Oregon Coast Elopement

I think that Oregon is probably the most beautiful state that I’ve ever been to. (Yes, I’ve been to Alaska, but no, I haven’t been to Hawaii yet.) The coastline is stunning from the top of the state to the bottom. Today’s elopement took place towards the southern end of the Oregon coast. The Rocky cliffs and sea stacks, plus gorgeous blue water, made for a breathtaking place for Roman and Sam to say their vows. Here, let me show you!

We started the elopement during the afternoon, playing on the beach. The sun was warm and the water was cool, so it made for a wonderful time. The wind was crazy, which I absolutely love, because it gives so much movement within the pictures as Sam’s hair and dress blew around. Beautiful! We found an amazing little stand of rocks that gave Roman and Sam a bit of respite from the wind, so we took a few pictures in that alcove. It was just lovely.

After a brief stint out of the wind, we headed back out to the beach to do some more portraits. I think it’s important to remember that the way that I do portraits is not at all posed. I do something called Permission Posing. Basically, I ask you to interact with each other the way that you normally would, as though you weren’t in front of a camera. So when I say that Roman and Sam were playing on the beach, they really were just playing! I will sometimes give a little bit of direction (as much or as little as you need), but if I ask you to do something that doesn’t feel comfortable or like something you’d do naturally, you just let me know and I’ll give you another idea. That’s why it’s called Permission Posing! This is the way that I get the most natural, “you,” pictures that I can. Most of my couples say that they stop even noticing that I’m there or that they’re in front of a camera. It works out beautifully!

After some more time spent on the beach, Roman and Sam decided that it would be a great time to say their vows and exchange rings. We decided to get out of the wind again and went back to our little alcove. It was absolutely beautiful watching Sam and Roman say their vows on the stunning piece of coastline, and exchange rings in between these huge rocks. I always shoot vows with my long lens to give my couples the most privacy I can, so rarely do I hear what they’re saying, but I always tear up anyways.

All in all Sam and Roman’s elopement was just breathtaking. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and I couldn’t have asked for a better couple. They were so laid back and easy going, qualities that make you perfectly suited for an elopement. This couple was seriously in love and I hope that I get to see them down the road again for a vow renewal! Congratulations on your elopement, Sam and Roman!