K. & A. | Lake Crescent Adventure Elopement
This wedding lasted from morning until evening, with the couple choosing to spend most of the day alone before joining their guests. The bride added a personal touch by embroidering her envelopes with the wedding date and their names. She also crafted a sign resembling those at National Park entrances and made all the bouquets and boutonnieres herself.
K. and A. began by getting ready in a cozy cabin near Port Angeles. The bride and her mom stayed inside, while the groom and his parents used their camper, parked in the cabin’s backyard.
The bride’s mom helped her get ready, while the groom’s mom assisted him. They had their first look in the backyard, just the two of them, with their favorite song playing. The moment was so emotional that it brought both of them to tears, and the first look naturally flowed into their first dance. Their parents watched from a distance, giving them space. After the first look, they said goodbye to their parents and set off to celebrate their day together.
They started by exchanging vows at Lake Crescent, on a pier by the water, a moment filled with deep emotion. Then, they hiked to Marymere Falls, laughing and joking along the way. The groom, recalling their time in Alaska before returning to Washington, had fun pretending to be Gandalf on a narrow wooden bridge, blocking the way with a stick and declaring, "You shall not pass!" I even made a gif of the moment.
When we arrived at the waterfall, despite it being Memorial Day with crowds everywhere, we found the area miraculously empty, allowing us to take photos. Just as we finished, a large group arrived, but they kindly congratulated the couple and waited patiently, like unexpected wedding guests.
Afterward, we returned to Lake Crescent for a picnic by the shore, prepared by the bride, who showed off her crafty skills again. Then, we headed to Ruby Beach for the ceremony, where 25 of their closest friends and family awaited. The bride’s father officiated a beautiful religious ceremony.
Though we had planned a sunset photoshoot, the weather had other ideas, bringing rain instead. But the rain, along with the rugged ocean and rocks, made for stunning photos. Despite getting soaked, the couple couldn’t have been happier.
Dear K and A., thank you for trusting me to capture these special moments. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and hope these photographs will bring joy for years to come.
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.
