Olympic National Park, Crescent Beach, Port Angeles, WA Elopement Photo Story Award

Sunrise couples portrait session with water in front of them at the beach

At sunrise portraits with couples reflections in the still water in front of them at the beach

As the sun started to come up we were taking portraits of the couple's reflections in the still water in front of them at Crescent Beach. However, I really loved this photo of the groom helping the bride move about showing his care and love for her.

Rylan and Claire planned for a full-day adventure elopement exploring different parts of the Olympic National Park.  They explored the coast looking for sea creatures at sunrise, shared a cup of coffee the groom made on the beach, and just enjoyed each other's company. Later we went back to their original ceremony spot to have the picnic they had previously planned to have on the beach with their family. They all gathered around for lunch by the lake sharing in laughter and cooling off in the lake after. 

The elopement was full of spontaneity, which I think shows through the images. It was a fun challenge working with the mid-day light at the waterfall, ceremony, and lake, but still capturing beautiful images to tell their story.

Groom made morning coffee for bride at Olympic Peninsula WA campground in Port Angeles

Groom made coffee for his bride at the Olympic Peninsula, a WA campground located West of Port Angeles

Though a simple black and white photo, it feels like a moment you can feel frozen in time. Since it was bright and early that we were out on the shore, the couple chose to bring their camping items to make coffee. They stood together chatting about all the places they had made coffee together and soaking in how epic of an experience this had been as they shared a single up together.

At a WA Beach the bride and groom walk at portrait session at sunrise

WA groom with brides flowers, so the bride could carry her dress while walking on the shore

In the early hours of the morning, we walked along the coast out towards the rock cliffs. It was chilly as the sun had not come up just yet. The groom carried the flowers, assisting so the bride could carry her dress keeping it from getting too wet while walking on the shore.

A pre wedding ceremony picture from backyard of Airbnb rental home of bride gifting mom and her new mother-in-law

Before wedding ceremony, in the backyard of an Airbnb, the bride gifted her mom and her new mother-in-law

In the backyard of the Airbnb, the bride gifted her mom and her new mother-in-law with a present. The present was jewelry specific to each of them. I remember the mother-in-law stating how good the bride was at selecting gifts! It was a beautiful moment of connection between the three women and filled with pure joy.

WA wedding ceremony image with a backlight glow coming through the forest trees

A meadow ceremony image with beautiful backlight glow coming through the forest

In a meadow surrounded by a beautiful backlight glow coming through the forest, the wedding ceremony was held. The light was even upon the couple - perfect! The meadow was SO green and lush with grass I really wanted to showcase it in some of their images. Here the groom is placing the ring onto the bride's hand.

By a lake in Washington, a wedding meal reception table is set for guests by the water

Outdoor detail image of the picnic table the family had set for the wedding meal

A detail photo of the picnic the family had set up for the couple that they were all going to sit and enjoy. The palette matched the bride's florals well. The colors complemented the summer day and mountain surroundings. We took a photo of the set up before everyone sat down showcasing the many elements with the background of the lake and mountains.

WA couple portrait session at Crescent Beach, Port Angeles on wedding day

WA couple made their way back down the shore and had a mini dance together on the beach sand

As the couple made their way back down the shore, they shared a mini dance. I noticed the long shadows on the flat monotone color and loved it! I chose to focus on the shadows and keep the couple in soft focus to help make the shadows feel as giant as they were!

WA bride and groom run the shoreline at Crescent Beach with seagulls in flight

WA newlywed couple runs down the shoreline together at Crescent Beach

The newlywed couple runs down the shoreline together as the sun sets behind them - hand in hand. Far in front of them a flock of seagulls had started to take flight. I was way ahead of the couple and photographed the couple framed in between the birds with my long lens.

Crescent Lake WA picture of a lake picnic with wedding guests and familyt

Bride and groom parents and siblings gathered around them for a noon lunch by the water

Their parents and siblings gathered around them for a noon lunch sitting on their pillows in the sand by the lake's coast. They shared in laughter and cake. During big moments of emotion we captured the people, but we wanted to also capture a photo that displayed the setting of this picnic with everyone in it.