Allison + Lennie
Early springtime in the Pacific Northwest is often draped with moody clouds, promises of drizzle, but also promises of new beginnings. What a fitting atmosphere for an adventure elopement! Allison + Lennie met in graduate school for choral conducting, and their relationship quickly blossomed from close friends to a partnership. Allison + Lennie share so many hobbies and interests together, such as a love of music, traveling, and tending to their backyard garden. One constant that these two adore, no matter where they are, is admiring the awe-inspiring details in nature. "We love looking for little bits of nature that you might miss if you aren't looking!" says Allison. And to elope while being enveloped in the beauty that the Columbia River Gorge has to offer...nature becomes a part of the elopement celebration!
Allison + Lennie began their day by getting ready at an Airbnb, pausing to enjoy and incorporate hobbies that are dear to the two of them as a couple; such as a special elopement-themed crossword puzzle that Allison created for Lennie.
Even if you choose to have an adventure elopement, you can still implement traditional wedding elements that stand out to you, or throw it all out the window! Adventure elopements provide that completely clean canvas for you + your partner to craft a day that is faithfully yours.
Allison + Lennie opted to make a "first look" a part of their elopement day, something that may commonly be synonymous with traditional weddings. First looks are absolutely possible on an elopement day: even if you + your partner are getting ready at the same place, and even if you + your partner have seen each other's outfits beforehand. There is something truly special about having that moment together, seeing your partner on your elopement day for the first time, and everything else blurs away. In that occurrence lies the gentle reminder of what your adventure elopement day is all about.
Brilliant green ferns, mud puddles, and trees dripping the morning's rain all decorated Lennie + Allison's waterfall hike before their ceremony. After exploring one of Oregon's many beloved waterfalls [Wahclella Falls!], the four of us traveled to their ceremony spot, where we would be meeting their dear friend MJ to officiate their ceremony.
Having a friend or family member officiate your elopement ceremony and share in that moment of celebrating your love can be a special way of involving someone you hold dear. [For other ideas on how to include loved ones in your elopement, check out this article!]
As the tree-studded mountains loomed over Allison + Lennie sharing their earnest vows, the Columbia River lapped at the shores; bald eagles soared overhead. Sealing their ceremony with a kiss, Allison + Lennie took to exploring the area while their friend/officiant MJ set up a picnic for these newlyweds.
Champagne and their favorite foods in hand, [boring buffet food, who? When you elope, you only have to cater to YOUR tastebuds!] Allison + Lennie toasted to their lives, their love, and their elopement day that represented THEM.
Flowers: Novella Theory Floral Co.
Cake: Mama's Artisan Sweets
Dress: Brides For A Cause
