Mt. Baker Adventure Elopement

I think one of my favorite places to explore and photograph people is Mt. Baker Wilderness. There are incredible mountainous areas all over Washington State for elopements- but Kulshan holds just a little extra delight for me. I know the light well, multiple different locations where privacy can be found, and also generally can anticipate the weather patterns.
When E&A reached out, and asked for guidance finding locations with alpine lakes for their elopement, I was SO excited to get to show them around some of my favorite areas. I created a few different ideas for them to highlight various areas in the region with incredible lakes- but was a little extra stoked when they picked Mt. Baker Wilderness area for their elopement.
Elopements are always incredibly special, but queer celebrations as a whole always become fast favorites- especially when equal rights for marriage were only nationally granted on June 26th, 2015. Documenting weddings and elopements always feels like I’m a personal historian, but with queer couples, the preciousness, joy, and historic nature feels present in a way that is unique to the couples that less than 10 years ago, wouldn’t be nationally recognized and allowed to be legally married.

We met earlier in the morning at our first location, scouting it out for the best spot for their ceremony. Once we found the spot (with Mt. Baker/Kulshan in the background) A&E got ready together. How cool is A’s green suit, and E’s custom rainbow wedding skirt? E is a professional MUA, so obviously did an incredible job on their own makeup. Then, it was time for their custom vows. After that, we headed to a brewery for a lunch break, a murder mystery game, and little downtime.
Then, it was time for Golden Hour! We began the journey back up to Artists’ Point area for sunset. It is such an incredible area to explore, with so many hikes and view points that are very accessible for adventure elopements, weddings, and portraits in general. We had an INCREDIBLE evening with beautiful light!
This whole day was definitely one of my highlights of the season- not only because it was such a stunning day, but finally being able to meet and spend time with these two was incredibly special.

Saltwater Farm Wedding

One of my favorite venues, and locations I photograph at often, is Saltwater Farm on San Juan Island. I find that multi-day weddings on the San Juan Islands are well suited to how I like to document larger events. If you’re going to have a larger wedding instead of an elopement or micro wedding, having several days to spend with your loved ones is the way to go.
Not only do you get to show off a beautiful place, but you have the time to create new memories with all your loved ones instead of trying to have possibly hundred of mini-conversations in the span of cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing.
When you add in the travel to get to the San Juans, you also get a large group of folks on vacation mode- relaxed, and ready to explore a new-to-them location. The San Juan Islands host multiple kinds of activities that vary based on individual preferences. There are incredible hikes and views throughout the islands, whales and sea life that often make an appearance whether you choose whale watching, kayaking, or land based approaches, boutique shops to explore, spas, and plenty of food and drink to taste.

Saltwater Farm has been the perfect home base for many of the couples I’ve worked with in the past few years. I have several covered options that are tailored more specifically to multi-day events on the islands- with room to add in coverage for several events leading up to your wedding day as your family and friends interact and make these new memories.

For me personally, I love getting the chance to document the full story and catch all the little, unpredictable moments that a wedding timeline couldn’t really encompass. This isn’t venue specifically, but is one of the reasons why I’m really drawn to working with folks for multiple days.
By the time we get to your wedding, I’m already a part of your group and feel like a friend who just happens to be a professional photography that can guide you through your wedding day with relaxed ease, knowing when you need direction and when you just want to be in the moment.
For those who prefer a candid approach, where photography is more geared towards capturing memories where you and your loved ones where fully present, more coverage is often better- especially if you’re camera shy! The shorter the timeline, and bigger the wedding, the more likely it is that we have to really stick to our timing to get all the photos you want. That means more direction and more of a hands on approach from me, vs allowing the light, emotion, and little moments to happen more naturally. The enemy of being present in the moment, is having to rush or the feeling of needing to be hyper aware of time. My goal is to create a photo timeline that allows us to laugh, interact with one another and others, and often lets the emotional of the moment set the pace.

But, enough about that (because I could likely describe the thought behind my process for hours if you let me), here’s an overview from a wedding this summer at Saltwater Farm where I got to spend several days prior to the wedding with this couple.

Farm to Table Dinner

They started off with a Farm to Table Dinner with their families, hosted by the fantastic Coho Restaurant on San Juan Island. Often these dinners are the first time families are meeting, and spontaneous speeches and gifts are often bestowed upon the couple to kick off the wedding celebration.

The Bike Ride

The next day, Caroll and Ryan had a fun event planned with everyone willing to adventure a little bit. Their story included a bit of a “friends to lovers” arch, which evolved during a bike packing trip to the San Juan Islands. To share this piece of their story, they coordinated E-Bike rentals (for those that needed them) and road with a large group from Saltwater Farm to the southern end of the island.

Along the way

The San Juan Islands are a very popular place for bike travel, but unfortunately do no have great bike lines around the narrow, two car roads so making sure to be safe, and not take up the whole road is important.
C&R packed snacks for the group, including the ever popular Capri Sun, and stopped at several beautiful overlooks before finishing at Cattle Point. Caroll then hopped in the car with me to make it back for her makeup and hair trial before their welcome dinner.

