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.
