Small Wedding Idea: Whitney + Levi’s Oregon Elopement Hybrid

When Whitney and Levi envisioned their eventual small wedding day, they both dreamed of something that felt like stepping into another world—a dreamy, mythical forest where love and spring collided. 

What they created–by combining their vision with the support and help from creative wedding vendors–was nothing short of magic: a perfect blend of a luxury elopement and a heartfelt, microwedding.

On the day Whitney and Levi said “I do,” they experienced breathtaking landscapes, cherished moments with loved ones, and a celebration that was uniquely theirs. 

Every detail of their small wedding was utterly beautiful– the April meadow filled with wildflower blooms, the steep cliffs overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, the forested field where they said their vows surrounded only by their closest people. 

Whitney and Levi did what couples should always do when planning and experiencing their small wedding day–creating an experience that makes them feel alive, at ease, and exhilarated. The emotions and details of it all were extraordinary–but not just to them and those who attended. Their mythical forest-inspired small wedding even got the attention of the wedding publication Rock n Roll Bride. 

How did they create and experience such a magical small wedding day? That’s what this blog right here, dedicated to Whitney + Levi’s Oregon elopement, is all about.  

How to Combine a Microwedding and an Elopement 

For some couples, the division and appeal between a luxury elopement and small wedding is completely clear–they know which makes the most sense for their vision of their day. For other couples, like Levi and Whitney, the blend of the two is what’s really appealing. 

While planning their day, Whitney and Levi realized they were chasing both the intimacy of a just-us elopement day as well as the connection and closeness of having a group of their closest people by their sides. 

The beautiful thing about a wedding day? It can look and feel however you want it to look and feel–and that’s a sentiment both Whitney and Levi ran with. 

They chose the idea of a small wedding along the Columbia River Gorge that blended elopement-style private pows, an intimate picnic, adventures just for them, a ceremony with their closest people, a multitude of gorgeous locations, and a candlelit dinner reception in the woods with their loved ones. 

Every detail—from ensuring accessibility to integrating disability-conscious planning—was handled with intention, making their day theirs. 

Creating a One-of-a-Kind Small Wedding Idea – How Vision & Vendors Collide 

Every wedding–and every couple–has a different vision for how their day will look and feel (and different microwedding budget considerations, too). For Whitney and Levi, who were traveling across the country to experience a stress-free, relaxing day, do-it-yourself elements weren’t an appealing (or viable) option. But being so far away presented a few other issues, too. They couldn’t taste their menu, scout photography locations, or even visit Oregon microwedding venues that might fit their vision. 

To create the day they’d envisioned, they had to lean into trust–something that can truly only come from building up a team of experienced, creative, and intentional small wedding vendors. 

Whitney Levi’s Creative Vendor Team

I was fortunate enough to be behind the lens, capturing every detail—wildflower trails, candlelit tablescapes, and emotional moments between Whitney + Levi, as well as their loved ones. 

The Slow Cult handled planning, floral design, and styling, crafting an enchanting atmosphere filled with intentional details. From Whitney’s custom Loud Bodies gown and their Automic Gold rings to a thoughtfully curated menu by Miere Catering and a whimsical cake from Dream Cakes, each element told a story of care, creativity, and individuality.

Every single member of this team had one priority in mind–making sure that Whitney and Levi’s small wedding idea reflected who they are, modern romantics embracing simplicity and nature. 

Whether it was savoring a private picnic at Rowena Crest or exchanging rings surrounded by their loved ones, their small wedding idea blended with an elopement was proof that the right vendors could truly bring the vision and experience of a wedding to life. 

Throughout the process, both Whitney and Levi realized a few key things about their own day–embracing their vision was always the right attitude, choosing vendors who prioritized that vision made all the difference, and making sure every moment captured reflected the essence of their small wedding idea (intimate, deeply personal, breathtaking) was more than worth it.  

Bringing Your Small Wedding Idea to Life & Remember it Forever with Microwedding Photography 

The Columbia River Gorge set the stage for Whitney and Levi’s small wedding in a way no other place could. Their location, their loved ones, their vendors, and their vision combined so seamlessly and beautifully that their small wedding idea felt exactly how they’d always envisioned–otherworldly. 

From private vows on the cliffside at Rowena Crest to an intimate ceremony and a candlelit dinner in the forest, every second unraveled more beautifully than any of us could have imagined. 

And most importantly, every moment and emotion they felt was captured in time, forever. 

If you have a small wedding idea you’re dreaming about, a luxury elopement idea, or a blend of both (like Whitney + Levi chose) that reflects your love in a personal and unforgettable way, I’m here to preserve those fleeting moments. 

Remember and feel every glance, every laugh, and every breathtaking view with luxury elopement photography or microwedding photography—so you can relive the magic forever.