After the bike ride, it was time for the Welcome Party in the Garden! Caroll wanted to honor the location with Laura Ashley inspired floral looks as the prompt. Welcome parties are a great way for folks to introduce the rest of their people and get time catching up. Often it’s the first time where families and various friend groups are meeting, which is super fun to document. You’ll see that a new game was creating by baby J, who realized she could control the laughter of all the adults with a simple raising and lowering of a dahlia- an origins story moment for sure.

And now, it’s time for the beautiful wedding day celebration. C&R are BIG Portland Thorns fans- the professional women’s soccer team in Portland. They included this love in their reception details, adding a really fun and interactive way for folks to find their seats- a will call board, with each person’s name and table information on a ticket. C&R were also surprised with a cameo from the Portland Thorns!
Their day was filled with beauty, joy, and love. I know that sounds like a line, but I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. It was an honor to be a part of!

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North Cascades Hiking Elopement

When K inquired about her elopement, I was immediately in. K&C wanted to create an adventure elopement experience, starting at a cabin along the river in Index, Washington with room to explore the nearby Cascades with their two close friends.

We chose a few hikes, with the goal to remain flexible to choose a few days before their October date depending on the weather conditions. When we got closer to the date, the forecast called for oscillating rain throughout the day, so instead of aiming for a big, all day hike, we decided to go for a shorter hike and dessert picnic. Index is an amazing entry point to several incredible hikes in the Steven’s Pass area, with peaks like Index and Baring slicing into the sky.

The day started early at the cabin. K was getting ready upstairs, and C had some time to finish his vows they would later exchange privately during the first look. C also showed me another unique piece of their day- 1000 cranes folded by them and their family members. These cranes had been sent from around the country to represent the love and support of their family, while still being able to have the intimacy and privacy of an elopement.

Once K was mostly ready, she was called down to help do C’s “makeup.” As the story goes, K had given C a haircut the night before, but in the midst of everything taking place, had missed the clipper guard sizing…leading to a rather uneven trim on either side. Thankfully, mascara ended up being a successful fix to fill in the more “sparse” spaces!

After fixing his hair, C went outside to wait for their first look. K donned her beautiful dress, and headed down to the river to meet C.

The magic of watching K emerge from the forest to the river bed with the sunlight behind her was tangible. C and K immediately embraced, and walked to the river’s edge to exchange vows. It was filled with laughter, tears, and occasional thumbs up and finger guns…which would be indicative of the entire day.
The whole day was filled with moments of laughter, tears, and often a mixture of both due to laughing entirely too hard. We carried a small dessert picnic up to a lake beneath the beautiful mountain peaks. While rain was on the forecast, we ended up timing things just right to enjoy a sun break during their intimate ceremony. After the ceremony, cupcakes were enjoyed (and smashed into the faces) of all. C and K listened to small toasts lead by their friends from the log extending into the lake- cueing more laughter and tears.
After a relaxing time at the lake, it was time to head back with enough time for posing…and more opportunities to check out the beautiful mushrooms along the trail.
When we got back to the car, we returned to a playlist of high school classics, singing along at the top of our lungs to those “classic hits.” The next top was coffee at the local road side coffee stand and Big Foot monument. Index, Washington is home to a recent hit documentary about and many documented sightings of the elusive Pacific Northwesterner.

Once we were fully caffeinated, we headed to a road side chapel that K’s mom had suggested a few photos at. During a “dramatic” re-inacting of the ceremony, a $20 bill fell out of the shared bible- making this whole story even more entertaining.

After the afternoon shenanigans, it was time to head back to the cabin and change into more comfortable clothing for the evening. Flannels were on theme as we fought to prepare a fire. We all took turns being the “hero” for the evening while charcuterie was passed around.
The evening ended with a casual first dance under the stars- in sweatpants, flannels, and beers in hand.
It was truly an amazing elopement, filled to the brim with adventure, laughter, love, and beauty.

Rainy Olympic Peninsula Elopement

When Covid postponed N&K’s wedding to April 2021 they soon decided to focus their energy on a celebration that would be low-key and just between them rather than manage the every shifting restrictions. Despite experiencing numerous “plan changes” (read: set backs) they continued forward to have an incredible adventure elopement on the Olympic Peninsula that truly represented the love for the outdoors these two share.

When we had first talked, they loved the idea of a photoshoot on the Olympic Peninsula. The rugged coastline, the moody aesthetic, and the multiple shades of green in the temperate rainforest sounded like the perfect contrast with the elegance of their wedding attire.
Despite loving the Olympic Peninsula, they were still hoping to host a celebration with family and friends in the Seattle area. They postponed in hopes that 2021 would give them a new opportunity to host their loved ones.

We all know how 2020 blending in with 2021 went.

