pnw elopement photographer

Seattle Forest Elopement in a Cozy Cabin | PNW Wedding Photographer

This was the coziest elopement tucked into the North Cascades in early autumn. Just the couple and the bride’s sister & brother-in-law, oh and an amazing private chef (well, and me). It was not over-planned. In fact, we came up with the idea for the candles in the days before, texting photos and ideas and a quick store trip! Her jumpsuit was so simple and chic, and sneakers won over fussy heels. Sometimes less is truly more. It was a gorgeous day and I was honored to capture it. A few elopement planning tips after the jump!

3 Tips For Elopement Planning

  1. Choose a location that has personal significance to you. One of the biggest benefits to opting for an elopement is that you don’t have to consider factors like venues, guests preferences, ease of access, parking, etc. AirBnB is an awesome place to start. Oftentimes the property of your rental is enough to make for the perfect setting.

  2. Write your own vows or love letters, and do it by hand. Not only will your personal words make for a much more intimate and meaningful celebration but being able to look back at your handwriting and hold those words in your hands forever is one of the best gifts you can give to yourselves.

  3. Hire your key vendors! For some this might mean having a planner take over all the details and ensure your elopement both looks and feels perfect, letting you relax and take it all in. Even though elopements are smaller than full weddings, they still have lots of moving pieces that you won’t realize until you’re in the final swing! Having a chef cater a dinner makes it feel really luxurious at a way smaller price tag than a full wedding, and is much more special than a frozen pizza. Hiring a photographer to capture it all is a gift to yourself that you’ll treasure forever (and maybe to share with loved ones who didn’t attend in person!).

If you have dreams of a smaller elopement that’s still full of magic, don’t hesitate to get in touch! I’d love to hear your story and help you make it all come true.

Kalaloch WA Coastal Elopement on Film + Digital

As winter sets in in the beautiful PNW, I’m sitting writing this with rain pouring down my windows and a cup of coffee I’ve reheated at least three times. Covid living is a temporal mystery, with hours stretching into full afternoons and many toddler requests on repeat. I’m grateful for our health and safety, but very ready for a sense of normalcy to return.

With this year looking so incredibly different than most, I’ve been able to harness my creativity and explore new worlds that previously I just didn’t have the time for. My biggest and most exciting foray of the last 12 months has been in introducing film to my work. I began my photography journey just as the industry was making the switch from analog to digital, and I feel like I missed out on the foundational darkroom training that was such a rite of passage for many photographers. Though my analog journey takes me only so far as sending rolls off to a lab to be developed and scanned, I’m excited for the vastness of this unexplored medium and the incredible addition it’s bringing into my work.

For as long as I can remember, my mission has been to invoke some magic of human connection in my work. Whether it’s between the subjects in the frame, or a direct and subtle communication from me as an artist to my viewer, I want my photos to reach people at a soul level, not to just simply document. Film has brought a new set of tools in invoking nostalgia, embracing imperfection, and giving up an element of control in a tech-heavy world. I plan on using analog 35mm film in all of my wedding work (and likely lifestyle work) going forward. It’s the blend of digital and film that is so magical in telling a full story.

The shoot I’m sharing in this post was born of a need to create freely. I first met Sammy & Alejandro, the “models,” when they reached out to me for an engagement session earlier this year. I loved working with them, witnessing their love, and knew it wouldn’t be the end! They’re planning a destination wedding and I asked them to come out to the coast to create with us, and I’m so glad they agreed. Shooting a creative editorial is such an opportunity to dig into new ideas, work with a talented and like-minded vendor team, and push yourself into new growth. It wouldn’t be the same if the models weren’t truly in love or actually getting married, it really makes a difference.

We set our location to Kalaloch Beach on the Washington Coast. It’s a truly magical place for me, as I’ve been going yearly with my husband to camp. It’s just down the road from the more-popular Ruby Beach, but since that area gets so much attention, we wanted to celebrate the beauty and solitude that Kalaloch has to offer. We stayed in their beachside cabins and truly immersed in the environment to create this shoot. A highlight memory was a bonfire overlooking the darkening ocean and sky after the shoot with the team.

The team:

I did the planning, along with my friend Marnie Cornell, who also did makeup. I did the hair! We wanted to keep it simple and easy, wanted to sip coffee and chat together while getting ready, and make it an experience for all of us to enjoy.

The florals: Colibri Blooms

The stationery: Sablewood Paper Co.

Dress: Lulus

Groomswear: H&M

Venue: Kalaloch Beach & Kalaloch Lodge

Film (Fuji & Kodak) developed by Indie Film Lab

The following is a mix of digital, film and instant film:

 

And a few personal shots from that weekend:

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Washington Coastal Elopement | Seattle Wedding Photographer

With big plans that were postponed until next year due to Covid-19, Katie and Andrew still wanted to commit to one another on their original wedding date. They decided to elope with their immediate families and closest friends on a beautiful summer day. Their intimate wedding ceremony overlooked the San Juan Islands and the water, with occasional ferries cris-crossing the horizon.

With a celebration this size, you can really take advantage of what nature has already provided. There was a short hike to the bluff they chose, and I loved how everyone made a small journey to arrive at this place. Now when they go back to visit it will be so special and have such meaning. Though 2020 has thrown SO many curveballs into wedding planning, I do love the creativity it’s brought out in couples, and the determination that love conquers all.

P.S. There are a few film images thrown in here, can you spot them?

 

More galleries that include film are here, here, and here.

If you need a Seattle or PNW wedding photographer, contact me here!