A dark and dreamy waterfall elopement


Oh man, where do I even start with these two? Brianna and Carlee’s elopement was one of those days that just fills your soul and reminds me exactly why I do this job. If you’re dreaming of an intimate, fun, and low-stress elopement that’s filled with connection and adventure, their story is one you’re going to love.


When B + C first reached out, they were thinking about booking me for a simple 4-hour elopement day. But after chatting through their vision and realizing how much there was to explore along the Columbia River Gorge, they decided to go all in for an 8-hour day — and trust me, it was the best decision ever.


The girls' elopement took place in March - a seriously underrated month for an elopement in the PNW. Yes, it's usually rainy (although we got super lucky with perfect spring weather!) but we had privacy all day long! We kicked off the day at the Wilson Farm, where B + C stayed for their elopement. (Think adorable vintage cottage, farm animals, and the best hosts you could ask for!) The rest of the day included a 2-mile out-and-back hike to Wahclella Falls, a break at a brewery in Cascade Locks, and a hike up to Beacon Rock in Washington (just across the Columbia River!)


Brianna and Carlee live in Austin, Texas and met at work, where they are both therapists for children with autism. How amazing is that? When they’re not changing lives, they love playing video games, watching horror movies, and going on adventures together — so an elopement surrounded by nature was truly a perfect fit for them.


"We’re very down-to-earth and very nature-centered people, and we want to be in nature as much as possible! We also aren’t very materialistic people. We want the views to speak for us. And we have never been to Oregon!!"


The moment they stood in front of the falls and exchanged their vows, it felt like time slowed down. It was raw and emotional — just the two of them (well, and me) surrounded by nature, and fully present in the moment. I felt so honored to officiate and capture those moments for them, and I could tell that having the extra time allowed them to really soak it all in without feeling rushed.


After the ceremony, we had dinner and drinks at a local brewery and then crossed over the iconic Bridge of the Gods to get to the Washington side where we hiked up to the top of Beacon Rock. After the sun had set, we went out on the river for those beautiful blue hour photos.


Throughout the day, Brianna and Carlee laughed, danced, hiked, explored, looked for mushrooms and banana slugs (haha) and really took it all in. By the time we got back in the car to navigate the dark roads back home, everyone was happy and exhausted from a truly incredible day.

Dramatic mountain overlook for LGBTQ couple eloping in the Pacific Northwest.
LGBTQ elopement - standing in front of a rustic stone cottage with a moss-covered roof in a forest setting.
Two romantic scenes portraying cozy intimacy in contrasting settings - a rustic cabin bedroom and an artistic mirrored reflection.
A romantic couple embraces in a garden, viewed through a black window frame. Oregon elopement photographer.
Couple interacts with farm animals through a fence while standing in a grassy field on a farm.
Couple on a wooden bridge in the Columbia River Gorge. Oregon elopement photographer.
A dramatic black and white photo shows two people dancing on the edge of a rushing river in ethereal poses.
A figure in a dark dress sits on mossy rocks by a rushing stream in a moody forest setting. Oregon elopement photographer. Columbia River
An intimate couple embraces outdoors, with visible tattoo art and dark formal attire creating a moody romantic atmosphere.
Two figures share an intimate moment near a stream in moody natural lighting.
A majestic waterfall cascades down moss-covered cliffs into a deep blue pool in a lush forest gorge. Oregon elopement photographer.
A couple sits close together on mossy rocks beside a rushing forest stream. Oregon elopement photographer.
Two people hold hands in front of a scenic waterfall surrounded by mossy rocks and lush greenery. LGBTQ Oregon waterfall elopement.
Couple shares intimate moment in front of majestic waterfall in dramatic black attire. LGBTQ Oregon waterfall elopement.
A couple exchanging vows in front of a natural outdoor backdrop. LGBTQ Oregon waterfall elopement. Black wedding dress.
A close-up view of a wedding ceremony outdoors. Couple is reading vows. LGBTQ Oregon waterfall elopement.
Just married. First kiss in front of a majestic waterfall surrounded by mossy rocks. LGBTQ Oregon waterfall elopement. Black wedding dress.
A couple in black attire celebrate their wedding near a misty waterfall surrounded by mossy rocks and forest.
A couple celebrates their special moment together near a scenic waterfall on mossy rocks.
LGBTQ Oregon waterfall elopement. Black wedding dress. Mossy stone wall near flowing water in a moody atmospheric setting.
A couple in dark formal wear embraces by a dramatic rocky cliff face near flowing water.
A moody black and white portrait of two figures standing back-to-back in a natural outdoor setting.
A couple in black attire sits back-to-back on a rock with a majestic waterfall cascading in the background.
A romantic couple embraces near a misty waterfall on their elopement day, creating a dreamy double-exposure effect with their silhouettes.
Black and white foggy Oregon mountainside with tall evergreen trees emerging through misty forest landscape.
Hiking elopement - LGBTQ couple walking on a wooden boardwalk trail along a rocky cliff with a river flowing below.
Two people share a moment on a scenic wooden walkway built into a rocky mountainside cliff face. LGBTQ Oregon waterfall elopement. B
Two figures stand on a scenic mountain trail overlooking a misty valley with dramatic cliffs and mountains in the background.
A hiker navigates a narrow cliffside path with railings against a backdrop of cloudy mountain vistas.
Two hikers with backpacks looking out over a scenic mountain valley vista in black and white.
A couple shares an intimate black and white moment on a mountain overlook. LGBTQ Oregon waterfall elopement. Black wedding dress.
A figure stands on a wooden walkway with metal railings along a rocky cliff face in moody lighting.
A couple walking down metal handrails on a steep mountain path in black and white photography.
A person sits on a wooden dock at dusk with a glowing lantern beside a serene mountain lake.
Wedding couple sits together on a wooden dock at night surrounded by glowing lanterns with mountains and a lake in the background. Oregon.
A romantic couple sits on a deck at dusk with glowing lanterns against a misty mountain backdrop. Washington elopement.
A couple sits close together on a beach at night with glowing lanterns creating a romantic atmosphere. Elopement in Washington/Oregon.