With their 2021 date quickly approaching, they decided to just focus their energy on an adventure elopement out to the Olympic Peninsula to avoid the continued stress of changing regulations and folks unable to attend.

N&K wanted to do something that represented both their love of Seattle culture and love of the great outdoors and PNW beauty.
We started with a date night in Seattle at some of their favorite bars the night before. It was an awesome night where I got to tag along with N&K as they brought me to try their favorite drinks around Chophouse Row Capital Hill followed by a romantic dinner downtown where I left them to prepare for the next day.

Then, early on Saturday morning, we began the trek out to the Olympic Peninsula to celebrate their wedding. In true Pacific Northwest fashion, it was pouring rain. Even thought it meant that we had to get a little more creative, we found a decent campground near Quinault Lake where N was able to change for their first look. She had also experienced a “no show” from her hairstylist, so she had taken the lead on doing her own hair and makeup. Despite yet another “change of plans” N took it in stride, embraced the rainy day look, and was a radiant forest goddess when she walked down the aisle of old growth moss and evergreens to have her first look with K.
N also braved the mud with her heels, and ended up saying “F it” to keeping her train clean in order to get the best photos possible. We made our way to the lake where N+K had an impromptu first dance to none other than “All the Small Things” by Blink 182.

Highly recommend incorporating some kind of sing off or dance battle in your own adventure elopement, should you be so inclined.
After those sweet sweet dance moves, it was time to continue moving to the coast. We decided to stop at a few areas while the weather played various games with us. We had prolonged periods of absolutely pouring rain, followed by small breaks where exploring the coast line and Olympic National Forest were a bit easier. It is a temperate rainforest area though, so the rain only brought the old growth greens to a more vibrant life.

We finished the day at Ruby Beach, which is a beautiful, rugged beach on the Washington Coast. The beach has driftwood strewn along the high tide line where the latest storm dropped off the bones of trees from worlds away. To the right, when the tide is low, a grouping of sea stacks are accessible and create a striking composition for those wanting that juxtaposition of rugged and elegant for their adventure elopement.
It was very clear based on the weather that brilliant sunset was not on the cards, so after an exciting day of exploring the beautiful Olympic Peninsula for their elopement, it was time to head back to the hustle and bustle of Seattle for the evening.
I had such an incredible time with these two. I love everything about the Olympic Peninsula- so finally being able to be out there with a couple was a dream come true. Since then I’ve found myself out there numerous times for other adventure elopements, and continue to fall in love with the mossy, old growth forest, rugged coast line, beautiful snowcapped mountains, and incredibly blue, clear lakes and rivers. The Olympic Peninsula truly has it all.

Moody Forest Elopement

Olympic Old Growth Forest Elopement

Quinault Elopement

Rainy elopement at Quinault Lake

Tree of Life Elopement

Moody coastal elopement in the Olympic National Park

Olympic Peninsula Elopement

Moody Olympic Peninsula coastal elopement

Olympic Peninsula Elopement

Spring elopement on the Olympic Peninsula with adventure elopement photographer Kestrel Bailey

Ruby Beach Elopement

Elopement on Ruby Beach by Adventure Elopement Photographer Kestrel Bailey

Bellingham Elopement- Samish Overlook

A&R contacted me about their upcoming elopement at Samish Overlook, and I knew I wanted to photograph them right away. These two are badass mountain bikers and adventurers, who have family living all over the country. They wanted something small, but with an incredible and accessible view to showcase the beauty of Whatcom County. Samish Overlook was the perfect place for their intimate elopement ceremony.
While I met them for the first time when they arrived before the ceremony, we quickly felt familiar with one another. When photographing intimate weddings or elopements, it’s crucial to be easy going and fit in. I love the process of getting to know each couple and the people they invite to be part of their day, and matching their energy while documenting them. Being in the action and part of the ground helps them forget about the camera and instead focus on enjoying the whole experience with their friends and family- which is crucial to me.
It was a beautiful summer day in the end of June, and thankfully, about 10 degrees cooler on the overlook then about 1,000 feet down. A&R said their vows, exchanged drinks given to them by their respective parent, and sealed the deal with a kiss. And more drinks. It was perfect.
After the ceremony and a few portraits on the trails near by (which A said was perfect for them as mountain bikers) A&R informed me that they had actually been married for several years at this point, but that their parents and friends didn’t know. They planned on informing them during the cake cutting ceremony at Structures Brewing in downtown Bellingham.
We headed back into Bellingham and I met them again at Structures where everyone continued their merriment with delightful local brews, and a fantastic cake from Pure Bliss. Everything else was from the Bellingham Farmers Market the day before, including macorons from Gathered Confections and florals used to decorate the cake even further. A’s earrings were also found at the market the day before!

After cutting the cake, A&R dropped the truth bomb which had some fairly good (and positive) reactions from their parents and friends. Then it was time for me to head out, and them to continue celebrating with their friends and family.
What a beautiful day and elopement to photograph in Bellingham!