L. & C. | Olympic National Park Elopement
This was an incredibly heartfelt and meticulously planned elopement with just the bride and groom present.
The couple paid attention to every detail: vow books, jewelry, rings, and the bouquet, all perfectly complementing the rainforest setting.
The bride looked stunning in her Game of Thrones-styled dress. The hair artist did a fantastic job. The bride crafted her own bouquet using a fluorite crystal and dried flowers from Utah.
The groom wore all black. His custom socks adorned with photos of the bride featured different images from their memorable trip to Seattle. During that visit, they experienced rare snowfall, which practically shut down the city as everyone was unprepared with summer tires. They have tried to stay warm, so the bride-to-be is captured in a funny balaclava.
Although their three dogs couldn't join them at Olympic National Park, the groom carried a handkerchief printed with their photo and the words "keep us close by just in case you cry."
Many items were personalized with engravings, including vow books and cake cutlery. Reflecting the groom's passion for archaeology and his background in excavation photography, these were engraved with their significant dates in Roman numerals.
The bride prepared a gift for the groom, which he opened while getting ready. It included a letter and a spoon engraved with their special date. A photo captured him reading the letter, visibly moved by its contents.
Their elopement day unfolded in the Hoh Rainforest. They had their first look by the Hoh River, dressed separately in secluded clearings to keep the moment intimate. The ceremony took place on the Spruce Nature Trail, officiated by my husband and the best assistant Pasha, and they exchanged vows and rings. They opted for privacy during the ceremony, taking a bridal shoot later at the crowded but beautiful Hall of Mosses.
After the ceremony, L. and C. cut their wedding cake at the Hoh day-use area, using a wooden cake stand crafted by the groom's sister. During this process, we managed to sign the marriage certificate, finding a willing second witness nearby – I was the first one.
The day concluded with a sunset photo shoot at Ruby Beach. Despite a forecast for clear skies, the weather shifted, providing the moody, rainy backdrop they hoped for, resulting in a stunningly atmospheric shoot, even though it soaked through my cameras. It was undoubtedly worth it.
It was a pleasure to shoot this elopement.
Thank you for choosing me as your photographer and allowing me to share this important moment for you in such a wonderful place!
HERE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ELOPEMENTS
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.
If you love mountains peeking out of the fog, whimsical driftwood, layers of rock, formed over millions of years, and black volcanic sand, this is the place to be!