C + K - An Adventurous PNW Elopement
Remember the couple who just so happened to be in Canada for a trip and surprise proposal? Well, they got married in the most them way ever in Gold Bar, Washington. Everyday before their elopement it rained. We had grand adventures on the itinerary and regardless of the weather we were going to make their dreams happen. Because C + K came from Tennessee and nothing was going to stop us from giving them the most beautiful elopement they could ever have. Here was the plan
The Plan
Getting Ready
Today C + K meet us at a random, unassuming pull-off off Highway 2 in Gold Bar, WA. What they don’t see is the riverbed site we scouted the day before for their ceremony. While they’re already dressed, they complete the finishing touches right next to our cars. Despite all the traffic passing, it seems as though we might be lucky. There are no other cars parked there, so I know we’re going to have the place all to ourselves, hopefully it stays that way.
C ties K’s sleeves of her custom designed pant suit created especially for this moment. K returns the favor by untucking C’s hair from behind her ears and smoothing flyaways. Once they’ve approved of each other’s appearances we’re off to on our hike through the forest.
Forest Hike to their Riverbed Ceremony
Our descent to the riverbed I discovered the day before begins. There are quaint benches along viewpoints on the way down. From one of the stops they discover the river down below, their energy becomes electrified, curious by all the sights. On their walk they discover tiny wild strawberries and wildflowers. Moss covered tress fascinate their senses. Hand in hand they follow the tree lined trail and fawn over the fern covered forest floor. Greenery everywhere. Their squirms of excitement fill the air. They gawk as the forest opens up like a window with a view of the mountains and roaring river down below. Witnesses of a moment steeped in love and amazement.
We arrive at the riverbed. They follow a sandy path to the riverbed lined with clusters of large boulders. They choose one and have their ceremony close enough to their officiant, Meliza, so they could hear their story over the roar of the river.
Cake Cutting with a Sasquatch
After the ceremony we make our way to their second stop, Espresso Chalet right down the street. We set up their picnic down in the meadow connected to the property and they hop in line to grab some coffee. We sit at the counter overlooking a mountain with a waterfall gushing from it. Washington really is just one of the most picturesque places. C + K take the time to do some exploring. We make our way to their picnic setup and leave them to have a snack and cake cutting. While we’re all indulging in a beautiful day surrounded by greenery and allergies flying through the air, a deer comes to visit us.
Quick Road Trip to Whibdey Island & Lunch
We take a 1.5 hour drive to Whibdey Island stopping at a tiny chapel on the way and grabbing lunch on the island at a place called Hale Kitchen where they have the best chicken and beignets – yes, together.
A Renaissance Faire Reception
For their final stop, we are in Oak Harbor at the Whibdey Island Renaissance Faire. Now, I’ve never been to a Ren Faire so I was so honored that they’d invite me on this part of their adventure. We got dressed up in the parking lot right outside of the Faire. C + K were both gorgeous fairies, K with her beautiful wings and C with her iridescent cape. We shopped for potions and dice and leather bags shaped like acorns and strawberries – a place to keep our trinkets.
Our PNW Packages
Full Pacific Northwest elopement planning.
Personalized PNW guide.
Questionnaires, vendor recommendations, permitting, and client portal access.
Unlimited planning and access to your elopement team.
We’ll be your defacto tour guides for all things PNW.
Ceremony Services
Officiant services by Pop Andrini.
Marriage license guidance.
Custom ceremony.
Photography
From 4-16 hours of professional photography coverage by Mari Andrini.
Drone footage (location and weather permitting).
Sneak peeks within 48 hours.
All Light Preserves on a secure online gallery.
Ranges from $4000-$8000
Final Thoughts
The Pacific Northwest is the perfect place for huge mountains, waterfalls, moody weather, and forests and beaches that go as far as the eye can see. It’s wild and so incredibly gorgeous. If the forest is your vibe, PNW is the spot.
Contact us below to see what your own PNW elopement could look like.
