E. & C. | Olympic National Park Elopement at Lake Crescent and Marymere Falls

E. and C., an out-of-state couple, flew to Washington with friends two weeks before. Having company along on a road trip, they rented a camper and drove around the state. However, in an effort to go about their elopement in a private manner, they separated from friends before the ceremony. 

E. and C. had lots of personal details in their elopement’s decoration, including their names and wedding date. They couldn't bring their dogs, cat, and turtle to the ceremony, so to be together with them their pets' faces were engraved on the groom's cufflinks and the bride's bracelet. All of it was very heartwarming.

They chose the Olympic National Park for their elopement. The bride and groom got ready in a camper. And the first look took place at Crescent Lake near the ranger station, where there's a very quaint wooden house.

Following their first look, we hiked to Marymere Falls.

As we were on our way, the bride found a Pacific Trillium flower on the trail, which her grandmother loved very much (these flowers were in her grandmother's wedding bouquet). 

Intriguingly, local tribes believed the flower could be used as a love potion to gain the affection of desired partners. Children were also warned not to pick the flower because it would make it rain. Neither was something we wanted, and we believe in leaving no trace, so we didn't pick it but made a few photographs for the bride's grandmother.

Our next picture-taking session was at the waterfall. We were lucky that it was a weekday, so we didn't have to contend with other people since they were so enchanted by its beauty.

Afterward, we drove back to Crescent Lake, where Pasha, my husband and ordained assistant, performed their sunset lakeside ceremony and they exchanged vows. 

Prior to the ceremony,  the bride received flowers from her father, who was in another state. After that, we went to the pier on the lake for more pictures, and then they had a candlelight picnic by the lakeside (my friend’s designer prepared it). As an alternative to cutting a cake, they chose donuts. It was funny!

It was an elopement I'll never forget! Sweet, beautiful, and delicate. Dear E. and C. I am so grateful that you chose me as your photographer!

Couple’s review: 

​​Elizabeth and I agreed to proceed with Valerie and Pasha quickly following our first zoom call with the couple. Valerie's pictures and work speak for themselves, but both of their laid-back attitudes, sense of humor and earnestness was apparent immediately.

Valerie was very responsive and helpful with guiding us through the elopement maze of Washington state. She has an excellent PDF form with questions and ideas to guide the process.

Valerie had vendors she recommended for various things - several of which we chose for our big day. She even offered to pick up things in Seattle for us.

For our wedding day, both Valerie and Pasha were punctual, professional and flexible for the unexpected. We had an amazing day with them both, and connected with them more than we anticipated.

Since our wedding day, she has been excellent with communication and giving us our "sneak peek" photos - which are amazing

We highly recommend Valerie and Pasha for your big day! You will not regret it.

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HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ELOPEMENTS

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I’M VALERIE, YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

My style is called “candid photography.” The idea is to preserve moments as they were, not as we wish they looked.

Before we speak, I ask you to fill out the contact form. It helps me better understand what you want to get from your elopement. Knowing precisely what you want, I can offer you the best locations, activities, and vendors. Don’t worry if you don’t have a concept for your event. Together we’ll find the best solution. What I really won’t do is force you to accept something that I suggested. This is your day, and I just help you to turn your thoughts, ideas, and dreams into reality.

Friendship is not something you can buy, but here you will get a real friend. Yes, I’ll be pretty much invisible during the elopement, but as with any intimate event, the elopement goes better when you are surrounded by people you trust. I’ll try to become that kind of person for your couple. I’ll help you to spend this day in a relaxed atmosphere. One of the most popular reasons why people choose to elope is the desire to spend the wedding day without haste and fuss. Your elopement will be adventurous but stress-free!  I'll be your rock, your shoulder to lean on.

Finally, when we discuss all the details, and you choose everything from location and date to clothes and champagne, I’ll get my camera. At that moment, my purpose will be to capture your real feelings and emotions. I’m not going to tell you what to do and how to pose. Our common goal is to save these brilliant moments of your love story, not to do posed photography.