Blog
North Cascades Wedding Climbing Adventure
Before Steve and Laurel had even booked me for their wedding, we had already planned this climbing newlywed shoot! They both love rock climbing (Steve’s a guide at the American Alpine Institute) and frequent the North Cascades, so they naturally wanted these photos taken at the top of Liberty Bell.
Brown’s Farm Winthrop Wedding
Laurel and Steve were brave and adventurous with their wedding plans. Not only did they start planning mid-pandemic, but they wanted to get married this year and knew that their plans would need to change as regulations did.
Seattle LGBTQ Backyard Wedding
Lisa and Amanda’s wedding was originally planned for Memorial Day weekend. Smack dab in the middle of the lockdown. They took all the mandated changes — first, changing their wedding date, then the venue and guest list, and finally had to nix their reception plans altogether — in stride. Throughout the process they were always calm and kind, no matter the unexpected circumstances.
Mt. Rainier Anniversary Portraits
Nick and Latasha are from Florida, which made this adventure session extra special. Not only was it their first time seeing Mount Rainier, but it was also their first time visiting the Pacific Northwest! They planned the trip for their fourth anniversary, and, as a present, Nick organized setting up their shoot with me (cue the awww’s).
Pacific Northwest Beach Wedding at Hope Island
When 2020 flipped Abby and Jack’s wedding plans from a large wedding with many out of state guests to an intimate ceremony, I had the honor of helping guide them through changes. The first, biggest, and most urgent detail was finding a new ceremony location since they were saving their original venue for their postponed reception.
Seattle Rock Climbing Elopement
Julie and Carey were one of many couples planning a large wedding that was affected by the current events. Rather than postponing getting married altogether, they decided to elope and postpone their reception. They started dreaming about how they’d like to elope and joked around about rock climbing to their ceremony. Then they realized they really could!
Mount Rainier Hiking Maternity Photos
Tricia and Keith — mountain climbers, backpackers and hikers — have introduced their newest family member to their outdoor lifestyle early. Hiking as much as possible through her pregnancy and quarantine, Tricia wanted to hike for their maternity photos, too.
Most Romantic Pacific Northwest Honeymoon Destinations — Washington Edition
We’re living in strange times and making travel plans isn’t what it used to be. That doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice having a fun and romantic honeymoon though. After years of searching to find the most secluded, romantic, and adventurous places in the Pacific Northwest for my own vacations – I’m sharing the best of the best.
Elopement Timeline Tips — How to Plan an Elopement
Would it surprise you that most of the elopements I photograph include six to ten hours of photography coverage? There’s so much more to eloping than a ceremony, and you have endless possibilities of what to make of your day! Since there are no rules to eloping, use your imagination, dream your craziest dreams, and let’s get planning!
How to Elope in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are the perfect combination of tropical beach romance and adventure. Although there are eight major islands, only Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, Molokai, and Lanai are open to tourism. Each island has its own special characteristics, although they’re all full of lush forests, mountains, and beautiful beaches. There isn’t a more ideal spot to elope, honeymoon, and explore!
How to Find the Best Adventure Elopement Dress
There are so many untraditional things to consider when choosing an elopement dress. Unlike a traditional wedding, you’ll be doing much more than dancing on your wedding day! The right elopement dress will be comfortable enough to hike and adventure in all day, but it will also need to pack well, hold up to mother nature’s plans, and look great in the landscape.
The Unbelievable Adventures of Sasquatch Continues
Sasquatch and Bigfoot really know how to make the most of this pandemic! Now married, they’ve set out to have the most adventurous honeymoon possible.
Unbelievable Pacific Northwest Elopement
Recent trends — less and less people on Pacific Northwest’s hiking trails — has not gone unnoticed. In fact, there are two beings who knew exactly what to make of these new “sheltering in place” rules they had just begun to hear about.
What to do if You Hate Your Wedding Photos
Whenever I tell someone what I do for a living — photographing adventure weddings and elopements — I always get one of two responses. It’s either a “that’s so neat!” sort of response, which I love, or an “I hate my own wedding photos” kind of confession. The latter breaks my heart, and the number of people that feel this way is astonishing. Fortunately, there is hope for anyone feeling disappointed with their wedding photos.
What to Pack for a Hiking Elopement
Hiking elopements are filled with natural beauty, relaxing walks, and a bit of adventure. As an avid hiker and outdoor lover, this sounds like the perfect wedding day to me.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or not, knowing what to bring to your hiking wedding is a lot to think about! To help prepare my couples, I always provide a personalized packing list, but here is everything that could be on it. You’ll be able to find these items online or at your local REI.
9-Day Adventure on Kauai
Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and features a dramatic landscape ranging from lush rainforests to massive sea cliffs. Nicknamed the Garden Isle, it’s the most beautiful place to adventure, relax, and wander! My husband Zach, his sister Nicole, and I were fortunate enough to get to spend nine days on “island time.”
Why You Should Take Photos During Golden Hour
Although it’s totally possible to create beautiful photos at any time of day, it’s always worth planning portraits for golden hour. Golden hour provides the most dynamic lighting for landscapes while also providing the most flattering lighting for portraiture. Who wouldn’t want that combo for their own photos!?
Do I Need an Officiant to Elope?
The answer to this question isn’t a straightforward yes or no. The application process, number of witnesses needed, and officiant requirements vary by state and country. Whether you’re getting married close to home or abroad, it’s important to know the legal requirements early in the planning process.
The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in the Redwoods National Park
Living in Washington has spoiled me with gorgeous views of nature my entire life. Having never visited the Redwoods before photographing Jessica and Dave’s intimate wedding, I wasn’t sure what to expect other than large trees. Our forests at home are known for their beauty too and it made me wonder if the Redwoods could be just as awe inspiring as the Pacific Northwest?
How to Tell Your Family You’re Eloping
Often the most difficult part of eloping is letting your family and friends know that you won’t be hosting a stereotypical wedding. Bucking tradition and choosing to elope in a way that is meaningful to you takes courage but is oh so worth it.