"I just wanted to send you a message thanking you for everything. We couldn’t have been happier with how everything went and the pictures that we got. It was an absolute pleasure working with you. We both really felt like we were hanging out with a friend. You made it so easy and casual and we had the best time ever with you. We had a lot of fun on our entire trip but we both have agreed that Monday night hanging out on the rocks with you and Maverick, and our wedding day, were both our favorite times of the whole trip.
We truly appreciate you and hope our paths cross again at some point. You’re absolutely the best! Thank you so much for making our day so special and helping us achieve what we dreamed!" - Kyler and Torie
The couple, and their decision to plan a private elopement in Oregon
When we met, Torie was finishing her masters degree AND working full time in Michigan where they live with Styker, Leo and Emi (their dog and two cats). The last thing they wanted to do was spend a lot of time planning their elopement. From the very beginning, they told me they trusted me and were open to anything. As you can imagine, I don't take this lightly. It is such an honor to be trusted with someone's elopement day!
After discussing the vibe they wanted for the day, we landed on an area along the central Oregon Coast where we could get the three things they were excited about - rugged coastline, woods and waterfalls1 (Along with a stop at a brewery, a kickass suspension bridge, and a quick stop at the clam beds.)
I asked them what made them decide to elope. Kyler said "We originally planned on having the traditional wedding. I think a mixture of covid the year after we got engaged and just not really wanting to plan something like a wedding turned us off from the idea. We were content with things the way that they were. Over time we just decided we’d rather do something that is all about “us” as opposed to throwing a big event for everyone else. A wedding just feels too big, too center of attention (which neither of us are a big fan of) and the more that we thought about it the more traveling somewhere and eloping felt like a more “us” thing to do."
For every couple, I create a custom guide during their planning process. The guide includes their timeline, location details, when the sunrises and sets, when the tides are along with reminders of what to bring, how to leave no trace, and help with finding vendors and a place to stay. (You can see a little of their custom guide and timeline here.)
After their afternoon ceremony at the beach, we had lunch at a local brewery and then took a few photos in the bay where (if you have a shellfish license) you can dig for clams! Then we cleaned up, and drove out to my favorite Oregon coast(ish) waterfall for their first dance, wedding cake and toast.
The day was incredible, exhausting, and relaxed all at the same time - exactly the way any great elopement day should be. :)
