Cascades and Family
I loved this Latourell Falls elopement with Brittany and Brian. They flew in from Florida to elope at their favorite waterfall surrounded by family. They rented a cute airbnb in Portland and decided to have their closest friends/family fly in to celebrate the weekend with them. A few of the family members couldn’t make it because of Covid concerns but thanks to smart phones they were able to at least witness the important parts of the day. Brittany and Brian didn’t want any getting ready photos but they did have one request that I capture their “first look” but instead of Brittany it would be Brian’s brother in a wedding dress. Gotta admit that was a first for me and it definitely got a laugh out of everyone.
The weather that day was off and on. Started sunny, then the rain moved in for the ceremony and right after it cleared out again. Pretty typically for Oregon. I always tell people who elope here to prepare for any weather. Once we got to Latourell Falls Brittany and Brian did a real first look before heading down to the falls where Brian’s father performed the ceremony. Brittany’s mom couldn’t make it so they FaceTimed her in so she could witness it.
Firelight and Forests
Once the ceremony was over I had about 20 minutes to do portraits because they had to run back and get dinner set up at the Airbnb. I’m quite used to having short time frames for photos nowadays so it was nice and easy and they were super relaxed and having fun which always makes things go smooth. Once we finished and headed back to the Airbnb they set up a really nice intimate dinner table in the backyard under the edison bulbs and just had some really good family time, a few toasts and busted out the first dances. It had been raining a bit more and they wanted to start a fire but the wood was all wet. Luckily I’m out camping/shooting elopements enough where I keep dry wood in the back of my car. So I busted out my Eagle Scout skills and got the fire going for everyone so they could drink and dance the night away surrounded by their loved ones. I absolutely love intimate weddings/elopements like these. They just make for the perfect, stress free days.
As a word of caution, I will just add that a Latourell Falls Elopement can get very busy with crowds and that is why I always recommend weekdays early morning just to be safe. Keep that in mind while making plans.
If you’re wanting to elope in the Columbia River Gorge either at another waterfall or a mountain view please get in touch. I know all of the great spots and I’m happy to share the beauty of Oregon with you.
