Intimate Forest Wedding at Wahclella Falls, Oregon
A lot of things have changed in the last few months, so I wanted to share this intimate wedding as inspiration for those wondering how to pick up the pieces after their wedding plans have been forced to change. Maybe these new social guidelines are a way to really look at priorities for your wedding and pair it down to what is truly important… I hope this post is helpful, brings a smile to your face, and makes you excited for what is to come! Maybe an intimate wedding or elopement is something you always dreamed of, but didn’t think was possible :)
When I read over Jeremy and Jessica’s submission to my first wedding giveaway I pretty much immediately know I wanted to be a part of their day! They were planning to do a big road trip ending in Hood River, Oregon where their family and some of their closest friends would join them and cap off their trip with an intimate wedding ceremony at Wahclella Falls followed by a family style dinner at a local restaurant… with some time in between to go do some more adventuring! I mean… how awesome does that sound??
The morning of their wedding we met Jeremy, Jessica, and their friend/officiant at the trailhead. As we hiked (really more of just a nice trail walk) I couldn’t stop taking pictures of the scenery and thinking how incredibly lucky I was to be able to photograph this unique wedding day as well as just enjoy my time with the couple! It is not every wedding day that I get to spend an extended amount of time with JUST the couple. It was nice to have some time to talk and get to know them on more of a personal level. We made our way to the waterfall and Jessica foraged for her wedding bouquet the whole way! Once we reached the falls Jessica had to figure out how and where to put her wedding gown on… in the middle of the forest. Pretty sure she also changed into special wedding sneakers. Did I mention that both Jeremy and Jessica are running coaches… so the shoes were quite the statement!
When their family and friends arrived, they gathered around making an ‘aisle’ for Jessica and her father to walk through. The vows were a quick, but it super beautiful ceremony with their loved ones surrounding them with love that you could both see on their faces and feel in the air.
I honestly believe that there is no right way to marry the person you love. It might be in a church with 400 people, your family’s backyard with a potluck dinner, or in front of a waterfall with the ones you consider family… I love weddings and the connection and community they represent. However you are planning to celebrate I would love to hear about it and see if we are a good fit for each other!
