Sarah and Michael drove up from California to get married in Olympic National Park! Even though it was October, it was a beautiful and sunny day out on the coast. While they were celebrating with family, they wanted to explore the Hoh Rainforest in the early morning to exchange private vows. I always recommend being able to see each other for a first look, private vows, or in some way spending time together to start your day. Usually this eases your nerves and helps you settle into the day.
They saved their formal wedding suit and dress for their time with family. And surprised each other with their more casual outfits for their vows. Disclaimer: sometimes this means getting ready in the public bathrooms! 😛
It was a quiet morning at Hoh Rainforest and such a beautiful and easygoing time exploring the rainforest. After their vows, we walked over to the Hoh River where they went barefoot and played together. It started to get pretty warm (which is rare for Olympic), so they headed back to their cabin to meet with family and prepare for their wedding ceremony. Both families were meeting for the first time, and it was really fun seeing all of them come together, explore Washington, and celebrate Michael and Sarah!
They had a first look at their Airbnb cabin before heading out to Rialto Beach for their ceremony. Sarah’s mom sewed a quilt to be their chuppah for the ceremony. Leave No Trace: You are not allowed to place objects on the ground in Olympic. The family held up the chuppah instead of staking it into the sand.
We all wandered along the beach to find a more private area before the family held up the chuppah and Sarah’s dad led the ceremony. It was incredibly intimate and sweet. After their ceremony, the family stayed to enjoy sunset on the beach while I went with Michael and Sarah to explore for more sunset photos. It was a beautifully clear evening and it was some of the softest light I’ve seen down at Rialto Beach. Michael and Sarah were so playful with each other and running with the waves. We watched the sun dip below the horizon before heading back. On our way back, their family even got to see two bald eagles flying overhead. This was such a beautiful micro wedding and I’m so honored I got to share some special places with these two and their family!
This Olympic Elopement was also featured on Wandering Weddings!
