The year 2020 might have been one of the most hectic and uncertain years we’ve ever had, but it definitely had its bright spots too. One of mine was getting to photograph my first elopement! Just being able to shoot an elopement would have been grand enough, but I also got to take a trip to Washington to do it, AND I got to be there to see two of my favorite people share their love with each other.
My cousin and his fiancé decided, like many others, to just elope rather than try to plan a large wedding in the midst of COVID. I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous that something would derail us: be it travel restrictions or someone getting sick before the wedding, but it all ended up working perfectly in our favor.
We got a beautiful cabin at Lake Wenatachee for a few days, which ended up being the perfect place to do many of the pictures the day of the wedding. I started early and had plenty of time to play around with detail shots, which are some of my favorite. Usually, I don’t get to spend as much time on these as I like, but I had plenty of time on this particular day and they’re some of my all time favorites.
After Chrissy and Wade finished getting ready, we had their first look out on the deck. One of the things I love the most about the PNW are those gorgeous evergreens and they made the perfect backdrop for these photos!
Once we got down to the lake, we took a little while to set some things up and have some fun taking pictures while we waited for the sun to set a little more. Then, as soon as the sun went behind the mountain, it was go time!
Chrissy and Wade’s ceremony was absolutely perfect. That’s another aspect of elopements that I love. Since there are just a few people involved, it’s easy to be open and just let things flow naturally, and that makes it all the more special.
After the ceremony, we took some portraits, then moved straight into the first dance. Chrissy wanted to have it in the forest right beside the beach where they said their vows and it was magical. It’s amazing how just a few feet make you feel like you’re in a different place entirely.
Once the dance was over, we walked back out to the beach to where we had the picnic set up. I love a good picnic, and Chrissy had set the bar high with this one! The details were spot on and everything looked amazing. We ended the night with champagne and cake, and stayed on the beach until we had to use our flashlights to clean up, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
