Nicole and Tim’s fall Samuel H Boardman elopement in Brookings, Oregon was one of those days that felt joyful from the very beginning. They got married in September with a small group of close friends and immediate family, and their vision was always centered on connection, intention, and enjoying every moment as it came. When we first hopped on a call, they shared how important it was to include their pets, and that alone told me everything I needed to know about them (that they’re 1000% my kind of people!). It was clear they wanted a day that felt relaxed, personal, and rooted in what actually matters to them, with space to breathe, explore, and just be together.

We started their elopement with a rainy first look in the Redwoods, and honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Tim was so excited to see Nicole, and the moment felt incredibly emotional and grounded, especially with the rain falling around us (hello cinematic romance movie moment!!). Instead of rushing through it, we leaned in. We explored the Redwoods, wandered beneath the massive trees, laughed, ran around, and embraced the weather for what it was. At one point, a mama deer and her baby quietly crossed the river behind us, and it was one of those blink-and-you-miss-it moments that made the day feel extra special.

After meeting up with family and a quick stop back at their Airbnb for touch-ups, we headed out for their ceremony at one of my favorite hidden spots along the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. Nicole and Tim had never been there before and trusted me completely with the vision for their day, which still means everything to me! With the coast stretching behind them, seabirds flying overhead, and their friend Gina officiating, they exchanged vows just as the clouds opened and sunbeams broke through the sky. We were even lucky enough to catch a rainbow during portraits, which felt like the universe fully committing to the moment.

After the ceremony, we carved out time just for the two of them along the coast while their family headed back to get ready for dinner. Nicole and Tim brought their three rescue dogs, Odie, Remi, and Koda, down to the beach for a celebratory picnic, which quickly turned into the dogs having the absolute time of their lives. Sand everywhere, zoomies in every direction, and zero interest in letting us set up cake without supervision. It was joyful, chaotic, and so them.

Nicole and Tim had originally planned a traditional wedding before deciding to elope, and this day was a perfect reflection of why. No stress, no expectations, just a beautiful experience focused on love, connection, and being fully present together. And honestly, it was the best reminder that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unforgettable days when you let go and let them happen.

Nicole and Tim, thank you for trusting me with such a meaningful chapter of your story. Thank you for welcoming me so openly, for your trust, your joy, and for letting me experience your day right alongside you. And to your families, thank you for embracing me so fully and making me feel like part of the celebration from the very start. That kind of love and openness doesn’t go unnoticed, and it’s something I’ll always carry with me. Your elopement will forever be one I hold close, and I’m so grateful I got to be there to witness it all.

To read more about how to have a Samuel H Boardman Elopement, click here.