day feel very chill and intimate. It was clear to me that they put a lot of time and love into their guest list and the people in attendance were overjoyed to be there. Caitlin and Marlon chose to walk down the aisle together, which is honestly something I wish I would have done! The ceremony was brief, but beautiful and then everyone (except the family - we had family photos to do) went down to the hotel lobby for cocktail hour, so the caterers could flip the room for dinner.
Caitlin and her friends DIY’d some of the tablescape, but you never would have known because it was so elegant and the venue itself is stunning. My favorite part were the golden doodle cookies at every place setting (I have a golden doodle as well)! The tables were lined with candles and bud vases with flowers from Gloomy Bloom and the gorgeous chandeliers and mountain backdrop tied it all together.
If you’ve never eaten at Stoneburner (the restaurant attached to Hotel Ballard and caterer for Olympic Rooftop Pavillion), you have got to add it to your list. The food is always 10/10 and it might actually be one of my favorite venues to work with because they always send me home with leftovers!
Dinner was followed by heartfelt toasts and a lively dance party and dessert. It was one of those weddings that I didn’t want to end. So much so that I accidentally left behind an envelope with my tip inside, like a little glass slipper (sorry Caitlin lol - she ended up venmo-ing me because she’s the sweetest).
The evening ended with the coolest blood moon I’ve ever seen and I used my zoom-iest lens to try to capture it - I think it turned out pretty great!
Bad Ass Seattle Wedding Vendors
Photographer: Cat Ruchalski | @catruchalski
Venue: Olympic Rooftop Pavillion | @stoneburnerseattle
Catering: Stoneburner | @stoneburnerseattle
DJ: More than Just Music | @morethanjustmusicpnw
Florals: Gloomy Bloom | @gloomy.bloom_
Dresses: Alena Leena from A&Bè Bridal Shop | @fortheluvofbridal
Suit: Suit Supply | @suitsupply
Hair & Makeup: Anne Timss | @mstimssmakeupartist
About Olympic Rooftop Pavillion
A photographer’s dream location
Olympic Rooftop Pavillion is a wedding and private event space, located atop Hotel Ballard in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. With its panoramic views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains, Puget Sound, and nearby waterways, it is an absolute photographer’s dream location for a wedding.
Key features of the venue
• Bright, open interior with vaulted ceilings and a 20-foot skylight that fills the space with natural light.
• Glass walls on south and west sides that fully open onto an outdoor rooftop patio — offering a flexible indoor-outdoor experience.
• Outdoor patio with a fireplace, perfect for cocktail hours or relaxed moments.
• Space for up to ~130 seated guests or ~150 for cocktail-style events.
• Event catering is provided exclusively by the restaurant Stoneburner, known for its high-quality Pacific Northwest and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Overall, it’s considered a romantic, modern, and versatile rooftop venue that blends indoor elegance with dramatic outdoor views — ideal for intimate to mid-sized weddings year-round.
Want to check out more gorgeous Seattle-area wedding venues like Olympic Rooftop Pavilion? Explore my SODO Wedding Guide!
Olympic Rooftop Pavillion Wedding Photographer
Whether you’re getting married at Olympic Rooftop Pavillion or elsewhere in Washington, I’d love to be there to capture those special moments for you and your loved ones! Get in touch here and let’s be friendssss ✨
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