Forests, Waterfalls, & Creative Touches:

When Haley and Brian eloped in Central Oregon alongside waterfalls, rushing creeks, and a forest that felt like it was drawn from a fairytale.

But they never sacrificed the details.

They did something that I believe fully transforms an elopement or small wedding in the best way possible–they hired talented creatives who mapped out a day that aligned with and blended their ideal scenery and dream experience.

H & B were already picturing tumbling falls and lush forests so green they’d echo the Irish jello shots they drank on the night they first struck up the courage to get together.

But they wanted more than just stunning scenery. There were so many other important, personal things they wanted to infuse into their day.

Their love of food, their desire to enjoy the details, and small touches that meant the world to them–they didn’t want to sacrifice any of these things just because they were choosing a less-than-traditional venue.

Structuring elopement timelines is my expertise. Normally, that’s how I like to share a couple’s elopement story with others so they can see how the entire day unfolded.

But with the way that H & B so seamlessly included their creative vendors into their wedding, it makes so much more sense to share their day through the lens of who they chose to map it out so smoothly.

When Haley and Brian woke up, Dropping Beets (an amazing caterer from my town, Bend) created a delicious breakfast spread. Egg hash, bacon, fruit, fresh pastries–you name it, it was on the table. Within moments of walking into their Airbnb, I was greeted with a crumbly croissant.

Over breakfast, Haley and Brian got ready for their day. Sheilynne from Pacific Brides joined them at their Airbnb, helping Haley get her hair just right, creating a makeup look that was true to what she wanted. She buttoned her dress, perfected the details, and made sure everything was the way Haley envisioned it. But her expertise didn’t stop there. Sheilynne tagged along the entire day, touching up her makeup, and fixing her hair–she even stitched up Haley’s dress when a strap broke while she was getting ready.

That meant throughout their whole experience–the first look, their hike to an iconic Oregon fall, their moments just soaking in the forest together–she was there, touching up little details, tucking a piece of hair into the right spot, and making sure every moment was reflective of the day that Haley and Brian wanted to have.

Their hike through Oregon magic, ferns, and old-growth forests, was short but beautiful. A vibrant bouquet peeked through Brian’s backpack the whole way down, a beautiful arrangement created by Woodland Floral

At the end of the trail, they were greeted with thundering falls spilling over the moss–their ideal place for their private vows and wedding ceremony.

Right before they said their vows, Sheilynne poked her head in for a moment–arranging her dress, dabbing on lip stain–so that Haley never had to divert a thought toward what she looked like.

She could focus everything on the next few moments, diving into the feeling and the wonder of it without letting a distracting thought–especially something as small as a ruffled gown–steal the magic from them. They could be fully present, fully in the moment, and fully overcome with the bliss of the day they dreamed about.

After sharing their tearful vows and soaking up every second of their private ceremony, they wandered slowly back through the forest to the red adventure van they rented for their honeymoon road trip. It was a quick drive to their next destination–a picturesque lake for lunch and time spent on the water together.

When they arrived, a picnic was waiting for them by the lake. Joe from Dropping Beets had delivered again. He’d driven all the way out to the lake to deliver a picnic spread that looked almost too gorgeous to eat. Charcuterie-style boards, fresh salad, homemade dips–a whole array of magical, tasty food was there, waiting for them when they pulled up.

Haley and Brian soaked it all in without a drop of stress or schedule to think about.

As the sun started to sink lower over the lake, H & B rowed back in slowly.

When they’d eventually return back to their Airbnb, there’d be a full feast prepared for them–a dinner created by Dropping Beets that had been crafted just for them while they spent the last few hours of their elopement day softly rowing through the rippling waters of a lake.