Intimate Spring Elopement in Washington

A soft breeze and the fresh Spring air surround Amber and Chris on one of the most special days of their lives.

Getting Ready and The First Look

When Amber and Chris first inquired with me, I knew that we would be a perfect fit. As some of you may know, I am currently based in Arizona but I am in LOVE with travel. Something about exploring new places, learning different ways of life and broadening my own horizon brings me such joy. For Amber and Chris, when they said they were wanting to elope in Washington, I packed my bags and made my way to capture their love story.

After finishing getting ready, Amber and Chris opted to do a first look. Something about first looks makes my heart flutter and it really brings me joy witnessing two lovers reactions. A first look is the perfect opportunity for you and you partner to have some intimacy and be more intentional on your wedding day. Being intentional to me means doing something because it means something special to you, rather than doing it just to “do it”. Whether you’re having a large wedding or a small elopement, it’s an opportunity to recollect and connect with your partner moments before you say “I do”. As you can see from the photos, we can easily say that this first look was an ABSOLUTE success! Both Amber and Chris were grinning ear to ear and you could tell how special this moment was for them.

Intimate Spring Elopement in Washington

After their first look, it was then time for the ceremony. They chose to have the ceremony at the Madison Falls Trail in Port Angeles, WA. The ceremony itself was in the middle of this field filled with daisies. To say I was speechless would be a complete understatement. Accompanied by their amazing officiant and adorable pup, the ceremony turned Amber and Chris’ dream into a reality. I also couldn’t help but be mesmerized by how beautiful Amber looked in her dress from Lovely Bride. It flowed so beautifully on her and it was almost as if the dress was made for her. After saying their vows and “I do’s”, two were officially newlyweds! It’s at this point where you start to think “we finally did it!” and reality sets in. Enjoy these moments because they are so precious.

Once the ceremony was done, it was time for some portraits. Of courser we had to utilize the beautiful greenery while we had the chance, so we took a few photos within the field of daisies. As we move inward towards the forest and followed the trail, we made it to the main attraction.. Madison Falls. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale! The waterfall in the background omitted this refreshing scent of nature which was exactly what we were going for. Close to the Airbnb where Amber and Chris got ready is a gorgeous lake surrounded by mountains so naturally we had to capture this picturesque moment for them.

As I say with most of my couples after any wedding, it was so incredibly beautiful. I am forever grateful for my job and so excited for what is to come for Amber and Chris in the future. Congratulations A+C - cheers!!!

Signs Eloping is for You!

Now some of you may be thinking, this looks beautiful and all but how do I know if this is right for me? How do I know that having an elopement is the right choice. The number one thing you should remember, is that your wedding is all about YOU. It can be easy to be influenced by those you care about and the “norm” but do whatever you feel comfortable. You want your wedding day to encompass everything that you value and love, whatever that may be.

With that being said however, there is a few things you can take into account when deciding to elope. Some of these being:

• You’re looking for a more cost effective option - elopements can be a great way for you & your partner to save money while still being able to celebrate your love!

• You want more intimacy - elopements are known to be much more intimate and intentional. You don’t have to worry about all the hustle & bustle of planning a large wedding so you can focus more of your time & energy in your partner.

• You want to travel/explore - elopements are the ultimate excuse to pack up your bags and travel somewhere new! Explore a new place with your partner, get married and even possibly honeymoon - all in one location!

• You’re non-traditional - while elopements have grown to be much more common (especially during pandemic/post-pandemic times), they still can be seen as outside the “norm” of a traditional wedding. If you are someone who wants to break away from the tradition and do something fun, exciting and different for this next chapter of your life, well… elopements might be right up your alley!

Whatever you may choose to do, remember that it isn’t about the fancy dresses and details or the large venues with glimmering chandeliers with hundreds of guests. It’s a celebration of you and your partner coming together as one and THAT is what matters most.

Oh and if you loved this Intimate Spring Elopement in Washington, then you’re going to love this Miami Elopement at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens!

Looking to book the wedding of your dreams?

Intimate Desert Mountain Wedding

Unlike your traditional wedding venue, these two lovers decided to gather their friends and family for their wedding in the Arizona desert.

Intimate Desert Mountain Wedding

While planning their wedding in the middle of the pandemic, Chelsea and Reece decided that an intimate wedding surrounded by loved ones was the best move. Since we ARE in Arizona, one of the best places for something unique and open would of course be the desert. To be fair, we are surrounded by a LOT of it. Chelsea and Reece had their wedding at Cloth & Flame. Cloth & Flame’s main goal is to make sure that everyone’s vision for their wedding day comes to life. They make sure to work with their couples so that they get the wedding of their dreams, which is exactly what happened with C+R.

As Chelsea put the finishing touches on her wedding day look, Reece and his groomsmen were polishing up and awaiting the time for the first look. Chelsea was wearing this gorgeous Justin Alexander dress that looked absolutely amazing on her. It truly fit her like a glove! Chelsea and Reece opted in for a first look, which I always love when my couples do. It gives some alone time to the couple and a bit more intimacy before heading to the ceremony. The sun was grazing their skin so effortlessly and perfect that of course we took advantage of taking a few wedding portraits before heading to the ceremony.

Their intimate ceremony was touching and beautiful, especially with the gorgeous views of the Superstition Mountains behind them. As they said their vows and “i do’s” and leaned in for their first kiss as husband and wife, the crowd cheered. By crowd I completely mean the few of us witnessing this divine moment…LOL!

Desert Mountain Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, the table settings and decor were being placed for the reception! As sunset hit, I snuck away with the newlyweds to capture some amazing sunset portraits. While many may look at this as “overused”, golden hour can never and will never get old. At least in my eyes *wink*. Nighttime approached us and the twinkling string lights that floated above our heads gleamed like the stars. Surrounded by friends and family, love and lots of laughter, we enjoyed every minute of it until it was over. Congratulations to Chelsea and Reece for giving me the honor to capture such sweet moments on your special day!

If you loved this Intimate Desert Wedding at the Superstition Mountains then you’re going to love this New Jersey Wedding at the Molly Pitcher Inn.

Psst… looking for vendor info? Scroll to the bottom of this blog!

Vendors:

Photography: Zarza Photography

Dress Designer & Shop: Justin Alexander & Brilliant Bridal

Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Florist: Kristin Bonngard

Hair: Ellie Mulqueen

Makeup: Allie Laree Beauty

Ceremony & Reception Site: Cloth & Flame - Superstition Mountains