This October Seattle elopement went through many forms before it settled in it’s final form the day before. Originally, A&T had planned an intimate celebration in Arizona with their family. Unfortunately, due to Covid, that plan needed to be drastically overhauled to maintain safety. They decided that they would opt for a hiking elopement somewhere within two hours of Seattle. They needed space for their friends and family hiking with them to safety bear witness during their ceremony with respect to Leave No Trace and Covid distancing regulations. They wanted documentation of everyone being able to walk in together and experiencing the beauty that the area had to offer.
A&T also have two wonderful children that they were including in the celebration, as well as children of their friends, so asked that any publically images would protect the privacy of the minors involved. There are a lot of beautiful images that are for them and their families to enjoy together.
As we neared their wedding day on October 10th, 2020 (one of the most popular dates in the season) we still hadn’t narrowed down the perfect hiking location. I scouted several locations, including Franklin Falls, North Bend, and up towards Steven’s Pass. We talked through various safety plans and options, and finally found an amazing option about an hour and a half away in Stephen’s Pass. A&T really wanted to have privacy, as well as natural beauty.
As with many elopements in the Pacific Northwest, the weather for the day was beginning to look more and more ominous for a day outside in the mountains, especially with guests with mobility limitations, children, and dogs. A&T told their guests to be ready at a certain time to leave Seattle, but made it clear to them that the location may have to change by 8am the morning of. Their guests were up for it, and happy to be flexible with their day to celebrate with them.
Once the thunder, lighting, and wind forecasts seemed inevitable, we called it last minute and moved towards a Seattle location that was far easier to mitigate risk. A&T opted for Discovery Park, a beautiful natural area near Ballard, Seattle. The park is large enough to offer privacy as well as hikes through the woods towards the water.
While we didn’t have a specific ceremony location scouted, I planned a route, and everyone was told to meet by the entrance to Discovery Park at 10am, rain or shine.
A&T got ready together with their children, and a few family members. Their children were estatic, and couldn’t wait to see their Mama and Mithi celebrate the union they already all have together.
A put together a surprise slideshow of all their friends and family who couldn’t be there dancing with them to celebrate and wishing them the best day.
After finishing touches, T donned her fantastic snow boots and T her dessert themed specialty skate shoes, and it was time to get in the limo.
After arriving at the park and meeting the small group of local friends and family, the hike through the woods to their elopement location began. While there were people out, the weather reports had cleared the park of the normal busyness. It sprinkled a little bit, but as we got closer to the water the wind began to chase the clouds away.
We got down to the Discovery Park Lighthouse and found a private spot on the beach looking north towards an ominous horizon.
I checked the weather for our original location and saw that strike down lightening and falling trees were abundant. It was clear staying in Seattle for their elopement was the best and safest decision.
Even though it took us a moment to find the right location, AND A got stung by a wasp in the processs….once the ceremony began, all was forgotten. The sun came out, a striking contrast between the dark storm on the horizon and the bright sunshine beaming down on our group.
At the end, a rainbow came out to celebrate these two beautiful brides making their already established love and commitment legal. Bubbles surrounded them as they hug and celebrated with their family.
As we noticed the darker clouds getting closer and lightening on the horizon, it was time to head back towards the cars and head back towards their home for the reception.
While it wasn’t the original plan, or even the back-up to the backup plan, Discovery Park ended up being a fantastic adventurous elopement location in Seattle. Here’s to flexibility, love, and celebrating family.
