8/02/2024
Moody Pacific Northwest Elopement
This Pacific Northwest elopement was such a special day with Austin and Makayla.
The Pacific Northwest has a knack for drawing in folks that are drawn to something wilder, that are enchanted by the type of landscapes that dwarf our existence and inspire us. With its windswept and rugged beaches, it’s towering evergreens, and never-ending mountains, The Pacific Northwest feels both welcoming and wild.
For Austin and Makayla, this kind of moody and awe-inspiring setting was the perfect backdrop for their Pacific Northwest elopement.
Planning their Pacific Northwest Elopement
Makayla and Austin wanted to lean into intentionality with every step of the process.
They reached out three weeks before they wanted to elope, one month, to the day of their engagement.
All the way in North Carolina, Austin proposed on the beach, just as the sun was setting. As they started thinking about eloping, they were drawn to the west coast for its rugged beaches and beautiful, coastal forests.
During our first call, we immediately connected. We were so in love with their story and their vibe, we practically planned everything then and there.
Planning an elopement in just a few weeks can feel so intimidating, and having two buddies supporting you through the planning process makes all the difference.
Honestly, there’s something so exhilarating about planning elopements within just a couple of weeks. We have a planning workflow that’s pretty dialed in, making the logistics a breeze. And couples get to ride the excitement of the upcoming adventure.
An Oregon Coast elopement really lends itself to short notice dates. There are endless beaches to explore, no permits, and some CUTE places to stay.
With a focus around sunset, we met Austin and Makayla at their beach house that looked out ver the Pacific. They told us that when they arrived, they sat mesmerized by the views from the windows, watching the glittering waves roll onto the sand below them. It’s easy to fall in love with the west coast. The beaches are dotted with jagged sea stacks, and many of the beaches are nestled beneath shining basalt cliffs that feel otherworldly.
Austin and Makayla chose to get ready separately, saving their first look for the beach below them. The energy was palpable with anticipation as they finished up their vows and dressed.
First Look on the beach
Before heading out to their ceremony location, Makayla and Austin shared a first look out on the rocky beach they spent their day mesmerized by.
After we hit the road, we stopped to grab a pizza for sustenance. They sat at a picnic table and shared a meal before exploring the northern Oregon coast and exchanging vows.
Drawn to the lush greenery that surrounds the coast, Makayla + Austin explored a small trail that was filled with ferns, lush moss, and trees seeped in green.
As the sun began to dip behind the sea, we made our way to the southern end of the beach. They ran through the sea foam and climbed the sea stacks that scattered their path.
They reached the end of the beach, where they were nestled in a cluster of rocks, the sun setting behind them. The basalt cliffs protected them from the wind, and the sunset gave the landscape a pinky, golden hue. Everything felt right, and they pulled out their vow books just as the sun set. Saying their vows at the precise time the sun was setting was an intentional piece of their day. Austin had proposed at that time on the east coast, and mirroring this served as the anchor of their ceremony.
The sun completely set after their first kiss, and we set up a small picnic for them to share their wedding cake, before ending their day. Their pacific northwest elopement was filled with so much intention, adventure, and the profound connection between two humans absolutely meant for each other.
Ultimately, this day wasn’t just about the breathtaking scenery or the planning that defined their elopement.
It was the quiet moments, the promises made, and the deep connection they allowed us to witness.
It is always such an honor to celebrate two folks that are so perfectly matched. Makayla and Austins whirlwind elopement is one we won’t forget.
Let’s Plan Your Pacific Northwest Elopement
