I think I might be the luckiest person alive. Not only do I get to photograph love stories for a living, but I also get to photograph the most creative, intentional weddings in the world. This amusement park wedding has made a permanent home in my heart, just like Bill and Alora have. Fun fact: Alora found me through a Trader Joe’s Facebook group. A wedding I photographed a few years back ended up in that Facebook group because the bride used Trader Joe’s flowers to make her bouquet. Alora had earmarked that post before she was even engaged because she knew even then that she wanted me to shoot her wedding. I’m not crying, you’re crying. It was an absolute honor to photograph her and Bill’s wedding at Glen Echo Park. And when you see the photos, I think you’ll understand why I love it so much!

Getting Ready & An Unforgettable Amusement Park Wedding Ceremony

I got to know Bill and Alora during their engagement session a few months before their wedding. During that time, I fell in love with their sweet, intentional energy. That was only magnified throughout their wedding day. They each got ready with their closest friends, throwing tradition out the window and having anyone they wanted with them throughout the morning. I was obsessed with the sleek black dresses and suits paired with red accents. They matched the venue perfectly! We got some incredible photos around the park, taking advantage of the unique, colorful backdrops.

Alora and Bill were married in an open-air pavilion hung with red balloons and string lights. They stood in front of a white balloon arch with their closest friends beside them, and promised their forever to each other. Whenever I snuck a glance at the guests, everyone was smiling from ear to ear, and I felt that expression reflected on my own face.

Dinner & Dancing in the Bumper Car Pavilion

During cocktail hour, we snuck away with the couple’s family to get some portraits. Afterwards, I shooed everyone else away so Bill and Alora could have some time for just the two of them. I faded into the background and let them wander all over the park, pausing in some iconic locations (like the century-old carousel) to take their pictures! Though I could have spent the entire evening taking portraits, we returned to the reception space to introduce Bill and Alora as Mr. and Mrs.

Glen Echo Park has turned the original bumper car pavilion into a reception hall, and it’s just as cool as it sounds. Equal parts chic and whimsical, the pavilion was the perfect backdrop for dinner, toasts, and dancing. We transferred the balloon arch from the ceremony space to right behind the sweetheart table, adding a fun pop to the space. After the sun set, I stole Bill and Alora away for some extra portraits. You can’t have an amusement park wedding and not take advantage of the neon lights! While it required me to mess with my settings to get the lighting just right, these photos are some of my favorites from the entire night. 

Your Wedding, Your Rules 

If you take absolutely nothing else away from this blog post, remember this: You can do whatever the fuck you want for your wedding. Do you want an amusement park wedding like Bill and Alora? Do it. Every single guest was just as obsessed with the venue as I was. This is your sign to do something unique and creative that feels like you. And if you want an out-of-the-box photographer who will support your wacky style? Well, you know where to find me. Explore my wedding photography packages and inquire to learn more! 

Vendors: 

Photographer: Laura McMullin Photography

Second Photographer: Gabby Bridge Photography

Venue: Glen Echo Park 

Wedding Dress: BHLDN

Catering: Corcoran Caterers 

Hair & Makeup: Carla Reis Beauty

DJ & Music: Shiny Entertainment