Intimate, Alternative Forest Wedding // Oregon Coast

A unique, intimate forest wedding on the Oregon coast — these two didn’t let COVID-19 stop the joy of their special day!

This day was a little extra special — it was my sister in law’s wedding! A day full of family.

Now, back story. We were supposed to all be flying to the tropical beaches of Thailand for this wedding. But, COVID brought in a season of plan-changing and going-with-the-flow. However, this day ended up being more beautiful and perfect than anyone could have imagined.

Thani & Hilary found a gorgeous property on Hipcamp (check out my Elopement Planning guide for more tips on unique location ideas). This space included a lovely house, so much space for camping, a yurt, and a backyard that was basically our own private forest! This led into the creative idea to make their wedding a journey — the ceremony would be a movement from one space to the next, each with different purposes and family and friends speaking. It was a truly unique and sacred experience.

They chose intimacy and presence — embracing every little piece of their day to the fullest. We all enjoyed a picnic beside the forest, each picnic setting with its own homemade shepherd’s pie, fresh bread, salad, and mini cheesecakes. We drank blackberry + whiskey punch, gave toasts, shared stories, and danced the evening away.

It was simple, it was beautiful, it was so so so special.

These two took their wedding “plans” that COVID derailed, and created something that was even more intimate and sacred. Reach out if you need ANY help or ideas for your own small micro wedding, experiencing this day give me so many ways I can inspire you with your own wedding!

Wedding a The Bindery Event Space // McMinnville, Oregon

A moody fall wedding with some modern twists at The Bindery Event Space in McMinnville, Oregon!

A beautiful fall day with the moody colors to match it! These two got ready at the trendy Atticus Hotel before walking right across the street for their wedding at The Bindery in McMinnville Oregon!

Check out my guide below for other dreamy Oregon Venues for all types of wedding vibes!

VENDORS //

Venue // The Bindery Event Space
Florals // Songbird Floristry
Dress // Justin Alexander
Suit // Indochino
Caterer // Golden Valley Brewery

Sunset in the Columbia Gorge

Oh, Oregon - I’m grateful to live in a state where I’m an hour drive from the Columbia River Gorge and get to watch the sunset while capturing two people in love! It’s pretty dang dreamy!

 I love the mix of warm tones and forest vibes that the Gorge has to offer, it’s the perfect PNW feels. You have the rocky clifftops, tree covered mountains, and shimmering water ALL IN ONE SPACE. AHH!

Anyways, enough of me drooling over how beautiful Oregon is and how much I love the landscape! Now, time to get giddy over how amazing and adorable these two humans are!!

Man.
THESE. TWO.

 Bailey and Kokanee are just such gems. They brought so much joy to the shoot and our evening together! They truly soaked into each moment and even embraced the crazy, wild, BEAUTIFUL windy hair (yep, both of them have frickin’ luscious locks #hairgoals)!

 I love the feeling I get when I’m invited into a story – that’s what it feels like when I’m capturing two people together. It feels as though I’m an observer of a greater moment than just two people standing in front of a gorgeous view – I’m experiencing a small snippet of their journey and savoring that.

 And WOW I’m so so so grateful to be a part of that!!
It never ceases to truly move my heart.

 So, thank you two these two babes for inviting me into this space with them – for soaking up the sunset with me, wandering along ridges, and sharing parts of your story with me!! I’m excited for all that this year holds for you two – both the good and the hard – I hope you can savor and soak it all up! Just remember how good you are at those airport arrival hugs. ;)

Grateful. Grateful. Grateful.

SOME COLUMBIA GORGE FAVORITE SPOTS - THE GUIDE TO SEE THE BEST OF THE BEST…

// ROWENA’S CREST

// VISTA HOUSE

// EAST WIND DRIVE-IN

The Portland Studio Styled Shoot // Minimal.

This minimalist, trendy styled shoot at The Portland Studio made my creativity cup overflow!! There’s something so special about being able to do shoots like this, to put together something that invites artists and business babes to collaborate on something unique and fun!

 First, I just need to say – to all your creatives out there, make time for things like this. Make time for the fun projects and for pushing the box to do something that sounds different and exciting! During off season, it’s easy to feel “land locked” if you’re not shooting a ton! So, whenever I start to feel that oh-so-common creative block, I always try to put something together that will feel life giving and allow all those artsy juices to flow! I find that shoots like this strengthen my creative ability for all my clients – they make my work SO much stronger and allow space to try new things!

This editorial photo shoot was not only a JOY to be a part of, but I wanted it to be an inspiration to both other creatives AND to all couples. I want anyone who is planning a wedding, elopement, or just couples photos to see that there are no limits to the vision you want! You never have to stick with what a wedding day “should” look like. Make it your own. Let the vibe of the day speak to who you are! And, if that means wearing a badass jumpsuit and pearl cape, THEN HECK YES YOU CAN DO THAT!  

Ok, also… everyone who poured into making this shoot possible is INCREDIBLE!! If you’re planning your wedding or just fell in love with some aspect of this collaboration, then please scroll to the bottom and check out all the wonderful humans who were a part of this!

Everyone who made this possible…

PHOTO // Corrie Mahr Photo
STYLING // Mod & Maple
DRESS // Claire La Faye
MUA // Styled By Mal
PAPER // Linen & Poppi
LOCATION // The Portland Studio
JEWELRY // OPALMILK
MODELS // Talia Hope (+ her boo)
FURNITURE // Vintage Meets Modern