Dramatic Olympic Coast Elopement
If you’re familiar with spring in Washington, you’ll probably know we can have some erratic weather. In spring, it can be snowing one day and sunny the next.
That’s why I was relieved when Carly and Gavin reached out to me about eloping on the beach in the Olympic National Park and wanted moodier weather. We discussed the possibility of it raining and they were down for the adventure!
On the day of their elopement, rain was forecasted ALL day. Armed with vow books and umbrellas, we headed out to the beach in the rain. Carly wore the cutest, and she admitted, most impractical, shoes for the beach — a pair of baby blue heels (don’t worry she changed into Vans for our walk on the beach later!). Gavin’s parents came along as the witnesses, and we wandered down the beach to find a spot for their ceremony.
Carly and Gavin were asking me where exactly they should have their ceremony on the beach when we stumbled upon a gothic-style tree stump. Carly immediately knew she wanted to have their ceremony in front of it and said it felt like it was meant to be there. The edgy style totally fit them.
Afterward, they shared cake and champagne and took family portraits with their dog named Valkyrie. She is a husky/German shepherd/wolf mix, and they warned me she is a bit wild. With that in mind, they had low expectations of how photos with her would turn out, but I was happily surprised at how cooperative she was! Although, I’d have to say my favorite photos of her are the goofier ones!
Once we had all the formalities out of the way, Carly, Gavin, and I walked down the beach to a few iconic haystacks. Carly bundled up in the waterproof blanket I keep on hand — even crossing over logs and streams with it!
Once we got to the haystacks, climbing on the rocks and up the cliff was so much fun! We got the most dramatic shots — some of my favorites look as if they’re taken by a drone (which are illegal to fly in our national parks), but I was able to stay on the cliff above the beach while Carly and Gavin wandered below, giving us a fun aerial shot.
On our walk back, we spotted at least six eagles and one seal! By now, the rain had finally petered out and the sun was shining. It was the wettest elopement I’ve photographed yet, but we certainly did get the dramatic weather and scenes they were hoping for!
Congratulations Carly and Gavin!
Vendor team:
Dress: Believe Bride
Shoes: SultanShoesOfficial
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