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Washington is known for rain and gloomy days, but when we headed out to Snoqualmie Pass, the skies cleared creating the perfect day for a styled forest elopement in Seattle. And wow did it turn out stunning! I had the opportunity to put together this shoot for The Inspire Workshop that I hosted with my friend Lexi (Lex and Jake Photo and Film). It was our second workshop and we had so much fun coming up with ideas, creating small details, and just had a great day overall! Everyone involved was amazing — major shoutout to Flora by Haleigh for her incredible talent, the floral creations were nothing short of perfection!

As a photographer, I love when I have the opportunity to get my creative juices flowing.

Styled shoots are such a fun way for me to do that and get to know other industry professionals! For this styled forest elopement in Seattle, I not only styled and put together both Shaye and Zachary’s outfits, but I felt as though there needed to be one special touch: an accessory. I thought “what would be a great accessory for an elopement shoot?” That’s right, a stunning veil! I mean who doesn’t love a good picture-perfect veil shot? Fast forward and we have ourselves a beautiful cathedral veil for Shaye to wear. Fun fact: I actually ordered this veil from Amazon, but in order to get the look I was going for I individually sewed on each of the floral embellishments to get the final look! I am so proud of how it turned out. Vision completed!

If I can guarantee one thing, it is that styled shoots can be intimidating — especially when it’s a workshop with multiple photographers! Our models did an incredible job in front of such a large group. Shaye and Zachary were so comfortable and didn’t even seem phased. They were naturals!

let’s get into all the design details because seriously, I am obsessed!

We were going for a very whimsical, right-out-of-a-fairytale look. In order to set the scene we built the altar among the forest tree line; it almost blended in but the colorful floral popped against the vibrant greens! It gave off cottage core charm meets Bridgerton elegance. And let’s take a moment to admire how Shaye and Zachary looked unbelievably gorgeous in front of that altar as well. Zachary was dressed in a mauve suit that paired nicely with the floral tones, and Shaye wore the most incredible off-the-shoulder gown with some sheer balloon sleeves and of course — the hand made cathedral veil!

Everything about this styled forest elopement in Seattle was seriously perfect and I am especially obsessed with the location! It showcased the natural beauty that Washington has to offer. The mountain peaks were capped with light snow creating a gorgeous landscape, while the evergreen trees reflected the evening sun glow around the lake. We brought Shaye and Zachary over to a break in the trees by the lake, and it was seriously the perfect spot for bride and groom portraits!

When we have the opportunity to be creative, magical things happen. I can’t wait to hopefully shoot a real elopement out here soon! I just adore the way elopements allow couples to be creative and adventurous, if you’re ready to plan your destination elopement reach out! I would love to be there to capture all the memories.